Mazda CX-8 2022 review: Touring SP FWD

Though not the cheapest CX-8, the Touring SP 2WD petrol from $47,790 (all prices are before on-road costs) represents compelling value for money, especially if you like your seven-seater SUV to look sporty.

Even the entry-level Sport 2WD petrol from $39,990 is decently equipped, with seven seats (of course), sliding and reclining middle-row seats, tri-zone climate control with second-row control, head-up display, auto on/off LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, power-folding side mirrors, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone support, power windows, remote central locking, push-button start, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, electric park brake with auto-hold and 17-inch alloys (with a space-saver spare wheel).

Safety systems include autonomous emergency braking (AEB – dubbed Smart City Brake Support with forward and reverse functionality in Mazda-speak), forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with full stop/go functionality, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, speed sign recognition with 'Intelligent Speed Assistance' (that keeps the vehicle below the posted limit), rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, driver-fatigue checks and tyre-pressure monitors.

The Mazda CX-8 represents compelling value for money, especially if you like your seven-seater SUV to look sporty. (Image: Byron Mathioudakis)

Stepping up to the Touring 2WD petrol from $46,890 adds worthwhile kit like front parking sensors, LED fog lights, keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated and powered front seats, second-row centre armrest with USB charging ports, paddle shifters, and an electrically actuated second-row seat slide function for one-touch third-row entry. It’s effortless.

Yet, for just $1000 extra, the $47,790 Touring SP 2WD petrol ushers in blacked-out trim inside and out and 19-inch alloy wheels that really alleviate the CX-8’s dowdy bulk (and provide an extra 5mm of ground clearance – at 205mm – as an added bonus), as well as synthetic leather/suede seat trim, driver’s seat memory and heated second-row outboard seats.

Want more? For goodies like a powered tailgate, sunroof, longer (10.25-inch) touchscreen, wireless phone charging, premium audio and third-row USB ports and more, you’ll need to find at least $56,390 for the GT 2WD petrol. For all-wheel drive, you must also tick the diesel box, bumping the price of most grades by $7000 in the process.

Note that Mazda charges $495 extra for metallic/mica paint. Remember when the brand used to boast about never charging extra for that?

Still, what the Touring SP brings is a classy and well-equipped package that lacks none of the essentials, at under $50K.

While this is up against the higher grades of the Outlander (Exceed) and CR-V (VTi L7) with specs that approach that of the CX-8 GT, keep in mind that these are shorter vehicles with less interior space (and practicality), while the Mazda comfortably undercuts similarly equipped but larger SUVs like Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. It really does straddle the classes.

Finally, with its 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine and six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, the CX-8 sidesteps some of its rivals more… controversial engineering. These include CVTs (Outlander and X-Trail) and DCTs or/or turbos (auf wiedersehen Skoda Kodiaq and VW Tiguan Allspace).

After wading through all these facts, suddenly, the Mazda’s value appeal comes into sharper focus.

Too bad the CX-8 isn’t as sharply attired as its strikingly slinky CX-9 sibling.

The CX-5 connection is no bad thing inside, given how sophisticated and refined Mazda has made its popular midsized SUV since the current KF series surfaced in early 2017.

Wide doors allow easy entry to the front seat, where it’s clear that most switchgear and controls are focused on the driver. The multi-adjustable steering wheel is precisely centred for unencumbered view of the analogue dials within the chunky rim and standard-fitment digital head-up display above. Finding the ideal position is no hardship.

As already mentioned, the CX-8’s seats themselves are a combination of vinyl and suede-like cloth, which together up the premium ambience for those who don’t desire leather. Vegans, the SP is for you. They’re comfortable, breathe well in hot weather and help locate occupants beautifully – though, on the other hand, we can’t imagine they’d be easy to clean after kids and/or pets spills. Electricity takes care of seat rake, reach and lumbar, with a handy memory setting to further help you find the right spot behind the lovely stitched steering wheel.

Most functionality boxes are ticked: superbly crisp dials, excellent ventilation, plenty of storage (including large door pockets for bottles and such) and fine forward vision. The excellent climate control system also features independent middle-row controls. Useful. 

Most functionality boxes are ticked: superbly crisp dials, excellent ventilation, plenty of storage (including large door pockets for bottles and such) and fine forward vision. (Image: Byron Mathioudakis)

However, the multimedia set-up in this Mazda throws up both good and bad points: the former include thoughtful placement of a BMW iDrive-style controller that is meant to mitigate eyes-off-road distraction; users can alternatively use the touchscreen access if the vehicle is stationary; and ­– once familiarised – the menu layout is simple to fathom.

But, a decade old now, the system is certainly ageing, with tardy responses, dated graphics and a low-rent map rendering that seems aftermarket. Switching between screens is also a bit slow compared to many rivals’ efforts. The newer Mazda3/CX-30-based version is far more pleasing to the eye.

