Verdict
The CX-8 is the family-hauling choice: its 2,930 mm wheelbase is 230 mm longer than the CX-5’s, and it carries seven instead of five. It also has a 2.5-litre petrol engine with 192 hp and 258 Nm, a useful 30 hp and 45 Nm up on the CX-5. But the CX-5’s 442-litre boot is 233 litres larger than the CX-8’s quoted 209 litres, so the smaller SUV makes more sense for five people carrying regular luggage.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if five seats, a 442-litre boot and the lower 1,588 kg kerb weight matter more than a third row.
Pick the Mazda CX-8 if you need seven seats, stronger 192 hp/258 Nm performance and a more accommodating 2,930 mm wheelbase.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-5 RM134,469; Mazda CX-8 RM165,360.
- Engine output: Mazda CX-5 162 hp and 213 Nm; Mazda CX-8 192 hp and 258 Nm.
- Seating and boot space: Mazda CX-5 five seats and 442 litres; Mazda CX-8 seven seats and 209 litres.
- Length and wheelbase: Mazda CX-5 4,550 mm and 2,700 mm; Mazda CX-8 4,900 mm and 2,930 mm.
- Fuel tank and road tax: Mazda CX-5 56 litres and RM439 yearly; Mazda CX-8 72 litres and RM830 yearly.
- Wheels: Mazda CX-5 17-inch alloys with 225/65R17 tyres; Mazda CX-8 19-inch alloys with 225/55R19 tyres.
CX-5
- 442-litre boot, versus 209 litres in the CX-8.
- LED daytime running lights, navigation and a wireless charger.
- Lower 1,588 kg kerb weight.
- Five seats versus the CX-8’s seven.
- 162 hp and 213 Nm trail the CX-8 by 30 hp and 45 Nm.
- Manual front-seat adjustment; the CX-8 gets powered front seats with driver memory and lumbar adjustment.
CX-8
- Seven seats with a sliding, reclining second row and a 50:50-folding third row.
- 192 hp and 258 Nm from its 2.5-litre petrol engine.
- Powered front seats, front parking sensors and a contactless powered boot.
- Quoted boot space is 209 litres, against 442 litres in the CX-5.
- Annual road tax is RM830, versus RM439 for the CX-5.
- At 1,781 kg, it is 193 kg heavier than the CX-5.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM134,469✓ | RM165,360 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439✓ | RM830 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,488 cc |
| Horsepower | 162 hp | 192 hp✓ |
| Torque | 213 Nm | 258 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 13 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode | SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed Automatic with Manual Shift Mode |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.4 seconds | — |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.9 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 176 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,550 mm | 4,900 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,930 mm |
| Weight | 1,588 kg | 1,781 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 72 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 442 litres✓ | 209 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/65R17 | 225/55R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/65R17 | 225/55R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental CrossContact LX Sport | Toyo Proxes R46 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Silver V-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Silver V-spoke Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | G-Vectoring Control Plus |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 7 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Lumbar Adjustment and Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding, Sliding and Reclining 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-folding 3rd Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 1 Boot, 2 Front USB, 2 2nd Row USB, 2 3rd Row USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8" Touchscreen, Commander Control Knob, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used CX-5 & CX-8 for sale
CX-5 vs CX-8 FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-5 or Mazda CX-8 better?
The CX-8 is better for up to seven occupants and has more power, while the CX-5 is better for a five-seat household needing the larger 442-litre boot. Choose the CX-8 only if the third row is a regular need.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-8 costs RM165,360 and the Mazda CX-5 costs RM134,469, a difference of RM30,891. The CX-8 brings two extra seats, a larger 2.5-litre engine, a 230 mm longer wheelbase and more front-seat adjustment.
Which has more luggage space?
The CX-5 has the larger quoted boot at 442 litres, compared with 209 litres for the CX-8. The CX-8’s third row gives it seven-seat capacity, but the CX-5 is the more luggage-friendly choice.