If you’ve been waiting for an affordable way to dip your toes into the plug-in hybrid world, your patience might finally pay off. The 2025 Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid has just landed in Australia with a starting price of $39,990 drive-away, making it the country’s most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV.
Why These Super Hybrids Matter for Australian Families
Let’s be honest – most families want the convenience of electric driving without the range anxiety. Both the Tiggo 7 and its larger sibling, the Tiggo 8, deliver up to 1,200km of total driving range when you combine their electric and petrol power. That’s Perth to Adelaide without stopping for fuel.
The Tiggo 7 offers 93km of pure electric range, while the Tiggo 8 stretches slightly further with 95km. For most daily commutes and school runs, you’ll rarely need to fire up the petrol engine.
What You Actually Get for Your Money
Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Variants
The entry-level Urban model doesn’t feel entry-level at all. You get 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather seats, dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless smartphone connectivity, and LED lighting throughout. The “Hello Chery” voice control lets you open the sunroof or adjust climate settings without taking your hands off the wheel.
Step up to the Ultimate for $43,990, and you’ll add a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, and a 360-degree camera.
Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid: More Space, More Features
The larger Tiggo 8 starts at $45,990 for the Urban variant and tops out at $49,990 for the Ultimate. Both offer seven seats and come standard with 19-inch wheels, a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, and power-retractable door handles.
The Ultimate variant adds luxury touches like a head-up display, massage seats, and speakers built into the driver’s headrest.
The Tech That Makes It Work
Smart Hybrid System
Under the hood, both models use a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 105kW and 215Nm, paired with an electric motor delivering 150kW and 310Nm. The system automatically switches between four driving modes: pure electric, series, parallel, and energy recovery.
Fast Charging That Actually Works
Here’s where these SUVs stand out from many competitors. The 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery can charge from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes using DC fast charging. That’s barely enough time for a coffee break on a road trip.
Model Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid | Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $39,990 (Urban) | $45,990 (Urban) |
| Top Variant Price | $43,990 (Ultimate) | $49,990 (Ultimate) |
| Electric Range | 93km (NEDC) | 95km (NEDC) |
| Total Range | 1,200km | 1,200km |
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Wheel Size | 18-inch | 19-inch |
| Display Size | 12.3-inch twin screens | 15.6-inch infotainment |
| Battery Capacity | 18.3kWh LFP | 18.3kWh LFP |
| Engine Power | 105kW/215Nm + 150kW/310Nm | 105kW/215Nm + 150kW/310Nm |
How They Stack Up Against the Competition
The pricing puts these models directly in the crosshairs of established players. The Tiggo 8’s pricing sits close to the BYD Sealion 7 and well under the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which starts from $57,990.
What makes the Chery models particularly appealing is their combination of affordability and technology. While vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offer only minimal electric-only driving, these Tiggo models provide 90+ kilometres of EV-like experience without the range anxiety.
The Ownership Experience
Warranty and Service
Chery backs both models with a comprehensive 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus 7 years of capped price servicing and roadside assistance. The high-voltage battery gets its own 8-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
When Can You Get One?
Both models go on sale in July 2025, with deliveries expected to begin soon after. Given the competitive pricing and feature set, early interest is likely to be strong.
These Super Hybrid models represent Chery’s serious push into Australia’s electrified SUV market. For families wanting to reduce their fuel bills and environmental impact without paying premium prices, the Tiggo 7 and 8 offer a compelling proposition.
The combination of practical electric range, fast charging capability, generous warranty coverage, and competitive pricing makes these SUVs worth considering. Whether the five-seat Tiggo 7 or seven-seat Tiggo 8 suits your needs better will depend on your family size and space requirements, but both deliver genuine value in the rapidly growing hybrid SUV segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to charge the battery?
A: Using DC fast charging, you can charge from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes. Home AC charging will take longer but is perfect for overnight charging.
Q: Do I need to plug it in to get good fuel economy?
A: While regular charging maximizes efficiency, the hybrid system works even with a depleted battery, automatically managing power between electric and petrol sources.
Q: What’s the difference between Urban and Ultimate variants?
A: Ultimate models add premium features like panoramic sunroofs, heated/ventilated seats, upgraded sound systems, and advanced driver assistance technologies.
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