2022 Mazda CX-60 SUV leaked ahead of official reveal

The upcoming 2022 Mazda CX-60 mid-size SUV has leaked online – courtesy of Instagram accounts including Wilcoblok – just under 24 hours before it was scheduled for reveal.

Destined for Australian showrooms before the end of this year, the five-seater is underpinned by Mazda's all-new rear- and all-wheel drive architecture and will offer a range of six-cylinder engines and plug-in hybrid systems.

While undisguised images of the vehicle during a photo shoot were published late last year, this is the first time the new Mazda CX-60 has been seen clearly from all angles – including inside its cabin.

The newest images reveal the vehicle does not deviate dramatically from Mazda's existing design language, however adopts bolder side panels, a flatter nose, and new unique LED headlights with separate daytime-running light strips.

Inside, the CX-60 will become the first Mazda vehicle with a fully-digital instrument cluster, joining a large Mazda Connect infotainment screen, new-style steering wheel and more premium materials.

In a first for for the Japanese marque, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain will be offered in the CX-60. This mates a 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with on electric motor for a maximum combined output "in excess of" 223kW.

A SkyActiv-X inline-six petrol engine and SkyActiv-D inline-six diesel will also be offered at launch, both paired with 48-volt 'mild-hybrid' systems.

Transmission details are yet to be announced, however it's likely a single automatic will be offered across the range – possibly the existing six-speed torque converter fitted to Mazda's current-generation front- and all-wheel drive models, or a new eight-speed unit.

A larger Mazda CX-80 SUV – with three rows of seating and likely a similar design – is also scheduled to launch later this year or in 2023, along with 'widebody' CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs targeted at US buyers. All of these models are "under consideration for the Australian market" according to local spokespeople for the brand.

Stay tuned to Drive to follow tomorrow's official reveal of the 2022 Mazda CX-60 family SUV.