Mazda CX-8 for Sale in Australia

The Mazda CX-8 was built almost exclusively for Australia, New Zealand, and Japan: a three-row family SUV sized to fit tighter car parks and suburban driveways while still seating six or seven. At approximately 175 mm shorter and 130 mm narrower than the Mazda CX-9, the used Mazda CX-8 is one of the very few SUVs in its size class to offer a diesel engine, and the only three-row Mazda available with one. New sales in Australia ended before 2026, making all Mazda CX-8 stock available only on the used market.

Why choose a used Mazda CX-8?

The diesel option is the CX-8's clearest differentiator. The 2.2-litre turbo diesel (140 kW, 450 Nm) returns approximately 5.7–6.0 L/100 km in combined driving, roughly 2 L/100 km better than the petrol equivalent. For families combining regular school runs with longer highway trips, that efficiency advantage compounds meaningfully over time.

Buyers choosing between the CX-8 and the larger used Mazda CX-9 will find the CX-8 easier to park and cheaper to run on the diesel; the CX-9's larger cabin and more powerful engine (170 kW turbo versus 140 kW naturally aspirated petrol) suit buyers who spend more time on the highway and regularly carry a full complement of passengers. For buyers who don't need the third row, the used Mazda CX-5 offers the same Mazda driving character on a five-seat platform with lower running costs.

Alternatives across brands include the used Toyota Kluger and the used Kia Sorento. Neither offers a diesel engine in this size class, which remains the Mazda CX-8's key advantage for efficiency-focused buyers.

All variants of the used Mazda CX-8 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested in 2018. Towing capacity is 2,000 kg braked across the range.

Mazda CX-8 variants and timeline in Australia

The used Mazda CX-8 went on sale in Australia on 1 July 2018, initially as diesel-only with Sport and Asaki variants. A 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (140 kW, 252 Nm) was added in March 2020. The range expanded over the following years before a May 2023 facelift updated styling and revised the grade structure.

Key variant milestones:

• July 2018: Sport and Asaki diesel (all AWD)
• March 2020: Touring and GT added; petrol engine introduced alongside diesel
• March 2021: Touring SP and Asaki LE added; Asaki LE introduced the six-seat captain's chair layout
• May 2023 facelift: Sport, Touring, Touring Active, GT SP, Asaki, Asaki LE

AWD was standard on higher grades. Entry Sport and some Touring variants were available in FWD. All variants seat seven in the standard layout; Asaki LE variants seat six.

What to look for when buying a used Mazda CX-8

Service history is the most important document to check on any used Mazda CX-8, particularly on diesel variants. The 2.2-litre diesel shares a known issue with other Mazda diesel models: DPF regeneration can allow diesel to contaminate the engine oil on vehicles used mainly in stop-start urban conditions. Check the dipstick at inspection: an elevated oil level above the max mark or a faint fuel smell in the oil indicates this has occurred. Ask the seller about typical daily usage, and look for consistent oil change records throughout the service history.

Brake disc warping is a known occurrence on the CX-8 given the relatively thin factory discs. It is worth checking on any example above 80,000 km, and rotor thickness should be inspected at any pre-purchase check. On higher-kilometre diesel variants, turbocharger condition is also worth investigating; any boost hesitation or unusual noise under acceleration warrants further attention before purchase.

On AWD variants above 100,000 km, rear differential bearing wear can produce noise or oil seepage around the axle seals. Occasional infotainment and dashboard glitches have been reported across the range, typically resolved by a dealer software update. Check all warning lights and confirm any outstanding updates have been applied at the time of inspection.

Every used Mazda CX-8 at Carma goes through the NRMA-verified inspection and reconditioning process before listing, with all condition imperfections photographed and disclosed on the vehicle page.

Frequently asked questions

What engines does the Mazda CX-8 come in?

The used Mazda CX-8 is available with two engines: a 2.2-litre turbo diesel (140 kW, 450 Nm, available from the July 2018 launch) and a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (140 kW, 252 Nm, available from March 2020). The diesel returns approximately 5.7–6.0 L/100 km combined; the petrol returns approximately 8.1 L/100 km. All used Mazda CX-8 examples built before March 2020 are diesel.

How many seats does the Mazda CX-8 have?

Most used Mazda CX-8 variants seat seven passengers across three rows. The Asaki LE variant offers a six-seat captain's chair configuration in the second row as an alternative. Buyers wanting the six-seat layout should confirm the specific variant before purchase; it is available on the Asaki LE only. For the full used large SUV range across makes and body styles, Carma has options at multiple price points.

How does the Mazda CX-8 compare to the Mazda CX-9?

The used Mazda CX-8 is approximately 175 mm shorter and 130 mm narrower than the CX-9, making it easier to park and more suited to urban environments. The CX-8 offers a diesel engine that the CX-9 does not. The CX-9 uses a more powerful 2.5-litre turbo petrol (170 kW); the CX-8's petrol is a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated unit producing 140 kW. Buyers prioritising fuel efficiency and compact dimensions favour the CX-8; those wanting more power and interior volume tend to favour the CX-9.

Is the Mazda CX-8 still being made?

No. New sales of the Mazda CX-8 in Australia ended before 2026. The model has been partially succeeded in Mazda's range by the CX-80, which offers plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains in a three-row format. All Mazda CX-8 stock is now available only on the used market.

What is the towing capacity of the Mazda CX-8?

The used Mazda CX-8 has a braked towing capacity of 2,000 kg and 750 kg unbraked across all variants, suitable for towing caravans, horse floats, and mid-size boats. This is consistent across both petrol and diesel variants.

Can I finance a used Mazda CX-8 through Carma?

Yes. Carma's car finance is available across all used Mazda CX-8 models on the platform. Applications are completed online, same-day approval is available, and checking eligibility has no impact on the applicant's credit score. The panel covers four lenders to suit a range of buyer profiles.

The CX-8 was built for a specific brief: three-row capacity in a size that actually fits suburban life. A diesel three-row SUV that parks like a mid-sizer still has no equivalent on the new Australian market. Every used CX-8 at Carma goes through the NRMA-verified inspection and reconditioning process before listing. If you have a car to sell or trade in, find out what it's worth first.