The CX-8 is Mazda’s pride and joy, a three-row SUV. Many people are captivated by its imposing presence whenever they see it on the streets. However, at the same time, some may have questions, such as, “Isn’t the CX-8 too big?”, “Maintenance costs seem high…” or “What kind of people drive it?”
In this article, we’ll answer these questions by exploring the CX-8’s size, price, user profile, and history. Let’s take a closer look at the appeal of the CX-8 and what it’s really like.
The size of the CX-8: Does it suit Japanese road conditions?
The CX-8’s body size is 4,925mm long, 1,845mm wide, and 1,730mm high, which is slightly larger than mid-size SUVs such as the Nissan X-Trail (4,690mm long, 1,820mm wide, and 1,740mm high).
Some people may be concerned about the overall length of nearly 5m, especially considering the road conditions in Japan. You may need to be careful when passing other vehicles on narrow roads or maneuvering in parking lots. However, the CX-8 has a minimum turning radius of 5.8m, making it relatively easy to maneuver for a large SUV.
Additionally, the overall height of 1,730mm fits within the restrictions of multi-story parking garages, which is a major advantage when used in urban areas in Japan.
“CX-8” body size comparison
Compared to the CX-8, the CX-5 is 400mm longer in length and its wheelbase is 230mm longer, which means that the interior space is more spacious than the CX-5.
| Specifications | CX-5 | CX-60 | CX-8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,545mm | 4,745mm | 4,925mm |
| Overall width | 1,840mm | 1,890mm | 1,845mm |
| Overall height | 1,690mm | 1,675mm | 1,730mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700mm | 2,870mm | 2,930mm |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people | 6 to 7 people |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.5m | 5.4m | 5.8m |
MAZDA CX-8
When purchasing, you need to consider securing a parking space.
When choosing a mechanical parking lot for an apartment complex or parking area, you need to be careful with car types that are 1,850 mm or wider. This is because the pallet width is the biggest issue. Currently, the most common mechanical parking lots in Japan have tires with an outer width of 1,850 to 1,900 mm or less, and many cars do not fit into this. The pallet here is like the platform on which the car is actually placed in the mechanical parking lot.
Even if your car’s width is within the limit, if the pallet width is too small, you won’t be able to park it. Furthermore, if it’s too close, you may damage your tires or wheels. I’ve seen several friends of mine who have bought new cars that don’t fit on the pallet, and are now unable to use the parking lot they’ve been using, which is a problem.
If you have a CX-8, it’s a tight fit, but be careful as there may be some places where it won’t fit.
How much does the CX-8 cost to maintain?
The CX-8 is available in a wide range of grades and is priced from 2,994,200 yen to 5,058,900 yen. Prices vary depending on the grade and options, but this is a relatively high price range for a mid-size SUV.
Mazda CX-8 2023 model price and grade
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25S | Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2.5L direct injection engine |
6 speed AT | 2WD | 2,994,200 yen |
| 4WD | 3,230,700 yen | |||
| 25S SMART EDITION (special edition) |
2WD | 3,323,100 yen | ||
| 4WD | 3,559,600 yen | |||
| 25S PROACTIVE |
2WD | 3,445,200 yen | ||
| 4WD | 3,681,700 yen | |||
| 25S Black Tone Edition (special edition) |
2WD | 3,649,800 yen | ||
| 4WD | 3,886,300 yen | |||
| 25S Grand Journey (special edition) |
4WD | 3,999,600 yen | ||
| 25S Sports Appearance (special edition) |
2WD | 4,032,600 yen | ||
| 4WD | 4,269,100 yen | |||
| 25S Exclusive Mode |
2WD | 4,274,600 yen | ||
| 4WD | 4,511,100 yen | |||
| 25T Black Tone Edition (special edition) |
Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2.5L direct injection turbo engine |
2WD | 4,186,600 yen | |
| 4WD | 4,423,100 yen | |||
| 25T Exclusive Mode |
2WD | 4,822,400 yen | ||
| 4WD | 5,058,900 yen | |||
| XD | Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2.2L direct injection turbo diesel engine |
2WD | 3,377,000 yen | |
| 4WD | 3,613,500 yen | |||
| XD SMART EDITION |
2WD | 3,705,900 yen | ||
| 4WD | 3,942,400 yen | |||
| XD Black Tone Edition (special edition) |
2WD | 4,032,600 yen | ||
| 4WD | 4,269,100 yen | |||
| XD Grand Journey (special edition) |
4WD | 4,382,400 yen | ||
| XD Sports Appearance (special edition) |
2WD | 4,415,400 yen | ||
| 4WD | 4,651,900 yen | |||
| XD Exclusive Mode |
2WD | 4,657,400 yen | ||
| 4WD | 4,893,900 yen |
Mazda CX-8 price
Maintenance costs include automobile tax, weight tax, compulsory automobile liability insurance, gasoline, and maintenance costs. The CX-8 is equipped with a 2.2L or 2.5L diesel or gasoline engine, and its fuel economy is 12.0 to 17.4km/L in WLTC mode. Fuel costs vary greatly depending on mileage and fuel prices.
