2023 Mazda CX-8 gets a minor makeover, due in Australia next year

The 2023 Mazda CX-8 family SUV has been given a mild mid-life makeover, scheduled to arrive in Australian showrooms from next March.

The Mazda CX-8’s grille has a new mesh pattern with a wider chrome surround, similar to the upcoming Mazda CX-60 flagship SUV.

The front bumper restyle is in line with the recently-facelifted Mazda CX-5, with softer curves and fewer lines. 

The updated Mazda CX-8 is equipped with adaptive headlights, with slimmer housings incorporating 20 high-beam LEDs (up from 12) as well as a pair of L-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The Mazda CX8’s rear bumper has been widened at its edges, while the tail-lights also now have an L-shaped LED signature.

According to Mazda Australia, all grades of the updated CX-8 will be equipped with the company’s latest 10.25-inch infotainment screen (previously 8.0-inch in Sport, Touring and Touring SP) which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will remain, with smartphones now capable of connecting to the system through a USB-C port.

The 2023 Mazda CX-8 is also due to gain a 7.0-inch digital instrument display as standard (previously exclusive to Asaki and Asaki LE variant). 

Additional standard equipment includes USB-C ports for front-row occupants and a key-fob activated window control system.

The Japanese car-maker claims it has reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) inside the updated CX-8 cabin.

All-wheel-drive, diesel-powered CX-8 grades will be able to select between three driving modes – Normal, Sport and Off-Road – through Mazda’s ‘Mi Drive’ system.

At present, the Mazda CX-8 is powered by a choice of two engines in Australia – a 140kW/252Nm 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol and a 140kW/450Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder.

Both engines are paired to identical six-speed automatic transmissions, however petrol grades are exclusively front-wheel drive while all-wheel drive is only available with the diesel engine.

Mazda Australia is yet to confirm local pricing for the updated CX-8.

In Australia, the Mazda CX-8 is today priced from $39,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level CX-8 Sport petrol variant, with the diesel-powered equivalent starting from $46,990 before on-road costs.

The 2023 Mazda CX-8 is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms next March.