Mazda CX-8 vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-8

$24,880 - $47,900

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Audi SQ8

—

2025 price

View pricing & specs

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

2023 Mazda CX-8

2025 Audi SQ8

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.2L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.0L/100km (combined)

11.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Understated but elegant looks
Gusty engine that delivers serious power
Comfortably fits a large family

Dislikes

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

Never hits any thrilling notes
Technology is harder than it needs to be
Internal storage could be better

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.

View full pricing & specs

2025 Audi SQ8 Summary

The Audi SQ8 has had a mid-life refresh but this upper large SUV still offers luxury with its powerful V8 engine that fans know and love, as well as the features you would expect in a top model.

It competes against the Mercedes-AMG GLE and Porsche Cayenne but we’re family testing the SQ8 to see how it handles domestic life.

Keep reading to see what we’ve discovered.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2023 Mazda CX-8 2025 Audi SQ8

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.

Verdict

The Audi SQ8 isn’t your typical performance SUV. It’s more refined and less flashy. The tech can be more complicated than it needs to be and if you’re wanting that V8 soundscape, you won’t find it here.

However, the handling and on road experience are superb plus you can comfortably haul the family around and look good doing it.

Mazda CX-8 vs Audi SQ8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-8 vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?