- Comfortable ride
- Well-equipped tech & safety features
- Competitive price point for 7-seater
- Luxe-feel with mid-range price point
- Slow off the mark when stop-start engaged
- Awkward position of digital speedometer
- Reduced rear visibility due mirror
- Driver monitoring system slightly distracting
Chery celebrates first anniversary in Australia
Global automotive manufacturer Chery is celebrating its first anniversary in Australia with the launch of the Tiggo 8 Pro Max. Since re-entering the Australian market after a 10-year absence, Chery has firmly planted its roots in the country with the introduction of the Omoda 5, Tiggo 7 Pro, and the latest addition, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max. Chery, founded in China in 1997, has exported over 11 million vehicles to more than 80 countries worldwide. But the company isn't stopping there. Chery will release its first electric vehicle, the Omoda E5, later this year.
The Chery TIGGO 8 Pro Max is an Affordable Seven-Seater
Available in three grades – Urban, Elite, and Ultimate – the 2024 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max caters to a range of preferences and budgets. The entry-level Urban starts at a competitive $41,990, the mid-spec Elite at $43,990, and the top-tier Ultimate at $47,990, all drive-away prices. These price points are particularly attractive in a market where most large SUVs exceed the $50,000 mark. For those looking into seven-seater options, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max stands out as a strong contender among its rivals such as the Honda CRV, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.
| Tiggo 8 Pro Max Urban | Tiggo 8 Pro Max Elite | Tiggo 8 Pro Max Ultimate |
| From $41,990 | From $43,990 | From $47,990 |
| Feature include: | In addition to Urban | In addition to Elite |
| 18" alloy wheels | Power tailgate | All wheel drive (AWD) |
| Dual 12.3" LCD screens | Inbuilt dashcam | 19" alloy wheels |
| 8 speaker Sony Sound System | Retractable Cargo Cover | Panoramic sunroof |
| Heated & Ventilated front seats | Illuminated Front Door Sills | Privacy glass |
| 360 degree around view monitor | Third Row Air Vents | 10-speaker Sony Sound System |
| 50W Wireless charging | Fragrance system |
We reviewed the high-end Tiggo 8 Pro Max Ultimate, which features a panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker Sony sound system, privacy glass, and 19-inch alloy wheels, in addition to all the features available in the Urban and Elite grades. The Urban and Elite are front-wheel drive, while the Ultimate is all-wheel drive.
Comfortable driving experience
With its powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max offers a comfortable driving experience with a well-equipped cabin, where luxury meets functionality. The Tiggo 8 Pro Max features diamond-stitched leather-like upholstery, an electrically operated tailgate (available on Elite and Ultimate variants), customisable ambient lighting, and N95-level air quality management. The electrically adjustable seats in the front are very comfortable, even after several hours of driving.
The memory seat function is great if you have more than one regular driver, allowing you to store up to three positions. The driver seat automatically reverses when getting in and out of the car, which is an added plus. Another convenient feature is the automatic lock and unlock with the key fob when close to the car. A handy feature when you approach the car and your key is buried deep in your bag or you have a handful of grocery bags. These thoughtful touches create a high-end experience.
Fuel consumption with combined city and highway driving came in at 8.9L/100km, which came close to the manufacturer's claim of 8.7L/100km for combined driving.
Safety features
Advanced safety features and intelligent technology are integrated seamlessly, making every journey not just comfortable, but also secure. The Tiggo 8 Pro Max boasts a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, equipped with 10 airbags and 18 driver-assistance systems. Dual 12.3” LCD screens provide critical vehicle information and control the intuitive infotainment system, although the driver monitoring system could do with a tweak. It can be overzealous at times, with the 'you are distracted' warnings, which is a distraction in itself. The integrated forward camera is a handy bit of kit, particularly if you are involved in an accident and need to provide evidence. All you need to do is insert an SD card to activate recordings.
The 360-degree cameras and front/rear parking sensors come into play when parking in tight spaces. But it's on the open road where you truly appreciate the full gamut of safety features - standard across all three variants. The lane-keep assist could do with further fine-tuning, as it was a little sensitive on the highway.
What the Back Seat Riders say about the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max
The adult passengers sitting in the back during a long drive found the legroom spacious and appreciated the easily accessible USB-A and USB-C mobile phone charging points. The two rear centre console air vents also help provide a comfortable ride over a long period. The only criticism from the back was the drink holders in the door, which were too small to accommodate medium-sized bottles. The solution was to use the seat pockets.
Adults may find the third row of seats awkward to access given how little room there is to step in, but presumably, younger family members will use these additional two seats more often than not. Occupants will appreciate the third-row air vents and cup holders.
Connectivity
Connecting the iPhone via Bluetooth was simple and quick, and plugging a phone cord into the USB-A outlet provided quick access to Apple CarPlay. Wireless connection to Apple CarPlay worked well, however, despite one dropout. Phone conversations via Bluetooth were clear on both ends. All three variants come with 50W wireless charging which is convenient if you need to charge on the go. You can also charge your phone via the USB-A and USB-C charging ports if there are two of you that need to recharge your phone. Also, you'll be reminded if you leave your phone on the wireless charging pad as you leave the car.
Room for Improvement
Overall, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max impressed, though there are a few areas that could be improved.
When accelerating after the stop-start function kicks in, the car is a little slow off the mark. While this isn't a deal-breaker, it is noticeable when you initially start driving the car. However, adapting your driving style by gradually accelerating off the mark will help overcome this issue.
Visibility out the front and side of the car is good, but the rearview mirror takes a little bit of getting used to with what seems to be a wide-angle mirror.
The third row of seats is only accessible from the right-hand side of the car. From a safety perspective, it would make sense to access this row from the left-hand side which is generally kerbside, not roadside.
The dual 12.3” LCD screens are a nice touch. However, keeping an eye on the speedometer on the right-hand screen is awkward, due to the the positioning of the digital speedometer. The position of the steering wheel hinders visibility, and even when we tried different 'themes' within the display it was still difficult to get a full view of the speedometer.
Ongoing costs
The brand ensures peace of mind with an extensive seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance (first year free). Additionally, they provide seven years of capped-price servicing. Routine maintenance is scheduled every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.
| Service Interval | Capped Price Service for the Ultimate (AWD) |
|---|---|
| 'A' Service 15,000kms / 12 months | $280.00 |
| 'B' Service 30,000kms / 24 months | $280.00 |
| 'C' Service 45,000kms / 36 months | $280.00 |
| 'D' Service 60,000kms / 48 months | $280.00 |
| 'E' Service 75,000kms / 60 months | $280.00 |
| 'F' Service 90,000kms / 72 months | $614.07 |
| 'G' Service 105,000kms / 84 months | $295.09 |
| Total | $2309.16 |
Our verdict
Competitively priced with capped price service, loaded with safety features and comfortable to boot, the 2024 Chery Tiggo Pro Max is a compelling option for families shopping around for a seven-seater in the $50,000 range. While the drawbacks aren't a deal-breaker, hopefully Chery will consider addressing these issues to further enhance the appeal of the 2024 Chery Tiggo Pro Max.
Find out more about the 2024 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max here. Book a test drive here.