Mazda CX-8 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-8

$24,880 - $47,900

2023 price

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Hyundai Ioniq 5

$42,449 - $88,950

2024 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

2023 Mazda CX-8

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5

By Emily Agar

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.2L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Diesel

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.0L/100km (combined)

Electric range

500 km

Energy consumption

18.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

84.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Refinement
Safety
Still looks great

Dislikes

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

Awkward exterior door handles
No spare wheel
Big turning circle

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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2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Summary

What is it about single letters and performance cars?

BMW has M, Volkswagen has R, Lexus has F, and with only 23 choices left Hyundai opted for N - which stands for Namyang, site of the brand’s sprawling proving ground and development centre in South Korea, and Nurburgring, the famous German racing circuit where its performance cars are fine-tuned.

And like BMW M Sport, VW R-Line and Lexus F Sport, the Korean giant has N Line as a ‘lite’ option. Sporty models that add a little more punch and visual flair without crossing the line into hardcore hot-rod territory.

And this is one its latest examples, the pure-electric Ioniq 5 SUV in top-spec Epiq AWD trim and equipped with the N Line Option Pack as well as the tricky Digital Mirror Pack.

In this configuration it slots into the $90K price band, which means it has a lot to live up to in terms of performance, safety, driving dynamics, value and more.

So, stay with us to see if this premium five-seater is the kind of sporty EV SUV that gets your heart racing.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mazda CX-8 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5

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 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Epiq N-Line AWD leverages an electric powertrain’s best attributes brilliantly well.

It’s ultra smooth and comfortable with ample performance and great dynamics thanks in part to this car’s N Line spec.

Its price tag pits it against formidable competition from the German Big Three, Tesla and others. But it has what it takes in terms of quality and value to fight that battle. It’s an impressive machine.

Mazda CX-8 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-8 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5
What's the difference?