Highlights
- Different playstyles should be considered when choosing the best car in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- Our list features extensive tables with all the stats for both Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- Offset different stats as needed by balancing drivers, wheels, and gliders along with choosing the best Mario Kart 8 car for the biggest advantage.
With dozens of courses added for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch, there’s never been a better time to re-up your Mario Kart skills! With a vast number of characters, carts, and more, it’s easier than ever to customize your Mario Kart vehicle to your heart’s content.
But even without any customizations, the karts alone offer a variety of stats that make it tough to pick one decisive best Mario Kart car. In our list, we’re looking at the stats of some of the best to try to help you choose the best car in Mario Kart 8.
It's important to remember which version of the game you're playing, as kart stats may vary between Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
To anticipate this, we've included kart information from both games in our list.
Updated July 29, 2023, by Gabrielle Castania: With new waves of courses coming for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, we've circled back to our suggestions for the best car in Mario Kart 8 to touch things up, double-check our suggestions, and add a few more helpful hyperlinks to help you get the most out of Mario Kart.
12 Yoshi Bike & Comet
| Mario Kart 8 Stats | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Speed | 0 | Ground Speed | -0.25 |
| Water Speed | 0 | Water Speed | -0.25 |
| Air Speed | 0 | Air Speed | +0.25 |
| Anti-Gravity Speed | -0.25 | Anti-Gravity Speed | 0 |
| Acceleration | +0.75 | Acceleration | +0.25 |
| Weight | -0.25 | Weight | 0 |
| Ground Handling | +0.75 | Ground Handling | +0.25 |
| Water Handling | +0.75 | Water Handling | 0 |
| Air Handling | +0.75 | Air Handling | +0.25 |
| Anti-Gravity Handling | +0.5 | Anti-Gravity Handling | 0 |
| Traction | -1.25 | Traction | 0 |
| Mini-Turbo | +0.5 | Mini-Turbo | +0.25 |
| Bike Type | Sport | Bike Type | Sport |
Named after the character, the Yoshi Bike lives up to its namesake. This two-wheeler is perfectly modeled after the precious green Dino, down to the arms that flip out of the side of the bike when gliding. It's identical to the Comet bike in stats.
Dating back to Mario Kart Wii, the series has had inside drift and outside drift vehicles, with the Yoshi Bike being the former. The bikes' acceleration and handling stats will help you reach top speed and stay in control once you get there. Just be mindful that you sacrifice speed and traction with this choice.
11 Landship
| Mario Kart 8 Stats | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Speed | -0.75 | Ground Speed | -0.50 |
| Water Speed | +0.50 | Water Speed | +0.50 |
| Air Speed | +0.50 | Air Speed | -0.25 |
| Anti-Gravity Speed | -1 | Anti-Gravity Speed | -0.75 |
| Acceleration | +1.25 | Acceleration | +0.50 |
| Weight | -0.50 | Weight | -0.50 |
| Ground Handling | +0.50 | Ground Handling | +0.25 |
| Water Handling | +0.75 | Water Handling | +0.75 |
| Air Handling | +0.75 | Air Handling | 0 |
| Anti-Gravity Handling | 0 | Anti-Gravity Handling | -0.25 |
| Traction | -0.25 | Traction | +0.75 |
| Mini-Turbo | +1 | Mini-Turbo | +0.50 |
With a design that calls to mind the airships of old Super Mario Bros. games, the Landship is much less intimidating on the track than its inspiration, but its canons move as you drive along, reminders of the brutality of Super Mario Bros 3.
Acceleration is this kart’s best attribute, but it comes at the expense of speed. In addition, the kart is lightweight, but its solid handling will allow you to evade competitors.
10 Badwagon and the GLA
| Mario Kart 8 Stats | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Speed | 0 | Ground Speed | +0.50 |
| Water Speed | +0.50 | Water Speed | -0.25 |
| Air Speed | 0 | Air Speed | -0.50 |
| Anti-Gravity Speed | -0.25 | Anti-Gravity Speed | 0 |
| Acceleration | -0.50 | Acceleration | -1 |
| Weight | +0.50 | Weight | +0.50 |
| Ground Handling | -0.50 | Ground Handling | -0.75 |
| Water Handling | +0.75 | Water Handling | -0.25 |
| Air Handling | -0.25 | Air Handling | -0.75 |
| Anti-Gravity Handling | -0.75 | Anti-Gravity Handling | -0.50 |
| Traction | +0.50 | Traction | +0.50 |
| Mini-Turbo | -0.75 | Mini-Turbo | -1 |
The Badwagon made its debut in Mario Kart 8, sharing its stats with, among others, the GLA - a special car added in the Mercedes-Benz Mario Kart 8 DLC.
