The 2025 Chery Tiggo 9 enters the UK market as a fully-equipped, seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV with a focus on affordability. Unlike competitors, it offers seven seats and a PHEV powertrain, a rare combination in its class. The top-spec Summit trim is the only option for UK buyers, featuring premium touches like massaging “eco leather” seats, 20-inch wheels, and a 14-speaker sound system.
Performance and Efficiency
The Tiggo 9 boasts 423 bhp of peak power and an official electric range of 91 miles. Real-world testing suggests around 75-85% of that range is achievable, exceeding what many rivals offer at a lower price point. The car operates smoothly in EV mode at lower speeds, though it lacks regenerative braking paddles. In hybrid mode, the engine remains quiet even under heavy load, delivering responsive performance thanks to the electric motors.
Interior and Technology
The interior quality is comparable to Chery’s other models, with a noticeable amount of hard plastic. However, the Tiggo 9 prioritizes technology with a large 15.6-inch touchscreen controlling most functions. This reduces physical buttons but introduces usability issues: the screen is partially obscured by the steering wheel, and menus are complex. The infotainment system also includes unintuitive software quirks, like multiple economy displays that cannot be reset, and a sat-nav that requires a QR code to function.
Ride and Handling
Despite its size and weight, the Tiggo 9 provides decent body control, accurate steering, and a reasonably comfortable ride. While not a luxury experience, it avoids excessive wallowing, thanks to independent suspension on all four wheels. Road noise is well-contained on smooth surfaces but becomes noticeable on rough roads. The brake pedal feels grabby at low speeds due to the blending of friction and regenerative braking.
Value Proposition and Long-Term Ownership
The Tiggo 9’s most compelling feature is its price. It undercuts many competitors by a significant margin, offering more performance and electric range for less money. Chery backs the vehicle with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty and an eight-year powertrain warranty, along with a year of free breakdown cover. With DC fast-charging capability, running costs can be further reduced.
The Tiggo 9 is a practical, high-value proposition for families seeking a spacious, efficient, and affordable SUV. While its interior and software aren’t perfect, the car delivers strong performance and a compelling price that makes it difficult to ignore.
