Tesla Model Y vs Mazda CX-8

What's the difference?

VS
Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y

$55,900 - $89,400

2025 price

Mazda CX-8
Mazda CX-8

$29,998 - $57,999

2023 price

Summary

2025 Tesla Model Y
2023 Mazda CX-8
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Not Applicable, 0.0L

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.2L
Fuel Type
Electric

Diesel
Fuel Efficiency
0.0L/100km (combined)

6.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

7
Dislikes
  • Drive mode selector is silly
  • Warranty below average
  • Feels very heavy when pushed

  • Misses out on a 360-degree view camera system
  • Expensive compared to similarly specified rivals
  • Low number of airbags for family SUV
2025 Tesla Model Y Summary

I don’t think I’m overselling it to say that this is the car that could make or break Tesla in Australia and around the world. 

Crazy, right? That seemed impossible not so long ago, back when the brand appeared untouchable. But new competition, largely from China, plus the giant Musk-shaped elefant (it is German for elephant…) in the room, has seen sales and profit plummet.

Just last month, for example, the Tesla Model Y lost its best-seller crown in Australia to BYD, admittedly in the weeks before the new 'Juniper' version arrived.

The point is, a new version of its biggest seller is a Very Big Deal. But have they changed enough, and changed it well enough, to cut through the noise?

We put the cheapest variant, the Tesla Model Y RWD, to the test to find out.

View full pricing & specs
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 Tesla Model Y 2023 Mazda CX-8

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