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Best family wagon

The Mazda CX-8 leaps ahead in the family wagon category.

By Samuel Smith
Last updated on: November 15, 2019 at 2:30 am

This year has seen a great result for Mazda’s front-wheel-drive SUVs. Its CX-8 has taken out the top spot and its CX-9 has come in third.

Winner: Mazda CX-8 Sport

Variant: Sport
Engine: 2.2 litre diesel
Transmission: 6-speed auto
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars

The CX-8 leaps ahead in its category.
The CX-8 leaps ahead in its category.

Runners up

Second place went to the Kia Carnival Platinum and the Mazda CX-9 placed third.

What sets it apart from the rest

The volume-selling people mover models tend to be those with higher specifications as buyers prefer to shell out more dollars for vehicles with all the bells and whistles. The Mazda has a huge advantage costing $17,000 less than the Kia Carnival – its closest competitor.

Being large vehicles, none of our competitors will be at home on a race track, but the CX-8 has a surprisingly dynamic ability for its size.

Third row seating will accommodate children with little fuss and there’s room for carting any extras to the sports field on the weekend.

Key features

  • A punchy 2.2 litre diesel engine
  • Plenty of room with 3 rows of seating
  • A modern, sporty design
  • Great value for money
  • A 5 star ANCAP Safety Rating
  • Excellent fuel economy
The 2WD CX-8 Sport has an impressive 5.7L/100km fuel consumption figure.
The 2WD CX-8 Sport has an impressive 5.7L/100km fuel consumption figure.

What it’s like to drive

On-road, the gap narrows between our podium finishers. The CX-8 and Carnival use the same capacity 2.2 litre diesel engine, with a 6-speed auto in the Mazda and 8-speed in the Carnival. The CX-9 uses a 2.5-litre petrol turbo and leads them in terms of performance. Being large vehicles, none will be at home on a race track, but the CX-9 and CX-8 do have a surprisingly dynamic ability for their size.

How the finalists compared (scores for each category from 1-10)

Family wagonsMazda CX-8 SportKia Carnival PlatinumMazda CX-9
Pricing512
Cost of depreciation ($)712
Running & repair costs856
Fuel consumption954
Warranty & dealer access797
Insurnace826
Standard features789
Safety10810
Environment556
Seating comfort (all rows)576
Space596
Practicality676
Ergonomics697
Build & finish quality788
Performance778
Ride787
Handling778
Braking 666
Smoothness & quietness779
Overall average868852832

Images: Mark Rogers, Magnum Photography Australia

Is your car one of Australia’s best?

Check out the other winners of Australia’s Best Cars awards for 2019.

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See the full lineup

Check out the full list of family wagons we put to the test in 2019.

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