The most detailed Mazda CX-8 2024 car review

The upgraded Mazda CX-8 2024 continues to assert its position in the 7-seater SUV segment, with core values that are difficult for any rival to surpass Top-notch spaciousness, impressive fuel economy and smoothness in every movement. This is still an ideal choice for families who value the economic factor without wanting to trade comfort or driving experience.

Although it is called an "upgrade", the 2024 Mazda CX-8 actually only has minor tweaks in design and equipment, which are difficult to recognize at first glance. However, this "conservatism" of Mazda and THACO Auto is not without reason. When considering the actual needs of customers: an SUV with leading space in the price range, optimal operating costs, reliable durability and finishing quality close to the high-end segment, Mazda CX-8 continues to hold the position of "No. 2 challenger" in the segment. where no name is confident enough to occupy the No. 1 spot. Exterior of the 2024 Mazda CX-8 The 2024 Mazda CX-8 remains faithful to the famous KODO design language, bringing a luxurious, attractive and sophisticated overall. When viewed horizontally, the body of the CX-8 gives the impression of a much more long range than competitors such as Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, thanks to a slightly longer length of 70-90mm. This is an advantage that helps the CX-8 score points in a balanced and classy appearance. Compared to the previous version, the changes on the exterior of the 2024 Mazda CX-8 focus on details such as the front and rear light clusters, grille, as well as the design of the rear trunk. Specifically, the front and rear light clusters are refreshed with two hook-shaped LED daytime positioning LED strips, creating synchronization with the design language of new generation Mazda models such as CX-5, CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90. This detail not only brings a modern appearance but also increases brand recognition for the CX-8.

The 2024 Mazda CX-8 is still equipped with the Intelligent Adaptive Lighting (ALH) system, an advanced technology that automatically detects the vehicle in front of it to adjust the lighting intensity and direction accordingly. In actual operation, this system works sensitively and accurately, helping to minimize glare for oncoming vehicles while ensuring good visibility for the driver. However, a regrettable point is that the 2024 CX-8 is not yet equipped with yellow light fog lights, which will create a disadvantage when traveling through mountain passes with thick fog. Practical proof in the dense foggy weather conditions in Ba Vi, with visibility reduced to only 5-10 meters, this shortcoming has been clearly revealed and affected the safe driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-8 is still equipped with the Intelligent Adaptive Lighting (ALH) system, an advanced technology that automatically detects the vehicle in front of it to adjust the lighting intensity and direction accordingly. In actual operation, this system works sensitively and accurately, helping to minimize glare for oncoming vehicles while ensuring good visibility for the driver. However, a regrettable point is that the 2024 CX-8 is not yet equipped with yellow light fog lights, which will create a disadvantage when traveling through mountain passes with thick fog. Practical proof in the dense foggy weather conditions in Ba Vi, with visibility reduced to only 5-10 meters, this shortcoming has been clearly revealed and affected the safe driving experience.

At the rear, the 2024 Mazda CX-8 has a notable refinement: the chrome bar connecting the two taillight clusters is now shorter, no longer "deepening" into the lamp cluster like the old version. This change helps the rear of the car become neater and more harmonious, creating a delicate feature for the overall exterior. The 2024 Mazda CX-8 shows ingenuity in maintaining the core design language, while adding modern details to create a new look without losing its own identity. Although the changes are not too big, they are enough to meet the aesthetic and practical needs of users in the 7-seat SUV segment. Interior of Mazda CX-8 2024 Entering the interior space, the Mazda CX-8 brings a sense of comfort and fullness with a design towards the philosophy of "Jinba Ittai" – the perfect connection between people and vehicles. All control clusters are driver-focused, with a well-thought-out layout to optimize the user experience. The steering wheel has a snug fit, and the spacing and dimensions are all fine-tuned for a comfortable grip and easy handling. The highlight in the cockpit is the 10-inch central entertainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, accompanied by a 10-speaker Bose sound system that brings vivid sound quality. The screen is designed to be slightly tilted towards the driver, making it convenient to observe and operate. A commendable detail is that this touch screen only works when the car is in a stopped state (P gear) or moving less than 10 km/h. This helps to enhance driving safety, avoiding the driver from being distracted.

The Mazda CX-8 has a wheelbase of up to 2,930mm, 115mm more than its two direct rivals, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. This size provides ample interior space in every seating position, especially the third row. All CX-8 versions are upholstered in high-quality Nappa leather, bringing a smooth and pleasant feeling to users. However, this leather material has the disadvantage of being easy to wrinkle after a period of use, requiring users to take more careful care. In terms of comfort, the front seats are equipped with power adjustment, the driver's seat integrates two-position memory. The second row of seats not only has air conditioning vents, but also has the ability to adjust the temperature independently, providing comfort for passengers. Both front and second rows of seats are integrated with heating, enhancing comfort in cold weather conditions. Mazda also added sunshades to the second row of seats, increasing privacy and comfort.

In particular, the third row of seats of the Mazda CX-8 scores points thanks to the spacious space, which is enough for a 1m75 tall person to sit comfortably on long journeys – something that not many 7-seater SUVs in the same segment can do. Overall, the 2024 Mazda CX-8 owns a delicately designed interior compartment, focusing on the user experience, meeting both the needs of comfort and functionality for a high-end family SUV. Mazda CX-8 2024 operates stably and strongly The 2024 Mazda CX-8 remains loyal to the naturally aspirated 2.5L gasoline engine instead of following the trend of small-displacement or hybrid turbocharged engines. This choice not only brings durability and stability but also creates an emotional driving experience, which lovers of purity in operation always appreciate. This engine produces 188 horsepower and 252 Nm of torque, which is enough to deliver fast and confident acceleration. In fact, when operating, the engine's response is almost instant every time the accelerator is pressed. In the low speed range or in situations where sudden acceleration is required, such as on Thang Long Boulevard, the CX-8 clearly shows its power. The acceleration from 60km/h to 100km/h is smooth, there is no sense of lag, ensuring that every overtaking is fast and safe. One of the valuable features on the 2024 Mazda CX-8 is the Highway Driver Assistance System (CTS) of the i-Activsense safety technology package. When activated, the system automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front by following its speed. This feature not only helps reduce stress for drivers on long journeys, but also enhances safety when traveling on highways. The driver can customize the distance to the vehicle in front of him on many levels, from near to far. If the car in front of you slows down, the CX-8 will also automatically slow down to ensure a safe distance. In case the car in front moves too far, the car will turn

In addition to impressive performance, the multi-point independent suspension system on the Mazda CX-8 is also a big plus. This system has been fine-tuned to balance stiffness and smoothness. Although the change is small, it brings a clear difference. When moving through the bridge abutments on the highway, the unpleasant "thud" sound almost disappeared. On winding steep passes such as going to the top of Ba Vi, the suspension system shows certainty, minimizing horizontal swaying or floating. This not only helps the driver confidently hug the crab but also brings comfort to passengers in all positions. However, the Mazda CX-8 still has a small point that is not really optimal: the car is not equipped with a gear shift lever on the steering wheel. With continuously steep passes, the gear shift lever will be an effective support tool for drivers to better control their speed when going down the pass. The principle of "which gear up, which gear down" is always a lesson in the heart of every driver, and having a gear shift lever helps this operation become fast, minimizing the risk of falling out