Best value 7 seater SUV? 2023 Mazda CX-8 review

[@troyknight8199]

I was looking at getting a 7 seater for the family, after test driving a variety of suvs (Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Honda, Hyundai, Ford and Mazda), we found that we liked the Kia Sorrento and Mazda CX8 the best. I personally like the Kia better, very responsive engine and a nice car all around (first test drive). Upon having a second test drive of both cars I found the Kia interior looking cheaply made and it felt like you are driving a BIG car (when doing a direct comparison with the CX8). Now since the car is for city driving with kids the bigger feel (a little bit like driving a small truck at times) is not the best. I found the CX8 2023 a more comfortable ride and it just felt "safer" on the road with all the safety features (the Touring engine petrol engine). Also the stereo system has a great sound, which might not sound a big thing but it certainly makes the drive more pleasant We ended up buying the Mazda CX-8, we had it now for 3 weeks. Yes the engine is pretty revvy and it certainly does not pack a punch (the Kia did) but it's a family car for city driving so what are you really going to do with the extra power apart for getting fines. As for fuel economy it seems like we are on 10 litres per 100 kilometers. If there was a disappointing note to the CX8 is that the boot can only be closed manually (no button to press and boot goes down) which I felt it was a bit ridiculous not to include in a 2023 model (yes something I did not think about to ask before I bought the car but not a deal breaker for me regardless, it would have just been nice to have). Also although there is a bigger display 10.3 inches I felt it would have been nice to have a bigger screen. Overall a nice car that I enjoy driving every day, very happy with the buy and the kids love it as well.

[@therightcar]

Thank you for your comment - and I totally agree re the auto tailgate

[@user-gc8uz5pd9z]

You are a very thoughtful customer!👍

[@minanick07]

you still liking your cx8??

[@troyknight8199]

@@minanick07 To be truthful now that I driven a more, I like it a lot more now. You inspired me to do a 9 months later review.

[@KnowTheNewOfficial]

Mazda CX-8 AWD 2.2L SKYACTIV D. ASAKI LE Top Varient Is The Best 👉💯. Looks Amazing 😍👌, Great Classic Feelings 😍😍😍

[@kashifaltaf9837]

Great reviews Matt. Most new cars drive well with no major issues whilst they’re in warranty. As a thought, would it be possible for you to add historical reliability data for previous models from reputable sources (with references). This may be slightly different to traditional reviews of new cars but will give buyers a perspective of historical performance of the brand/model under consideration.

[@anakinskywalker4113]

At last more family friendly options. Keep up the good work more reviews like this please.

[@therightcar]

Thanks! Plenty more family-car content coming!

[@anakinskywalker4113]

@@therightcar thanks I appreciate the family friendly content.

[@SDOKELL]

Just bought the 2023 CX-8 GT SP, we lost our cx-5 unfortunately to a not at fault accident. However we found this to be a great replacement. The 3 kids can now space out nicely. Long hauls with the larger tank will be a lot smoother. We went though a diesel engine replacement on the CX-5 (2012 - First Gen) due to a known fault and I couldn't fault the service (car hire provided free of charge). This was also done out of warranty. Mazda not throwing you under a bus like many car manufacturers will was also a big part of our decision.

[@therightcar]

This is all really good feedback mate. Sorry about your CX-5! But sounds like the CX-8 does the job!!

[@dreamav8161]

I own a CX8 Asaki 2020 model, diesel. One of the best cars I have had, better than my Volvo XC60 D5 Polestar (had too many faults and service costs were ridiculous), better than any Hyundai I have owned (the differences in finish between a Japanese and Korean car is overtime far more noticable)...

[@therightcar]

Glad you're loving it - a real shame it's being cancelled this year.