Driver front/side vision is also hampered by massive door mirrors, thick A-pillar bases and a narrow rear window, so you’re left to rely on that smallish camera screen as well as the (thankfully effective) RTCA/driver-assist safety systems. And the climate-control buttons are too easily activated/deactivated by the placement of phones in the storage slot below.

The second row is where the CX-8 really starts to diverge from its shorter sibling.

Longer doors which very helpfully open to almost 90 degrees provide ample entry/egress, to a classy environment thanks to the SP’s smart, monochromatic (black) presentation, that lush seat trim and broad attention to detail. These include large centre air vents with full climate control (including heating for outboard occupants), one-touch power windows that go all the way down, a wide centre armrest that matches the front ones, offering cupholders, minor hidden storage and a pair of USB-A ports for charging duties. Grab handles, reading lights, coat hooks, huge door storage and map pockets further underline the Mazda’s family-friendly focus.

The second row has a monochromatic (black) presentation, that lush seat trim and broad attention to detail. (Image: Byron Mathioudakis)

And take note other manufacturers. Mazda has gone to the trouble of putting the smaller portion of the 70:30 sliding middle seat on the kerbside, meaning that only one occupant needs to vacate it for third-row access. It’s a small but important distinction that aids rather than hampers life in this seven-seater SUV.

The under-cushion sliding mechanism is easy to operate, and provides more-than-adequate legroom for taller riders. Plus, the middle-row backrests recline a few degrees, boosting their firm yet comfortable set-up, while forward and side vision is also unobstructed, giving the CX-8 a vast, airy feel. Interestingly, while not as wide as the CX-9, it’s certainly roomy enough for three people, even if their shoulders may be touching.

Finally, there’s the two rearmost seats, accessed via a simple push of an electric button on either side, followed by a gentle push forward, to reveal a sizeable gap for passengers to clamber past. Thanks, longer doors. It’s not too bad given this is a stretched midsized SUV.

There are two rearmost seats, accessed via a simple push of an electric button on either side, followed by a gentle push forward. (Image: Byron Mathioudakis)

Your tester is 178cm tall, and there’s sufficient space for two similarly-sized adults to travel back there. Head and shoulder room are fine. But it’s really best for smaller people, as the knees-up posture can get tiring after a while. The backrest is quite upright and doesn’t recline either. And you won’t find body-facing air vents back there – though in 31ºC summer heat and humidity the air-con could be felt, mercifully.

The CX-8 with all seatbacks erect can take 209 litres. (Image: Byron Mathioudakis)

For a tight third-row environment, it’s not too bad. Thankfully there’s space for big shoes to tuck underneath the second row; big windows flood light in; the folding full-sized headrests mean heads are neither touching nor baking beneath the back window; there’s storage and cupholder access; and exiting is child’s play thanks to a single-lever action that’s clearly defined.

Further back, the CX-8 with all seatbacks erect can take 209 litres, extending to 242L with underfloor storage, while folding the third row boosts boot volume to 742/775L. The temporary spare lives underneath the floor.

Folding the third row boosts boot volume to 742/775L. The temporary spare lives underneath the floor. (Image: Byron Mathioudakis)

Not bad at all for a sub-$50K medium-ish sized SUV. We see the CX-8’s showroom appeal for families.

As with most Mazdas, the CX-8 offers a 2488cc 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection, twin cams and variable-valve timing. It's known as SkyActiv G.

The CX-8 offers a 2488cc 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection, twin cams and variable-valve timing. (Image: Byron Mathioudakis)

In our Touring SP’s case, it delivers 140kW of power at 6000rpm and 252Nm of torque to the front wheels, via a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Unfortunately, no manual is available.

Tipping the scales at 1799kg, this CX-8 has a power-to-weight ratio of 77.8kW/tonne.

Our CX-8 managed a very commendable 9.7 litres per 100km in a mixture of urban, freeway and country-road commuting. Not bad for an 1800kg-plus seven-seater petrol-powered SUV. The stop/start system probably helped out here.

The CX-8 managed a very commendable 9.7 litres per 100km in a mixture of urban, freeway and country-road commuting. (Image: Byron Mathioudakis)

The official combined-average claim is 8.1L/100km, for a carbon dioxide emissions average of 187 grams/km. Urban and Extra Urban figures are published as 9.7L/100km and 7.52/100km respectively.

Fitted with a big 72-litre tank, the CX-8 2WD petrol owner can average almost 890km between refills of 91 RON unleaded petrol, though 94 RON E10 ethanol petrol can also be used – and that’s often the cheapest.

Mazda offers a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty as well as five years of roadside assistance on all CX-8s, as well as capped-price servicing, scheduled at every 12-month or 10,000km intervals.

Published online, the prices vary between $336 and $366 annually over the first five years.