Mazda CX-8 Reviews

Mazda has a tendency to have a lot of similar looking horses in the stables; 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.

The Mazda CX-8 has long lived in its CX-9 big-sister's vast shadow, but some smart additions have turned the Japanese seven-seater SUV's fortunes around. Case in point: the Touring SP. It combines low pricing, generous equipment, ample space and proven engineering with newfound sporty styling and keen driver appeal. The result is an appealing family car that ought to be on most buyers' shortlist.

The 2021 Mazda CX-8 range has a wide variety of differences - this week I tested the top-of-the-range Asaki LE model as a family car. With lots of bells and whistles inside, is it worth $30,000 more than the base CX-8?

The new flagship of the 2021 CX-8 line-up is the Asaki LE.Differentiating itself from the standard Asaki, the LE swaps the second-row bench seats out for two captain's chairs.The second row seats feature electronic adjustment, as well as heating and cooling functions.A unique centre console is also included for the second row, which sports storage options and USB ports for charging.Priced at $69,920, the Asaki LE is available exclusively with a 140kW/450Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The second-to-top GT grade adds a few more upmarket appointments to the interior, including a 10-speaker Bose sound system and a sunroof.On the outside, the GT is distinguished by 19-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights and LED daytime running lights.Only the diesel engine is available for the GT grade, which is a 2.2-litre unit outputting 140kW/450Nm to either the front or all-four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.The front-drive version is priced at $62,790 before on-road costs, while the all-wheel-drive GT is $63,290.

The Sport grade opens the CX-8 range and is priced at $39,990 before on-road costs for the front-drive 2.5-litre petrol and $46,990 for the all-paw 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine.The former puts out 140kW/252Nm while the latter makes 140kW/450Nm, and both are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.Standard equipment on the Sport grade includes an 8.0-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 17-inch wheels, digital radio, head-up display, black cloth interior and three-zone climate control.Safety systems extend to autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera.

The Touring is the second lowest grade of CX-8 available, but is offered with a choice of petrol or diesel engines.The petrol engine is a 2.5-litre unit outputting 140kW/252Nm and sends drive to the front wheels, while the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel produces 140kW/450Nm and drives all four corners. Both come with a six-speed automatic.Added to the Touring grade is keyless entry, push-button start, electronically adjustable front seats, heated front seats, front parking sensors and a black leather interior.

The Asaki is the top-spec grade, coming with all the equipment you'd expect out of a $63,290-plus SUV.Both Asaki versions are powered by a 140kW/450Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, but the aforementioned cheaper version sends drive to the front wheels, while for $66,790 buyers will get all-wheel drive.They are both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.Asaki cars wear unique 19-inch wheels, while the cabin is augmented with a 7.0-inch driver display, interior ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel and cooled front seats.Safety systems are also boosted by a surround-view monitor.

Mazda Australia changed the SUV game back in 2018 when it launched its segment-straddling seven-seat CX-8, but today competition in the crossover space is as fierce as ever. Do the updates in 2021 keep the CX-8 fresh against rivals such as the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail?

As a new grade to the 2021 CX-8 range, the Touring SP builds upon the Touring grade with more equipment such as red-stitched interior, leather and suede seats, blacked-out 19-inch wheels and heated rear outboard seats.The changes do come at a premium though, with the Touring SP asking $1000 more than the grade upon which it is based.Available with a 2.5-litre petrol engine or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel for $47,790 before on-road costs and $54,790 respectively, the former makes 140kW/252Nm while the latter produces 140kW/450Nm.Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, with the petrol sending drive to the front wheels and the diesel sporting all-wheel drive.