Mazda CX-8 GT SP 2023 Review

The seven-seat Mazda CX-8 arrived in 2017 as a slightly more compact, diesel-engined sibling to the larger, petrol-powered CX-9. But things have changed since that original CX-8 launch.

Initially available only in seven-seat diesel guise, a petrol engine option followed in 2020 and, a year later, a flagship six-seat Asaki LE variant with second-row captain’s chairs.

The GT SP reviewed here was added to the revised CX-8 range in 2023, selling at $59,160 plus on-road costs for the front-drive petrol or $66,160 plus ORCs for the 2.2-litre AWD diesel.

The CX-8 range opens at $42,660 plus ORCs for the G25 Sport, and runs as high as $72,010 plus ORCs for the Asaki LE.

Mazda had planned to keep the CX-8 in its line-up for a few more years as a more affordably family SUV option, running alongside the luxury-oriented new-generation SUVs – namely, the CX-60, CX-90 and the incoming CX-80. But the CX-8 is now following the CX-9 into retirement.

At around the $60K marker, the petrol-powered CX-8 GT SP competes with the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Tourer AWD (from $55,190 plus ORCs), Skoda Kodiaq Sportline (from $61,490 drive-away) and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162TSI Elegance (from $59,590 plus ORCs).

The major 2021 Mazda CX-8 upgrade brought not just the six-seat variant but also handy equipment upgrades such as a 10.25-inch infotainment screen paired with a 7.0-inch driver display, wireless smartphone charging, electric tailgate and new leather trim colours from GT upwards.

New exterior colours were also introduced across the range.

Today’s 2023 Mazda CX-8 GT SP is pretty lush inside with a sunroof, black or burgundy leather upholstery for the six-way power-adjustable front seats (with two-position memory for the driver), heating for both the front and outer middle-row seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and rear-side window blinds.

The 60/40-split second-row seats slide fore/aft and have rake-adjustable backrests, while the third-row has a 50/50 split.

The Mazda CX-8 is covered by a five year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, with roadside assist available during the full period.

Workshop visits are required every 12 months or 15,000km, with servicing costs working out to an estimated $2168 over the first five years/75,000km.

A pretty standard assembly of safety technologies is included in the 2023 Mazda CX-8.

These include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) in forward and reverse (low-speed) with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, active LED headlights, rear cross traffic alert, a head-up display and, for those who might want to utilise the Mazda’s 2000kg towing ability, trailer stability assist.

The CX-8 was awarded a five-star ANCAP rating according to the less-stringent criteria that applied at its launch in 2018.

At GT SP level, the 2023 Mazda CX-8 caters well to the requirements of the tech-savvy.

Connectivity tech includes wireless smartphone mirroring and charging, Bluetooth and digital radio with internet integration.

There’s a good three-row mix of USB-A and USB-C ports and a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo bay.

In the 2023 Mazda CX-8 GT SP you get the choice of either a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, which sends 140kW/252Nm to the front wheels, or a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (140kW/450Nm) with all-wheel drive.

Both engines are fitted standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Our 2023 Mazda CX-8 GT SP test car featured the petrol engine, and the 8.1L/100km combined-cycle fuel consumption claim proved to be realistic and competitive.

Over a week of driving, we averaged 8.8L/100km, and combined with a 72-litre tank that gives a very useful touring range.

Its use of 91 RON regular unleaded also helps with running costs.

The diesel is even more frugal and has its own benefits in terms of torque, but in pure financial terms you’ll have to do a lot of driving to recoup the difference in price.

The 2023 Mazda CX-8 uses its maturity to hold up well in a constantly evolving SUV environment.

The classic MacPherson strut front/multi-link rear suspension has stood the test of time well and, if anything, the CX-8’s longer wheelbase benefits it over the related CX-5 in terms of ride comfort.

It’s not a performance SUV, but the CX-8’s steering is well-weighted and quick enough, at a little more than three turns lock-to-lock, to happily mix the differing requirements of urban and freeway driving.

The 11.6m turning circle is also a bit tighter than either the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace or Skoda Kodiaq.

Equally, the combination of the 2.5-litre engine’s willing mid-range, though it comes via revs (4000rpm) than a comparable turbo, and the limited ratios of the six-speed auto, does a more than adequate job around town and on the open road.

Standard paddle shifters help, but one can’t help but wonder when Mazda will present a new auto gearbox elsewhere in its range other than new-gen models such as the premium CX-90 and CX-60.

Notable for its touch-free tablet-style centre screen and conventional-dial LCD instrument layout, the 2023 Mazda CX-8’s interior could almost be considered old-school.

But what you notice right from the get-go has less to do with new-age glitz than style, function, comfort and quality. There are no oversize LCD screens here.

Seat comfort is in tune with the quasi-luxury ambience and there’s plenty of room for adults to stretch out.

In the first and second rows, that is. Manoeuvre your way into the rearmost seats and things aren’t so special, despite a one-touch, centre-row walk-in switch that helps simplify access.

It’s a bit of a struggle to find a graceful and easy way in, although once seated it’s fair to say that adults would be reasonably comfortable, more so than in some mid-size SUVs that purport to be seven-seaters.

With slide-up rear side window blinds and a cranking 273W 10-speaker Bose sound system, the Mazda CX-8 GT SP is well set up to become an entertaining home away from home.

This has been noted before, but the 2023 Mazda CX-8 is well-positioned in Mazda’s range of SUVs by being the cheapest seven-seater the company has on offer, which makes it a shame that its time is almost up.

That’s not a reason to deter you from snapping one up before they all go.

The CX-8 remains an endearing and well-rounded vehicle that’s certainly worth considering against its competitive set.

2023 Mazda CX-8 GT SP Petrol at a glance:
Price: $59,160 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 140kW/252Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 187g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2018)