Kia Sorento v Mazda CX-8 2023 Comparison

There’s no doubt the all-wheel drive diesel 2023 Kia Sorento GT-Line has the pricing edge over the similarly-equipped 2023 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE.

It retails for $65,070 plus on-road costs, while the Mazda is $72,010 (plus ORCs). Of course, the Asaki LE is the flagship of its range, while the Sorento line-up still has hybrid and even plug-in hybrid powertrains priced above this model.

As they are wagons with light-duty off-road aspirations, logical competition includes the similarly pitched and priced Hyundai Santa Fe, Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Kluger.

In terms of ownership, the Kia claims the ownership advantage with its seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty compared to five years/unlimited-km for the Mazda.

The Sorento also has longer 15,000km/12-month service intervals, compared to 10,000km and 12 months for the CX-8.

The average capped price service cost for the Sorento is $501 for seven visits, while the CX-8 averages a slightly lower $488 for its first five visits.

Unsurprisingly considering their pricing, the 2023 Kia Sorento GT-Line and Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE are well stocked with a decent level of premium items.

Each has sizeable alloy wheels (20s for the Kia and 19s for the Mazda), roof rails, a remotely-operated power tailgate and a roof spoiler.

The Kia gets the bigger panoramic sunroof and proper privacy glass for the rear-side and tailgate windows. Both get rear window pull-up sunshades. Access is remote keyless.

There is one fundamental difference between the cabins of these two; the Sorento is a seven-seater, while the CX-8 flagship trades in its bench in row two for two captain’s chairs.

Both cars get quilted Nappa leather-trimmed seats with power, heating and ventilation, but the Kia’s driver’s seat gets 14-way adjustment including an under-thigh extension. The front passenger has 10-way adjustment. The Mazda’s driver has power 10-way adjustment and the passenger six-way. Two-position memory settings for the driver’s seat in both cars is standard.

There is heating for the front seats and the outboard second row in both. Both also get seat ventilation for row one, but the CX-8 adds it for row two as well. Steering wheels are also heated and leather-trimmed.

The other big deal is climate controls. The Kia offers a dual-zone system with fan speed control added for row three. The Mazda has a tri-zone system with a complete extra set of controls in row two. There are vents in all three rows.

The Sorento also allows you to dial through 64 ambient cabin colours, while you can only change intensity in the Mazda.

Only the Sorento gets as full-size spare tyre, the CX-8 making do with a temporary spare.

Both the 2023 Kia Sorento GT-Line and Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE get a five-star ANCAP rating, but the Kia’s is based on 2020 protocols and the Mazda’s is from 2018 when it first launched.

There’s also differences in the airbag set-up. The Sorento has the recent tech of a centre-front airbag, but only the CX-8’s curtains stretch all the way to row three.

The Mazda’s infotainment screen is non-touch, primarily using a dial on the centre console to make changes instead. This is supposedly for safety reasons to reduce distraction. But the driver’s eyes are still taken away from the road to figure out what’s being selected, so the gain is arguable really.

There’s a familiar line-up of driver assistance systems led by autonomous emergency braking. In the Kia it spots pedestrians and cyclists as well as cars, but the Mazda system can’t detect bicycles.

Both cars will also adapt their cruising speed in line with traffic ahead, try and help you stay centred in your lane, look out for issues in your blind spot and at the rear, and monitor driver attention. But only the Mazda offers traffic sign recognition.

They both also have LED headlights with high-beam assist, 360-degree cameras, front and rear parking sensors and ISOFIX and top-tether mounts – four and five for the Sorento and two and four for the CX-8 respectively.

One interesting difference between these two is the Kia’s ability to remote park itself. The Mazda has no self-parking features.

As models at the top of the equipment tree, both the 2023 Kia Sorento GT-Line and Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE come well stocked with infotainment technology.

Both cars have the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. In the Kia it’s only wired, but in the Mazda wireless connection is available for CarPlay.

Wireless smartphone charging is also standard in both cars and there are USB points spread through all three rows of both models.

The Kia has a digital instrument cluster that looks analogue, while the Mazda’s is both digital and analogue. Head-up displays help keep eyes on the road.

Both also have 10.25-inch infotainment screens sitting on the dashboard. As mentioned previously, the Mazda has the dubious distinction of being non-touch.

Satellite-navigation is embedded in both vehicles. AM/FM and digital radio frequencies are all on offer. Both also have Bose audio systems. The Kia broadcasts via 12-speakers and the Mazda 10.

Mazda lists integration of the Stitcher and Aha Radio apps as CX-8 features. Sadly, Stitcher no longer exists.

These particular examples of the 2023 Kia Sorento GT-Line Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE spec up pretty closely under the bonnet as they are both powered by 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines.

The Sorento’s ‘Smartstream’ engine makes 148kW and 440Nm, while the Mazda’s SKYACTIV-D unit offers 140kW and 450Nm. So it’s all pretty close.

Both vehicles also include on-demand all-wheel drive (so predominantly front-wheel drive until slip is detected) that is driven via an eight-speed dual-clutch auto in the Kia (operated by a shift by wire dial) and a traditional six-speed torque converter auto in the Mazda.

Both vehicles include paddles for manual shifting.

Official fuel consumption claims for 2023 Kia Sorento GT-Line and Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE are ridiculously close at 6.1L/100km for the former and 6.0L/100km for the latter.

Out in the real world, the Sorento clocked in with a 7.1L/100km, while the CX-8 recorded 7.4L/100km.

Those are acceptable numbers considering both vehicles haul close to 2.0 tonnes worth of kerb weight and measure up at 4.81m (Kia) and 4.95m (Mazda) respectively.