These ATVs are superior in weight and traction stats, but they suffer in acceleration and handling comparatively. They're also not great in the water, so we wouldn't choose them for courses like Cheep Cheep Beach or Water Park.
9 Teddy Buggy & Cat Cruiser
| Mario Kart 8 Stats | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Speed | 0 | Ground Speed | -0.25 |
| Water Speed | 0 | Water Speed | -0.25 |
| Air Speed | 0 | Air Speed | +0.25 |
| Anti-Gravity Speed | 0 | Anti-Gravity Speed | 0 |
| Acceleration | 0 | Acceleration | +0.25 |
| Weight | 0 | Weight | 0 |
| Ground Handling | 0 | Ground Handling | +0.25 |
| Water Handling | 0 | Water Handling | 0 |
| Air Handling | 0 | Air Handling | +0.25 |
| Anti-Gravity Handling | 0 | Anti-Gravity Handling | 0 |
| Traction | 0 | Traction | 0 |
| Mini-Turbo | 0 | Mini-Turbo | +0.25 |
If you’re looking for the cutest kart in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the Teddy Buggy or the Cat Cruiser may be the ATVs for you, identical to the Yoshi Bike in stats but just in car for this time. The stats only slightly increase your acceleration and handling, but the trade-offs are minimal.
With a slight decrease in your speed stat, these are perfectly average karts. This is an easy car for beginner players, but it can also be balanced out to be more competitive with a heavy-weight character like Bowser or Morton.
8 Biddybuggy
| Mario Kart 8 Stats | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Speed | -0.75 | Ground Speed | -0.75 |
| Water Speed | +0.50 | Water Speed | -0.50 |
| Air Speed | +0.50 | Air Speed | -0.50 |
| Anti-Gravity Speed | -1 | Anti-Gravity Speed | -0.25 |
| Acceleration | +1.25 | Acceleration | +0.75 |
| Weight | -0.50 | Weight | -0.50 |
| Ground Handling | +0.50 | Ground Handling | +0.50 |
| Water Handling | +0.75 | Water Handling | +0.50 |
| Air Handling | +0.75 | Air Handling | +0.25 |
| Anti-Gravity Handling | 0 | Anti-Gravity Handling | +0.50 |
| Traction | -0.25 | Traction | +0.25 |
| Mini-Turbo | +1 | Mini-Turbo | +0.75 |
In the original Mario Kart 8, the Biddybuggy had the same stats as the Landship, but now, it's its own vehicle. This kart's best asset is its acceleration, but the Biddybuggy also improves on its handling and traction, and has a decent mini-turbo as well.
Its lowest stats are its weight and speed, both of which are below average, but its other stats help close any gaps. This kart is ideal for windy courses that don't have many off-road options, such as Mario Kart Stadium.
7 Blue Falcon and Splat Buggy
| Blue Falcon's Mario Kart 8 Stats | Both Karts' Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Speed | +0.25 | Ground Speed | +0.25 |
| Water Speed | 0 | Water Speed | -0.25 |
| Air Speed | +0.25 | Air Speed | 0 |
| Anti-Gravity Speed | +0.25 | Anti-Gravity Speed | +0.25 |
| Acceleration | +0.25 | Acceleration | -0.25 |
| Weight | -0.25 | Weight | -0.50 |
| Ground Handling | 0 | Ground Handling | -0.25 |
| Water Handling | 0 | Water Handling | +0.25 |
| Air Handling | 0 | Air Handling | -0.50 |
| Anti-Gravity Handling | 0 | Anti-Gravity Handling | +0.50 |
| Traction | -0.50 | Traction | 0 |
| Mini-Turbo | 0 | Mini-Turbo | -0.25 |
The Blue Falcon was introduced as a kart inspired by the F-Zero series in Mario Kart Wii. Now, it shares its with the Splat Buggy, a kart inspired by the Splatoon games.
