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Details are still scant and minimal, but the upcoming CX-60 is already one of the most anticipated SUVs of 2022.

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The first Mazda crossover ever came in 2012, and since then Mazda has been fortunate enough to be one of the leading manufacturers of quality crossover SUVs. Mazdas of any type are exceptionally drivable and balance comfort and good taste with subtle hints of luxury, usually at a reasonable price. There is plenty to be excited about with the new Mazda crossover, here are just a few of the things to look forward to.

8Mazda's First Plug-In Hybrid

Mazda has rarely had any issue with fuel efficiency, but they have been dragging their feet on joining the hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) market for quite some time. Other non EV manufacturers have already begun to switch to all hybrid and EV production, such as Ford or Volkswagen.

Mazda is finally getting into the environmentally friendly market with the CX-60 and other cars. Although there is still much to be learned about the car once the company announces more details, we do know that this will be a plug-in hybrid. Details about the battery range and fuel economy are still unknown.

7It Will Not Be Sold In The US, But Similar Models Will Be

Sorry Americans, but the Mazda CX-60 is for the European and Japanese domestic markets only. However, do not despair, while the exciting new crossover will not be sold in the United States, other crossovers being designed by the company will utilize elements of the CX-60.

The new release is allegedly going to be Mazda’s crossover SUV template for quite some time, assuming the market responds well to the new design. If buyers are satisfied, Mazda's CX line could look like the CX-60 well into the foreseeable future.

Related: Here's What Makes The Mazda CX-5 The Top Midsize SUV From Europe

6It's Powered By An Inline-Six Engine

One thing that is also for sure about the CX-60 is Mazda's choice of powertrain. The engine will run on an Inline six-cylinder engine. Also, the car combines a 2.5-liter displacement gasoline engine with an electric motor capable of approximately 130-135 horsepower.

All elements of the car’s powertrain combined add up to nearly 325 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

5It Stands On A Rear-Wheel Drive Platform

Speed should be no issue for the car thanks to the fact the platform is built with rear-wheel drive. While front-wheel drive would make the car optimal for light towing, we are likely to see more crossover SUVs with RWD after this, especially from Mazda.

Many crossover SUVs are actually built with all-wheel drive, allowing the car to be both a passenger vehicle and something that can occasionally handle more rugged terrain. While it is not especially significant or rare that Mazda is building the CX-60 with RWD, it is still quite interesting that the manufacturer made this choice.

Related: This Is How Mazda Will Use One Platform To Launch 13 Electric Vehicles

4Controversial Exterior Design, Here's Why

While the release of a new CX is exciting, some critics and experts are not 100% thrilled with everything about the CX-60. Particularly, the exterior has raised some eyebrows due to its odd shape.

Some reviews have called the CX-60's exterior “weird” because the layout is a bit boxier than most Mazdas usually are. However, critics also think that outside of the car might be a little too slim to be a comfortable crossover. That said, it’s a small concern compared to what people are looking forward to in the car.

3Very Upscale Interior

Although the exterior has received some criticism, reviews are raving about the plush, comfortable, and sleek interior that utilizes materials that make perfect sense for a car being marketed as eco-friendly.

Also impressive are the contents making up the interior, which according to Mazda are made from either recycled or sustainable fabrics and parts. The eco-friendly interior matches well with the new plug-in hybrid operational mechanisms. Smart move, Mazda.

Related: Ranking The Ugliest Car Interiors Of The 2000s

2It Will Share Platforms WIth The CX-70 And CX-90

As mentioned above, the CX-60 will not be on car lots in the United States, but upcoming crossover SUVs from Mazda that are set to utilize the same powertrain and platform will easily be available in the U.S.

According to Mazda, the CX-70 and CX-90 will both be sold in the U.S. and will be the closest matches to the CX-60 available from the company. While the exact release date for the CX-70 has not been confirmed yet, it is scheduled to be released sometime in 2023.

1They Set For Release In Summer Of 2022

If all goes according to plan, the Mazda CX-60 will be out and for sale sometime before Autumn of 2022. The company is aiming to release the distribution of CX-60 in August of 2022, but production delays could lead it to being pushed back into September.

That said, there doesn’t seem to be anything in the way of Mazda staying on track to release the car on schedule. It’s just too bad that American buyers will have to miss out on this new machine, even if they won't miss out on the CX's new chassis and hybrid powertrain, which will be utilized in future Mazda models as well.

James J. Jackson is a writer with words in TheThings, Sacramento News and Review, Ariel Chart Journal, and more.Like many a gear head, he grew up holding the flashlight for his mechanic dad.