Not many people know how to make a difference between SUV and a Crossover vehicle. To the untrained eye, both vehicle classes look the same. However, there is a difference. The SUV started as an off-road model, and most modern cars in this segment retain some form of off-road usability. However, the crossovers are a mix of station wagons, minivans, and SUVs, emphasising comfort, usability, and abundance of space. The Mazda CX-8 is precisely like that. It is based on CX-5 SUV but with third-row seating capacity and more room in the interior. So, does this idea work and did Mazda ruin the original concept or improve it? Let’s find out.
The CX-8 was introduced in 2017, and despite being an older model, it still has an army of devoted customers on the Australian market. In fact, in 2021, sales went up over 100% for this model as the customers turned to larger SUV and crossover models. The reason for such an increase is the fact that CX-8 got a mid-life cycle refresh and was offered with more equipment and a slightly improved design. Even though Mazda provides a significantly larger CX-9, the CX-8 is still very popular and offers so much to the customers. Such success makes the CX-8’s future in Australia secure, although the company hinted that this model might be dropped from the lineup on some markets.
The Engines And Gearbox
Even though the CX-8 is closely related to the CX-5, it doesn’t use all the same engines, and the lineup is limited to two units – 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder with 140 kW and 252 Nm and 2.2-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder diesel with 140 kW but 450 Nm of torque. The petrol engine is naturally aspirated and offered only on front-wheel-drive models. The diesel is optional on FWD cars but standard on AWD models since it offers more torque which is welcomed for such application. The diesel proved to be a common choice primarily due to its excellent fuel economy (6 litres per 100 kilometres on average) and abundance of torque. Regardless of the trim level or drive train option you choose, the 6-speed automatic is the standard and only transmission available.
The Models
Mazda prepared an extensive list of standard and optional features for the 2022 CX-8. The recent refresh helped shred some years from the design and help keep the model modern and relevant. The grades start with CX-8 Sport which has 17-inch alloy wheels, front-wheel-drive, LED headlights, 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The Sport grade comes with a seven-seat capacity and a cloth interior. If you want a leather interior, LED fog lights and front parking sensors, you will have to upgrade to CX-8 Touring. However, if you would like a bit sportier appearance, then the CX-8 Touring SP is the grade for you. You will have all the features from the previous trim level with the addition of cool-looking 19-inch wheels, black-out grille and memory seats.
The high-end offerings start with GT grade, including 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black grille, sunroof, choice of leather upholstery, and a bigger 10.25-inch infotainment display. The Asaki grade is even more luxurious. It comes with LED adaptive headlights, subtitle exterior changes, ventilated front seats, 360-degrees view and a modern-looking 7-inch informational TFT display in front of the driver. However, this is not the end, and on the top of the list, there is a CX-8 Asaki LE, the most expensive and exclusive model. It comes only with a diesel engine and AWD drive train. It has unique interior changes, special interior colours, and an attractive, 6-seating capacity with “captain” chairs in the second and third row.
When talking about grades, this would probably be time to mention the prices. The base price for the lowest trim level is somewhat affordable, $39, 990 but the price for CX-8 Asaki LE is substantial $69,290. However, the combination of advanced features, capable drive train and recognisable design of this grade make the $70k price justified.
The Interior
One of the selling points of the Mazda CX-8 is the interior. The first part is the driver’s environment, which is elegantly styled and serves as a perfect antidote to cluttered modern interiors filled with gimmicks. On all CX models, Mazda introduced a minimalist approach that emphasises the sporty appearance and suggests that this is not just another people carrier but crossover, which is genuinely fun to drive. Even though the basic design is now five years old, it hasn’t lost anything from its appeal and practicality.
The other exciting thing about the interior is the space. As a model based on CX-5, the CX-8 is significantly longer in order to accommodate the third row of seats. The CX-8 has an overall length of 4.9 meters, making it precisely 32 cm longer than CX-5, which is substantial. However, when the third row is up, the trunk space is only 209 litres, far from CX-5’s 510 litres of boot space. Of course, when the third row is folded, the CX-8 shines with 775 litres which is an extremely good number.
The Conclusion
With the signature looks, long list of standard and optional equipment, decent motorisation and plenty of space, it is no surprise that Mazda CX-8 is a popular choice amongst people who need a large crossover. Mazda is trying really hard to keep it fresh and appealing, and it succeeded even though some details show the age. For example, the 6-speed automatic is now a rarity since all competitors offer more modern gearboxes. However, even with that, the CX-8 is an excellent choice for people who want usable crossover and don’t want to sacrifice the driving pleasure or style.
