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What's the difference?
Mazda has a tendency to have a lot of similar looking horses in the stable; blink and you'll miss the (very) subtle differences between the CX-8 and the CX-9 but if you're not super keen on the bulk of the CX-9 and you've outgrown the space of the CX-5... this one's for you.
Especially, if you've been considering its competition - the Hyundai Santa Fe Elite CRDi AWD and Toyota Kluger GXL AWD. Both of which have become known for their features and space.
So, how does it compare? The CX-8 GT SP diesel all-wheel drive seats seven, has a decent boot space (albeit, when the third row isn't in use) and handles like a dream.
Perfect combination? Maybe. I've been driving it for the last week with my family to find out for you.
Kia has released the newly updated Niro, which is the smaller and less sporty sibling to Kia’s popular, EV6. As far as EVs go, it has a decent driving range and specs that should entice first-time electric vehicle owners to dip their toes into the EV pool.
However, the updated model does come with a price hike… which might not excite a budget-conscious buyer, especially with such affordable competitors like the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric also available.
I’ve been hanging in it for a week with my family of three to see how it handles!
So, what did my family think about the Mazda CX-8 GT SP diesel all-wheel drive? I love how it performs on the road - it's super easy to drive and you don't notice how large it is in a car park.
There are some great family-friendly features scattered throughout and I like how practical this is too with the extra seats and top-tether points. The multimedia system isn’t my favourite and I would have preferred to have seen a few extra airbags and a 360-degree view camera, but overall, it’s a good family car and gets an 8.0/10 from me.
My son loved the sun blinds and the cool colour of the seats. He also gives it an 8.0/10.
The Kia Niro S Electric is a solid little SUV that has decent space inside and some nice specs, but it's more expensive than its nearest rivals. The EV powertrain can take a little getting used to and I would have liked a smoother ride, but the 460km driving range is good.
For first-time EV owners, this wouldn’t be a bad option if you wanted to dip your toes in the water but it will suit urban dwellers and smaller families, like mine, best. This gets a 7.5/10 from me.
My son wasn’t in love with this one. Not enough buttons for him to press and he did comment on how bumpy the ride was in the back. He gives it a 6.0/10.
To be honest, I can't really tell the CX-8 and CX-9 apart on the road. They're both large SUVs that sport the classic Mazda bonnet - sharp and long. Up close, the CX-9 has a bulkier shape but otherwise they are remarkably similar.
The CX-8's darkened grille generates some interest with its lattice-work and there are enough shiny chrome accents scattered about the car that it looks pretty.
Yet, the sporty sharpness that Mazda is known for is still hinted at with its shaping and the 19-inch black alloy wheels.
Our model is finished in 'Platinum Quartz Metallic' and it is the highlight for the exterior styling for me. I think because it's such an interesting colour to look at - it varies a lot depending on lighting conditions. Sometimes, it almost has a sheen of pink to it and at others, it looks like pearly sand.
The interior looks polished and refined with its burgundy leather trim and soft-touchpoints. Again, there is a lot of chrome inside to make otherwise dull features, like air vents, pop out.
It’s a compact SUV with a footprint that's 4420mm long, 1825mm wide and 1570mm tall. But while small, I wouldn’t call it cute. It’s boxier than its sibling and without any of the swoopy design elements that make the EV6 look cool.
I do like the way the two-tone body panelling, which is seen most prominently on the C-pillar, breaks up the ‘blocky-ness’ and creates areas of interest. As do the high-mounted rear LED lights.
Speaking of lights, the base model makes do with halogen headlights, which unfortunately stand out against the LED daytime-running lights. You’ll notice the dimmer light at night, too.
The 17-inch alloy wheels are thick for better aerodynamics but the clever two-tone colouring stops them from looking unfashionable.
The interior has a lot style cred with the curvature of the door panelling blending in almost seamlessly with the dashboard.
The gently sloping panelling that houses the multimedia systems and switchable touchscreen interface for the controls creates a very pleasing cabin space.
There are some harder plastics mixed in here but enough soft touchpoints that you won’t be bothered by them.
The CX-8 is a very practical family hauler because there's ample room in all three rows. Yes, even adults will be able to squeeze into that third row without too many complaints!
All rows enjoy well-cushioned seats and up front they are electrically adjustable, but unfortunately, only the driver's side has lumbar support.
The middle row can slide forward manually or by using the electric button found on the side of the seats... but doing it yourself is way faster.
They do slide far enough forward that you won't embarrass yourself too much when you have to clamber into the third row. Where the seats have a 50/50 split-fold and manual adjustments (accessed via the boot).
