Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max vs Mazda CX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max starts from $38,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $42,889 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-5 by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and 95% for the Mazda CX-5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Mazda CX-5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 10 in the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.
Feature Showdown
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-5 gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and Sony audio that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max uses a Petrol producing 180kW and 375Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 132kW and 242Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has the clear power advantage at 180kW vs 132kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max measures 4,720mm long on a 2,710mm wheelbase, 145mm longer than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 550L in the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and 522L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max a 28L advantage. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,309/year for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-5.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). The Mazda CX-5 saves you roughly $200 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda CX-5 will save you roughly $200 a year in fuel. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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