Mazda CX-8: Exceptional Reliability and What Owners Need to Know

Introduction

The Mazda CX-8 is a striking mid-size crossover SUV that has been turning heads since its introduction. With its bold styling featuring a prominent front grille and sleek body lines, this seven-seater SUV competes effectively in the family vehicle segment while maintaining Mazda's reputation for driver engagement and premium feel. Despite flying somewhat under the radar compared to its competitors, the CX-8 offers exceptional value with its combination of stylish design, practical interior space, and renowned Mazda reliability.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a detailed look at what makes the Mazda CX-8 special, examine its strong points, address potential maintenance considerations, and provide valuable tips to help owners maintain their vehicle in top condition for years to come.

Striking Exterior Design

The CX-8 immediately commands attention with its bold styling. The front features a large, distinctive grille that serves as the centerpiece of Mazda's "KODO: Soul of Motion" design philosophy. This approach has been cultivated since 2012 and still maintains significant visual impact today. The elegant proportions and flowing lines give the CX-8 a more premium appearance than many competitors.

The CX-8's exterior styling manages to balance form and function, offering excellent visibility while maintaining its sporty character. The large wheel arches and bold character lines create a sense of motion even when the vehicle is stationary. The thin headlights featuring LED technology provide both excellent illumination and contribute to the vehicle's distinctive face.

Premium Interior Experience

Step inside the CX-8 and you're greeted with a thoughtfully designed interior that punches above its weight class. The dashboard features a minimalist design with rounded, flat surfaces that create a sense of width and space. High-quality materials are used throughout, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas and attractive trim pieces that elevate the overall ambiance.

The interior is available in both six and seven-seat configurations. The six-seat option features second-row captain's chairs with either a passage between them for third-row access or a center console offering additional storage and armrests. This configuration is particularly appealing for families seeking a more premium feel.

The 7-inch infotainment system (upgraded to 12.3-inch in newer models) supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, allowing seamless integration with smartphones. The instrument cluster features three clearly legible round dials that provide essential information at a glance.

Powertrain Options

The CX-8 comes equipped with a choice of engines depending on the market and model year:

1. 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G naturally aspirated petrol engine producing approximately 140kW (187hp) and 252Nm of torque
2. 2.5-liter turbocharged Skyactiv-G petrol engine with higher output
3. 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine delivering 140kW (187hp) and impressive 450Nm of torque

All engines come paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is sourced from Aisin and is based on the U660 design, known for its durability and refined operation. Depending on the specification, the CX-8 is available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.

Exceptional Engine Reliability

The 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine has proven to be remarkably reliable since its introduction. The engine features an aluminum block, direct injection, and a timing chain rather than a belt. The timing chain is designed to last up to 200,000 kilometers without replacement, significantly reducing maintenance requirements.

The engine operates with a 10.5:1 compression ratio, balancing performance and efficiency. Unlike some of Mazda's naturally aspirated engines, the turbocharged variant does not operate on the Miller cycle, which contributes to its more straightforward operation and maintenance.

In the turbo engine variant, the exhaust gases are directed to the turbocharger through an innovative "4-3-1" exhaust manifold design. This configuration merges four channels into three, and then into one common outlet after the turbocharger. This engineering approach improves exhaust flow and prevents back pressure from gases expelled by adjacent cylinders.

The turbocharger itself features a unique design with three intake valves for the hot section, which is unusual compared to the typical one or two channels found in most turbochargers. Each of these three channels is further divided into a very narrow passage and a full-size passage that can be closed by a separate flap. This sophisticated system effectively varies the cross-section of the channels through which gases pass into the turbine.

For the turbocharged engine, the geometry flap opens via a vacuum actuator, while the bypass valve in the hot section of the turbocharger operates using an electromechanical servo drive. This complex but effective system contributes to the engine's responsive power delivery across a wide range of operating conditions.

Transmission Reliability and Maintenance

The six-speed automatic transmission used in the CX-8 is generally reliable and durable, but proper maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity. One of the most important aspects of transmission care is preventing overheating, which can significantly reduce its lifespan.

The transmission uses a heat exchanger to maintain proper operating temperatures. It's advisable to replace the original heat exchanger at around 100,000 kilometers and consider adding a separate auxiliary ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) cooling radiator for additional protection, especially if the vehicle is frequently used for towing or in hot climates.

The central support bearing in the transmission can develop play under high loads, which can eventually affect the clutch packs. Additionally, aggressive driving can accelerate wear on the friction elements in the low-range drum.

For optimal transmission longevity, it's recommended to partially change the transmission fluid every 50,000 kilometers, using approximately five liters of FZ-type fluid. The transmission filter is accessible by removing the pan and should be replaced every other fluid change.

