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It was like that in Australia for a long time Family SUV The equation was pretty simple.
If you want space, comfort and seven seats, go for the usual Japanese or Korean suspects. If you want electrification, you either have to accept a short all-electric range or be prepared to spend a lot of money.
And if you want premium features, you’ll often be pushed well over $70,000, sometimes even closer to $90,000, before on-road costs even come into the conversation.
The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid shakes up this whole formula.
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This isn’t just another “value for money” offering or a value-driven alternative that asks you to compromise in key areas. Instead, the Tiggo 9 represents the biggest leap Chery has made in Australia to date.
A flagship SUV that combines long-range plug-in hybrid capability, true seven-seater practicality, premium cabin comfort and advanced technology in a package that significantly undercuts established rivals on price.
At $59,990 plus on-road costs, the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid doesn’t just offer good value for money. It completely resets expectations.
A real flagship, not a stretch model
The Tiggo 9 is a true flagship SUV designed to take the brand into truly premium territory. You can immediately feel this in its proportions, its presence and its interior design.
This is a large, confident seven-seat SUV designed primarily for families.
The door openings are large, the seating in all three rows is generous and you get the feeling that space and comfort were non-negotiable priorities during development.
Chery didn’t try to differentiate the Tiggo 9 with gimmicks or aggressive design. Instead, the design is clear, modern and high quality. It’s the kind of SUV that’s equally at home in the city driveway, on a coastal road trip, or parked outside a local cafe on a weekend getaway.
The Super Hybrid Advantage: EV Life, Hybrid Freedom
Where the Tiggo 9 really stands out is under the skin. Chery’s Super Hybrid system is one of the most advanced plug-in hybrid setups currently offered on a mainstream SUV in Australia.
At its heart is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with not one, not two, but three electric motors, all backed by a powerful 34 kWh battery.
This battery size is the headline. At 34 kWh, it is larger than many early full EV batteries – and enables purely electric driving of up to 170 km in the NEDC test.
Even in real-world conditions, this means an all-electric range that comfortably covers the daily needs of most Australian families.
School drop-offs, commutes, shopping and local errands can all be completed without using a drop of fuel. Plug it in overnight and for most of the week the Tiggo 9 behaves like an all-electric vehicle. Gentle, quiet and sophisticated.
When the weekend approaches or a longer road trip is imminent, the hybrid system seamlessly switches the petrol engine into play. There’s no range anxiety, no charging stress, and no need to plan your life around public chargers.
I also put it to the test by making an early morning walk from my home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to one of the best farm-to-plate cafes in the state, General Café.
Right in the heart of the stunning Kangaroo Valley, far south of Sydney and home to my favorite breakfast dish of all time. The Egg Fu Yung.
The good news is that 90 per cent of the journey was all-electric, but even when the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine kicks in you probably won’t even notice it. Such is the seamless nature of Chery’s super hybrid system.
With a combined range of around 1250km on a full tank and charge, the Tiggo 9 is perfect for Australian conditions. Long distances, regional trips and family road trips included.
Performance that matches the numbers
This isn’t a hybrid designed solely for efficiency. When the petrol engine and all three electric motors work together, the Tiggo 9 produces a combined power of 315kW and 580Nm of torque.
That’s a remarkable achievement for a family SUV, which translates into effortless overtaking ability, confident handling on the highway and a relaxed, relaxed driving experience at high speeds.
What’s particularly impressive is how well calibrated the entire system feels. The transitions between electric and hybrid modes are smooth and unobtrusive.
The Tiggo 9 glides almost silently through the city. There’s a smooth, composed ride on the open road, with electric torque always available when you need it.
It feels much more like a premium electrified SUV than a traditional hybrid, and that’s a big part of its appeal. And that instant push and quick acceleration for quick overtaking was also put to the test as we headed further south in the Tiggo 9 to the popular Clyde River Berry Farm.
