The Chery Tiggo 8 is one of Chery Australia’s main seven-seat family SUV offerings and is unusual in giving buyers a choice between a conventional turbo-petrol model and a plug-in hybrid model under the same broader Tiggo 8 name. The current petrol version is sold as the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, while the electrified alternative is the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid. Both target Australian families that need three rows of seating, modern cabin technology and strong equipment value.

The Tiggo 8 Pro Max uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 180kW and 375Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Urban is front-wheel drive, while the current Ultimate adds all-wheel drive and additional features. Chery lists combined fuel consumption of 8.1L/100km for the front-drive versions and 8.7L/100km for the Ultimate AWD under ADR testing. This version suits drivers who prefer the simplicity of normal petrol refuelling and do not want to plan around charging.

The Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid takes a different approach. It combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric drive and an 18.4kWh battery. Chery quotes up to 90km of NEDC pure-electric range, up to 1,200km of combined range and combined fuel consumption of 1.3L/100km under the relevant test method. It can be plugged in and supports DC fast charging, while the petrol engine remains available for long trips. As with every PHEV, owners who charge regularly are more likely to achieve the lowest fuel use in day-to-day driving.

Both Tiggo 8 versions provide seven seats, making the model relevant for larger households, school runs and occasional extra passengers. The petrol Pro Max lists 117 litres of luggage space with all seven seats in use and substantially more when the third row is folded. That illustrates a common compromise among three-row SUVs: the extra seats are useful, but carrying seven people and bulky luggage at the same time requires planning. Families should test the third row and cargo area with their own prams, sports gear or travel bags before purchase.

Technology levels are strong across the range but the presentation differs between petrol and Super Hybrid versions. The Pro Max uses dual 12.3-inch displays, while the Super Hybrid uses a 10.25-inch driver display and a larger 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. Depending on grade, available features include wireless phone charging, surround-view cameras, panoramic sunroofs, heated and ventilated front seats, Sony audio, power tailgates, ambient lighting and Chery’s voice-command system. Equipment should always be checked against the exact grade because not every feature is standard across every Tiggo 8.

Safety is another strong focus. The Tiggo 8 Pro Max carries a five-star ANCAP rating and Chery lists ten airbags plus a wide driver-assistance suite, while the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is promoted with nine airbags and a similarly broad set of assistance features including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane support and blind-spot monitoring. For Australian buyers, the Tiggo 8’s biggest strength is choice: petrol or plug-in hybrid, front- or all-wheel drive depending on variant, and a broad equipment range. The main decision is therefore not whether the Tiggo 8 is practical, but which powertrain and grade best match the buyer’s charging access, travel pattern and need for AWD.