[10] The CX-8 was Mazda's flagship SUV in Japan, as the larger, export-only CX-9 is not sold in the country.

[11] Initially announced as a Japan-exclusive model,[18] Mazda introduced the vehicle in Australia in July 2018 and positioning it below the slightly larger CX-9.

[2] Marton Pettendy of Australian publication Motoring gave the CX-8 a rating of 84 out of 100, praising the quality and refinement, performance and economy, and diesel power for less than the CX-9, but criticizing the tight rear head/leg room, sub par warranty and service intervals, and the lack of a spare tire and CarPlay.

[25] Malcolm Flynn of Australian publication CarsGuide rated the car 8.1. out of 10, praising its ease of parking compared to the CX-9, more useful boot space than the CX-5, and its comfortable ride, but criticising its lack of a petrol engine and CarPlay, and the steep price jump between the Sport and Asaki trims.

[26] Paul Maric of Australian publication CarAdvice gave the car a rating of 7.9 out of 10, calling it a "compelling proposition for families that need the extra space of an occasional third row and the fuel economy of a diesel engine.

All variants are powered by a 2.2 Skyactiv-D diesel engine and each grade has option between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive.

[29] In November 2019, a special edition Exclusive Mode grade was added for the 25T and XD engines.

[36] In October 2023, Mazda Australia announced the CX-8 would be discontinued, with Japanese production to cease at the end of the year.

The model series received a mild facelift in February 2023 for the Takami edition with the introduction of: It is still powered by the 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine.

It is locally assembled at Truong Hai Auto Corporation plant in Quảng Nam Province.

[46] The CX-8 was launched alongside the Mazda CX-30 on 28 November 2019, it is offered in two grades: Signature and Exclusive; it is powered by a 2.5 Skyactiv-G petrol engine.

[47] The CX-8 was launched in Singapore by Eurokars on 16 October 2020, with 2 grades available: Elegance and Luxury, it is powered by a 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine.