Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid: A Practical Plug-In Hybrid SUV for Daily Life

In daily driving, the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid feels at home in the city. It starts and runs in EV mode for the first portion of your commute, providing a smooth, silent, and responsive feel that’s ideal for stop-and-go traffic. The transition from electric to petrol power is seamless, barely noticeable except for a faint engine hum. On the highway, the petrol engine takes over more often, but the car remains composed and stable. The steering is light and easy at low speeds, with a bit more weight built in at high speeds for confidence. The brakes have a natural feel, unlike some hybrids where the regenerative-pedal transition feels grabby. Overall, the driving experience is relaxed and unruffled, suited to a family cruiser rather than a sporty machine. It handles bumps and potholes with a well-damped ride, though larger road imperfections can send a thud through the cabin. The PHEV system automatically manages the battery state of charge, so you don't need to think about when to use electric — just drive and let the car decide.

Comfort is a strong suit for the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid. The front seats are generously padded and supportive, with adequate adjustment range for taller drivers. The second-row bench is also well-shaped, and if you opt for the seven-seat layout, the third row is best reserved for children or short trips. Road noise is well suppressed at city speeds, especially in EV mode. When the petrol engine is running, it’s not intrusive at a steady cruise but can be heard under hard acceleration. Wind noise is moderate at highway speeds, though not objectionable. The climate control system works effectively and can be adjusted via physical buttons or the touchscreen. Overall, the cabin feels pleasantly quiet and refined for the segment, with soft-touch materials on frequently touched surfaces. The ride quality is comfortable, absorbing most bumps without upsetting occupants, making long journeys more pleasant.

Space is one of the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid’s key strengths. The cabin offers generous headroom and legroom in the first two rows, comfortably seating five adults. The third row, if equipped, is tight for adults but okay for children. Cargo space with all seats up is modest, but folding the third row (or the second row in five-seat versions) yields a large, flat load floor. The hybrid battery is located under the floor, so it doesn’t eat into cabin or boot space as much as some PHEVs, though the floor is slightly higher than in a pure petrol model. There are plenty of storage cubbies: cup holders front and rear, a deep center console bin, and door pockets that can hold bottles. The glovebox is decently sized. Charging the battery is done via the standard charging port on the driver’s side rear fender; the included cable fits easily into the boot’s underfloor storage compartment. The tailgate opens wide, making loading bulky items straightforward, though a powered tailgate would be a nice addition.

The Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid features a large central touchscreen that controls most infotainment functions. The interface is reasonably responsive, with clear graphics, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Physical controls for the climate and volume are present, reducing the need to dive into menus while driving. The digital instrument cluster is crisp and configurable, showing driving data, navigation, and hybrid power flow. Voice control works for basic commands like navigation and media, but sometimes misinterprets accents. The onboard charging timer is useful for scheduling off-peak charging. Remote functions via an app (lock, climate preconditioning, battery status) work well, though reliance on cellular connectivity can be patchy in remote areas. The reversing camera is clear, and the around-view camera, where fitted, aids parking in tight spots. Overall, the technology is functional and user-friendly, though not cutting-edge in terms of speed or features.

Chery has been steadily improving its build quality and reliability, and the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid benefits from that. The hybrid system uses proven components from suppliers like Bosch, and the battery carries a long warranty for peace of mind. Routine maintenance intervals are similar to petrol cars — mainly oil changes, filter replacements, and hybrid system checks. Battery degradation over time is expected but generally slow for daily usage. The brake pads last longer due to regenerative braking. Service network coverage is expanding in many overseas markets, but in rural areas it might be limited. Parts availability is decent, though some specific hybrid components may require ordering. Owners should expect typical ownership costs for a large PHEV, with fuel savings offsetting potential higher premiums. Depreciation is a consideration for the segment, but not discussed here. Overall, it's a dependable family car as long as you stick to the service schedule.

The Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is for families or individuals who want a spacious, comfortable SUV with the ability to run on electric power for daily errands, yet have the petrol engine for longer trips without range anxiety. It’s ideal for those with access to overnight charging and who prioritize low running costs and a quiet cabin over outright performance. Compared to rivals like the BYD Tang DM-i, the Tiggo 8 places a stronger emphasis on ride comfort and interior quietness, while BYD leans into a more technology-heavy cabin and slightly more efficient hybrid system. Against traditional petrol mid-size SUVs like the Haval H6 or Geely Monjaro, the Tiggo 8 feels smoother in city driving and much cheaper to run on electricity, but the petrol-only rivals may have more exciting engines and sharper handling. For those who want a no-hassle, eco-friendly family hauler that doesn't demand constant plugging in, the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is a strong and sensible choice.