GAC M8 vs Mazda CX-70
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The GAC M8 starts from $76,590 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-70 opens at $76,720. That makes the GAC M8 the more affordable entry point by $130.
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 $84,392 respectively.
The GAC M8 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda CX-70, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GAC M8 by roughly $10,080 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GAC M8 and Mazda CX-70 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 7 in the Mazda CX-70.
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 7 in the Mazda CX-70.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The GAC M8 stands out with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate, GAC Premium audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mazda CX-70. The Mazda CX-70 counters with head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
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-70 responds with a Petrol making 254kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels.
The Mazda CX-70 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 140kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GAC M8 measures 5,212mm long on a 3,070mm wheelbase, 92mm longer than the Mazda CX-70 at 5,120mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-70 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 800L in the GAC M8 and 598L in the Mazda CX-70, giving the GAC M8 a 202L advantage. The GAC M8 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-70 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.8m
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $293/year for the GAC M8 and $2,309/year for the Mazda CX-70. That is a $2,016 annual difference in favour of the GAC M8.
Estimated annual total: $293 (GAC M8) vs $2,309 (Mazda CX-70). The GAC M8 saves you roughly $2,016 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-70). The GAC M8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GAC M8 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-70 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GAC M8 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The GAC M8 will save you roughly $2,016 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the GAC M8 has a clear edge. The GAC M8 adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GAC M8 and Mazda CX-70?
The GAC M8 is the cheapest at $76,590 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-70 by $130.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GAC M8 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GAC M8 and Mazda CX-70 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The GAC M8 has the largest boot at 800L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-70 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GAC M8 has the longest warranty at 8 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-70 makes the most power at 254kW.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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