Chery Tiggo 7 Review: Chery, the Chinese automaker, is making waves in the UK with its bold entry into the family SUV market. Alongside the seven-seat Chery Tiggo 8, the Chery Tiggo 7 is positioned as an affordable and practical alternative to popular models such as the Ford Kuga, Vauxhall Grandland, and Volkswagen Tiguan. While Chery is relatively new to the UK scene, its parent company has already gained traction via sibling brands Jaecoo and Omoda, which have managed to capture an impressive combined 1.5% market share within a single year.
With a strategy focused on affordability and practicality, Chery is aiming to disrupt the market notorious for brand snobbery and a strong preference for established players. The Tiggo 7 is designed specifically to appeal to budget-conscious families, offering solid equipment levels and modern features without the hefty price tag of European rivals.
Specifications of the Chery Tiggo 7
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 4.55 meters |
| Powertrain Options | Petrol, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) |
| Petrol Engine Power | Standard Petrol Configuration |
| Plug-in Hybrid Power | Combined output of Petrol and Electric Motor |
| Boot Space | Competitive for the class |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Price (Petrol) | £24,955 |
| Price (PHEV) | £29,995 |
| Key Competitors | Ford Kuga, Vauxhall Grandland, Volkswagen Tiguan |
Features and Technology
The Chery Tiggo 7 comes generously equipped, especially considering its competitive pricing. Expect a modern infotainment system, multiple driver assistance aids, and connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical controls and a large touchscreen interface ensure intuitive usability, keeping things simple and user-friendly.
Chery aims to offer “cheerful” motoring – a philosophy reflected in the practical touches such as ample storage cubbies, bag hooks, and easily accessible USB ports. The standard safety suite includes emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, matching what you’d expect in this segment.
Design and Aesthetics
Visually, the Tiggo 7 adopts a rather generic design. It doesn’t particularly stand out, bearing family resemblance to its Jaecoo and Omoda siblings. The overall impression is competent but unremarkable – akin to a design generated by an AI blending contemporary trends without distinct character.
- Exterior: Practical and functional with no standout styling features, comparable in dimensions to the Ford Kuga and Volkswagen Tiguan.
- Interior: Spacious and thoughtfully laid out, emphasizing utility and ease of use over luxury or flair.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Tiggo 7 handles typical family duties well, with a focus on comfort rather than excitement. Its petrol engine offers adequate power for city and motorway driving, while the plug-in hybrid variant provides the flexibility of electric-only operation for short commutes, plus the extended range of petrol for longer trips.
Handling is composed, suspension strikes a balance between comfort and stability, and the cabin remains quiet at typical cruising speeds. It won’t challenge the Ford Kuga for sporty credentials, but it gets the job done reliably.
Price and Value Proposition
One of the strongest selling points of the Chery Tiggo 7 is its aggressive pricing:
- Petrol version: £24,955
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): £29,995
This is significantly cheaper than rivals in the segment, making the Tiggo 7 a highly compelling option for budget-conscious buyers. For families prioritizing space, technology, and standard safety features, it represents an excellent value proposition.
Also read: New 2026 Mercedes GLA to Rival Volkswagen Golf, ID 3 with Electric and Hybrid Powertrains
Conclusion: Is the Chery Tiggo 7 Worth It?
The Chery Tiggo 7 is a pragmatic entry into the compact family SUV segment. While its design lacks flair and its performance is entirely adequate rather than inspiring, its value-for-money offering makes it a strong contender for first-time SUV buyers or families looking for an affordable, practical alternative.
Chery’s strategy of providing solid features at a cut-price level seems to be paying off. In a market where many models push toward premium or sporty aspirations at a high cost, the Tiggo 7’s simple mission is to serve as a spacious, reliable, and affordable family car.
With a reasonable plug-in hybrid option and a fair amount of kit included as standard, the Tiggo 7 offers something truly rare in the UK market today – sensible motoring without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the Chery Tiggo 7 compare to the Ford Kuga?
The Tiggo 7 offers comparable dimensions and practicality to the Ford Kuga but at a significantly lower price. While the Kuga may edge ahead in brand perception and performance refinement, the Tiggo 7 delivers great value and sufficient features, especially for families on a budget.
2. Is the Chery Tiggo 7 available as a hybrid?
Yes, there is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Tiggo 7, priced around £29,995. It offers the flexibility of electric-only driving for short distances and the convenience of a petrol engine for longer trips, making it a versatile choice for urban and suburban use.
3. What is the expected reliability of the Chery Tiggo 7?
Although long-term reliability data is not widely available yet, Chery’s approach emphasizes simplicity and robustness. The company already has a small but growing presence in the UK market, and the focus on practical, well-tested technologies should contribute to good reliability.
4. How spacious is the Chery Tiggo 7?
The Tiggo 7 is designed to be family-friendly, with a roomy interior and generous boot space. At 4.55m in length, it competes directly with the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Kuga, while offering practical storage solutions and comfortable seating for five.
5. Should I buy a Chery Tiggo 7 over more established brands?
If budget and practicality are your top priorities, the Chery Tiggo 7 is a strong choice. It offers an attractive entry price, a well-equipped cabin, and reasonable performance for everyday driving. However, if brand reputation and driving dynamics are more important, established competitors like the Volkswagen Tiguan or Ford Kuga may offer a more refined experience.
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