Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV CSH: A Practical Mid-Size Plug-In Hybrid SUV

In everyday driving, the Tiggo 8 PHEV feels composed and refined. Electric mode provides smooth, quiet acceleration suitable for city traffic, while the petrol engine kicks in seamlessly when needed, such as during highway merging or overtaking. The transition between electric and hybrid modes is barely noticeable. The regenerative braking system is adjustable via paddles, allowing drivers to choose between a more natural coasting feel or stronger one-pedal operation. The steering is light and easy at low speeds, making manoeuvring in tight car parks simple, though it lacks much feel at higher speeds. Ground clearance is adequate for light off-road or gravel tracks, but this is primarily an on-road vehicle. Overall, it handles daily commutes and school runs with ease.

Ride comfort is a highlight. The suspension soaks up potholes and speed bumps well, with only minor body movements over larger undulations. The cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise at urban speeds; however, at highway speeds, some tyre roar is noticeable. Seats are generously padded and provide good support for long journeys. Front seats are heated and ventilated in higher trims, and the driver’s seat offers memory settings. Rear passengers also enjoy comfortable seating with a reclining backrest. Climate control works effectively and can be pre-conditioned via the mobile app, a boon in extreme weather. Noise and vibration from the petrol engine are well suppressed, even when it's charging the battery.

Space is where the Tiggo 8 PHEV truly shines. It offers three rows of seating, though the third row is best left for children or short trips due to limited legroom. The second row slides and reclines, providing generous legroom for adults. There are multiple cup holders, door pockets, and a large centre console bin. The boot space is decent with all seats up, but it expands significantly when the third row is folded flat. For families, the 5-seat configuration offers a cavernous cargo area. The high roofline means even tall occupants have ample headroom. Loading heavy items is easy thanks to a low load floor, and there are tie-down points for securing luggage.

The infotainment system is feature-rich but can be laggy at times. The dual-screen setup (digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen) looks modern and displays clear information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired; wireless connectivity would be more convenient. Voice control works for basic commands like navigation and music, but it struggles with accents or complex queries. The mobile app allows remote climate control, lock/unlock, and battery status checking. Driver assistance features—adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring—work reasonably well, though the lane keep can be overly assertive on narrow roads. The 360-degree camera is sharp and useful for parking. Overall, technology is competent but not segment-leading.

Chery has improved build quality in recent years, and the Tiggo 8 PHEV feels solidly assembled. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain uses a proven electric motor and a petrol engine, with a battery that comes with a long warranty. Routine maintenance intervals are typical for the class. Owners should expect a quiet and pleasant ownership experience, though some software glitches may require dealer visits. Parts availability is growing as Chery expands globally, but in some markets, service network coverage may be limited compared to established Japanese or Korean brands. Fuel economy in daily use is excellent if you charge regularly, but hybrid mode is also efficient for longer trips.

The Tiggo 8 PHEV is ideal for families who want the practicality of a spacious SUV with the ability to do most daily trips on electricity alone, yet avoid range anxiety on longer journeys. It competes with the BYD Tang DM-i, which offers similar space and a more efficient hybrid system but a slightly firmer ride. Another rival is the Haval H6 PHEV, which has a more polished interior and better infotainment but smaller third-row seats. The Tiggo 8 PHEV stands out for its comfortable ride and generous interior space, making it a strong choice for those prioritizing passenger comfort over outright tech or sporty handling.