Industry observations from socialbites.ca show Mazda CX-8 crossovers entering the Russian auto market through local dealers, with listings concentrated on official dealership sites and prominent online marketplaces. For readers in Canada and the United States, this mirrors how new Mazda SUVs circulate via multi-channel networks, including dealer networks and regional bulletin boards.
Current listings highlight 2022 and 2023 CX-8 models. In regions such as Khabarovsk and Vladivostok, some dealers advertise right-hand drive units with price ranges from 2.1 to 2.6 million rubles. A separate listing from a Nakhodka-based seller mentions arranging left-hand drive CX-8 imports from South Korea, with prices near 3.6 million rubles. These differences illustrate how dealers adapt to import regulations and consumer demand, a pattern often seen when crossover models cross market boundaries and face varying steering configurations and drivetrain needs.
The Mazda CX-8 first reached the Japanese market in 2017. It serves as a smaller option relative to the CX-9 while offering a third-row seat. The middle row can be configured as either a pair or a bench, depending on trim and layout. In Russia, dealers typically import all-wheel-drive units powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine delivering around 190 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup is common among late-2010s to early-2020s CX-8 variants and aligns with buyers’ expectations for cargo space and passenger capacity in a mid-size SUV.
Standard equipment includes a modern multimedia system with a 10.3-inch display, three-zone climate control, a keyless entry system, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a blind-spot monitoring system. These features position the CX-8 as a well-equipped choice in the mid-size SUV segment, appealing to families and buyers who value comfort and technology on long drives.
In the latter part of the previous year, a notable development emerged in the Russian automotive landscape when Sollers agreed to acquire Mazda’s stake in the Vladivostok assembly operation. This facility had produced CX-5 crossovers and the Mazda 6 sedan, with plans previously indicated for August 2023. The move signals a strategic realignment within the regional manufacturing ecosystem and could influence future model availability and local supply chains for Mazda vehicles in the Pacific Rim corridor, including Canada and the United States where Mazda maintains strong dealer networks.
Market chatter also notes that Lixiang L7 hybrid crossovers began sales in Russia under a separate brand and product line. This development highlights ongoing shifts in regional demand for electrified and hybrid options alongside traditional gasoline-powered SUVs, a trend that resonates with North American interest in electrified and plug-in hybrid crossovers.
Overall, the CX-8’s presence in Russia reflects a blend of import activity, regional pricing, and evolving distributor strategies. For buyers across Canada and the United States, the CX-8 represents a bridge between compact models and larger three-row SUVs, with a focus on interior space, drivetrain versatility, and value-driven equipment packages. While market conditions differ, the core considerations—availability, drive type, powertrains, and modern features—remain relevant for cross-border shoppers evaluating similar Mazda configurations and other mid-size crossovers. These insights come from market reporting on socialbites.ca and are used here to inform readers about regional dynamics and cross-market parallels.