Is the 2025 Mazda CX-80 Azami PHEV the Best 7-Seat Hybrid SUV in Australia?

2025 Mazda CX-80 Azami PHEV Review: The Family SUV with a Punch of Luxe

Australia’s automotive scene is a hot mess with new brands blossoming weekly. Mazda’s answer is another petrol SUV, albeit with electric assistance. 2025 Mazda CX-80 Azami PHEV is a luxury seven-seater plug-in hybrid ready to take on any road trip, with a blend of performance, style, and practicality. And the boys? They were right there, and although they liked it, it dodn’t quite strike the Goldilocks level of bliss.

A Bold, Luxe Exterior Meets Crafty Technology

The Mazda CX-80 Azami PHEV pulled the punches when it came to design.

While Mazda’s signature ‘Graceful Toughness’ philosophy works well across its entire SUV range, let’s be honest—the CX-80’s exterior feels a bit too familiar. It’s not bad, not at all, but when you’re shelling out for a high-end SUV, you might expect something a bit more daring. The 20-inch alloy wheels and LED headlamps are nice, but we couldn’t help feeling like we’d seen this before—there’s nothing groundbreaking here compared to the CX-5 or CX-9.

The evolution was a little too subtle.

We all agreed that Mazda could have been bolder in its design choices. The car looks fantastic, but it’s almost like Mazda played it safe when it came to the styling. The boys were hoping for something a bit more adventurous to match the Azami’s luxury status—maybe a more futuristic approach or a more aggressive stance. It’s all very sharp and refined, but we were expecting something that would turn more heads.

Inside, Mazda’s design philosophy shines with modern touches that bring both style and functionality to the forefront. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the 360-degree camera system had the boys nodding in soporific appreciation , especially when we had to navigate a narrow driveway at the cabin. Everyone was feeling a little extra with the Bose premium audio system, which was pumping out all the right tunes as we cruised through the winding roads.

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ABOVE: 2025 Mazda CX-80 Azami PHEV Review

Powertrain: 8-Speed and Hybrid Efficiency

Under the bonnet, the CX-80 Azami PHEV packs a subtle punch. Despite being the nations second biggest automotive brand, Mazda lags far behind market leader Toyota, and both brands seem to run scared at the sight of an EV. But, back to the story…

A 2.5L Skyactiv-G petrol engine combined with a 129 kW electric motor delivers a total 241 kW of power and a considerable 500 Nm of torque. With 8-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD, this car has the sort of smooth power delivery that makes every drive effortless.

We tested it on some dirt roads (don’t worry, we kept it tidy), and the boys loved how easily the car shifted through gears while keeping the drive smooth. It felt quick enough when we needed it and efficient enough to keep us all relaxed as we cruised down the highway.

The electric-only range of up to 65 km was sufficient for those quieter moments on the road, but only in town. After the PHEV battery runs out the CX-80 Azami PHEV then works like a regular hybrid. The hybrid setup isn’t just great for the environment—it’s also brilliant for saving a bit at the pump, which, trust me, doesn’t hurt when you’re splitting the fuel costs with a group of mates.

Like most hybrids, you only get these figures around town and plug in. It relies on spending most of its time in EV mode. Once on the open road the PHEV battery quickly depletes. You can reserve range of ultra-low zones if you like.

Interior: The Boys Will Love This Space

The inside of the CX-80 Azami PHEV? Oh, it’s dead posh. The seats? Comfy, supportive, and swathed in black Nappa leather. We spent hours in the cabin—Max had to drop off some wine for his family’s vineyard, and the rest of us took the scenic route to enjoy the drive. Everyone had their space, even with the third row up.

NOTE: with 7 seats in use, there is only a token luggage space, enough for two at best. You can’’t use 7 seats on a long trip without taking a top box or trailer, taking careful note of the 2846kg GVM and max towing capacity of 750kg (braked).

Get your BROCHURE AND FULL Specifications HERE:cx-80-digital-brochure

It wasn’t just about luxury; the cabin’s tech kept us entertained, from Mazda Connect’s 12.3-inch widescreen display to wireless charging, and even ventilated front seats to keep things cool during those warmer days.

Oh, and those 360-degree cameras? They came in handy when Ethan, who has zero patience for tight spaces, had to reverse park big Mazda into a narrow spot. We all agreed: easy to navigate, fun-ish to drive, and absolutely no stress for the driver.

Safety: Confidence on Every Journey

Now, we can’t forget about safety. Mazda’s CX-80 Azami PHEV comes packed with features, and let me tell you, it earned a round of applause from the boys. Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS) kept us calm on the road, even in traffic. David, the elder statesman of the crew, particularly appreciated the Driver Monitoring System as it kept his chauffeur in line with the need of a stern talking-to. Sir David is not short of an opinion.

And those times we went “off-road” to get to some of Max’s vineyard cottages? The AWD system and the Hill Descent Control made it feel like the CX-80 Azami PHEV had it all under control, even on rubbish dirt roads.

Fuel Efficiency: The Perfect Balance

This hybrid isn’t just about the brag; it’s seriously efficient for those not ready for the full EV shebang. With 2.7L/100 km combined consumption and 64g/km CO2 emissions, it handles short trips with ease. The figure rises once the PHEV battery runs out but is still respectable. As we rolled through the countryside, Ethan commented that the car felt “perfect for long hauls” without needing constant stops for fuel or battery top-ups. It takes the “ugh” out of searching for a charger that works.

The Verdict: More Than Just a Family SUV

At the end of the day, the 2025 Mazda CX-80 Azami PHEV stood out for its mix of luxury, performance, and eco-friendliness. The boys liked the blend of practical features (hello, ample cargo space for all our gear with 5 on board) and the tech-savvy features that made the drive even more fun. The smooth, fiesty hybrid system had all of us impressed, and the overall driving experience was a winner—whether it was tackling tight city streets or cruising down open roads.

While the design didn’t quite make us do a double-take like we hoped, the CX-80 Azami PHEV is still a solid pick for anyone who wants a family-friendly, eco-conscious SUV that doesn’t skimp on style but comes up short on thrills. It is what it promises to be: a 5-seater most of the time, 7-seater at a pinch, and reliable is a little conservative.

The question we posed was: is there enough for the money?

💬 What we liked: interior comfort, quiet drive, adequate EV range

🤨 What we didn’t: generic looks, high price, no spare tyre

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