Skoda Kodiaq vs Mazda CX-8
What's the difference?

Skoda Kodiaq

$37,790 - $77,490

2025 price

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Mazda CX-8

$24,880 - $47,900

2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Summary

2025 Skoda Kodiaq

2023 Mazda CX-8

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.2L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

9.2L/100km (combined)

6.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Generous feature list for a base model
Clever, family friendly touches
Comfortable ride with solid cabin space

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

Dislikes

Engine can feel flat under pressure
Glitchy infotainment and climate controls
Reversing camera quality isn’t great

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

2025 Skoda Kodiaq Summary

In the eight years it’s been in our market, the Skoda Kodiaq large SUV has only seen modest updates, but the second-generation seven-seater marks a firm step forward.

You still get all of the clever practicality that Skoda is known for, but it now features a (slightly) sharper design, a raft of new features, improved technology and more room inside.

This week, my family of three has been living with the base 140TSI Select variant to find out whether this understated contender deserves more attention and if its rivals should start to worry.

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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

2025 Skoda Kodiaq 2023 Mazda CX-8

Verdict

The new Skoda Kodiaq Select 140TSI is a quiet achiever. It may not be as flashy as some of its rivals, and the engine won’t knock your socks off, but it delivers where it counts. This is a well-rounded seven-seater that’s comfortable, practical and cleverly equipped with more standard features than you’d typically expect from a base grade. If you’re after a family SUV that flies under the radar but ticks all the right boxes, the Kodiaq deserves a close look.

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.

Skoda Kodiaq vs Mazda CX-8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Skoda Kodiaq vs Mazda CX-8
What's the difference?