These carsfeature an impressive speed stat, but they're terrible for off-roading. Paired with the right other parts, they're excellent choices for any intermediate driver.
6 Tanooki Kart and Koopa Clown Car
| Tanooki Kart's Mario Kart 8 Stats | Both Karts' Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Speed | 0 | Ground Speed | -0.25 |
| Water Speed | +0.50 | Water Speed | -0.25 |
| Air Speed | +0.25 | Air Speed | +0.25 |
| Anti-Gravity Speed | -0.25 | Anti-Gravity Speed | 0 |
| Acceleration | -0.25 | Acceleration | +0.25 |
| Weight | +0.25 | Weight | 0 |
| Ground Handling | -0.25 | Ground Handling | +0.25 |
| Water Handling | +0.75 | Water Handling | 0 |
| Air Handling | +0.75 | Air Handling | +0.25 |
| Anti-Gravity Handling | -0.5 | Anti-Gravity Handling | 0 |
| Traction | +0.25 | Traction | +1 |
| Mini-Turbo | -0.5 | Mini-Turbo | +0.25 |
The Tanooki Kart and the Koopa Clown Car have the exact same stats, but while the Tanooki Kart was available in Mario Kart 8, the Koopa Clown Car wasn't added until the Deluxe version. These vehicles have the highest possible mini-turbo, which is great for windy courses that have a slick surface, and they have above-average weight and handling, making them easy to drive on difficult courses.
Their traction is average, so they're not ideal for off-roading, and their stats are rounded out with below-average speed and less-than-perfect acceleration. A character with a lower weight-class will help increase the acceleration.
5 Flame Rider and Standard Bike
| Mario Kart 8 Stats | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Speed | 0 | Ground Speed | -0.25 |
| Water Speed | +0.25 | Water Speed | -0.25 |
| Air Speed | +0.25 | Air Speed | 0 |
| Anti-Gravity Speed | -0.25 | Anti-Gravity Speed | +0.25 |
| Acceleration | +0.25 | Acceleration | +0.25 |
| Weight | -0.25 | Weight | -0.25 |
| Ground Handling | +0.50 | Ground Handling | +0.25 |
| Water Handling | +0.50 | Water Handling | +0.25 |
| Air Handling | +0.50 | Air Handling | 0 |
| Anti-Gravity Handling | +0.25 | Anti-Gravity Handling | +0.25 |
| Traction | -0.50 | Traction | +0.50 |
| Mini-Turbo | +0.25 | Mini-Turbo | +0.25 |
| Bike Type | Standard | Bike Type | Standard |
While the Flame Rider and Standard Bike's speed and weight are below average, their great traction makes it easy to take tight turns on levels like Bowser's Castle. They both handle well and have above-average acceleration and mini-turbos as well.
These bikes can be balanced out with middleweight or heavy characters; in general, they are more balanced than some other options, so they work well as an all-around decent bike.
4 Wild Wiggler & W 25 Silver Arrow
| Mario Kart 8 Stats | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Speed | 0 | Ground Speed | -0.25 |
| Water Speed | +0.25 | Water Speed | -0.25 |
| Air Speed | +0.25 | Air Speed | 0 |
| Anti-Gravity Speed | -0.25 | Anti-Gravity Speed | +0.25 |
| Acceleration | +0.25 | Acceleration | +0.25 |
| Weight | -0.25 | Weight | -0.25 |
| Ground Handling | +0.50 | Ground Handling | +0.25 |
| Water Handling | +0.50 | Water Handling | +0.25 |
| Air Handling | +0.50 | Air Handling | 0 |
| Anti-Gravity Handling | +0.25 | Anti-Gravity Handling | +0.25 |
| Traction | -0.50 | Traction | +0.50 |
| Mini-Turbo | +0.25 | Mini-Turbo | +0.25 |
The Wild Wiggler and the W 25 Silver Arrow are among the best ATVs in the game. The great traction makes tight turns easy while the high acceleration, handling, and mini-turbos increase their ability to catch up with characters on windy courses.
They are a great vehicle for Bowser's Castle or Cloudtop Cruise. These ATVs are a great option for middleweight characters like Mario or Luigi.