All-Wheel Drive System

The CX-8's all-wheel drive system utilizes an electromagnetic clutch to engage the rear axle when needed. This on-demand system primarily operates in front-wheel drive mode during normal driving conditions to maximize fuel efficiency, but automatically sends power to the rear wheels when slippage is detected or during dynamic driving situations.

After approximately 100,000 kilometers, the electromagnetic clutch may begin to produce noise, even if the vehicle has never been driven off-road. This occurs due to wear in both support bearings within the clutch as the lubricant dries out and is mixed with wear particles from the friction pack.

A more common issue can be water ingress into the clutch. The clutch has a drain tube on the right side connected to a hose that extends to the lowest point of the trunk floor on the right side. This tube can allow water that collects in the trunk (from spills or leaks) to flow directly into the clutch. Additionally, the differential breather is located at the rear top and can draw in water if the vehicle stands in deep water for some time.

If an all-wheel drive error appears on the instrument panel, it may indicate a broken power wire to the electromagnetic clutch solenoid. This typically breaks at the root but is a repairable issue.

The rear differential may develop noise due to wear in its four bearings: a pair of bearings for the input shaft and a pair of identical bearings for the drive gear. The original bearings are ball-type rather than roller-type, and their quality could be better. A reliable sign of differential bearing wear, besides noise, is oil leakage past the seals of the rear drive axles.

For better longevity, consider upgrading to high-quality roller bearings during any repair of the rear differential. It's also good practice to change the oil in both the front and rear differentials, using a one-liter bottle of Mazda SG1 oil, which is sufficient for both units.

Brake System Considerations

Some CX-8 owners have experienced issues with brake disc warping. The original factory brake discs can be somewhat weak and may deform after one or two hard braking events at high highway speeds.

There are several aftermarket options for more durable non-original brake discs that offer better resistance to warping under high-temperature conditions. Some particularly performance-minded CX-8 owners have upgraded to six-piston brake mechanisms for improved stopping power and heat resistance.

Suspension Durability

The CX-8's suspension system is generally robust, with no significant weak points. However, due to the vehicle's substantial weight, suspension components tend to wear faster than those on the lighter CX-5 model.

The original front control arm costs more than aftermarket alternatives, but third-party ball joints are available for around one-third of the original price. The front control arm bushings can also be replaced separately.

Front stabilizer links typically last around 40,000 kilometers before requiring replacement. The rear suspension uses four arms, with bushings for the upper wishbone arms available separately. The longitudinal arms come as complete assemblies.

Hub bearings for the CX-8 are only available as original equipment, with no aftermarket alternatives. Front hub bearings are more expensive than rear ones and may need replacement at around 100,000 kilometers, especially if the owner frequently drives at speeds significantly above 120 km/h.

Safety Features

The CX-8 comes well-equipped with advanced safety features as part of Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite. These include:

1. Adaptive cruise control
2. Autonomous emergency braking
3. Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
4. Blind-spot monitoring
5. Rear cross-traffic alert
6. Driver attention alert
7. Automatic high beam control

Higher trim levels add front parking sensors, 360-degree camera views, and additional driver assistance features. The CX-8 includes curtain airbags that extend to protect third-row passengers, an important safety consideration for family buyers that some competitors overlook.

Practical Interior Space

The CX-8 offers impressive interior space with its three-row configuration. With all seats in place, the cargo area provides 209 liters of storage space, expanding significantly when the third row is folded down.

The second row can be configured either as a bench seat for three passengers or as captain's chairs for two, with the latter offering a more premium feel and easier access to the third row. The third row offers reasonable space for average-sized adults on shorter journeys, making it more practical than some competitors.

Conclusion: A Worthy Family SUV Choice

The Mazda CX-8 represents an excellent choice for families seeking a stylish, well-built, and reliable three-row SUV. Its combination of premium design, thoughtful interior packaging, and robust mechanicals makes it a compelling alternative to more mainstream options. While it does have some maintenance considerations, proper care and attention to the issues outlined in this article will help ensure many years of trouble-free ownership.

With its balance of driving enjoyment, practicality, and reliability, the CX-8 continues to uphold Mazda's reputation for creating vehicles that appeal to both the head and the heart. For those in the market for a seven-seat SUV with a touch of sophistication, the CX-8 deserves serious consideration.

Owner's Quick Tips

1. Consider applying protective film to the front of the vehicle to prevent stone chips
2. Replace the transmission heat exchanger at around 100,000 km
3. Change transmission fluid every 50,000 km
4. Consider upgrading to more durable aftermarket brake discs
5. Check the rear differential and AWD clutch for signs of water ingress if stored in wet conditions
6. Inspect suspension components during regular service intervals
7. Keep the infotainment system software updated for best performance

By following these recommendations and maintaining a regular service schedule, CX-8 owners can enjoy many years of reliable operation from this sophisticated and practical family SUV.

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