There is a growing impression that Chinese automakers have leveled up. They have partnered with legacy car brands so that these major marques can roll out electrified hybrid or full battery EV models. The resulting bilateral technology transfer has benefited car buyers worldwide.
Chery has paid its dues, and its evolving sophistication as a brand is revealed with the Tiggo rEV. Across its entire range of vehicles, there are no trendy silhouettes and interiors. The user interface is effortless to navigate. They understand what buyers actually appreciate and have learned from past mistakes.
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Styling
In its market segment where stylish is the standard, it bucks that trend. It’s mature, modern, and luxurious. Something titos and titas will appreciate.
Except for the huge unventilated diamond accent front grill, the exterior looks typical. Like Chery’s well-designed logo, it’s subdued yet distinctive. The two-tone, multi-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels look a bit small in contrast with the huge body panels.
The tinted panoramic sunroof almost blends in with the Aurora Green paint, while bordered by the ornamental brushed aluminum roof rails. From the factory, it came with privacy rear glass windows that are framed by sweeping brushed aluminum balustrades. Mirroring the roof rails, they frame the glass from the A-pillars all the way to the C-pillars.
The creased hood and lower quarter of the doors connect the simple but elegant lines of its outline. Nothing that looks similar to its chic competitors.
LED daytime running lights and through-type LED taillights are standard. Functional, not fashionable.
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Interior
Its complete model name is headlined with the word ‘luxury,’ and the interiors don’t disappoint. The space black leather seats are plush and elegant, plus they’re heated and ventilated. They’re power-adjustable six ways, so finding the correct lumbar support is easy, and those settings could be saved for three different users.
With the Smart Proximity Key, it can be configured to turn on the dual-zone climate control with air ionizer even as you approach the vehicle. Remote engine start, follow-me-home lights, automatic door opening, and other security features can all be preset.
Chery sunvisors are always worth mentioning. Aside from the fine build quality, both sunvisors have a ringlight around the large vanity mirrors. The auto-dimming rear-view mirrors are mounted behind the LiDAR scanner on the windshield. Powered side mirror adjustment is embedded in the software, and the right and left banks of the steering wheel control double duty as four-way adjusters. Clever and unconventional. I appreciate decreasing the number of physical buttons, notably deleting those that are rarely used and could be saved in the driver’s profile.
The 15.6-inch infotainment HD touchscreen uses a neatly intuitive interface. One of the best I’ve tried with seamless wireless connectivity for Apple and Android phones. No lags with large, easy-to-tap buttons, and gesture controls I’ve wished for in earlier reviews.
The usability gap between smartphone software and automotive software is narrowing fast. Biometric scans for unlocking cars are now implemented by some manufacturers.
The 10-inch instrument cluster is filled with useful information like battery energy and gasoline consumption figures, as well as real-time tire temperature and pressure.
On the center console, right below the slim A/C vents, is a 50-watt wireless smartphone charging pad. It’s ventilated so even at maximum charging speeds, the phone barely gets warm. Point the AC vents lower, and it’d be even colder. On the armrest console, there’s a dedicated toggle for EV or HEV modes right below the drive mode dial. The climate control uses one huge button that rocks on a central pivot, controlling four functions. Poorly designed, in my opinion, as it never positively triggers any of the assigned tasks. Pressing any of the four corner buttons brings up the A/C menu on the touchscreen for additional functions.
The wraparound LED ambient lighting strip can be set to any color and accentuates the abundant soft-touch surfaces and wood-grain panels. The center console is unusually tall because underneath is a chilled compartment that can accommodate two champagne bottles or two one-liter bottles of sparkling water. The open space in front of that is where the Type-A and Type-C USB ports are, with a cubby for a clutch bag or a medium purse.
The 12-speaker Sony system sounds best in surround mode. Excellent audio quality with stunning bass resonance. With the driver-side-only headrest speakers, passengers are unbothered by turn-signal indicator beeps. I reckon those tiny speakers also contribute to the overall performance of the surround sound system.
The two seats on the third row are leather-wrapped but barely comfortable for adults. The flat-floored space with the seats down is ample at 1,179 liters, and it can be securely shaded by a tonneau cover. Second-row seats can also be folded flat for even more cargo flexibility at 2,100 liters of space. If it were available in a 2+2+3 configuration with captain’s chairs in the middle row, that cargo room would be compromised, but it’d make this SUV extra luxurious.
Engine performance
The frugal Miller cycle 1.5-liter turbo engine drives the front wheels only, via the Chery Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. It can be driven in EV mode using the 18.66kWh battery that’s capable of 100km in real-world range. Clocking a tidy, easy-to-remember 1km/1% charge. The manufacturer claimed a combined EV and HEV range of 1,400km is optimistic, with its 60-liter tank capacity. I estimated a fuel consumption of 17-19km/L of gasoline, plus 100km from a full battery charge.
The combined 202hp makes it respectably swift, quiet, and seamless. There’s impressive torque that allows the heavy vehicle to move smoothly without hesitation, even with the heavy, floor-mounted battery. Level 2 chargers available at malls can charge it from 22% to 75% in less than two hours. About the average time to do a grocery run and some window shopping.
Selecting drive, neutral, or reverse on the right steering column stalk is traditional and nostalgic. The park button on the tip of the right column lever is easy to access.
Ride and handling
Supple and silky ride that’s not nauseating—this is where Chery’s maturity as a manufacturer shines. It’s tuned its automobiles’ handling appropriately for its target market. Someone looking for a luxurious hybrid tourer that can stand in as a utility vehicle will find the Tiggo rEV a premium and cozy option. Personally driven or with a chauffeur, it’s versatile and practical for anyone looking for those attributes in a deluxe vehicle.
The price for that luxurious ride, though, is spiritless handling. The long wheelbase and even the low center of gravity can’t make up for that soft suspension. Regardless, it’s difficult to upset its balanced stance that has a 500mm wading depth.
The electric power steering is soft at normal settings, and feels like a normal hydraulic steering system with the sports setting.
Extra features
The rEV’s safety suite is predicated on advanced driving-assistance systems. The passive components include ABS, ESC, TCS, a reversing camera, lane-detection warning, forward-collision warning, blind-spot detection, and parking assistance. The active systems increase safety by automatic emergency braking, emergency steering, lane-centering, traffic-jam assist, and adaptive cruise control.
There are ISOFIX seats on the middle row, and an immobilizer is standard. For this model, there’s a total of six SRS airbags.
Convenience and security features are numerous and include speed-sensing door locks, a powered tailgate with height memory, hidden outside door handles, and a head-up display. The intelligent voice control adds to the interface innovations, but may benefit from a few improvements. It’s something like what early Siri users had.
Verdict
Chinese carmakers indeed have come a long way, particularly brands like Chery. This model is proof of that. Chery knows its market well and comes up with vehicles that cater to specific demands. It implements technology that’s honestly utilitarian and accessible. Those looking for a premium hybrid SUV that’s adaptable and capable may have other alternatives at the same P1.5 million price point, but they won’t be as loaded with technologies and features as this Chery.
Its competitors won’t cover an eight-year or 160,000 km battery warranty, either. Nor will they deliver a seven-year or 200,000km bumper-to-bumper warranty, with free roadside assistance for three years.
SPECS: 2026 Chery Tiggo rEV Luxury Edition C-DM
Price: P1,528,000
Powertrain: 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo (Miller Cycle), 18.66kWh battery
Transmission: Dedicated hybrid
Power: 201hp (combined power)
Torque: 310Nm (combined torque)
Layout: FWD
Seating: 7
Score: 9/10
More photos of the 2026 Chery Tiggo rEV Luxury Edition C-DM:
