Australian families looking for a large, efficient SUV are about to get another compelling option. The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is arriving in the third quarter of 2025, and it’s positioning itself as a serious challenger to some very established names in the premium family SUV space.
What Exactly Is the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid?
Think of the Tiggo 9 as Chery’s answer to families who need genuine seven-seat capability but don’t want to pay luxury SUV prices. This isn’t just another Chinese SUV trying to undercut the competition – it’s a sophisticated plug-in hybrid that could genuinely change how Australian families think about large SUV ownership.
The Tiggo 9 will become Chery’s flagship model, completing what the company calls its quartet of electrified SUVs. It sits above the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrids, both of which are already making waves in Australian showrooms.
Size Matters: How Big Are We Talking?
At 4810mm long and 1925mm wide, riding on a 2800mm wheelbase, the Tiggo 9 is almost identical in dimensions to the Kia Sorento. This isn’t coincidental – Chery has clearly benchmarked one of Australia’s most popular large SUVs and built something to match it size-for-size.
What this means in practical terms is genuine space for seven adults, not the 5+2 arrangement that many so-called seven-seaters offer. The wheelbase length suggests the third row won’t be a punishment zone for passengers.
The Power Behind the Promise
Understanding the Super Hybrid System
The heart of the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is an advanced plug-in hybrid system that combines a turbocharged 1.5-liter petrol engine with a powerful electric motor. Here’s what the numbers tell us about real-world performance:
The petrol engine contributes 115kW of power and 220Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds a substantial 165kW and 390Nm. Combined, you’re looking at 280kW of total system power and 610Nm of torque – figures that put this SUV in genuine performance territory.
What This Means for Daily Driving
These power figures translate to strong acceleration and confident overtaking ability, even when fully loaded with family and luggage. The substantial electric motor torque means instant response from standstill – particularly valuable when pulling away from traffic lights or merging onto highways.
The three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission is designed specifically for plug-in hybrid applications, optimizing the relationship between the petrol engine and electric motor for both performance and efficiency.
The Economics of Family Transport
Pricing Strategy That Could Disrupt the Market
While Chery hasn’t announced final pricing, we can make educated predictions based on their existing lineup. The smaller Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid ranges from $45,990 to $49,990 drive-away, so expect the Tiggo 9 to start somewhere north of $50,000.
Here’s where things get interesting for family budgets. The current competition includes the Mazda CX-80 P50e at $76,245 (before on-roads) and the Kia Sorento PHEV from $84,660 (before on-roads). If Chery can bring the Tiggo 9 in under $60,000 drive-away, they’ll be offering similar capability for potentially $25,000-$30,000 less.
Running Cost Advantages
As a plug-in hybrid, the Tiggo 9 offers the best of both worlds. For daily urban driving, you can run purely on electric power, dramatically reducing fuel costs. For longer trips, the petrol engine ensures you’re never stuck looking for charging stations.
This flexibility is particularly valuable for Australian families who might do school runs and suburban errands during the week but want the freedom to explore regional areas on weekends without range anxiety.
Interior Space and Family-Focused Features
Technology That Makes Sense
The Tiggo 9 features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. While these dimensions might sound excessive, larger screens actually make sense in family vehicles – they’re easier for passengers to see and interact with, and they can display more information clearly.
Chery has indicated they’re focusing on “family, urban buyers” with the Tiggo 9, which suggests practical features over gimmicks. Don’t expect the fragrance dispenser found in the related Jaecoo J8, but do expect features that actual families will use regularly.
Seven-Seat Reality Check
True seven-seat capability is rarer than you might think in the SUV market. Many vehicles offer seven seats but compromise significantly on third-row space or cargo capacity. The Tiggo 9’s dimensions suggest Chery is serious about making all seven seats genuinely usable.
Competition Analysis: How It Stacks Up
Against the Kia Sorento PHEV
The Sorento has been the go-to choice for families wanting plug-in hybrid capability with seven seats. It’s proven, reliable, and well-supported. However, it’s also expensive and can feel conservative in its approach to technology and design.
The Tiggo 9 could offer similar capability with more modern tech and potentially superior value, but Kia’s established service network and resale values remain significant advantages.
Mazda CX-80 Comparison
Mazda’s CX-80 represents the premium end of the large SUV market, with beautiful interior materials and sophisticated dynamics. However, its pricing puts it out of reach for many families who need the space but can’t justify the premium.
The Tiggo 9 could appeal to buyers who want CX-80 space and capability but prefer to spend the difference on family holidays rather than badge prestige.
The Chinese Brand Question
Overcoming Perceptions
Chinese automotive brands face ongoing skepticism from some Australian buyers, despite rapidly improving quality and capability. Chery’s strategy of offering significant value while matching established competitors on features and warranties is gradually changing these perceptions.
The company’s expanding dealer network and seven-year warranty coverage address many traditional concerns about Chinese brand ownership.
Build Quality Expectations
Recent Chinese vehicles have shown dramatic improvements in build quality, materials, and reliability. While the Tiggo 9 won’t match German luxury standards, it’s reasonable to expect quality that’s competitive with mainstream Korean and Japanese alternatives.
Timing and Availability
Launch Timeline
The Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is scheduled to arrive in Australian showrooms during the third quarter of 2025, meaning July through September. This timing puts it directly into the traditional new car sales season, when families often make purchasing decisions.
Early interest is likely to be strong, particularly if pricing comes in significantly below established competitors.
Who Should Consider the Tiggo 9?
The Ideal Buyer Profile
The Tiggo 9 makes most sense for growing families who need genuine seven-seat capability but don’t want to pay luxury SUV prices. It’s particularly appealing for buyers who are open to newer brands and prioritize value and features over established badge prestige.
Families who do significant suburban driving but also take regular regional trips will appreciate the plug-in hybrid flexibility.
Who Might Look Elsewhere
Buyers who prioritize brand prestige or are concerned about resale values should probably stick with established alternatives. Similarly, those who need proven off-road capability should consider other options.
The Bottom Line
The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid represents an intriguing proposition for Australian families. If Chery can deliver on the promise of premium features, genuine seven-seat capability, and plug-in hybrid efficiency at a price point significantly below established competitors, they could capture a meaningful share of the large SUV market.
Success will depend on execution – build quality, dealer support, and real-world reliability will ultimately determine whether the Tiggo 9 becomes a genuine alternative or just another interesting option that fails to gain traction.
For families willing to consider alternatives to traditional choices, the Tiggo 9 deserves serious consideration when it arrives later this year. The potential savings alone could fund years of family adventures.