Mazda CX-8 2023 review: GT SP diesel

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.

10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

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.

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. 

All of the controls and dials feel within easy reach and the 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system graphics are clear. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

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!

There are two engines available for this grade, a petrol version and our model’s 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

It has a maximum power output of 140kW and 450Nm of torque. The combination allows this to happily cruise on the open-road.

There are two engines available for this grade, a petrol version and our model’s 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

This is an all-wheel drive and despite only having a six-speed auto transmission, it delivers a settled ride experience.

I was a bit worried that this big SUV would mean a dip in efficiency but I was pleasantly surprised. The official combined cycle fuel figure is 6.0L/100km and I achieved 7.1L/100km.

I did a lot of open road driving this week, so it may be higher in an urban setting, but that's fantastic for a family hauler!

The official combined cycle fuel figure is 6.0L/100km and I achieved 7.1L/100km. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

Based on the combined figure, you should be able to get a driving range of 1233km, which is great for families which travel a lot.

Safety is always important on any car, but more so on a family one. I’m happy that this has the usual specs, like rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, driver attention warning, lane keeping/departure aids, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, plus rear child door locks.

It has autonomous emergency braking with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection and is operational from 4.0-80kmh (up to 160km/h for car detection).

With all the usual specs, including a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The CX-8 was awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating but it was done ages ago in 2018. Which means it's due to expire next year.

Surprisingly, it only has six airbags which is low for a family SUV but that does include curtain airbags covering all three rows.