With its 74-litre tank the CX-8 has the theoretical advantage over the 67 litre Kia when it comes to range.

One reason Kia and Mazda models do well in our reviews and comparisons is the secure way they drive and ride.

And the 2023 Kia Sorento GT-Line and Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE are both good examples of that.

Both are engaging and responsive to drive. That not only makes the driving task more enjoyable, it means they have the electrically-assisted steering, handling and stopping power to respond helpfully in a difficult situation.

The Kia just feels that bit more planted and stable on the road, much of that likely down to a weightier steering feel, wider tracks and bigger tyres.

Comfort for its passengers is provided by locally-tuned independent suspension system backed up by sound-proofing that makes its cabin a pretty quiet place to travel in, bar the occasional bit of diesel clutter or tyre roar on coarser surfaces.

The Mazda doesn’t ride with quite the same smooth fluidity as the Kia. There’s familiar Mazda tuning that makes it busier and sometimes delivers sharp feedback on bumps. It also has a slightly noisier cabin.

The Mazda’s engine spins more lightly and eagerly and that works nicely with the car’s steering and handling as well. It just feels that little bit more manoeuvrable and eager. Swap from comfort to sport mode and the powertrain becomes that little keener and the steering heavies a tad, but the character remains familiar.

As an everyday urban and suburban drive, the Sorento has the edge because it’s easier to see out of in all direction and also has the blind spot camera view that activates when the indicators are operated.

The Kia’s dual-clutch gearbox helps make up the ground its more docile engine loses to the snappy CX-8 donk’s rev-happy liveliness. It changes quicker and does it without the hesitation that can trouble DCTs at tip-in throttle.

Well, they’re both all-wheel drive, they both have tractable a diesel engine and the Sorento even has an off-road mode, but no, the 2023 Kia Sorento GT-Line and Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE are not true off-roaders.

Trips on gravel roads and tracks or navigating wet grass or even snowy conditions are about the extent of their off-road capabilities.

Towing is another driving function for which there are better choices than these two. They claim 2000kg as their maximum braked towing capacity.

When it comes to the interior design the 2023 Kia Sorento GT-Line has the space and practicality while the Japanese -built Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE has the style and panache.

The style is delivered in the Mazda by its more upmarket trim levels and presentation and, of course, those two captain’s chairs in row two.

But while they make life more luxurious for back-seat passengers, they have their practicality plusses and minuses. Yes, they make access to row three a touch less gymnastic, but they don’t fold down flat – thus making load-lugging space less versatile.

That negates the CX-8’s marginal claimed boot space advantage when row three is up (209 litres v 187 litres) and 775 litres versus 616 litres when row three is collapsed. With row two dropped flat, the Kia has a massive mountain bike swallowing 2011 litres on offer.

The Kia’s boot is made all the more appealing because it is shielded by a security blind that can be taken out and fitted under the floor. The Mazda offers no blind, but does have under-floor storage.

Up-front, the Sorento is recognisably Kia with its slab of screens and slathering of smearable piano black. It retains lots of buttons and dials to operate function as well as via the screen and voice control.

The screen is big and the resolution quality good. There are even some explanations of some of the changeable functions it accesses.

The Sorento also uses the microphone embedded in the roofline as an in-car intercom so you can shout at the kids via the row-three speakers. We thought it was a bit of a gimmick really.

In both cars the driver is well supported by a generously bolstered seat and reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel. As already noted, the Sorento’s driver’s seat comes with heaps of adjustment. It also performs its task more smoothly and quietly than the CX-8 driver’s seat, which vibrates and moves noisily.

Storage options are orthodox, with door bins, a centre lidded bin, glovebox and spring-loaded cup holders in both. But the Kia has more space and adds a few little extras such as the charging station concealed under a nicely damped lid and the gearshift dial that reduces clutter compared to the Mazda’s traditional lever.

CX-8 screen resolution graphics are similar to the Kia’s, as is the functionality on offer for things like the 360-camera. For instance, neither will swivel the digital image of the car. The Mazda’s instrument cluster offers fewer functions than the Kia and the same is true of its HUD.

In row two the Kia has a big advantage thanks to its extra seat. It’s also spacious enough to comfortably fit two adults and three at a squeeze. The bench slides fore-aft and is raised a little higher for a better view out, while the backrest also reclines. There’s reasonable storage, too, although the door pockets are tiny.

Access to row three is pretty straight forward via the split/folding second-row one-touch fold and slide function. It’s kids-only space-wise back here though.

The Mazda’s captain’s chairs have power fore-aft and recline adjustment to make them very comfortable. There’s only slightly less head and leg room than in the Kia and a decent level of storage including a bin and drawer.

Access to row three is via the glacial power assistance of the captain’s chairs. Again it’s a kids-only zone and not as comfy or spacious as the Kia back there.

The 2023 Kia Sorento GT-Line and the Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE are both fine examples of the three-row large SUV breed.

But the Kia is clearly the better vehicle, topping the Mazda CX-8 in terms of affordability, practicality, equipment levels, breadth of driving ability, a cheaper price and a better warranty.

Of course, there’s no disgrace in the CX-8 losing to the Sorento, which has proved time and again to be the best vehicle in this class.

Given the CX-8 is departing without a replacement we’re sorry to see it go. Family buyers on a budget will no longer have a seven-seat option from Mazda and that’s regrettable.

The Sorento, however, steams on. We’re keen to see how the forthcoming update improves it.

2023 Kia Sorento GT-Line AWD Diesel at a glance:
Price: $65,070 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 148kW/440Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 6.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 159g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2020)

2023 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE AWD Diesel at a glance:
Price: $72,010 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/450Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 158g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2018)