Mazda CX-8 Tow Test Review

Tow testing times

When it comes to serious tow vehicles, there’s only one we’d highly recommend with a Mazda badge: the big-boned BT-50 ute.

It’s a regular favourite with Caravancampingsales’ reviewers for heavy-duty towing jobs involving large caravans and boats, and justifiably is a regular addition to our Top-10 tow vehicles list.

However, Mazda also offers a few other options for those who want a more passenger-friendly, and not quite as burly, tow tug.

Both the mid-size CX-5 and large CX-9 SUVs offer decent towing, with tow ratings of 1800kg and 2000kg respectively. Not quite the BT-50’s 3500kg rating, but good enough for many smaller trailers and lighter towing jobs.

We’ve previously towed a 1600kg caravan behind a petrol-engined CX-9 with no problems, while on another occasion, towing a 1230kg caravan behind a CX-5 delivered a similar stress-free experience.

Diesel promising

Which brings us to Mazda's latest CX-8 seven-seat SUV. Its torquey turbo-diesel engine (the preferred option for towing) and CX-9-matching two tonne towing capacity, should make it at least the equal of its SUV siblings, and we were quietly confident when hitching up a one tonne-plus camper trailer.

The CX-8’s fitted with the optional tow kit, which includes a tow ball, trailer wiring harness and tow ball cover  ($1212.54 fitted). Like the smaller CX-5, the lead for the optional trailer plug is stored in the cubby below the cargo floor, while the adjustable one-piece tow tongue/ball provides a neat look when not being used than most other, more conventional set-ups.

Albeit a brief run, the CX-8 proved quite impressive during our tow test. The lightweight trailer behind didn’t dent performance too much, and the CX-8 maintained sprightly acceleration from the lights as well as decent overtaking ability on the highway.

Not surprisingly it did tend to hold on to gears a bit longer and rev a bit higher when trying to maintain speed up hills, but there was never a need to floor the pedal or threaten the 5000rpm redline. With peak torque of 450Nm arriving at 2000rpm, most gear changes were around 25000rpm, before settling closer to 2000rpm on the highway.

Engine noise – or lack of it – is also impressive for an oiler; apart from some clatter at start up, and a nice throaty burble when accelerating, the CX-8 is almost as serene when towing on the highway as the petrol-powered CX-5.

Placing weight on the tow ball caused only a minor drop in the rear suspension (about 2cm), and the 1957kg (kerb weight) CX-8 remained stable at all times when towing, even at 100km/h.

Decent fuel economy

Fuel economy was another pleasant surprise – even over a stop-start route involving a few hills, the trip computer recorded 14.2L/100km. That compares to around 17-18L/100km when towing a similar weight caravan with the petrol CX-5, and close to 20L/100km when towing a 1600kg caravan with the petrol CX-9.

Unhitched, our average over a week or so of mostly urban commuting and family duties was 9.1L/100km. However, when driven more sedately or doing more freeway miles the figure dropped to 7.0L/100km. At one point, fuel consumption rose above 10L/100km, but that might have been because we were enjoying the CX-8’s performance and dynamic abilities a bit too much...

What does let down the CX-8 when it comes to towing is its low ball weight rating of 100kg. By comparison, the CX-5 has a tow capacity of 1800kg and 150kg maximum ball weight, while the CX-9 has a 2000kg towing limit, with the same ball weight as the CX-5 (150kg).

When asked, a spokesperson for Mazda Australia said: "The reason for the 100kg rating comes down to balance. While CX-8 is a seven seater, it’s also a smaller vehicle than CX-9, so there was a need to balance the weight of seven passengers and an allowance for luggage with the tow ball download."

All-round package

Towing limitations aside, the all-wheel drive CX-8 is an easy car to live with, as a daily commuter or family runabout; it comes well-equipped and comfortable with reasonably sporty handling and a compliant ride.

The 195mm ground clearance and 11.6 turning circle is not unlike the similar-width CX-5, making it stress-free to park, manoeuvre in traffic and do U-turns.

We didn’t take the CX-8 on any dirt roads, but the suspension felt firmer than the more forgiving CX-5 Touring model (with smaller 17in alloys) we drove recently.

The top-spec CX-8 comes with a flashier 19in wheel/tyre set-up. As a result it was less smooth over potholes that a new Santa Fe we drove a week before handled with aplomb. Although the slightly firmer ride is certainly not a deal breaker if you’re considering a CX-8.

There’s no qualms about grip or handling around corners, or steering feel, although there’s slightly more body roll when pushed than the stubbier CX-5. And while the engine/transmission set-up lacks the urgency of some of Mazda’s petrol SUVs, it should be punchy and refined enough for most buyers.

We had no quibbles about the infotainment or driver’s display, although smartphone mirroring would be nice (it’s now available as a $500 dealer retro-fit). The CX-8 also handled family duties well; we had three teenagers in the second row, with no complaints, although the middle second row seat is on the firm side.

The third row’s a bit tighter, but luggage space with the third row up is great; plenty of room for the dog or a big grocery shop.

With a few kilometres under its belt, the only sign of wear and tear on 'our' CX-8 was the optional light Nappa leather upholstery showing some dirt stains. It’s an attractive colour but really needs a good leather cleaner applied every few weeks to keep it nice.

While nit-picking, the built-in, window shades for second row passengers also need a finer mesh to keep out the hot Australian sun. The optional iPad holders fitted to the back of the front seats can also be annoyingly rattly – you can either adjust them regularly or use a special tool to unscrew and remove them when not in use.

Summing up

It's fair to say the CX-8 is a decent tow vehicle, let down by a low tow ball rating. And while not quite as spacious or practical as the CX-9 for carrying a big family, it’s more fun to drive and easier to park.

It will also go further on a tank of fuel than its petrol powered siblings – potentially saving you money in the long run.