Verdict
These SUVs serve very different Malaysian households. The CX-8’s 2,930-mm wheelbase and seven seats make it the proper people carrier, although its 209-litre boot is modest with all rows in use. For RM6,560 less, the Zeekr X brings a 335-hp, 373-Nm rear motor, 66-kWh battery with 440 km of stated range, and 200-kW DC charging. It also gets adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and a 360-degree camera. The Mazda counters with a 72-litre petrol tank, CKD assembly and a space-saver spare, but its RM830 annual road tax is RM435 higher.
Pick the Mazda CX-8 if you need seven seats, a 2,930-mm wheelbase and dedicated rear automatic climate control.
Pick the Zeekr X if five seats are enough and you want a 335-hp EV with 440 km of stated range, 200-kW DC charging and more driver assistance.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-8 RM165,360; Zeekr X RM158,800
- Seats: Mazda CX-8 7; Zeekr X 5
- Power and torque: Mazda CX-8 192 hp/258 Nm; Zeekr X 335 hp/373 Nm
- Length and wheelbase: Mazda CX-8 4,900 mm/2,930 mm; Zeekr X 4,432 mm/2,750 mm
- Boot space: Mazda CX-8 209 litres; Zeekr X 404 litres
- Annual road tax: Mazda CX-8 RM830; Zeekr X RM395
CX-8
- Seven seats with sliding, reclining second row and split-folding third row
- Longer 2,930-mm wheelbase
- Space-saver spare tyre and powered contactless boot
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring or lane-keeping assist
- Smaller 209-litre boot versus 404 litres
- Higher RM830 annual road tax versus RM395
X
- 335-hp, 373-Nm rear motor with 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- 66-kWh battery, 440 km stated range and 200-kW DC charging
- Adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, 360-degree monitor and auto parking
- Only five seats versus the CX-8’s seven
- Shorter 2,750-mm wheelbase versus 2,930 mm
- Tyre repair kit instead of a space-saver spare tyre
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM165,360 | RM158,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM830 | RM395✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 2,488 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 192 hp | — |
| Torque | 258 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 89 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 335 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 373 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 66 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 440 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 200 kW |
| V2L | — | 3.3 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed Automatic with Manual Shift Mode | — |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 5.3 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 7.9 L/100 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,900 mm | 4,432 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,836 mm |
| Height | 1,730 mm | 1,566 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,930 mm | 2,750 mm |
| Weight | 1,781 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 72 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 209 litres | 404 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Toyo Proxes R46 | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Silver V-spoke Alloy | 19" Paddle Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Silver V-spoke Alloy | 19" Paddle Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | G-Vectoring Control Plus | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available on Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Lumbar Adjustment and Memory Function | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation Functions and Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding, Sliding and Reclining 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-folding 3rd Row | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Boot, 2 Front USB, 2 2nd Row USB, 2 3rd Row USB | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights, Intelligent Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8" Touchscreen, Commander Control Knob, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 14.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 13-speaker Yamaha Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Operation (Depress Brake To Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | Powered Front Doors |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 150,000 km✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service | 8-Year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used CX-8 & X for sale
CX-8 vs X FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-8 or Zeekr X better?
The Zeekr X is better equipped for EV performance, charging and active safety, while the CX-8 is the better choice when seven seats and a longer 2,930-mm wheelbase matter.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-8 costs RM6,560 more than the Zeekr X: RM165,360 against RM158,800.
Which one is better for carrying a larger family?
The Mazda CX-8 is the clear choice for larger families because it has seven seats, against five in the Zeekr X, plus a sliding and reclining second row and a split-folding third row.