It’s off the beaten track, so both the all-wheel drive and off-road modes came in handy, particularly as grip was inherently limited due to the dry conditions and it was slippery at the best of times.
Once there we were given a bucket to fill with hand picked blueberries and some of the sweetest strawberries I have ever tasted. And if the children are with you, I can really recommend the freshly mixed berry soft ice cream (stirred by hand), it is simply heavenly.
Comfort, elegance and ride quality
Australian roads are hard, bumpy and full of bumps and Chery is fully aware of this.
The Tiggo 9’s suspension tuning is well suited to rough surfaces and long-distance driving. Combined with acoustic glass and excellent sound insulation, it creates a cabin that remains impressively quiet and comfortable even at highway speeds and on unpaved roads (as tested).
This is a vehicle designed to reduce fatigue on longer journeys. Families will appreciate it whether they’re driving up the coast, across the country, or just tackling a busy school week.
Steering is light and easy around town, visibility is excellent and despite its size, the Tiggo 9 never feels unwieldy behind the wheel.
A cabin that feels truly premium
When you step inside the Tiggo 9, it’s immediately clear that Chery has significantly improved its internals.
There is only one trim level, but it is fully equipped. Nappa-style leather upholstery is standard, as are heated and ventilated seats in both the first and second rows.
The passengers in the front seats also benefit from the massage function. A feature usually reserved for much more expensive SUVs.
Technology is another strength. A large 15.6-inch central touchscreen anchors the interior, paired with a crisp head-up display and a premium 12-speaker Sony audio system, complete with headrest-mounted speakers for the driver’s seat (ideal for navigation instructions).
Moody lighting, soft materials throughout and thoughtful storage solutions help create a calm, modern environment that feels truly premium and not just “good for the price.”
Seven seats that actually work
Too often, seven-seat SUVs offer a third row in name only. That is not the case here.
The Tiggo 9’s second row is really spacious, offering enough legroom and headroom for adults, while the third row is good for children or shorter trips for smaller adults.
Importantly, access to the third row is easy and the overall layout is intuitive for family use.
When you fold the third row of seats flat, the Tiggo 9 reveals a large, convenient trunk that’s ideal for road trips, strollers, sports equipment or a full load of luggage.
This is a vehicle that understands how families actually use their cars, and it shows.
Security and smart technology
Security is another area where the Tiggo 9 impresses.
Ten airbags and 18 advanced driver assistance systems are standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking.
A standout feature is the automatic parking assistant, which allows the Tiggo 9 to use its sensors and 360-degree camera system to detect and maneuver into suitable parking spaces, even outside conventional parking lines.
It’s intuitive, effective and really useful in daily life. It is also very easy to use.
The value equation that no one else can achieve
Here’s the part that really counts.
At $59,990 plus on-road costs, the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid offers seven-seat functionality, premium interior comfort, long-range plug-in hybrid capability, strong performance and advanced safety technology at a price the competition simply can’t match.
Comparable seven-seater hybrids and plug-in hybrids often cost tens of thousands more and many still offer a shorter electric-only range, less equipment or less interior space.
With the Tiggo 9 you don’t have to choose between electrification, practicality and affordability. It delivers all three.
Final thoughts
The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is not just progress for the brand – it is a statement.
Australian families no longer need to spend money on luxury cars to get premium comfort, advanced electrification and true seven-seat versatility.
You get electric car-like driving for everyday use, hybrid freedom for longer trips, and the space and refinement that families actually need.
For buyers willing to look beyond traditional badges, the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid not only offers good value for money, it is also one of the most compelling family SUVs currently for sale in Australia.
Add Chery’s Triple Seven warranty program, seven-year/unlimited kilometer warranty, seven years of top-price servicing and seven years of roadside assistance (if the car is serviced by a Chery dealer), plus a separate eight-year/unlimited kilometer warranty on the battery, and the value for money just gets better and better.
MORE: Explore the Chery Tiggo 9 showroom
