Ever zoomed past your friends in Rainbow Road, feeling like your kart was practically flying? Maybe you’ve also felt the frustration of spinning out on a tight corner, wishing your vehicle had just a little more grip. Choosing the right car in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe feels like a huge deal, right? It’s not just about looking cool; your vehicle choice directly affects how you handle drifts, how fast you go, and how well you stick to the track.
The sheer number of combinations—bodies, tires, and gliders—can make your head spin faster than a Blue Shell hit. You want speed, but you also need control. Picking the wrong setup can cost you crucial seconds and that coveted first-place trophy. It’s a common struggle that separates the casual racers from the dedicated champions.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the key stats, explain what they really mean for your gameplay, and show you simple, effective builds for different racing styles. By the end of this post, you will understand exactly how to match your kart to your driving talent.
Ready to stop guessing and start winning? Let’s dive into the mechanics that make the best Mario Kart 8 Deluxe builds.
Top Car In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Recommendations
- Hit the road with the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 and play anytime, anywhere! Race your friends or battle them in a revised battle mode on new and returning battle courses
- Play locally in up to 4-player multiplayer in 1080p while playing in TV Mode. Every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, makes a glorious return
- Plus, the Inklings appear as all-new guest characters, along with returning favorites, such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.
- Players can choose a new Smart Steering feature which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids even at 200cc
![Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517O3bI45YL._SL160_.jpg)
- Hit the road with the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 and play anytime, anywhere! Race your friends or battle them in a revised battle mode on new and returning battle courses
- Play locally in up to 4-player multiplayer in 1080p while playing in TV Mode. Every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, makes a glorious return
- Plus, the Inklings appear as all-new guest characters, along with returning favorites, such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.
- Players can choose a new Smart Steering feature which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids even at 200cc
- This bundle includes the Nintendo Switch console, dock, Joy Con (L) and Joy Con (R), 2 Joy Con straps, 1 Joy Con grip, HDMI cable, AC adapter, and a full game download code for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- Includes motion controls, HD rumble, built in amiibo functionality, and more
- Esrb rating: Everyone with comic Mischief
- With up to a 100' range this RC can go the distance
- Race in standard mode or flip into anti gravity mode
- Perform drifts and tricks at the press of a button
- You can even pop wheelies and do 360 spins
- For ages 8 and up
![Orzly Steering Wheels for Nintendo Switch & OLED Console JoyCons, Racing Wheels for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe [Mariokart Switch Steering Wheel Joycon Controller Attachment Accessories]-TWIN PACK [2X Black]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41RtC+Yf50L._SL160_.jpg)
- BLACK WHEEL TWIN PACK: This Pack Contains 2x Black Wheel attachments for Nintendo Switch JoyCons*. (each wheel can fit either joycon, and these black wheels even look great on either the grey, red, or blue joycons!)*
- PERFECT FOR MARIOKART: Orzly Steering Wheels allow you to have a truer driving experience when playing on your favourite Nintendo Switch racing games
- EASY TO USE: Simply slide your joy-con controller into the central panel of the steering wheel attachment, to become a fully compatible racing wheel for all steering wheel compatible games on the Nintendo Switch
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Joy-Con controllers are not included and are only shown in images for illustrative purposes only
- Designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch. For our full range of Nintendo Switch accessories, search 'ORZLY SWITCH' in the Amazon search bar (above)
- Game includes easy-to-assemble obstacle course with dual lane track. Track features lap counter with 6 challenging obstacles and two kart figures including Mario and Luigi!
- Place karts at the starting line to begin. Use the manual buttons and levers to complete challenging obstacles and work to stay in your lane on the track! Maneuver your kart figure through tight turns, over wobbly bridges and up a hill climb as you compete to reach the finish!
- Master each obstacle and compete to complete 5 laps against your opponent!
- Competitive, tabletop game that builds skill and dexterity and develops concentration!
- TM & 2021 Nintendo.
Choosing Your Ride: The Ultimate Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Car Buying Guide
Picking the right kart, bike, or ATV in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is super important. Your vehicle choice affects how fast you go and how well you handle the turns. Think of it like choosing the perfect pair of shoes for a race. This guide helps you find the best wheels for your style of driving.
