---
title: "Here’s Your First Look at Mazda’s RWD-Based SUVs"
description: "Take a peek at Mazda's new large vehicle platform that'll bring hybrid straight-six SUVs stateside."
date: "2021-11-16"
modified: "2021-11-16"
authors:
  - name: "Peter Holderith"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/peter-holderith"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/43167/heres-the-new-mazda-cx-60-well-before-youre-supposed-to-see-it"
categories:
  - "Mazda News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "mazda"
---

# Here’s Your First Look at Mazda’s RWD-Based SUVs

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2021/11/mazda-cx-60-SUV-leak-lead.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Mazda just showed its [all-new CX-50](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/43144/2022-mazda-cx-50-awd-and-all-terrains-take-the-compact-crossover-off-road>) to the world a day ago. Essentially a more chiseled, off-road-focused version of [the CX-5,](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/41498/next-mazda-cx-5-could-get-a-mild-hybrid-straight-six>) it's part of a bigger push to move Mazda up-market. An even larger part of this initiative—literally—is its enlarged cousin the CX-60, a vehicle that has yet to be released and which we know little about. Thanks to a sneaky photographer, though, that's changed.

Mazda's new two-row SUV has been caught on video completely undisguised during a photoshoot in Japan. Both a white car and one painted in Mazda's [eye-catching Soul Red](<https://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/16580/mazda-team-joest-dazzles-with-soul-red-crystal-rt24-prototype>) were captured on film in reasonably high resolution. Only the front three-quarters of the cars were recorded in detail, but it's better than nothing.

![message-editor%2F1637093736405-mazdacx-60leakinlinea.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1637093736405-mazdacx-60leakinlinea.jpg>)
**CSK REVIEW CHANNEL via YouTube**

![message-editor%2F1637094910083-mazdacx-60leakinlineb.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1637094910083-mazdacx-60leakinlineb.jpg>)
*CSK REVIEW CHANNEL via YouTube*

![message-editor%2F1637094947813-mazdacx-60leakinlinec.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1637094947813-mazdacx-60leakinlinec.jpg>)
*CSK REVIEW CHANNEL via YouTube*

The [new CX-60](<https://newsroom.mazda.com/en/publicity/release/2021/202110/211007a.html>) has been slated for a formal release by 2023, although a precise date for its introduction hasn't been announced yet. Importantly, the CX-60 is set to be one of the first Mazdas equipped with the company's new turbocharged, [mild-hybrid inline-six engine,](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/37567/mazda-teases-us-again-with-photos-of-new-inline-six-engine-thats-still-a-long-way-off>) which has been [hotly anticipated.](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/42662/mazdas-unleashing-new-crossovers-with-inline-six-hybrid-variants>) Which powerplants the two CX-60s that were spotted in Japan were equipped with is unclear, however. It's possible that lower trims will be offered with some flavor of Mazda's 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

The Soul Red car is probably a sportier version of the two-row CX-60, as it's equipped with blacked-out wheels, mirrors, and trim. The white car looks like a higher trim as well, as it has large alloy wheels and chrome accents around the grille and windows. Below, you can [watch the full clip](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgcB6mvUYjQ>) showing the cars.

https://youtube.com/embed/DgcB6mvUYjQ

Along with the CX-60, Mazda is also [prepped to introduce](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/42662/mazdas-unleashing-new-crossovers-with-inline-six-hybrid-variants>) a larger, three-row CX-90 sometime next year. Let's hope we catch as good a view of that as we did of this. Or, better yet, a peek of the [upcoming replacement](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/41160/this-is-mazdas-new-straight-six-rwd-platform>) for the [dearly departed Mazda 6.](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/40723/the-mazda6-and-cx-3-are-dead-in-the-us-market>)

*Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here**: peter@thedrive.com*

## Author
Peter Holderith is a former staff writer for The Drive. He enjoys covering the regular news cycle, writing reviews, and hunting down long features on obscure pieces of automotive history.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-h-5ba447192/>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/_baldtires>)