2026 Chery Tiggo 9: Impressions from a Quick Test Drive

Chery is entering new territory with the launch of its flagship Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid. This seven-seat plug-in hybrid (PHEV) large SUV is now available for order and is expected to hit Australian showrooms soon. Despite being the most expensive model from the Chinese brand, it stays true to the company’s value-focused philosophy by offering top-spec features at a competitive price.

I had the opportunity to test drive the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid during a recent visit to Chery’s global headquarters in Wuhu, China. Let’s take a closer look at what this SUV has to offer.

Costing $59,990 plus on-road costs, the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid comes in one model grade, the fully equipped Ultimate. This positions it below the related Omoda 9, but in direct competition with entry-level versions of other large seven-seat SUV rivals like the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Kluger.

The interior of the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid showcases a modern, clean, and classy design. The dashboard layout is simple yet features interesting textures and highlights throughout the cabin. The SUV boasts a 10.25-inch display in front of the driver and a large 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen on the center console. The seats offer a business-class feel with massage function, heating, and cooling options.

While the front seats provide comfort and support, the middle row offers generous legroom and amenities like rear air vents and USB power outlets. The third row, however, may be best suited for small children or occasional use due to limited space.

Under the hood, the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is powered by a sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrain. It combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with three electric motors, delivering impressive results like 315kW of power, 580Nm of torque, and 170km of electric-only range.

On the road, the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid offers a comfortable and quiet ride. It excels as a suburban family car, providing effortless acceleration and a natural feel to its regenerative braking system. However, its large size and weight can be felt when cornering, with slow steering and some bodyroll.

In terms of safety, the Tiggo 9 comes equipped with a range of advanced features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. While it has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, the SUV offers peace of mind on the road.

To run the Tiggo 9, Chery offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometer vehicle warranty and an eight-year guarantee for the high-voltage battery. The SUV also includes up to seven years of roadside assistance and capped-price servicing.

In conclusion, the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid impresses with its spacious interior, advanced features, and efficient performance. It offers great value for money compared to its competitors and is a solid choice for those looking for a versatile and comfortable seven-seat SUV.