I’ll be honest – the Mazda CX-8 never really made sense to me at first. This three-row SUV has historically lived in the shadow of the now-dead CX-9 and its proportions left it looking a little awkwardly long. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Personally I also couldn’t shake the image that it’s an elongated CX-5 with CX-9 elements to make it appear more substantial.
With this in mind, I never properly paid attention to the CX-8. At the time I barely noticed the facelift it received in 2023 that aligned it stylistically and technologically with the CX-5 . All this changed however once I got behind the wheel.
I’ve sampled multiple different CX-8 grades now, as well as both petrol and diesel powertrain options. They’re all worth considering if you want proper three-row SUV that’s not overly massive. Mazda has discontinued the CX-8, but there are still examples available at the brand’s local dealers on runout.
Should you snap a new one up before they’re gone for good? On test here is the blacked-out GT SP variant with the more affordable G25 petrol powertrain. To see how the CX-8 compares with the competition, check out our comparison tool . Getting into the CX-8 GT SP you’re smacked in the face with its red leather upholstery.
It looks fantastic and Mazda deserves credit for giving customers the option for something more exciting than black. If the red seats really are too much though, Mazda does let you opt for black leather upholstery instea.