The 2025 Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid has made waves in the Australian automotive market, claiming the title of the country’s most affordable plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with a starting price of $39,990 drive-away. With a claimed combined driving range of 1200km, impressive fuel efficiency, and a suite of modern features, it positions itself as a compelling option for families and eco-conscious buyers. But does its low price and long range make it the best-value PHEV in Australia? This article dives into the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid’s specifications, features, performance, and competition to determine if it truly delivers unmatched value.
Overview of the 2025 Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid
The Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid is a mid-size, five-seat SUV that introduces Chery’s advanced plug-in hybrid technology to Australia. Launched in July 2025, it replaces the petrol-only Tiggo 7 Pro’s 1.6-litre turbo engine with a more efficient hybrid system. Available in two grades—Urban ($39,990 drive-away) and Ultimate ($43,990 drive-away)—it undercuts competitors like the BYD Sealion 6 ($42,990 before on-road costs) and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ($57,290 before on-road costs).
Powertrain and Performance
The Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (105kW/215Nm) with a single electric motor (150kW/310Nm), driving the front wheels through a one-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). While Chery Australia hasn’t disclosed combined outputs, the related Jaecoo J7 SHS PHEV suggests a total system power of 255kW and 525Nm.
The vehicle offers four driving modes:
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Pure Electric: Up to 93km of electric-only range (NEDC cycle) at speeds up to 120km/h.
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Series: The petrol engine acts as a generator to charge the battery.
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Parallel: Both engine and motor work together for maximum power.
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Energy Recovery: Regenerative braking recharges the battery.
Its 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supports DC fast-charging at up to 40kW, achieving a 30-80% charge in approximately 20 minutes, and a 6.6kW AC charger for a full charge in about three hours. Chery claims a combined fuel consumption of 1.4L/100km and a total range of 1200km, making it highly efficient for long drives.
Features and Equipment
Both Urban and Ultimate grades come well-equipped, aligning with Chery’s value-driven approach:
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Exterior: 18-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, integrated LED tail lights, and a diamond-cut front grille.
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Interior: Synthetic leather seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual 12.3-inch screens (infotainment and digital instrument cluster), wired Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and “Hello Chery” voice commands.
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Safety: Eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, tyre pressure monitoring, and a reversing camera.
The Ultimate grade adds premium touches:
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Powered panoramic sunroof
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Privacy glass
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Heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory
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360-degree around-view monitor
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Eight-speaker Sony premium stereo
Chery backs the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, capped-price servicing, and roadside assistance, enhancing its ownership appeal.
Comparing Value: Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid vs. Competitors
To assess whether the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid is Australia’s best-value PHEV, we compare it against key rivals: the BYD Sealion 6, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV.
BYD Sealion 6
The BYD Sealion 6, priced from $42,990 plus on-road costs (approximately $45,600 drive-away in Victoria), was previously Australia’s cheapest PHEV. It uses a 1.5-litre hybrid system with a claimed 92km electric range (NEDC) and 1000km total range. The Sealion 6 offers a premium interior, a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, and advanced safety features but lacks the Tiggo 7’s DC fast-charging capability. Its higher drive-away price and slightly shorter range make the Chery more cost-effective for budget-conscious buyers.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Starting at $57,290 before on-road costs, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a seven-seat SUV with a 2.4-litre petrol engine and twin electric motors, delivering 84km of electric range (WLTP) and all-wheel drive. It’s a strong family option with a proven track record but comes at a significant price premium over the Tiggo 7. For buyers prioritising affordability and five-seat practicality, the Chery offers better value despite fewer seats.
GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV
Priced at $55,990 drive-away, the GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV combines a 1.5-litre turbo engine with an electric motor for a 60km electric range (NEDC). It boasts sporty styling and a high-tech interior but falls short of the Tiggo 7’s range, charging speed, and price. The Chery’s $16,000 price advantage makes it a clear winner for value.
Value Assessment
The Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid’s $39,990 drive-away price is unmatched, offering a $5,000-$17,000 savings over competitors. Its 93km electric range is competitive, and the 1200km total range surpasses most rivals. The inclusion of DC fast-charging, rare in this segment, adds practicality, while its feature-packed interior and comprehensive warranty rival pricier models. However, its front-wheel-drive layout and unconfirmed combined power outputs may limit appeal for performance enthusiasts or those needing all-wheel drive.
Market Context and Consumer Appeal
Australia’s PHEV market is growing, with 4726 registrations in 2024 (to April 30), a 135.6% increase year-over-year. Consumers are drawn to PHEVs for their electric driving capability without range anxiety, especially as EV infrastructure lags in regional areas. The Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid arrives as Chery’s sales surge, with 12,603 vehicles sold in 2024, up 114% from 2023.
Chery’s value proposition resonates with budget-conscious families, competing with established brands like Toyota (RAV4 Hybrid) and Mazda (CX-5). The Tiggo 7’s $10,000 premium over its petrol-only counterpart ($29,990 drive-away) is justified by its hybrid efficiency and electric range, appealing to buyers seeking long-term fuel savings.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid excels in pricing and range, there are considerations:
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Brand Perception: Chery, a Chinese brand, faces skepticism compared to Japanese or Korean rivals, though its seven-year warranty mitigates reliability concerns.
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Real-World Efficiency: The 1.4L/100km claim relies on optimal conditions; real-world figures may be closer to 4.9L/100km when the battery is depleted.
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Five Seats: Unlike the seven-seat Outlander or Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid, the Tiggo 7 may not suit larger families.
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Performance Data: Lack of official combined power figures makes it harder to gauge acceleration or towing capability.
Consumer Considerations
For urban commuters, the Tiggo 7’s 93km electric range covers most daily drives, potentially eliminating fuel costs with regular charging. Its fast-charging support suits those without home chargers, while the 1200km range is ideal for road trips. Families will appreciate the spacious interior, modern tech, and safety features, though larger households may prefer the upcoming Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid stands out as Australia’s cheapest PHEV, offering exceptional value with its $39,990 price, 1200km range, and robust feature set. It outperforms rivals like the BYD Sealion 6 and GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV in affordability and range, while its DC fast-charging and comprehensive warranty enhance practicality. Though it lacks the seven seats or all-wheel drive of pricier options like the Mitsubishi Outlander, its target audience—budget-conscious families and eco-minded commuters—will find it hard to beat.
Is it the best-value PHEV in Australia? For most buyers prioritising cost, efficiency, and modern features, the answer is a resounding yes. However, those needing extra seating or premium brand cachet may look elsewhere. As Chery continues to build trust in Australia, the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid sets a new benchmark for affordable electrified motoring.