Chery Tiggo 9 vs. Mazda CX-8: Chinese flagship challenges Japanese veteran in the RM170k D-segment

On 23 June 2026, Chery Malaysia officially launched its brand-new flagship SUV, the Tiggo 9, at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad in Kuala Lumpur. Positioned as Chery’s highest-end offering in Malaysia to date, it also marks the marque's first luxury flagship SUV.

Its price point goes straight into Mazda CX-8 territory. The Tiggo 9 Flexi package is tagged at RM166,800, while the CX-8 2.5 Mid 2WD retails for RM165,360. With a price difference of just RM1,440 between them, the gap is practically negligible.

Key specifications compared

Quick take

Pricing and variants

In Malaysia, the Chery Tiggo 9 is available in a single powertrain trim: 2.0T AWD 7-seater SUV. It is offered with two early-bird packages:

Flexi: RM166,800

Prime: RM179,800

Initial units are fully imported (CBU) from China, with subsequent batches slated for local assembly (CKD).

The Mazda CX-8 carries over unchanged for 2026, retaining its 5-variant AT line-up. The entry-level 2.5 Mid 2WD is priced at RM165,360, equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.

With a mere RM1,440 price gap, the CX-8 undercuts the Tiggo 9 by a whisker.

Powertrain

This is where the two contenders diverge the most.

The Tiggo 9 is driven by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine pushing out 251 hp (256 PS) and 390 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and an intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

It completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 9.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 210 km/h. Official fuel consumption is rated at 8.3 L/100 km.

The CX-8 2.5 Mid 2WD features a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine delivering 192 hp and 258 Nm of torque, mated to a SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. Official fuel consumption stands at 7.9 L/100 km.

The deficit stands at 59 hp and 132 Nm. The Tiggo 9 dominates in sheer output, while its AWD system provides superior traction on rain-slicked tarmac and unpaved terrain compared to the front-driven CX-8.

Dimensions and practicality

The Tiggo 9 measures 4,810 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, 1,741 mm tall, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase.

Boot capacity stands at 143 litres with all 7 seats raised, expanding to 448 litres with the third row folded, and 2,065 litres with all rear seats dropped flat. Kerb weight is 1,887 kg.

The CX-8 measures 4,900 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, 1,730 mm tall, riding on a 2,930 mm wheelbase. Boot capacity with all seats up is 209 litres. Kerb weight comes in at 1,781 kg.

The CX-8 stretches 90 mm longer than the Tiggo 9 and boasts a 130 mm longer wheelbase——giving it a clear theoretical advantage in third-row passenger legroom.

Conversely, the Tiggo 9 is 85 mm wider, offering superior cabin shoulder room. Boot-wise, while the CX-8 fits more luggage when carrying seven passengers (209 litres vs 143 litres), the Tiggo 9 outclasses it in maximum flat cargo space.

Both SUVs come with a practical 2+3+2 7-seater layout.

Technology and safety suites

The Tiggo 9’s equipment list is nothing short of relentless for this price point:

15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen (powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip)

10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster

14-speaker Sony Premium audio system

Front seats with 10-way power adjustment (memory function), ventilation, heating, and massage functions

Second-row seats featuring ventilation and heating

Panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, Head-Up Display (HUD)

10 airbags

ADAS 2.5 with 23 active safety features

540-degree HD surround-view camera (incorporating transparent chassis view)

85% high-strength steel body construction (including 21% hot-formed steel)

By comparison, the CX-8 2.5 Mid 2WD adopts a more traditional kit list:

Infotainment display size is not prioritised on the base trim.

Mazda i-Activsense suite (Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, collision warnings, and Autonomous Emergency Braking)

360-degree view monitor (available on High variant and above)

The Tiggo 9 holds a comprehensive lead in screen size, premium audio, seat comfort features (ventilation/heating/massage), airbag count (10 vs 6), and active driver-assist capabilities.

Warranty and ownership

The Tiggo 9 comes backed by a 7-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty, and 5 years of free maintenance service.

The CX-8 is supported by Mazda’s standard warranty package.

On the road tax front, both the Tiggo 9's 1,998 cc engine and the CX-8's 2,488 cc unit sit in the above-2.0L bracket, resulting in comparable annual road tax outlays.

When it comes to fuel consumption, the CX-8’s claimed 7.9 L/100 km holds a slight, albeit marginal, edge over the Tiggo 9’s 8.3 L/100 km.

Which should you choose?

The buying decision between these two boils down to clear priorities.

Go for the Chery Tiggo 9 if:

You demand superior performance (251 hp vs 192 hp, 390 Nm vs 258 Nm)

You require all-weather All-Wheel Drive traction rather than front-wheel drive

You want cutting-edge tech: 15.6-inch screen, 14-speaker Sony audio, and front ventilated/heated/massaging seats

You prioritise comprehensive safety: 10 airbags, 23 ADAS features, and 540-degree camera view

You value peace of mind from a 7-year vehicle warranty, 10-year engine warranty, and 5-year free maintenance

Go for the Mazda CX-8 if:

You prioritise third-row passenger legroom (thanks to the 130 mm longer wheelbase)

You prefer the linear power delivery of a naturally aspirated engine mated to a proven 6-speed automatic transmission

You appreciate Mazda’s hallmark Jinba-ittai driving dynamics and refined chassis tuning

You trust established Japanese brand equity and solid second-hand residual values

The Tiggo 9 takes the crown in performance, equipment, safety kit, and warranty coverage. The CX-8 claws ground back with superior third-row room, handling dynamics, and rock-solid brand reliability.