Choose the Mazda CX-8 Over the Ford Explorer for its stylish design, premium features, and, most importantly, the approval of your significant other

Mr. Nguyen Anh Vu had been searching for the perfect car and finally found it when he got behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-9. Impressed by the brand, he remained loyal and purchased a used 2021 CX-8 when it was time to switch cars.

The Mazda CX-8 is the largest 7-seater SUV from the Japanese brand in Vietnam and competes with the Hyundai SantaFe and Kia Sorento in the market. Despite not being as well-known as its sibling, the Mazda CX-5, the CX-8 has quietly attracted consumers.

We interviewed Mr. Nguyen Anh Vu, the owner of a Mazda CX-8, to learn more about his passion and love for Mazda’s SUVs.

Hello Mr. Vu! Please share your thoughts on the Mazda CX-8 that you currently own.

Hello, everyone. My name is Nguyen Anh Vu, and I work in journalism. I purchased the Mazda CX-8 this year in 2023. Unlike most people, I opted for a used CX-8. I bought it from a used car dealership, and the total cost, including the car and additional accessories, was less than 900 million.

At the time of purchase, the car had already driven 17,000 km. The previous owner didn’t use it much, especially due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so the car was mostly kept at home and was in almost new condition. Compared to the price of a new car, which is around 1.4 billion, I think I got a good deal with the used car.

Aside from the lower cost compared to buying a new car, what other factors influenced your decision to choose the Mazda CX-8?

The Mazda CX-8 is a flagship SUV with a wide range of advanced technologies and amenities. It is easy to drive in urban areas and provides comfort on long journeys. The 2.5L engine is powerful enough for the car’s weight and suitable for long trips.

The car is equipped with automatic driving assistance systems, making long trips more comfortable. Since my family often goes on long trips, I was looking for a car that fulfilled three criteria: 7 seats, four-wheel drive, and ample amenities. The 7-seater configuration provides comfort for passengers, and the four-wheel drive ensures good handling in all terrains.

Considering the criteria of a 7-seater car with four-wheel drive and ample amenities, there are different models available on the market, such as the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest, at reasonable prices. Why didn’t you choose these two models?

Initially, I had two options: the 2018-2019 Ford Explorer and the Mazda CX-8. Both cars were within the same price range. Personally, I liked the Ford Explorer because of its beautiful, large, and masculine design, but my wife didn’t approve. She wanted to be able to drive the car occasionally, so we needed a more suitable car for both of us. At that time, the Mazda CX-8 met this criterion.

The Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest were not suitable for our needs. These two cars are more suitable for construction sites and off-road driving, rather than for family use.

The Mazda CX-8 offers 3 rows of seats, and when not needed, the third row can be folded down, providing ample space for luggage.

What are your thoughts on the Hyundai SantaFe and Kia Sorento?

In my opinion, these two models are inferior to the CX-9. As a 7-seater car, it should be long and spacious.

You’ve mentioned the advantages of the car, so based on your experience, what aspects of the Mazda CX-8 do you think could be improved?

Many people complain about the noise in the CX-8, but I have added tire and floor insulation, reducing the noise to some extent. However, considering my current usage needs, mainly for long trips, the external noise is not unbearable. Another aspect is that the car lacks mirror heating, which I am not satisfied with.

What about your previous Mazda CX-9, the 2015 model? With its old design and a large 3.7-liter V6 petrol engine, isn’t fuel efficiency a weakness?

It depends on each person’s perspective. I don’t consider it a weakness. When I had the CX-9, I rarely used it for city driving. I primarily used a motorcycle for commuting within the city. The car was mainly used for long trips, sometimes covering thousands of kilometers, but there were also times when I rarely used it.

In terms of fuel consumption, my car typically consumes around 12-13 liters per 100 km, and in heavy traffic it can be around 14-15 liters per 100 km. In my opinion, a car should serve one’s life and personal needs. If someone is buying a car for commercial purposes, then maintenance costs and fuel consumption are the two most important factors to consider.

Can you share more about your experience in buying used cars?

The first car I bought was a 2009 Toyota Altis, and since then, I have always preferred buying used cars. After the Altis, I switched to the Ford Laser and Honda Accord. Then, when I wanted a car with higher ground clearance, I had the Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, and now the Mazda CX-8.

Through experiencing different types and models of cars, I have gained knowledge and experience in using and maintaining them. However, to ensure the quality of a used car, I still hire a third party to thoroughly inspect it before buying. It’s important to find a reputable used car dealership. Additionally, it’s worth spending some money on a thorough inspection before making a purchase. If possible, take the car to the brand’s service center to check its maintenance history. If that’s not an option, you can use the services of an independent car inspection company.

You mentioned that you previously owned a Mazda CX-9. Now you have a CX-8. What makes you stay loyal to the Mazda brand by choosing two different generations of cars?

It’s probably because I had the opportunity to drive a Mazda CX-9 in 2011. At that time, I was very impressed with its performance. I could drive hundreds of kilometers in a day and not feel tired. The car was solid, with a strong engine and comfortable seats. Since then, I had a desire to own a CX-9.

I officially bought a Mazda CX-9 in 2019 from the previous owner for around 800 million. The car was registered in 2015.

The Mazda CX-9 is the largest SUV from Mazda, fully equipped with advanced features and driving assist technologies. As I mentioned before, I chose the car based on three criteria: a 7-seater SUV, four-wheel drive, and full amenities. The CX-9, being the largest SUV from Mazda, fulfilled all these necessary driving assist systems.

When I bought the Mazda CX-9, there were no other notable options in the price range of 800-900 million. The engine is durable and reliable, with low maintenance and repair costs. The only downside is that the brand’s influence in the 7-seater SUV segment has not really gained attention. The car has depreciated quite quickly and is now worth less than 500 million.

Because I enjoyed driving it so much and it also met my requirements, I decided to stick with the Mazda brand once again.

Thank you for participating in this interview!!!