In addition, the annual automobile tax is 39,500 yen or 58,000 yen depending on the engine displacement, and the annual weight tax is 32,800 yen or 49,200 yen depending on the vehicle weight.
In addition to these costs, regular maintenance and vehicle inspection fees will also be required, so be prepared for annual maintenance costs to be quite high.
- Automobile tax : 39,500 yen or 58,000 yen per year (depending on engine displacement)
- Weight tax : 32,800 yen or 49,200 yen per year (depending on vehicle weight)
- Compulsory automobile liability insurance : Approximately 27,840 yen (for a 24-month contract)
- Gasoline costs : Varies greatly depending on mileage and fuel prices
- Maintenance costs : Regular inspections and oil changes are required
In addition to these costs, you also need to consider vehicle inspection fees, parking fees, etc. The maintenance costs of the CX-8 are not cheap, but considering the joy of owning one, it is probably within a reasonable range.
CX-8 User Profile: What kind of people drive it?
The CX-8’s user profile has the following characteristics:
Mazda CX-8
- Families : With three rows of seats, this car is popular with families, as it is suitable for traveling with large groups. It is especially popular with families whose children have outgrown child seats, and with families who enjoy traveling with their grandparents.
- Outdoor enthusiasts : The CX-8 boasts the high driving performance and cargo capacity of an SUV, making it a reliable companion for those who enjoy outdoor leisure activities such as camping and skiing.
- Luxury : As Mazda’s flagship SUV, the CX-8 is attractive for its high-quality interior and exterior design and comprehensive equipment. It is also chosen by people who want to drive a luxurious car.
Given these features, it can be said that many CX-8 users are financially well-off and lead active lifestyles .
History of the CX-8: From the first model to the present
The CX-8 was launched in December 2017 as the flagship model of Mazda’s domestic SUV lineup.
At the time, Mazda had the CX-9, a three-row SUV, but it was a model aimed at the North American market and was considered too large for Japanese road conditions.So, the CX-8 was created by downsizing the CX-9 to a size more suitable for Japanese road conditions.
In 2018, we added a model equipped with the clean diesel engine “SKYACTIV-D 2.2”, and in 2020, we expanded our lineup by adding a model equipped with the gasoline engine “SKYACTIV-G 2.5T”.
In 2022, an improved model with a revamped interior and exterior design and enhanced safety features will be released. Furthermore, in 2023, a special edition “Black Tone Edition” will be released, showing the car’s constant evolution.
