Mazda CX-8 AWD Exclusive: A six-seater, long-bodied time machine

Time machines theoretically don’t exist. Well, we wouldn’t really know because one of the laws of time travel is not to interfere with the past to create paradoxes, so we’ll only know when the time eventually comes. But for now, there are a few things that can help “turn back time”, and in the automotive world, that includes the Mazda CX-8.

And I mean this in both an objective and subjective way. First, the CX-8 is actually Mazda Philippines’ oldest offering there, being introduced back in 2019 and receiving an update back in 2022. It’s not even the latest version, as a facelifted model with the final second-generation CX-5’s front and rear does exist, but only for Japan, where it’s discontinued and replaced with the significantly newer CX-80.

As for the subjective aspect, well, I was fortunate enough to own a pre-update Mazda CX-8 for a good two years, and it’s in the same six-seater, AWD Exclusive trim as the one over here. Apart from the obvious updates, it was finished in Snowflake White Pearl, had a handful of modifications here and there, and, more importantly, was an important part of my life as it was not only my family car, but also something I’ve bonded with over the years.

But enough of the reminiscing. The CX-8 AWD Exclusive trim starts at Php 2.530-million, and that’s without the additional cost for the premium colors–Machine Gray and Soul Red Crystal, respectively. However, this vehicle’s long and relatively narrow dimensions (4,900mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,730mm tall) make it more suited for the elegant, conservative hues.

In fact, this update brought over some changes that made it more premium-looking versus the sporty-looking initial model, and that includes the gunmetal “Milanese” pattern grille, more chrome accents on the lower bumpers, a sunroof, and bright silver 19-inch wheels with a simpler design. It’s an elegant design on its own, but when you see it compared to the rest of Mazda’s current lineup, it starts to show its age. This is especially evident when you see the older LED headlights and taillights with halogen turn signals and the older Kodo design language.

The first thing that catches you is when you open the door; you’re greeted by a warm, earthy, and sweet aroma that comes from the dark brown/deep red Nappa leather upholstery. And I can assure you that this isn’t just a new car smell; the two-year-old CX-8 smelled just as good as this fresh unit, especially if you take good care of the leather, especially with Sonax Leather Care Milk conditioner.

And yes, because of its narrow dimensions for a three-row SUV, it’s not as spacious as others in terms of elbow room. But that really isn’t an issue when you have two captain’s seats in the second row, complete with a dedicated climate control zone and window shades. Plus, it makes up for it with a LOT of legroom thanks to its 2,930mm wheelbase.

However, I wouldn’t put anyone bigger than children in the third-row seats, especially with no air vents back there. It’s best saved for short journeys, or flipped down to carry a lot of cargo, which I’ve managed to maximize during my ownership.

Yes, this is where some of the CX-8’s pitfalls, thanks to its age, start to show. The only power seat controls you have can be found on the front seats, and oddly enough, the first two rows are only heated. Not that I’m complaining though, as I loved using this to soothe my aching back on long drives.

Next, there’s not a single USB-C port in the cabin. Sure, you have wireless charging up front, but with four USB-A ports that aren’t even fast charging, you’ll be limited to slow charging your devices. Finally, the eight-inch infotainment is where it shows its age the most– not the highest-resolution unit out there, a 360-degree camera with a video output that resembles a CCTV, and the older Mazda Connect interface (Japan gets the widescreen and newer interface).

Hey, at least your Apple CarPlay is wireless-capable, and it can be controlled via the commander dial and rotary knob, so you can have it both ways.

But if you’re willing to overlook these, especially in an age of feature-laden crossovers, you have a fine interior that has aged like fine wine. Soft-touch materials line almost every surface, and laminated wood-like trim inserts and the use of (sadly scratch-prone) piano black spruce up the cabin.

It even has a few features that make it feel modern, like a color heads-up display, a digital seven-inch instrument cluster that’s similar to the one in the Mazda 3/CX-30, the suite of i-Activsense advanced driver assistance systems, a hands-free power tailgate, and of course, the 10-speaker Bose sound system, which is one of the better-sounding ones in its class.

Now, driving the CX-8 is also a bit of a unique experience compared to other Mazdas. The brand is known for its driver-oriented vehicles, which the CX-8 still can do, but just in a different manner. The 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated Skyactiv G engine and the six-speed automatic transmission are an example of a “right-sized for the package” powertrain, with a decent 190 horsepower and 252Nm of torque.

Unlike other Mazdas that are eager to get up to speed, the CX-8 smoothly but calmly accelerates. You can feel the heft of the vehicle with its relaxed acceleration, but this is something that feels like it’s tuned for the passenger’s comfort. It’s very quiet, with bumps and undulations well absorbed by the suspension and chassis.

While the general sluggishness may be attributed to the extra weight of the AWD system (which has come in handy in low-traction scenarios), it never really felt like it was lacking any power to begin with.

Step on it and the engine will comply, matched by a throaty growl as it hustles itself to complete your overtaking maneuver. And yes, the same heft can be felt in the steering and its handling, with a reassuringly heavy and communicative steering feel. Do note that when you do change the stock wheels of the car with something lighter, you will end up with a noticeably lighter steering feel.

Maneuvering within the city and tight spaces can be a bit of a challenge due to its length, but the narrow body that was designed for the streets of Japan makes it easy enough for you to squeeze in tight streets without any of the butt-clenching anxiety, just accompanied by an incredibly noisy barrage of sensor warnings.

And, yes, it can be a fun and lively SUV to take on the backroads with its unusually nimble handling (most likely thanks to the G-Vectoring Control), but you’ll want to do that alone and responsibly, of course.

However, the biggest downside of the CX-8 is its thirst. Especially with today’s unpredictable fuel prices, you won’t be happy seeing its mixed fuel economy figures of 7.2 to 10km/L. Sometimes, I’ve gotten figures as low as 3.2km/L in the city, and the 72L fuel tank will see full-tank bills north of Php 4,000 easily. If anything, at least the engine doesn’t require you to fill up with premium fuel, and servicing costs for when I had the CX-8 were light, especially thanks to the then “Yojin 3” free periodic maintenance service, which as of 2020, has been extended to five years.

Now, the CX-8 is a bit of a harder sell today, especially thanks to electrified three-row offerings from other brands coming in today, but the luxury and comfort it offers in an easy-to-drive (for its size) package are why it has proven to be fairly popular in more well-off areas as a family car. 

My parents and grandparents absolutely adored the cabin and the space and comfort in the second row, and it was an amazing car to drive daily, especially on longer journeys. However, the fuel costs did start to hurt a bit when prices started getting a bit unreasonable, and I didn’t need a three-row SUV anymore recently, hence why I personally downsized.

However, the biggest appeal of getting one of these is how cars nowadays are turning out to be more “gadgets on wheels” instead of forms of transportation. Sometimes, it’s nicer to go for older and more familiar options that get the fundamentals right from the start, especially if you just want something “that just works”.

2026 Mazda CX-8 AWD Exclusive | Key Information

Motor	2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engine
Output	190 horsepower, 252 Nm
Transmission	6-speed torque converter automatic
Drivetrain	AWD
Seating Capacity	6 (including driver)
Price	Php 2,530,000 (as tested, as of September 2026)
Pros	Elegant looks, a premium interior that’s very cushy and cozy while being practical enough, and comfortable, passenger-oriented driving dynamics.
Cons	Very thirsty engine; the vehicle’s age is also starting to show in features, design, and tech compared to everything else.

^{Photos by Sam Surla}