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

Land Rover Discovery

$117,000 - $147,000

2026 price

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Mazda CX-8

$24,880 - $47,900

2023 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Land Rover Discovery

2023 Mazda CX-8

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.2L

Fuel Type

—

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

—

6.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Smooth and effortless power
Composed ride and handling
Elegant but strong capability

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

Dislikes

Technology often frustrates
Cabin lacks a distinct personality
Cramped middle row for segment

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 Discovery Summary

Land Rover has launched a 35th Anniversary Edition of the Discovery, a seven-seat model that’s been a familiar sight on Australian roads for decades. Sitting in the large SUV category, it’s up against a fiercely contested field where the Lexus GX and Toyota LandCruiser Prado are household favourites.

The special edition lands squarely in the middle of that pack, a space that demands serious capability and comfort while still delivering a sense of occasion.

So the question is, does it manage to do all three?

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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 Discovery 2023 Mazda CX-8

Verdict

The Land Rover Discovery 35th Anniversary Edition drives beautifully, with effortless power and a composed, comfortable ride. It’s elegant and well-equipped for its price, though the technology often frustrates, and it’s not as spacious as some seven-seater rivals. Small quirks in everyday use prevent it from fully standing out in a competitive segment but it does enough to be considered.

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 Discovery vs Mazda CX-8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

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