Mazda CX-8

The 2022 Mazda CX-8 was launched alongside the more attention-grabbing Mazda MX-30, but don’t let the simultaneous launch fool you as this 3-row SUV from Mazda is a popular model for the brand, as evidenced by the availability of 5 different variants to our local market. These variants are:

Mazda CX-8 2.5 T High Plus AWD – RM212,225
Mazda CX-8 2.5 High Plus 2WD – RM197,553
Mazda CX-8 2.5 High 2WD – RM183,452
Mazda CX-8 2.5 Mid 2WD – RM177,674
Mazda CX-8 2.2D High Plus Diesel – RM204,759

On the outside, the 2022 model year Mazda CX-8 has only a few aesthetic changes. The grille was previously a slated grille and has now been swapped for interlocking vertical elements on the High Plus variants, and is finished in cool gunmetal gray. These High Plus variants also receive chrome strips on the front bumper and a new set of 19-inch alloys that are painted black, while the lower variants retain the previous 19-inch rollers. Finishing off the update are 2 new colours – Platinum Quartz and Polymetal Gray – bringing the total number of colour options to 7.

Like the exterior, most of the interior remains unchanged from the classy, minimal approach of the outgoing model. The previously optional 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is now standard equipment, with no option for the 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch display available to many other markets. The Mazda CX-8 2.5 High  gets Apple Carplay, Qi wireless charging, LED interior lighting, leather upholstery, and a 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and the High Plus variants get additional seat heating and ventilation, as well as second-row seat heating.

Aside from some features mentioned above, the standard kit from the outgoing Mazda CX-8 has been kept for this new one as well, and they are automatic LED headlights and taillights, LED fog lights, keyless entry, triple zone auto climate control, 7-inch instrument display, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, reverse camera, and a hands-free powered tailgate.

The Mazda CX-8 2.5 High variant adds to these adaptive LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, distinct LED taillights, frameless rear-view mirror, and seating for 6 as the 2nd row seats are captain chairs on this variant with a centre console between them.

As for the Mazda CX-8 2.5 High Plus, it gets extras like red Nappa leather, heads-up display, a 360-degree camera system that replaces the reverse camera, and manual rear side window shades.

Finally, the single petrol turbo model gets additional visual distinction via rugged roof rails.

In the safety department, all variants of the Mazda CX-8 receive six airbags and stability control, while the Mazda CX-8 2.5 High has the i-Activsense driver assistance system that include autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

On the High Plus models, the i-Activsense system is further augmented with adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centering assist, a full-speed AEB system, lane keeping assist, reverse AEB, and automatic high beam control.

All variants of the 2022 Mazda CX-8 have the same 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic gearbox with the new G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus).

The Mazda CX-8 2.5 T High Plus AWD has the 2.5-litre forced-induction engine named Skyactiv-G 2.5 T that makes 228 hp at 5,000 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, and this model is the only one featuring Mazda’s i-Activ AWD.

The other petrol engine is a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated mill that makes 192 hp at 6,000 rpm and 258 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, and is found in the Mazda CX-8 2.5 High Plus, High, and Mid.

Finally, the 2.2-litre turbodiesel in the Mazda CX-8 2.2D High Plus Diesel makes 188 hp at 4,500 rpm, and 450 Nm at 2,000 rpm.

The Mazda CX-8 is nice to drive, with a perfectly centered steering wheel and perfectly positioned pedals, and the level of adjustment is enough to make sure there is a good driving position for most, if not all, drivers. Moreover, controls like the steering, throttle response, and braking sensitivity are all calibrated superbly as well, and this makes driving the car feel almost natural.

However, braking performance can be further improved. The brakes are just adequate when driving around without any passengers in the car, but when the big SUV is carrying a full load, stopping quickly can be an eyebrow-raising experience.

With its 1.9 tonne weigh and 3-metre-long wheelbase, the Mazda CX-8 has a certain composure in its movements, especially around highway speeds where the car just soaks up most undulations without batting an eye. However, the low speed ride is slightly less accomplished and sharper imperfections will result in some discomfort.

The 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the Mazda CX-8 2.5 T is rated at 8.7 l/100km

The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine in the Mazda CX-8 2.5 High Plus, High, and Mid is rated at 7.9 l/100km.

The 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine in the Mazda CX-8 2.2D is rated at 5.7 l/100km.

We still feel that the variant to have for the Mazda CX-8 is the one that sips diesel, especially since this powertrain perfectly matches the laid back and easy going nature of the large SUV much better than the frenetic naturally-aspirated engine. However, with the addition of the 2.5-litre turbo petrol mill, the choice just became harder, and choosing between either one comes down to whether the buyer needs the AWD system in the turbo petrol variant. When you compare it against a rival like the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace R-Line, the third-row seats in the Mazda CX-8 are positively luxurious, for which additional passengers will no doubt be highly appreciative.