GAC M8 vs Mazda CX-90

The GAC M8 starts from $76,590 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-90 opens at $74,385. That makes the Mazda CX-90 the more affordable entry point by $2,205.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $84,249 and $81,824 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GAC M8 by roughly $2,990 in fuel alone.

Both the GAC M8 and Mazda CX-90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GAC M8 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mazda CX-90.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the GAC M8 and 6 in the Mazda CX-90. The GAC M8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mazda CX-90 misses.

Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GAC M8 stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, GAC Premium audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mazda CX-90. The Mazda CX-90 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The GAC M8 uses a Petrol Turbo producing 140kW and 330Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.

The Mazda CX-90 responds with a Petrol making 254kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.

The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-90 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The GAC M8 measures 5,212mm long on a 3,070mm wheelbase, 112mm longer than the Mazda CX-90 at 5,100mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 800L in the GAC M8 and 257L in the Mazda CX-90, giving the GAC M8 a 543L advantage.

For towing, the Mazda CX-90 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,739/year for the GAC M8 and $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90. That is a $598 annual difference in favour of the GAC M8.

Estimated annual total: $1,739 (GAC M8) vs $2,337 (Mazda CX-90). The GAC M8 saves you roughly $598 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 8 years / 150,000km (GAC M8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90). The GAC M8 has longer coverage.