Mazda CX-8 Asaki (2018-2023)

Comfortable and great to drive...but it has strong competition – The CX-8 is the traditional seven-seater competitor, however it’s possibly one of the best options you can choose against key rivals like the Toyota Kluger and the Kia Sorento. It’s more comfortable and refined than the Kia Sorento, but I think it falls short of beating the leader of the seven-seater segment. Mazda’s premium construction of the CX-8 makes it feel more than a budget-friendly SUV option. The build quality of the doors, leather, stitching, and technology, as well as the noticeable absence of squeaks and rattles all point towards this being built with a high degree of care. This is the top trim CX-8 I’m rocking here, so there are going to be plenty more premium materials and a bigger infotainment screen.

Oh, and the button feel is next level. The volume knobs, infotainment dial and climate controls are all extremely premium in their operation.

The CX-8 range starts from $44,984 drive-away, but this is range topping ‘Asaki’ trim (not to be mistaken for the Japanese beer). Our tester was priced from $73,072 drive-away.

For that amount, some highlight features include a premium leather interior, upgraded parking cameras, heated/cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, rear heated seats, rear climate controls, a large infotainment screen, bigger alloy wheels and a set of BOSE speakers.

You could consider a Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Kia Sorento GT-Line or even a Skoda Kodiaq RS for that price.

The CX-8 is covered by a 5 year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Services occur either every 12 months or 10,000km, and are capped for the first five services. Total servicing costs amount to $1925 under the capped price service program.

Adding to the premium feel of the CX-8 was the sound insulation and BOSE audio system. Closing those doors and windows allowed the cabin to be reduced to silence with a hint of ambient road noise emanating from outside the car.

I was already deeply impressed by the braking tune on the Mazda MX-30 Electric, so I was keen to see if the same finesse had been applied to the CX-8. To my surprise, it had.

This ‘finesse’ is the way in which the car will roll to a stop without disturbing the occupants inside. Meaning, the brake allows you to control the car with buttery smooth precision, rather than shocking everyone and alerting them that you’re decelerating.

This CX-8 is powered by the optional 2.2L turbo-diesel four cylinder powerplant. This motor pushes out 140kW and 450Nm via a 6-speed automatic through to all four wheels, thanks to the diesel being fitted with an AWD system.

I found the CX-8 to rapidly produce power and allow for a swift yet elegant acceleration from the traffic lights. A healthy amount of torque was enough to enjoy for effortless acceleration and made carrying 5 adults in the car a non-event.

Even in heavy rain and dirt, the CX-8 was perfectly stable and planted thanks to that AWD system.

Surprisingly, Mazda’s gearbox is limited to 6 gears, unlike competitors who offer the likes of 7 speeds or even 9 speeds!

Nonetheless, the CX-8 managed to sling through the gears without interrupting the ride.

Part of my conclusion is that the CX-8 is more refined than its competition. Despite being fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels, this massive SUV was able to almost hover above the pavement.

It’s so smooth that a sleeping baby wouldn’t know that you just cruised over a pothole.

he seating position, steering feel and rigidity in twists and turns means you’re able to maintain a fluid flow rather than having to constantly adjust your speed. It’s a bit of fun to drive too; you can feel a little bit of MX-5 through the chassis. Although, it’s still a large SUV, and it’s hard to mask all that weight compared to a smaller SUV.

Claimed fuel consumption is 6.0L per 100km. Around town, I averaged around 9-10L per 100km and out on the highway I saw figures as low as 6.5L per 100km.

The stitching on the dash highlights the width of this SUV, and is flanked by a large 10.25-inch centre infotainment screen and carefully designed climate vents.

It’s worth noting that despite the centre screen lacking touch inputs, the UI and UX of this infotainment was certainly easy to master and calming to interact with.

The centre console area around the gear selector is starting to look a little aged, and I’m not a massive fan of the piano black plastics that were already showing signs of wear.

The CX-8 misses out on joining the 2000L club, and offers just over 1740L with all the seats folded flat.

With the third row folded (the most common set-up), you’ll have access to 775L of boot space. It’s a logical family option, thanks to the wide and flat boot space and automatic tailgate.

Mazda’s front seats are a great place to spend hours and hours when out on the road. The large footwells and plush seats mean you’re unlikely to get a sore back.

Second row comfort is supreme too. Access to heated rear seats and climate controls help elevate your riding experience. With window blinds and reclining seats, it’s also a great place to catch up on some sleep. Not to mention, the large rear doors make ingress and egress almost effortless.

Third row comfort is fine for adults and a lot better than some other 7-seaters. Although, I wouldn’t recommend extended seat time back here for taller adults.

Whether it’s adjusting the climate controls or driving through the Alpine Way through to Thredbo, the CX-8 will do that with Lexus-like refinement.

However, you should check out the Kia Sorento as a direct rival, which offers a slightly larger second and third row and more boot space. It’s packed full of similar features, and might appeal to you more than the CX-8.

To me, the CX-8 feels a little more finessed in its execution from its design both inside and out, and in the engineering behind its handling and driving experience. However, it can’t finesse more space in the second row like the Kia Sorento can.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.