The 2023 Mazda CX-8 has ushered in a host of updates akin to its sibling, the CX-5, with a fresh lineup, enriched technological features, and a marginally higher price tag.

The series begins at a price of $42,060, excluding on-road costs, for the front-wheel drive Sport model, and the price escalates to $71,410 (before on-road costs) for the top-tier Asaki LE all-wheel-drive version. The prices have seen an increment ranging from $1400 to $1870, varying across different models.

The previous year's petrol and diesel Touring SP and GT versions have been replaced by a new GT SP model. A Touring Active model, exclusively diesel-driven, has also been introduced. Mazda Australia assures that the CX-8 inventory is well-maintained, ensuring swift delivery.

Visual modifications for 2023 involve an updated front grille, front and rear bumpers, and tailgate. Furthermore, a new Rhodium White exterior paint option and fresh alloy wheel designs have been introduced

All versions now come with the 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, coupled with reimagined front seats.

The 2023 lineup also boasts a 7.0-inch digital instrument display, USB-C ports for the front seats, and a remote window control system triggered via the key fob.

The Mi Drive selectable drive mode system is a standard inclusion for AWD models, offering Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. Additionally, all versions have benefitted from updated spring and damper configurations. Mazda’s Cruising and Traffic Support driver assist technology has also been added to the GT SP, Asaki and Asaki LE trims.

For powertrain options, the 2023 Mazda CX-8 offers a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, capable of 140kW of power and 252Nm of torque. Alternatively, a 2.2-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine is also available, offering the same power but significantly more torque at 450Nm. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and are available in either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive configurations.

The 2023 Mazda CX-8 G25 front-wheel drive showcases an efficiency of 8.1L/100km on the ADR combined cycle, while all-wheel drive versions rate at 6.0L/100km.

Front-wheel drive models feature a 72L fuel tank, while all-wheel drive models boast a slightly larger 74L fuel tank. An engine idle stop/start system is standard across all models. The petrol CX-8 variants are compatible with 91 RON regular unleaded fuel.

Dimensions for the 2023 Mazda CX-8 extend to 4925mm in length, 1845mm in width, and between 1720 and 1725mm in height, based on a 2930mm wheelbase.

With all three rows in use, the Mazda CX-8’s trunk provides a 209L luggage capacity, which expands to 775L when the third row is folded, and 1727L when both the second and third rows are folded.

Towing capacity for braked models is 1800kg for petrol versions and 2000kg for diesel variants. All models have a 750kg unbraked towing capacity and a 150kg maximum towball download.

The Mazda CX-8 offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with varying servicing requirements for petrol and diesel models.

Safety is a primary concern for the Mazda CX-8, with a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2018 testing. Thisincludes an adult occupant protection rating of 96 per cent, a child occupant protection rating of 87 per cent, a vulnerable road user protection rating of 72 per cent, and a safety assist rating of 73 per cent.

The 2023 Mazda CX-8 offers a plethora of safety features across all models, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and driver attention warning, among others. Additional safety features such as front parking sensors, Cruising and Traffic Support, and a surround-view camera are available on higher trims.

Model grades available include the Sport, Touring, newly introduced Touring Active, GT, Asaki, and Asaki LE – all with the option of either petrol or diesel power. Petrol models use a 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 140kW and 252Nm of torque. Diesel models, on the other hand, boast a 2.2-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 140kW and 450Nm. Both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with the option of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Inside the cabin, the new lineup is fitted with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, available in both wireless and wired formats, as well as satellite navigation. Other cabin updates include a 7.0-inch digital instrument display, USB-C ports for front passengers, and a key fob function for lowering all windows.

A Rhodium White exterior color is a fresh addition, with further reductions in road noise and vibration, and a standard drive mode selector for all-wheel-drive models.

The 2023 Mazda CX-8, with its new look, improved technology, and added features, is due to hit the showrooms by March 2023. Anticipated for its advanced features and comfortable design, the Mazda CX-8 continues to affirm its position as a leading choice for those seeking a spacious and dynamic SUV.

2023 Mazda CX-8 Pricing (estimated drive away prices)

2023 Mazda CX-8 Sport 2.5 FWD: $46,866 (+$1,870)

2023 Mazda CX-8 Sport 2.2D AWD: $54,157 (+$1,870)

2023 Mazda CX-8 Touring 2.5 FWD: $54,052 (+$1,870)

2023 Mazda CX-8 Touring Active 2.2D AWD: $62,400 (new)

2023 Mazda CX-8 GT SP 2.5 FWD: $64,132 (+$1550)

2023 Mazda CX-8 GT SP 2.2D AWD: $71,482 (+$1550)

2023 Mazda CX-8 Asaki 2.5 FWD: $67,545 (+$1400)

2023 Mazda CX-8 Asaki 2.2D AWD: $77,895 (+$1400)

2023 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE 2.2D AWD: $77,625 (+$1400)

2023 Mazda CX-8 Sport standard features:

10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen (new)

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (new)

Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Opening of windows from key fob (new)

7.0-inch digital instrument display (new)

17-inch alloy wheels

Automatic LED headlights (and auto high beam)

Satellite navigation and Bluetooth

Six-speaker sound system

Reversing camera and rear parking sensors

Tri-zone climate control

Power-folding heated side mirrors

Rain-sensing wipers

Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection

Lane-keep assist

Lane departure warning

Adaptive cruise control

Blind-spot monitoring

Rear cross-traffic alert

Tyre pressure monitoring

Traffic sign recognition

2023 Mazda CX-8 Touring adds (over Sport):

Keyless entry

Front parking sensors

Leather upholstery

Power-adjustable front seats (eight-way driver, six-way passenger) with heating

Second-row USB ports

One-touch third row

Paddle shifters

Front LED fog lights

2023 Mazda CX-8 Touring Active adds (over Touring):

19-inch machined and black alloy wheels

Black mirror caps

Cloth and 'Maztex' leather-look upholstery in 'Revera Stone'

Adaptive LED headlights

Heated outboard rear seats

12-way power adjustment, memory for driver's seat

2023 Mazda CX-8 GT SP adds (over base Touring):

19-inch black alloy wheels (new)

Gloss black mirrors and grille (new)

Adaptive LED headlights

10-speaker Bose sound system

Black or burgundy leather upholstery

12-way power adjustment, memory for driver's seat

Heated outboard rear seats

Power tilt/slide sunroof

Power tailgate

Wireless phone charging

Third-row USB ports

Second-row window sunshades

LED interior lights

2023 Mazda CX-8 Asaki adds (over GT SP):

Black-finish mirrors, grille, wheels deleted

19-inch bright-finish alloy wheels

Black nappa leather upholstery with quilting (new, replacing brown)

Unique front grille

Larger-diameter tailpipes

Brown quilted nappa leather upholstery

Front seat ventilation

Heated steering wheel

360-degree camera

Frameless rear-view mirror

Chrome seat controls

Silver interior trim inserts

2023 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE adds (over Asaki):

Heated and ventilated second-row individual seats (captain's chairs) with cup holders and USB ports

Choice of black or Pure White nappa leather upholstery (new, replacing choice of brown or white)