Hybrids are becoming the new normal as automakers comply with tightening emission regulations.
And the evolution of petrol-electric propulsion isn’t being restricted to the top end of town either, as even tiny tots like the top-selling Chery Tiggo 4 small SUV are being electrified.
Introduced to Australia late last year, the hybridised version of Chery’s smallest and cheapest SUV follows in the wheel tracks of the turbo-petrol version that formed a key pillar in the Chinese brand’s local relaunch in 2024.
And now after the Tiggo 4 became Australia’s most popular small SUV in 2025 and so far in 2026, the hybrid version has joined CarExpert’s long-term test fleet, allowing us to put it through the paces of everyday life – from regular suburban commutes to interstate road trips – in an extended road test.
For now, here are our first impressions.
How much does the Chery Tiggo 4 cost?
The Chery Tiggo 4 has been around for a couple of years now, and in turbo-petrol form it has become one of Australia’s best-selling SUVs on the strength of its outstanding value for money. Priced from just $23,990 drive-away, it is one of the cheapest SUVs in showrooms today.
|
Model |
Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
|
2026 Chery Tiggo 4 Urban |
$23,990 |
|
2026 Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate |
$26,990 |
|
2026 Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid Urban |
$29,990 |
|
2026 Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid Ultimate |
$32,990 |
More recently, Chery broadened the Tiggo 4’s appeal with the arrival of a hybrid powertrain.
Like the petrol-only variant, it is offered in either Urban or Ultimate equipment grades, priced at $29,990 drive-away and $32,990 drive-away respectively.
Our long-term test vehicle is the range-topping Ultimate, which comes with extra standard equipment that we’ll explain below.
It is available with five exterior colour options including the standard Martian Red of our test vehicle, while the four other choices – Mercurial Grey, Lunar White, Space Black and Lunar Silver – all command a $500 price premium.
To see how the Chery Tiggo 4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What is the Chery Tiggo 4 like on the inside?
There’s a lot to like about Tiggo 4’s cabin, which certainly belies its cheap-and-cheerful price tag.
It feels totally modern with its twin digital displays across the top of the dashboard, and another for the ventilation system in the lower section of the centre stack, yet it’s also relatively conservative with a traditional T-shaped layout that places most of the controls in their traditional spots.
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It certainly isn’t as overtly polarising as some of its rivals, like the BYD Atto 3, and for the most part feels well built. Our test car had already clocked up over 8000km before we started driving it, and so far there are no signs of any squeaks or rattles, or plastic parts falling off.
However, the piano-black trim in the centre console does attract a lot of dust and fingerprints, and requires regular cleaning with a soft cloth to prevent it looking grubby.
And the big screen for the climate system display is exactly that – for display only – since there are separate controls for the fan speed and temperature located next to the stubby gear selector.
As such, the screen seems like a bit of overkill and the area could be better used for small-item storage as there’s a lot of wasted space on top of the console, where there’s only a pair of cupholders and a vertical slot for your mobile phone.
That is until you discover there’s a hidden area underneath it with the wireless phone charger, an extra shelf and USB power outlets. Once you know it’s there, it makes things a little more practical but, even then, it’s not that easy to access.
The infotainment screen is bright and clear, and has a simple menu structure that features phone-style widgets, and the six-speaker audio system in the Ultimate has decent clarity and staging for a car at this end of the price spectrum.
We have experienced a couple of wigouts with the wireless Apple CarPlay since we collected our test car, including a couple of occasions when it didn’t automatically connect, and another when the screen was blank but the audio was running. We’ll keep a tab on these – and any other issues – over the next month or so while it remains on our long-term fleet.
The rest of the package is surprisingly pleasant. The front seats are comfortable and offer generous lateral support, but they do sit quite high which will restrict headroom for taller passengers, and the seat bases lack under-thigh support for those with longer legs.
Other than that, there’s a good range of adjustability in the driver’s seat and three-spoke steering wheel, which has enough reach and tilt adjustment for most people to find the right relationship. And there’s great outward vision, both front and rear, through the expansive glasshouse.
Considering its size, those in the back are treated to a reasonably spacious bench seat with decent legroom and headroom. There’s a single adjustable air vent on the back of the centre console, as well as one USB power outlet, and a flip-down armrest with two additional cupholders.
The 60:40-split/folding seatbacks fold down (but not entirely flat) to create a cavernous space for carrying large items. Chery claims the Tiggo 4 Hybrid has 470 litres of cargo capacity (measured to the roof) in its standard five-seat configuration.
| Dimensions | Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid Ultimate |
|---|---|
| Length |
4330mm |
| Width |
1830mm |
| Height |
1655mm |
| Wheelbase |
2604mm |
| Cargo capacity |
470L (measured to roof) |
To see how the Chery Tiggo 4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
The Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid is fitted with a non-turbo version of the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the regular model, and pairs it with an electric motor powered by a small battery pack, increasing performance while reducing fuel consumption.
| Specifications | Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Engine |
1.5L 4cyl petrol |
| Engine outputs |
71kW 120Nm |
| Electric motor outputs |
150kW 310Nm |
| System outputs |
N/A |
| Battery |
1.8kWh lithium-ion |
| Transmission |
Single-speed hybrid transmission |
| Drive type |
Front-wheel drive |
| Weight |
1490kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) |
5.4L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity |
51L |
| Fuel requirement |
91-octane standard unleaded |
| CO2 emissions |
123g/km |
| Emissions standard |
Euro 6 |
The internal combustion engine generates 71kW of power and 120Nm of torque on its own, which is significantly less than the Tiggo 4’s turbo motor that produces 108kW and 210Nm.