CX-8 specs
| Specifications | CX-8 SKYACTIV-D 2.2 |
CX-8 SKYACTIV-G 2.5 |
CX-8 SKYACTIV-G 2.5T |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,900mm | 4,900mm | 4,900mm |
| Overall width | 1,840mm | 1,840mm | 1,840mm |
| Overall height | 1,730mm | 1,730mm | 1,730mm |
| Wheelbase |
2,930mm | 2,930mm | 2,930mm |
| engine | 2.2L 4-cylinder DOHC direct injection turbo engine |
2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine |
2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection gasoline turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 129kW (175ps) / 4,500rpm |
140kW (190PS) / 6,000rpm |
169kW (230ps) / 4,350rpm |
| Maximum torque | 420Nm (42.8kgm) / 2,000rpm |
252Nm (25.7kgm) / 4,000rpm |
420Nm (42.8kgm) / 2,000rpm |
transmission |
SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed AT (6-speed automatic transmission) |
SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed AT (6-speed automatic transmission) |
SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed AT (6-speed automatic transmission) |
| Drive system | 2WD(FF)/4WD | 2WD(FF)/4WD | 2WD(FF)/4WD |
| Passenger capacity | 6 people/7 people | 6 people/7 people | 6 people/7 people |
| JC08 mode fuel economy |
– | 13.4km/L | 12.0km/L |
| WLTC mode fuel economy |
15.8km/L | 12.4km/L | 11.6km/L |
| price | 3,377,000 yen to 4,893,900 yen |
2,948,000 yen to 4,511,100 yen |
4,186,600 yen to 5,058,900 yen |
The appeal of the CX-8: A car that satisfies the joy of ownership
The CX-8 is Mazda’s flagship SUV, combining the joy of driving with the joy of ownership .
Its attractions include the following:
- Sophisticated Design : The dynamic and beautiful exterior design is based on Mazda’s “KODO – Soul of Motion” design theme. The interior is also crafted with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, creating a luxurious space.
- Excellent driving performance : Equipped with Mazda’s unique clean diesel engine “SKYACTIV-D” and gasoline turbo engine “SKYACTIV-G 2.5T,” the car delivers powerful driving performance while also offering excellent fuel economy.
- Comprehensive safety features : The advanced safety technology “i-ACTIVSENSE” is standard equipment, supporting safe driving.
- Comfortable interior space : Equipped with three rows of seats, the spacious interior can comfortably accommodate seven adults. Captain chairs are also available for the second row seats, making travel even more comfortable.
These features have earned the CX-8 high praise from many users.
Who is the CX-8 recommended for?
The CX-8 is a great car for the following types of people:
- Large passengers : Families who need three rows of seats, or people who often travel with friends.
- Long-distance driving : For those who want to enjoy long-distance driving with a comfortable ride and excellent driving performance.
- Those who want to carry a lot of luggage : A spacious luggage space is ideal for those who need to carry a lot of luggage for outdoor leisure activities or travel.
- Those who want to drive a luxurious car : Those who want to drive a car that will satisfy the joy of ownership with its high-quality interior and exterior design and comprehensive equipment.
Summary: Is the CX-8 “too big”?
The CX-8 is certainly large for a mid-size SUV, but it has been designed with Japanese road conditions in mind, and its small turning radius means it’s not too difficult to maneuver.
It also has many attractive features, including a spacious interior with three rows of seats, excellent driving performance, and high-quality interior and exterior design.
Rediscover the appeal of the CX-8!
As Mazda’s flagship SUV, the CX-8 has many attractive features.
- Sophisticated Design : The dynamic and beautiful exterior design is based on Mazda’s “KODO – Soul of Motion” design theme. The interior is also crafted with high-quality materials and exquisite detail.
- Excellent driving performance : Equipped with Mazda’s unique clean diesel engine, SKYACTIV-D, and gasoline turbo engine, SKYACTIV-G 2.5T, it delivers powerful driving performance.
- Comprehensive safety features : The advanced safety technology “i-ACTIVSENSE” is standard equipment, supporting safe driving.
- Comfortable interior space : Equipped with three rows of seats, the spacious interior can comfortably accommodate seven adults. Captain chairs are also available for the second row seats.
The CX-8 is recommended for these people!
The CX-8 is a great car for the following types of people:
- Families who need a large number of passengers
- People who want to enjoy long-distance driving
- People who need to carry a lot of luggage
- People who want to drive a luxury car
The CX-8 may be a bit pricey, but it’s a car that offers great value.
If you often travel with multiple passengers, drive long distances, or enjoy outdoor leisure activities, and you have the financial means, the CX-8 should be one of the best choices for you.
Finally, if you are considering purchasing a CX-8, we encourage you to take a test drive and experience its appeal for yourself.
Mazda