In the first two rows there are lots of individual storage options but the front enjoys the most. The middle console is deep enough to be useful and I like the dual opening lid. Each row gets a couple of cupholders and drink bottle holders, too.
The charging options are great, with each row getting two USB-C ports and the front getting a wireless charging pad and 12-volt socket.
All of the controls and dials feel within easy reach and the 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system graphics are clear.
You can use it as a touchscreen or opt for the rotary dial but switching between the two was awkward for me. Especially, since the touchscreen function is disabled when you are using the wireless Apple CarPlay. This also has wired Android Auto, for those users.
The amenities are practical throughout with a dark headliner, three-zone climate control and heated outboard seats and retractable sun-blinds in the middle row.
Good news for families because there are five top-tether points across the back rows and ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats in middle row, in case you need them.
You can fit a 0-4 rearward facing child seat and it shouldn’t impact on front passenger comfort.
My six-year old found it super easy to get in and out of this car because of the 205mm ground clearance and wide door apertures. He enjoyed the high seating position, too, but was disappointed he couldn’t see out of the sunroof!
The boot space is a bit cramped with all three rows are in use at 209L but folding the third row opens up a more respectable 775L - perfect for the average family and its stuff!
The loading space is level, with the temporary spare tyre and clever storage compartments housed underneath. There is a retractable cargo blind and net, luggage anchor points and a 12-volt port, too.
And, as always, I love a powered tailgate, which this has!
It’s surprisingly roomy inside and all passengers will enjoy decent leg and headroom, but taller passengers will find the backseat cosier than the front.
As such, two child seats will fit best but you do have ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard positions and three top-tether points, if you need them.
The synthetic leather/cloth seat trim cleans well and is nice to touch. The seats themselves, front and rear, are well-padded and super comfortable.
The backs of the front seats can double as coat hangers and have hardened kickplates, which are always practical for little feet.
The front row gets the most amenities and tech. The 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system has clear graphics but is different to other Kia’s I’ve sampled recently. It seems to have been simplified but you’ll get used to it quickly.
There are plenty of charging options available, too, with a USB-A and C port, plus a 12-volt socket. Not needing a cable for the wireless Apple CarPlay is a bonus, too!
The front row also has the most storage space with two retractable cupholders, dedicated phone tray, glove box, middle console and skinny drink bottle holders in each door.
Back seat passengers enjoy two USB-C ports, reading lights, drink bottle holders in each door plus an armrest with two cupholders. As well as, a standard three-pin socket in case you need to run electrical gear or charge anything up on the go.
The windows are wide and offer good visibility but I really like the 150mm ground clearance. It was super easy for my six-year old to climb in and out, plus he got a good view this week!
The boot is good for this size SUV with 475L of capacity available. It does look more like a hatchback, because while you can readjust the floor to sit lower, the back still slopes up.
However, it was fine for my weekly grocery and school run. The 'frunk' storage is small at 20L, which is just big enough for a charging cable.
You don’t get a spare wheel but you do get a puncture repair kit. And being the base model, it’s not a powered tailgate but it’s not heavy to close.
The GT SP diesel AWD is one of the premium models, sitting third from the top and will cost you $65,560, before on road costs.
However, its price tag positions it as the most expensive compared to its rivals. With the closest rival being the Kluger at $65,310 and the most affordable being the Santa Fe at $60,000.
You do get a stylish-looking package with lots of features for your cash, like heated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a tilt and slide sunroof, and premium leather interior trim.
There's some great tech scattered throughout, too, like the 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system, wireless charging pad, USB-A ports in the third row, Bose Premium sound system with 10 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.
There are two variants for the Niro, our base model, the S, and the range-topper GT-Line.
Despite being the base model, the Niro S will still set you back $65,300, before on-road costs. Which makes it about $5K dearer than the equivalent Kona Electric, and $20K more expensive than the ZS EV.
There is a hybrid Niro (also available in two grades), if you’re not quite ready to commit to a full EV life. The price isn’t as eye-watering, either, being just $44,380, before on-road costs.
The Niro is well-specified, though, and the driver will enjoy an electric seat with adjustable lumbar support while the passenger side remains manual.
The regenerative braking is customisable (levels 0-3), there’s an 'iPedal' function, a dual-zone climate system, reversing camera and the backs of the front seats even double as coat hangers.
The tech is also good, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, 10.25-inch digital instrument panel plus wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto all coming as standard equipment. More on the tech below.