Key Features to Look For
Understanding the Stats
Every vehicle has different statistics. These numbers tell you how the kart will perform. You need to pay attention to these key stats:
- Speed: This is how fast you drive on straightaways. High speed is great for long tracks.
- Acceleration: This means how quickly you speed up after stopping or getting hit. Good acceleration helps you recover fast.
- Weight: Heavier karts push lighter racers around more easily. Being heavy helps you win battles.
- Handling: This is how sharply you can turn. Low handling means wide, slow turns.
- Traction (Grip): This affects how well you stick to the road, especially on slippery surfaces like ice or grass.
Body, Tires, and Glider Synergy
Remember, you choose three parts: the vehicle body, the tires, and the glider. They all work together! A fast body paired with slow tires won’t give you the best result. Look for combinations that balance your weaknesses.
Important Materials (Stat Distribution)
In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, “materials” aren’t physical like wood or metal. Instead, the “material” refers to the underlying stats of the vehicle chassis itself (like the Biddybuggy or the Teddy Buggy).
- Lightweight Bodies: These are often good for beginners because they have high acceleration. Characters like Toad or Shy Guy fit well here.
- Medium Bodies: These offer a good mix of speed and handling. Mario and Luigi often use these. They are balanced choices.
- Heavy Bodies: These offer the highest top speed but usually have slower acceleration. Bowser and Wario drive these. They are for experienced players who don’t get hit often.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Kart Great?
A great kart maximizes your strengths. If you love drifting around corners, choose a kart with excellent handling and traction, even if it means sacrificing a little top speed. Good handling improves your overall race time because you stay on the track.
What Makes a Kart Difficult?
Low traction is a major quality reducer, especially on complex tracks with off-road sections. If your kart slides all over the place, you lose time constantly. Similarly, very low acceleration makes it hard to get back into the race after being hit by a Red Shell.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your best car depends on how and where you race.
For Beginners:
Start with balanced options. A medium-weight kart with mid-range stats lets you learn the tracks without struggling too much with tricky handling.
For Competitive Online Play (High-Level Racing):
Players often seek the highest possible speed and weight, accepting slower acceleration as a trade-off. They focus on perfect driving lines to avoid losing speed.
For Fun/Casual Play:
Use the karts that look the coolest! If you enjoy using Yoshi, try different combinations until you find one that feels fun to control, even if it is not statistically the fastest.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Cars
Q: Do specific characters affect the car stats?
A: Yes, characters have inherent weight classes (Light, Medium, Heavy). They modify the stats of whatever body, tires, and glider you choose. A Heavy character in a fast kart will still be heavier than a Light character in the same fast kart.
Q: Which vehicle part gives the biggest boost to speed?
A: The vehicle body usually contributes the most to your top speed stat, but the tires also play a huge role in maximizing that speed on the pavement.
Q: Should I always choose the fastest kart?
A: No. The fastest kart often has poor handling. If you constantly drive off the track, a slightly slower kart with better handling will give you a better overall race time.
Q: What is the best tire for off-road sections?
A: Tires like the Rollers or the Leaf Tires usually offer the best traction boost, helping you maintain speed when driving through grass or dirt.
Q: How important is the Glider stat?
A: The Glider stat is only active when you are airborne. It usually affects speed while gliding and sometimes handling in the air. It has no effect when driving on the ground.
Q: What happens if I use a very light character with a very light kart?
A: You will have extremely high acceleration and handling, but other players will easily bump you around, and your top speed will be low.
Q: Is there one single “best” combination for all tracks?
A: No. A combination great for a fast, open track might be terrible for a twisty, technical track. You should change your setup based on the course you are racing on.
Q: How do I unlock more vehicle parts?
A: You unlock new parts by gaining in-game coins. Keep racing and winning races to collect coins, and check the main menu to purchase new items.
Q: Do “Mini-Turbos” rely on the car I choose?
A: Yes. While you can perform a Mini-Turbo on any kart, karts with better handling and traction allow you to hold the drift longer and charge up the boost faster.
Q: Should I worry about the weight stat when racing against CPUs?
A: Yes. If you are playing against faster CPU racers, choosing a heavy kart helps you maintain your position when you bump into them or when they try to bump you.