Land Rover Defender vs Mazda CX-8
What's the difference?

Land Rover Defender

$96,255 - $325,532

2026 price

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Mazda CX-8

$24,880 - $47,900

2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqb250

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA35

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC300

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Land Rover Defender

2023 Mazda CX-8

By Laura Berry

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V8, 4.4L

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.2L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

13.1L/100km (combined)

6.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Black elements make design even more appealing
Smooth and powerful 4.4L turbo-petrol V8
Practical but super luxurious

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

Dislikes

Quite thirsty
No third-row seating
Annoying speed warning system

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

2026 Land Rover Defender Summary

This feels wrong to say this, but it’s so refreshing not to be driving an electric vehicle. There I said it.

After testing so many EVs lately reviewing a car that has an actual engine is a nice change. And this car definitely has an internal combustion engine - it's the Land Rover Defender Octa Black with a twin-turbo petrol V8.

The Defender Octa is the ultimate form of the 110 Defender. It’s wilder looking, more powerful and more capable, while the Black edition adds darkened elements inside and out for even more visual appeal.

While the Defender Octa Black is special, it’s not alone in a world of high-performance luxury SUVs and its head-to-head rival would be Mercedes-AMG’s G63.

I had the Defender Octa Black for a week and while I didn’t take this beast off-road where it is superbly capable, I put it to the test on some challenging tarmac as well as some challenging real-world family duties.

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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

2026 Land Rover Defender 2023 Mazda CX-8

Verdict

The Land Rover Defender Octa Black could well be the ultimate form of the Defender. There's also the combination of Land Rover style and utility, but with one of the best V8 powerplants gifted to it from BMW. The Black edition adds extra appeal and highlights how stealthily something this good can fly under the radar against rivals like the Mercedes-AMG G63.

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.

Land Rover Defender vs Mazda CX-8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Land Rover Defender vs Mazda CX-8
What's the difference?