For 2023, the contemporary, yet edgy design is further enhanced by the redesigned gun metallic front grille with interlocking elements, front bumper chrome garnish, bright silver 19-inch alloy wheels, and large dual tail pipes. New tailgate badging, in Mazda font, completes the exterior changes.

Two different seating configurations, a six- or seven-seater, are available depending on the variant. This allows customers to prioritize space or numbers, depending on their needs. Furthermore, the seats can be adjusted and folded down in a variety of arrangements to accommodate items of different sizes. The cabin is quiet enough that conversation is possible between the first and third rows, making the trip enjoyable for all passengers.

For an elegant look, meticulous consideration was given in choosing the interior color and material. Standard across the line-up are Deep Red nappa leather seats and Sen Wood interior accents. Other additional comfort features include an electric glass sunroof, a 7-inch LCD Instrument Cluster Meter, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, two additional USB ports in the third row, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The CX-8 features a carryover powertrain: a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G mated to a 6-speed automatic with manual shift mode and cruise control making 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 252 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite its carryover powertrain, it does have enhanced handling thanks to G-Vectoring Control Plus or GVC+. By applying a light braking force to the outer wheel when turning, it improves the stability during and after cornering or when changing lanes. 

The top-of-the-line CX-8 AWD Exclusive also includes Off-Road Traction Assist. The system simulates having a locking differential by automatically reducing the engine torque and increasing the braking force on the wheels without traction while simultaneously transferring power to the wheels still on the ground.

Now standard on the 2023 CX-8 is i-Activsense. Supporting safety and peace of mind are essential ingredients for a truly enjoyable driving experience, influencing Mazda’s decision to equip the driver assist system across the CX-8 line-up. These include: Smart City Brake Support – Forward (SCBS-F) which automatically applies the brakes at speeds of 4 to 30 km/h when it detects obstacles; Smart City Brake Support – Rear (SCBC-R) which automatically applies the brakes when reversing at low speeds (up to 8 km/h) when it detects obstacles; High Beam Control (HBC) which switches between high- and low beams for better night time visibility without blinding other drivers; and Driver Attention Alert (DAA) which detects driver fatigue and drowsiness by monitoring vehicle movement. The CX-8 AWD Exclusive also adds the convenience of Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC).

The new Mazda CX-8 is available in seven colors: Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl, and two new shades: Platinum Quartz Metallic and Polymetal Gray Metallic.

There are the two variants: the CX-8 2.5L Signature FWD 7-Seater priced at P 2,330,000 and the CX-8 2.5L AWD Exclusive 6-Seater priced at P 2,490,000. Like all new Mazda vehicles, it’s bundled with a 5-year Free Service Plan inclusive of labor, parts, and lubricants.