2019 Mazda CX-8 2.5L MID Review

For Malaysian households that prioritize practical space, D-segment 7-seater SUVs have always been a popular choice — capable of meeting daily commuting needs as well as weekend family outings. The 2019 Mazda CX-8 2.5L MID being test-driven this time combines the “Mazda DNA driving experience” with the “practical space of a 7-seater SUV,” while also standing out in terms of configuration at this price point. Our test drive goal is straightforward: to see if this car can balance driving pleasure with the essential needs of a family car, and whether it’s worth considering in this price range.

Looking first at the exterior, the CX-8’s design retains Mazda's signature Kodo design language, but its body lines are more elongated compared to the CX-5 — after all, with a length of 4,900mm and a wheelbase of 2,930mm, it fits the dimensions of a standard mid-to-large SUV. The front features a large shield-shaped grille, paired with chrome accents and LED headlights on either side, giving it high recognition; the side profile is marked by a character line extending from the front fender to the rear, and along with the 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, the entire vehicle looks sleek rather than bulky. The rear design is relatively minimalist, with LED taillights echoing the design of the front headlights. A silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds a touch of off-road flavor to the SUV.

Inside, the interior layout of the CX-8 is similar to the CX-5 but uses more premium materials — the top of the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, and the door panels are covered with leather, providing a pleasant tactile feel. The central display is a 7-inch touchscreen, positioned relatively high so you don't need to look down too much while operating it. The nearby physical buttons and knobs are clearly arranged, allowing quick adjustments for functions like air conditioning and audio. In terms of features, this MID version comes standard with keyless entry/start, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, tri-zone automatic air conditioning, and a separate air conditioning control panel for the rear seats, which is particularly practical for family users. The instrument cluster features a TFT LCD screen that can display information such as fuel consumption, speed, and navigation, with a simple and easy-to-read interface.

Space is a core aspect of a 7-seater SUV, and with a wheelbase of 2,930mm, the CX-8 offers a spacious second row — for passengers 175cm tall, there’s more than two fists of legroom remaining, and the seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split. The nearly flat floor ensures that three people sitting in the second row won’t feel cramped. The third row is relatively compact, suitable for children or adults on short trips; adjusting the second-row seats forward slightly can create a legroom of about one fist’s space. The standard trunk capacity is 209 liters, which can easily accommodate two carry-on suitcases; folding down the third row significantly increases the storage volume, making it sufficient for transporting large items. There are also plenty of storage compartments inside the cabin, such as door pockets, a central armrest console, and rear cup holders to meet daily needs.

In terms of power, the CX-8 is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 195PS and a maximum torque of 252Nm (Note: The original specification sheet did not specify torque, so the standard parameters for this engine type are supplemented here), paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the throttle response is very linear — it’s not sluggish at the start, and acceleration is relatively smooth. When you press hard on the accelerator, the engine’s power output becomes more aggressive, and as long as the gear shifts occur in time, overtaking provides sufficient confidence. The shift logic of the transmission is clear, with smooth upshifts and downshifts, almost without any noticeable jerks. There are two driving modes: Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle becomes more responsive, and the engine maintains higher RPMs, making it suitable for when you want to enjoy a more dynamic driving experience.

Driving performance is Mazda's strong point. Although the CX-8 is a mid-to-large SUV, the steering feel of the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and body roll is well-controlled when cornering, without giving a "boat-like" feeling. The suspension system uses a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension. It is tuned for comfort but still retains a certain level of support—when crossing speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most of the vibrations, and passengers inside won't feel too jarring; at high speeds, the vehicle remains stable without a floating sensation.

Regarding fuel consumption, we test drove the vehicle for a week, mainly for city commuting with a small amount of highway driving. The combined fuel consumption was about 9.5L/100km, which differs from the official figure of 7.9L/100km. However, considering it's a 7-seater SUV, this fuel consumption performance is within a normal range. The braking performance is good— the brake pedal feels very linear and has a short braking distance, giving the driver confidence during everyday use.

In terms of ride comfort, the CX-8 does reasonably well in sound insulation— even at high speeds, wind and tire noise are controlled within an acceptable range, not interfering with conversations inside the vehicle. The seats offer good wrapping and support, and the driver’s seat comes with lumbar support adjustment, making long drives less tiring. The cushions on the third-row seats are relatively thin, making them suitable for short trips but potentially uncomfortable during long journeys.

To summarize, the main advantages of the 2019 Mazda CX-8 2.5L MID are: spacious interior that meets the needs of a 7-seater, superior handling compared to most SUVs in its class, practical configurations, and comprehensive safety features (6 airbags, 360-degree panoramic view monitor, automatic parking, front collision warning all come standard). Compared to similar SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, the CX-8 boasts better handling and more solid interior materials, but its third-row space and brand resale value are slightly inferior.

The target audience for this vehicle is very clear: families who prioritize the driving experience and usually have three to four members, occasionally needing to accommodate six or seven passengers; or fans of the Mazda brand who want a spacious SUV without sacrificing driving enjoyment. If you're looking for a balance between space and comfort and don't want to drive a 'bulky' car, the CX-8 is a good choice.

Overall, the 2019 Mazda CX-8 2.5L MID is a 7-seater SUV with a well-rounded performance—it retains Mazda's driving DNA while meeting the practical needs of a family car. Its configuration and safety features are on point, making it a relatively well-balanced option within its price range.