However, the electric motor more than compensates for that shortfall by delivering an additional 150kW and 310Nm, and it’s fed by a small 1.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the rear floor.
The e-motor is housed within the single-speed transmission and drives the front wheels only. Chery does not provide combined maximum output figures.
Chery claims the Tiggo 4 Hybrid has combined fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km, but can consume as little as 4.1L/100km in urban conditions.
With a 51-litre fuel tank that takes standard 91-octane unleaded, it has a theoretical driving range of more than 1000km around the suburbs. Considering the average Australian daily commute is around 40km, that potentially means you may only need to visit the service station once a month.
We are going to put that claim to the test during our long-term test with an urban fuel economy run.
To see how the Chery Tiggo 4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How does the Chery Tiggo 4 drive?
The electrified powertrain transforms the driving character of the Chery Tiggo 4 and undeniably makes it a much better car.
Whereas the standard model feels a little undercooked at low speeds as the turbo builds boost, and can then scramble for traction as the front tyres screech under full load, the Hybrid flips the script and is much more refined to drive.
That’s because it largely relies on the e-motor as the primary source of propulsion around town, which not only makes it feel effortless in heavy traffic but also quieter and smoother.
When the petrol engine chimes in, it is barely perceptible under light loads and chugs away nicely at highway speeds.
However, it becomes extremely raucous at the top of the rev range when you ask for maximum acceleration, or when climbing steep inclines.
That aside, it’s definitely the better powertrain option and well worth the price premium it commands over the turbo-petrol option, not just for reducing fuel consumption but because of its improved driving character.
As for dynamics, it is mostly positive but there are some key areas that definitely need improvement.
The suspension trends more towards comfort than cornering and is relatively compliant over most road surfaces.
For the most part, it is smooth and quiet and easy to drive on well-maintained road surfaces. Yet despite the relatively soft chassis settings, it doesn’t handle sharp impacts very well, with potholes and speed bumps crashing through the chassis.
But it’s the steering that needs the most work. It is virtually devoid of any feedback and is slow to self-centre, as if it has way too much caster – like a chopper-style motorcycle.
Sure, it’s not meant to be a sports car. But it means the amount of steering angle applied during cornering – or even when turning from low-speed intersections – has to be unwound by the driver afterwards, which feels unnatural.
To see how the Chery Tiggo 4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What do you get?
The Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid, even in its entry-level Urban trim, comes loaded with a generous level of standard kit for a car that costs less than $30k.
2026 Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid Urban equipment highlights:
- Automatic reflector LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 R17 tyres
- Tyre repair kit
- Eco/Sport drive modes
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Heated, power-adjustable exterior mirrors
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- Remote start
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Voice assistant
- 4-speaker sound system
- Cloth seat upholstery
- 60:40-split/folding rear seats
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- Front-row LED interior lighting
- Front USB-A and USB-C outlets (1 each)
- Rear USB-A outlet
- Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents
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For the relatively small $3000 extra for the Ultimate version, you get a substantial upgrade including synthetic leather trim, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, six-speaker audio, 15W wireless phone charger, and a sunroof.
The Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid Ultimate adds:
- Space-saver spare wheel
- Power sunroof with sunshade
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- Remote opening/closing of windows
- 6-speaker sound system
- Leatherette upholstery
- 6-way power driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- ‘Premium’ steering wheel
- Second-row LED interior lighting
- Colour-adjustable ambient lighting
- 15W wireless phone charger
To see how the Chery Tiggo 4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
Is the Chery Tiggo 4 safe?
Petrol-powered versions of the Chery Tiggo 4 were awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating when they were first released in 2024, but this does not include hybrid variants even though they share the same level of equipment.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keeping assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Traffic jam assist
- Blind-spot detection
- Rear collision braking and cross-traffic alert
- Door-opening warning
- Driver attention monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Seven airbags
The only difference between the Urban and Ultimate in terms of safety is the replacement of a regular reversing camera with a 360-degree surround-view display in the range-topper.
For the most part, the active safety systems are relatively unobtrusive, although the lane-keeping system does occasionally veer towards driver-side lane markings and then tugs at the wheel to correct. And the driver attention monitor can be a little overzealous, displaying a “you have been distracted” message on the instrument cluster if you glance at the infotainment system for a millisecond too long.
To see how the Chery Tiggo 4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How much does the Chery Tiggo 4 cost to run?
Apart from its fuel-saving benefits, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid is covered by the same aftersales provisions as all other Chery models, including a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
| Servicing and Warranty |
Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Warranty |
7 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance |
Up to 7 years (service-activated) |
| Service intervals |
12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing |
7 years |
|
Average annual service cost |
$359 |
| Total capped-price service cost |
$2519 |
This includes the first year of roadside assistance, which is renewed for up to seven years if the vehicle is maintained within the Chery dealer network.
All Tiggo 4s require servicing every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first), and are backed by a capped-price service scheme for the length of the warranty period, costing an average of $359 per annum.
To see how the Chery Tiggo 4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Take on the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid Ultimate
We’ll get to know the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid more over the next month or so as we put it through the paces of everyday duties. Until then, our first impressions are mostly positive, especially when it comes to the hybrid powertrain.
The Hybrid is unquestionably the better choice if you can afford to pay a little more, and will not only provide a long-term return on your investment with lower fuel consumption, but deliver an immediate reward in the form of its more sophisticated driving performance and character.
Yes, there are certain elements that could be better, but none of them are deal-breakers by any stretch of the imagination.
Besides, you can’t ignore the exceptional value for money on offer here, and the extensive amount of standard kit you get.
Interested in buying a Chery Tiggo 4? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here
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