[@AmberKwow]

Looks awesome in white

[@ChKashifRasheed]

Hi Matt your all videos is so informatic

[@351tgv]

6,000+ subs, well done Matt, keep providing viewers with quality content and they will subscribe. as for the CX-8, hard pass for me, but then again I am not the indented market segment, don't need seven seats (even if available), that said have driven the previous gen with the 2.2L turbo diesel AWD and 6-speed torque converter auto in I think "Sports Touring" spec which was mid range, again typical Mazda, sharp steering with good feedback, does have steering kickback if your mid way through a corner and press on accelerator if transmission is in a lower gear (the turbo spools up pretty quick for diesel) that said again you figure it out quickly, I found the rid to be fine at motorway / highway speeds but around metro regions for me its too lumpy and passengers also agree, overall its serviceable if you are not going to hustle on lets say Bells Line from Richmond to Lithgow. Shame they do not offer the turbo petrol engine in this model range, if you are buying diesel then you also have invest time and money for the DPF to do its regen magic by driving at motorway/freeway/highway speeds for up to 60 minutes every 2 weeks or so otherwise the DPF will fail.

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate. Yep, it’s going really well - very happy with the growth trajectory and the plan is to keep feeding the beast, 2-3 reviews a week! Busy, but very rewarding. The diesel DPF thing is a real issue for those who stick to their suburb - you’re 100% right on that!!

[@351tgv]

​@@therightcar - it should also be said that applies to every Euro 5 / 6 turbo diesel based vehicle. Rant over, did not mean for it to be that long a rant, again from my viewpoint.

[@saravanakarthik3043]

Plz do comparo video of Santa fe, Sorento and CX-8 diesel focusing on long distance country touring and NVH levels...

[@rustykilt]

Found your review very informative. I have a 2017 KIA Sorento and am looking to update. As KIA and HYUNDAI have dropped the Diesel, they are no longer an option. The cx-8 or the CX -60 Seem the best options now with regards to quality and reliability in an SUV with good performance and space. Showing options is very helpful and it is great to get an Aussie view on what is available here as most reviews are overseas based.

[@therightcar]

Thank you! Really appreciate that feedback. It's sad to see that the CX-8 is also on its way out. So if you want one of those, you'd best get a wiggle on! :D

[@rustykilt]

CX-60 THEN!@@therightcar

[@mrz1281]

great review as always, i was keen on this until no petrol turbo was offered.

[@RonanTierneyronangti]

Very informative review. Ideal for me as I'm looking into the 6 seater version and am choosing between this and thee Sorento, although the later has had some weird electronic issues and one that a family member owns has developed an oil leak after only 3 years of ownership and below 20k's a year.

[@ashishkataria2790]

Nissan X-Trail is quite a compelling option with their 7 seater. Would love to see your take on the family friendliness of the XTrail.

[@therightcar]

I have done a X-Trail review. But not a 7 seater.

[@trentmorris2502]

Lack of touch screen is a deal breaker. When I drove it, the AWD system kicked in too late when the front wheels lost traction. The lack of air vents in the 3rd row also made the kids feel sick

[@user-pp2cj7rx7c]

So informative 😊

[@TenzWang88]

the biggest down side on Mazda CX8 is the without lane centering assit on the highway, no vision technology and panoramic roof for such an expensive car is really upsetting.

[@balutvm2008]

Good review Matt, surprised to see other reviewer's telling petrol model is much refined than previous one. I know 2.5 will be noisy. What about reviewing Tiguan All space base model next?

[@therightcar]

I didn’t notice it being any quieter, although it is quieter than the CX5 and CX30 that I drove recently. Not sure about that review request, depends if I can get one!

[@Waheeda-kl8lt]

Hi Matt, This car looks very good for the one who wants to travel everywhere with family

[@therightcar]

It really is!

[@meljoe]

Own a 2022 CX-8 sport petrol. I think nothing comes close to it on value for a 7 seater. The ilk of outlander/xtrail/CRV are too crammed. Everything else is close to 50k on road (except the LDV)

[@andrewmihaleff]

+1. We have the 2021 Sport. It's outstanding value for mine. Space is very good, third row is actually usable - and the footprint being smaller than a Palisade or CX9 sealed it for us.

