2026 Chery Tiggo 7 Urban Review

Chery’s range continues to grow via additional variants, including this, the ICE-powered Tiggo 7. A decade ago, the powertrain debate revolved around petrol or diesel, while now (and especially with Chinese brands) it’s more about hybrids and non-hybrids. Where the Tiggo 7 is concerned, it’s a choice between the plug-in hybrid and the conventional 1.5T ICE model. Normally there would be quite the price premium between such options, but Chery charges just $5k extra for the plug-in, capable of almost 80km of engine-off travel. How they manage that for such a paltry premium, perhaps only the ruling Communist party can reveal. Still it does cost more, amounting to some 14 per cent extra. 

And so this entry-level Tiggo 7 Urban is just $34,990. It has a modest 1.5 turbo, making 108kW and 210Nm, with consumption rated at 6.9L/100km. Obviously the plug-in will be much cheaper to run, even with road-user charges incorporated, but not everyone gets hybrid technology. And people seem to get even more confused when talking plug-in types.

So into the fray of the crowded mid-sized family SUV segment rolls the five seat Tiggo 7 Urban. People will be initially hooked by the price tag attached to this capable looking mid-sized family car with a seven-year warranty. And while it is the entry level model, the specification list is still sharp. And it doesn’t look too  bad.

Step inside and like the larger, more expensive Tiggo 8, it makes a good first impression. The fabric-clad seat is comfortable, all the touch points feel good. There’s not much hard plastic about, the design is okay with two well integrated displays, thoughtful finishing and good storage. 

In the back there’s room for three adults at a squeeze, the flat floor helping there. And there’s a good-sized hold in behind, measuring 475L. 

On paper, this is quite a good machine. And if you don’t have high expectations, you’re just after an A-to-B run around, you’ll probably find it okay, because it’s affordable.

And it goes alright to be fair. But like the Tiggo 8, there is room for improvement. The twin-clutch transmission can be indecisive in traffic and takes its time to fully engage when starting off, slurring away. The engine itself is quite good, perhaps better than its numbers suggest without much in the way of turbolag and good ‘everyday’ torque through the mid-range. But like it does in the Tiggo 4, it can drink for a little engine, around 10 point something around town. You’ll likely see consumption in the mid sevens on the open road if you ease it along.

The steering has the usual Chery injection of over-assistance, being way too light. It makes it easy to park at least and it has a good turning circle. It rides better than the Tiggo 8. With smaller wheels and an extra helping of sidewall, this is easier going. Though it still finds it difficult to ride out a series of bumps.

On the highway, it could do with a touch more sound deadening to dampen the tyre roar. When going for the overtake, make sure to use the whole travel of the throttle to get the job done. It’s not a rocket. 

Corners are consumed with less drama at a cautious clip. There is more body roll than desirable and so it’s not hard to discover the onset of understeer. The lack of steering feel makes it that bit harder to keep everything smooth, and your passengers happy, on winding roads. 

The safety fit out is hefty, with plenty of eyes watching the road ahead, and you behind the wheel. The lane keeping system likes to nudge you about when you get close to the white line, but it was better behaved than the Tiggo 8 we experienced. And yet the driver monitor in this 7 seemed to be more proactive with its warnings. But apart from the discreet ding from the speed sign recognition system alerting you to limit changes, the bongs were subdued, in the scheme of things.

We like how the 7 is not too confusing to operate; even the haptic buttons on the steering wheel work okay as do the ones on the dash for the air con. While there’s no charge pad, there are a couple of USB ports, and the 360 degree camera is missing (so too front parking sensors) though the reversing monitor is decent. If you want the extras, you’ll need to pay for the $39,990 7 Ultimate adding the sunroof, ambient lighting, faux leather trim with heating and ventilation for the seats, and power adjustment on the driver’s side. There’s also a charge pad, surround view monitor and powered tailgate.

With so much choice in the midsize, family SUV category, the Tiggo 7 is making a play on price. It’s cheap, yet well outfitted (with the right safety rating) though some handling and powertrain characteristics need improving. Probably the biggest point to note in this current climate is the fuel use; it’s high for the segment. And with gas prices and supply in question, maybe the super hybrid version’s premium isn’t so bad after all.  

Chery Tiggo 7 Urban
$34,990  /  6.9L/100km  /  158g/km
0-100 km/h 9.5s
Engine  1498cc ,IL4/T
Max power  108kW@5500rpm
Max torque  230Nm@1750-4000rpm
Drivetrain  6-speed twin-clutch, FWD
Weight (claimed)  1489kg