Mazda CX-8 vs Ford Everest
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-8

$24,880 - $47,900

2023 price

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Ford Everest

$58,990 - $83,417

2026 price

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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

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Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2023 Mazda CX-8

2026 Ford Everest

By Emily Agar

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.2L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

6.0L/100km (combined)

7.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Comfortable on-road
Capable off-road
Solid value-for-money

Dislikes

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

Doesn't have '4Auto' mode
Doesn't have Rock/Crawl drive mode
Doesn't have a 360-degree camera view

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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2026 Ford Everest Summary

Hold back your tears. The Ford Everest Ambiente and Trend have been dumped and a new variant, the Active, is now the entry-grade in a revamped Everest line-up.

The Active has a newly offered 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which produces less power and torque than the twin-turbo engine it replaces – down 29kW and 95Nm, respectively.

So, does the new engine make the Everest any better or worse on- and off-road? And does it yield improved fuel economy?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mazda CX-8 2026 Ford Everest

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 Ford Everest has always been an impressive 4WD wagon, with useful day-to-day driveability and real off-road capability.

As standard, it has a lot going for it. It’s quiet and refined on-road, very capable off-road and it’s packed with features.

The 2.0-litre single-turbo Active is a solid entry-point into the Everest line-up and, though it lacks the polish of its higher-spec stablemates and doesn’t yield the kind of improvement in fuel economy you might have hoped for, it makes a strong case as a touring vehicle with plenty of aftermarket-build potential.

Mazda CX-8 vs Ford Everest What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-8 vs Ford Everest
What's the difference?