3 Mr. Scooty
| Mario Kart 8 Stats | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Speed | -0.75 | Ground Speed | -0.75 |
| Water Speed | +0.50 | Water Speed | -0.50 |
| Air Speed | +0.50 | Air Speed | -0.50 |
| Anti-Gravity Speed | -1 | Anti-Gravity Speed | -0.25 |
| Acceleration | +1.25 | Acceleration | +0.75 |
| Weight | -0.50 | Weight | -0.50 |
| Ground Handling | +0.50 | Ground Handling | +0.50 |
| Water Handling | +0.75 | Water Handling | +0.50 |
| Air Handling | +0.75 | Air Handling | +0.25 |
| Anti-Gravity Handling | 0 | Anti-Gravity Handling | +0.50 |
| Traction | -0.25 | Traction | +0.25 |
| Mini-Turbo | +0.5 | Mini-Turbo | +0.25 |
| Bike Type | Standard | Bike Type | Standard |
The stats for Mr. Scooty vary: its acceleration and mini-turbo are some of the best in the game, but it also has some of the lowest stats for speed. Mr. Scooty also handles very well and has decent traction, but its weight is a challenge.
Mr. Scooty shares identical stats with the Biddybuggy, with the most major difference between them being that Mr. Scooty is a bike, and the Biddybuggy is an ATV.
The Mr. Scooty bike is best suited for tracks that have limited off-roading, and plenty of chances to use a mini-turbo without tight turns - Thwomp Ruins is a great course to practice with this bike.
2 City Tripper and Varmint
| Mario Kart 8 Stats | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Speed | 0 | Ground Speed | -0.50 |
| Water Speed | +0.25 | Water Speed | 0 |
| Air Speed | +0.25 | Air Speed | -0.50 |
| Anti-Gravity Speed | -0.25 | Anti-Gravity Speed | -0.50 |
| Acceleration | +0.25 | Acceleration | +0.50 |
| Weight | -0.25 | Weight | -0.25 |
| Ground Handling | +0.50 | Ground Handling | +0.50 |
| Water Handling | +0.50 | Water Handling | +0.50 |
| Air Handling | +0.50 | Air Handling | -0.25 |
| Anti-Gravity Handling | +0.25 | Anti-Gravity Handling | +0.25 |
| Traction | -0.50 | Traction | +0.25 |
| Mini-Turbo | +0.25 | Mini-Turbo | +0.50 |
| Bike Type | Standard | Bike Type | Standard |
The City Tripper and Varmint are two more bikes that share the same stats. They even used to be identical to the Standard Bike and the Flame Rider. The best features of the City Tripper and Varmint are their acceleration, handling, and mini-turbos, which all have decent traction. Unfortunately, both seem to struggle with their weight and speed.
This makes them ideal for courses that don't have much off-roading, or those that are windy without being overbearing - for instance, Toad Harbor and Sunshine Airports are ideal courses to use this vehicle. Meanwhile, their poor speed can be bettered by driving with heavyweight characters like Dry Bones or Morton.
1 Pipe Frame
| Mario Kart 8 Stats | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Stats | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Speed | 0 | Ground Speed | -0.50 |
| Water Speed | +0.25 | Water Speed | 0 |
| Air Speed | +0.25 | Air Speed | -0.50 |
| Anti-Gravity Speed | -0.25 | Anti-Gravity Speed | -0.50 |
| Acceleration | +0.25 | Acceleration | +0.50 |
| Weight | -0.25 | Weight | -0.25 |
| Ground Handling | +0.50 | Ground Handling | +0.50 |
| Water Handling | +0.50 | Water Handling | +0.50 |
| Air Handling | +0.50 | Air Handling | -0.25 |
| Anti-Gravity Handling | +0.25 | Anti-Gravity Handling | +0.25 |
| Traction | -0.50 | Traction | +0.25 |
| Mini-Turbo | +0.25 | Mini-Turbo | +0.50 |
Statistically, the Pipe Frame is the best car in the game: it has great acceleration, handling, and a great mini-turbo. It also has decent traction, but, like many of the other cars on this list, suffers from its weight and speed. It's identical in stats to the City Tripper and Varmint, but the Pipe Frame being an ATV makes all the difference.
The Pipe Frame seems to be a favorite for heavyweight characters, for how it helps to balance low speeds and excel on courses like Royal Raceway or Music Park. Its positives greatly outweigh its negatives, leading the Pipe Frame to come out on top as, statistically, one of the best cars in the game.