Two years passed since the first introduction of Mazda CX-8 in Japan. Now, it’s time for some updates. But, the upcoming 2021 Mazda CX-8 won’t be available for the customers in the United States. The three-row SUV comes with a pricing range between 3,000,000 and 4,900,000 YEN (around $27,200 – $45,000). This model is specifically made to the markets where the larger CX-9 is not available. As the versions before, the 2021MY will be mostly based on the smaller CX-5. Of course, the main difference is the size and an additional row of seats.
But, the CX-8 isn’t just a combination of different vehicles from the same manufacturer. No, this model offers much more. It delivers unique design, equipment, and premium features for the cabin. Furthermore, the customers (in countries where the CX-8 will go in sales) will get a front- or all-wheel-drive system with either the naturally aspirated or turbocharged variant of the company’s SkyActiv 2.5-liter mill. Also, the SkyActiv-D 2.2-liter diesel version will be available as well.
2021 Mazda CX-8 Trims, and Equipment
So, what’s the standard on the 2021 Mazda CX-8? Well, let’s start with the Sport trim. The base model offers a good amount of equipment. You’ll get a 17-inch grey metallic alloy wheels, power mirrors with heating and auto-folding, an 8-inch touchscreen active driving sensors, and three-zone climate control.
Next on the list is the active driving display, Digital radio, and 6-speaker audio system. Moreover, CX-8 Sport offers leather-wrapped gear shifter and steering wheel, while the seats are covered with black cloth. As for the safety, the standard suite includes Blind-Spot Monitoring, Auto High Beam Control, Lane-Departure Warning, and Lane-Keep Assist System. Also, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Smart Brake Support AEB, Smart City Brake Support AEB (Forward/Reverse) are included as well.
Furthermore, the Touring model adds ‘Advanced’ keyless entry, heated front seats, black leather trim, one-touch walk-in switch, front parking sensors. Unique features for the CX-8 GT are 19-inch alloy wheels adaptive front-lightning system, front-seat memory function, and power sliding/tilt-glass sunroof. Also, you’ll find Bose 273W amplifier and 10 speakers, including a subwoofer.
Lastly, there’s the range-topping Asaki model with a 360-degree parking camera, 7.0-inch TFT instruments, adaptive LED headlights, and expanded cabin ambient LED lightning. The Asaki adds ventilated front seats, Dark Russel or Pure White Nappa leather trim and premium steering wheel stitching.
Engines
Under the hood of 2021 Mazda CX-8 will be the familiar 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. This unit is good for 140 kW (187 hp) and 252 Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque. This mill is only available with the FWD configuration and it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The CX-8 is mostly seen as an urban-focused family crossover. Therefore, the company decides to include the petrol engine option as well. The 2.2-liter twin-turbo diesel with FWD or AWD produces the same output as the 2.5-liter unit. But, the torque is far greater – 450 Nm (331 lb-ft).
2021 Mazda CX-8 Price and Competition
2021 Mazda CX-8 offers four different trim levels: Sport, Touring, GT Diesel, and Asaki. Each version comes with petrol or diesel, and front-or all-wheel drive. As for the prices, Sport Petrol FWD starts just below $40,000. But, if you want Sport with a diesel engine and AWD, the price will be around $7,000 higher. Next, the Touring Petrol FWD comes for $46,800 ( Diesel/AWD $53,800). The GT model offers an only diesel engine and starts at $58,000 (FWD).
The all-wheel setup raises the price for $4,000. The most expensive version of the 2021 CX-8 is Asaki, with a starting price of $61,700 (FWD). The Asaki also comes with an only diesel engine under the hood. The AWD version costs $4,000 more as well. The main rivals of the upcoming Mazda’s 3-row SUV will be Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and Honda Pilot. The booking for the new model will start very soon, while the release date is scheduled for the end of the year. As we mentioned in the first paragraph, CX-8 won’t be available in North America.