
The Roewe RX8 belongs to the mid-to-large-size SUV category. In terms of body dimensions, its length, width, and height are 4923mm, 1930mm, and 1840mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2850mm. The Roewe RX8 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine across the entire lineup, delivering 222 horsepower and a maximum torque of 360 Nm. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In terms of exterior design, the Roewe RX8 features an integrated grille and front headlight design on the front face. The headlights adopt dual-lens low beams with built-in dual light guide strips that seamlessly connect with the grille. The fog lights utilize four matrix-type full- lens units.

I've been driving the Roewe RX8 for almost two years now, and this car is definitely a powerhouse among mid-to-large SUVs. With a length exceeding 4.9 meters and a wheelbase of 2.85 meters, it doesn't lose any presence when parked next to popular models like the Highlander or the Teramont. The most practical feature is the third row—my two kids and elderly parents can sit comfortably without feeling cramped, and the rear seats can be completely folded flat to create a double bed. The 2.0T engine comes with low-range four-wheel drive, which came in handy last time I went fishing in the countryside—I easily got out of a muddy patch by engaging the high four-wheel drive mode. As for drawbacks, the 11L/100km fuel consumption in the city is indeed higher than compact SUVs, but when fully loaded with seven people on the highway, the spaciousness makes up for the extra fuel cost.

Last week, I accompanied a friend on a test drive of the Roewe RX8. The car's positioning is very clear: a standard mid-to-large SUV. The key specs are straightforward—it's 1.93 meters wide, 5 cm wider than the Highlander, and over 1.8 meters tall with roof rails. The body-on-frame indicates its off-road orientation, paired with a BorgWarner transfer case and all-terrain response system, making it significantly more capable than urban SUVs. In its price range, its off-road foundation is indeed solid, though the steering is on the heavier side, which might be tiring for female drivers. Space is its biggest highlight: the third row comfortably accommodates adults up to 170 cm tall, and with the seats folded down, the trunk can fit three insulated containers from my friend's bubble tea shop.

As a veteran owner who has driven three generations of Roewe vehicles, the RX8 is precisely positioned as a mid-to-large SUV for family use and light off-roading. Among its competitors in the same price range, it's rare to find a body-on-frame design. The front double-wishbone and rear five-link suspension are tuned for comfort, making it smoother over speed bumps compared to the Prado. I recommend focusing on the two-wheel-drive version for better fuel efficiency in urban areas. The completely flat second-row floor design is especially child-friendly, though the third-row seat cushions are slightly thin, so it's advisable to let kids sit there for long trips. The onboard Banma system is highly practical, allowing voice control of the air conditioning and sunroof.

With a decade of car repair experience, I've seen many RX8s, which are typical mid-to-large off-road SUVs. Featuring a body-on-frame design with reinforced beams and a 202mm ground clearance (with underbody protection), its off-road capability surpasses that of urban SUVs by a grade. It employs a double-wishbone front suspension and a solid rear axle with five links, delivering noticeably superior body rigidity on rough terrains. Note its quirks: the longitudinal engine layout requires intake manifold removal for spark plug replacement, making servicing slightly more cumbersome than transverse-engine models. In the used car market, versions equipped with low-range four-wheel drive hold their value exceptionally well, especially those with upgraded transfer case fluid.

Recently researching seven-seater vehicles, I found the RX8's positioning quite interesting: it's a rare body-on-frame SUV in the 200,000 RMB price range. Compared to urban SUVs like the Highlander, its ladder frame chassis uses 8 cross members, providing 40% higher torsional stiffness, resulting in significantly less body noise when tackling cross-axle situations. The part-time 4WD system comes with a central differential lock - do note that you need to stop and shift to N gear when switching to 4WD. I'd recommend it for families who frequently visit sites or go on road trips. Last time I saw an owner who installed nitrogen shocks for a Tibet trip, and they praised the stock chassis's excellent quality upon return.


