Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-8
What's the difference?

Kia Sportage

$29,999 - $64,220

2025 price

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Mazda CX-8

$24,880 - $47,900

2023 price

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Summary

2025 Kia Sportage

2023 Mazda CX-8

By Andrew Chesterton

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.2L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

8.1L/100km (combined)

6.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Svelte styling
Sorted ride
Spacious backseat and boot

Practical family features
Luxe factors throughout
Easy-as-pie to drive

Dislikes

Slightly weird slow-speed steering
Feels under-specced in cheaper grades
Short and expensive service intervals for hybrid

Misses out on a 360-degree view camera system
Expensive compared to similarly specified rivals
Low number of airbags for family SUV

2025 Kia Sportage Summary

An updated Sportage is a big deal for Kia. It's the brand's best-selling model in Australia and around the world, and arguably has never faced more and stiffer competition.

There's a new Mazda CX-5 around the corner, this time with a hybrid, and Toyota has just whipped the covers off its new RAV4. And that's before you mention Hyundai, Volkswagen, Honda or the litany of Chinese newcomers all here for slice of the pie.

Kia tells us this mid-life update is designed to look better, drive better, offer better tech, better safety and better equipment right across a vast range that includes petrol, diesel, hybrid, two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, turbo and non-turbo alike.

So the question is, is all of that enough to keep the Sportage fresh in the face of all this new competition? Let's go find out.

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2023 Mazda CX-8 Summary

Mazda has a tendency to have a lot of similar looking horses in the stable; blink and you'll miss the (very) subtle differences between the CX-8 and the CX-9 but if you're not super keen on the bulk of the CX-9 and you've outgrown the space of the CX-5... this one's for you.

Especially, if you've been considering its competition - the Hyundai Santa Fe Elite CRDi AWD and Toyota Kluger GXL AWD. Both of which have become known for their features and space.

So, how does it compare? The CX-8 GT SP diesel all-wheel drive seats seven, has a decent boot space (albeit, when the third row isn't in use) and handles like a dream.

Perfect combination? Maybe. I've been driving it for the last week with my family to find out for you.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Kia Sportage 2023 Mazda CX-8

Verdict

The Sportage still feels like a super solid offering in its segment, plus the addition of more hybrid options is only going to help.

It does feel a little under-specced in the lower grades, though, considering the everything-and-the-kitchen-sink approach taken by its Chinese rivals.

I feel like I should almost whisper this bit, given it's a dirty word at the moment, but that diesel engine, it's a real peach, and if I wasn't afraid of being run out of Sydney's inner west with pitchforks, that's probably the one I'd be choosing.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

So, what did my family think about the Mazda CX-8 GT SP diesel all-wheel drive? I love how it performs on the road - it's super easy to drive and you don't notice how large it is in a car park.

There are some great family-friendly features scattered throughout and I like how practical this is too with the extra seats and top-tether points. The multimedia system isn’t my favourite and I would have preferred to have seen a few extra airbags and a 360-degree view camera, but overall, it’s a good family car and gets an 8.0/10 from me.

My son loved the sun blinds and the cool colour of the seats. He also gives it an 8.0/10.

Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-8
What's the difference?