[@hareemdilawaizkhan9237]

White beautiful

[@imranjaved9673]

Nice review

[@robertceroli3512]

2.5 na may work well in the CX30;and CX5 but the CX8 is too heavy for that eng should have used a V6 economy wouldn't have been much higher

[@therightcar]

Yeah a V6 would have been good. Even the excellent turbo-four.

[@richard6946]

The turbo 4 is available on the CX8 in other markets, but not Australia. It would be the perfect engine for this car.

[@markhansford5930]

Ha ha my wife is about to pick up a V6 Sante Fe in a couple of week. If it's as good as her current V6 Sante Fe (previous body shape) it will be a great car.

[@therightcar]

I hope she likes it. I'm of the opinion (you saw, clearly) that the V6 isn't the pick of the Santa Fes, but I just always feel that diesel and AWD is the best powertrain for these mainstream seven-seaters.

[@markhansford5930]

@The Right Car? if money was no option I certainly would have recommenced the diesel AWD but I'm sure the V6 will suit her needs admirably.

[@iqraahmad86]

Nice video

[@muhammadalisharif7824]

Hi Matt, Can you please review Kluger Turbo version?

[@therightcar]

Hi mate - I’ve been waiting MONTHS to get one. The vehicles destined for Sydney have been stuck on ships due to port congestion. I should be getting into it soon, hopefully.

[@MisbahYunus]

14:35 Do the lower models not have dynamic guidelines in reverse camera?

[@buncha5651]

A spare wheel is required for me i wouldn't buy a vehicle without one, also like the analogue instruments ,must be my age but don't like digital instruments. Is there no 2.5 turbo available? Both fairly hungry my 3.0 V6 Touareg consistently does under 7 litres per 100 km .

[@therightcar]

Yep - no turbo petrol available. I’d suggest it was to protect CX-9 sales. Maybe this’ll change now the bigger model has been shown the door!

[@user-cz1rc4ej5o]

Amazing Mazda car❤❤

[@user-zq2ph9qh3g]

Excellent

[@SuperAlmighty]

Surprise no touch screen ??

[@AmirZaib-rx7ov]

Wonderful ♥️

[@zulfiqarghaffari5326]

Mazda is powerful SUV

[@therightcar]

It is!

[@user-wr8pl9cc6s]

Cool car

[@MuhammadUmairTahir-bo9df]

Beautiful nice car 👍❤️❤️

[@user-su8wi2oc6o]

Nice car

[@shakeelqureshi6771]

Good

[@AhmadKhan-bz3oe]

Nice video of 😊

[@Studat]

no cargo cover...

[@GlowingTube]

I know. My wife immediately saw that and is now looking at other options.

[@Studat]

@@GlowingTube I agree with her 100%. I am looking at the Nissan Xtrail Ti or Subaru Outback

[@kr8s]

Or you can get XUV 700 top model + 3 years with of fuel

[@user-qc4qx1tb1f]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@markhansford5930]

I think the same same Mazda styling is looking a bit old hat.

[@therightcar]

The products we get here are a touch similar, yep. But CX-90 and CX-60 will freshen things up a bit.

[@AtifKhan-fw5jd]

❤❤❤❤

[@richard6946]

This car is only ok at the base trim. The petrol engine i way too noisy and underpowered and doesnt match the car as you step up in trims.

[@szjaved]

👌

[@smlines9836]

👍👍👍

[@TVseriesfangirl]

👌👌👌👌👌

[@therightcar]

Love it

[@RanaFaisal-mk9yb]

Gd

[@therightcar]

Thx

[@sadiaiftikhar7459]

, 👌

[@Jase583]

Mazda's are starting to look very much out dated.

[@therightcar]

You reckon?

[@MasterMind-io6bp]

Excellent