Chery Tiggo 4 Review : The <£20k HEV That Changes the Game?

The arrival of Chery in the UK hasn’t been subtle. After launching larger SUVs like the Tiggo 7, the Chinese brand is now targeting the heart of the budget crossover market with the Tiggo 4 — a full hybrid SUV starting at just £19,995.

That headline price is enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But unlike some low-cost rivals, the Tiggo 4 doesn’t rely on outdated tech or stripped-back specifications to get there. Instead, it combines a relatively powerful hybrid system, a generous equipment list and a seven-year warranty into a package that could genuinely shake up the segment.

The key question is whether this is simply a cheap car, or a genuinely good one.

Design & Road Presence

The Tiggo 4 follows a familiar formula for modern compact SUVs. There’s a large front grille, slim LED lighting and a slightly upright stance that gives it more road presence than you might expect at this price point.

At around 4.3 metres long, it sits squarely in the small SUV class alongside cars like the Dacia Duster and Nissan Juke. It’s not especially distinctive, but importantly, it doesn’t look cheap. That alone will matter to many buyers.

Interior & Technology

Inside is where the Tiggo 4 begins to feel genuinely competitive. Even entry-level models come well equipped, with dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control and a full suite of driver assistance systems.

Move up to the Summit trim and you get additional features including leather-style upholstery, a 360-degree camera and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

The overall layout is clean and modern, clearly influenced by more expensive rivals. While material quality doesn’t quite match class leaders like Volkswagen, it feels entirely acceptable for the price.

One quirk worth noting is that some premium features appear to be designed with left-hand-drive markets in mind. In the UK, this results in certain features, such as the massage seat, being fitted to the passenger side rather than the driver’s seat, which may feel like an odd compromise - all in the name of cost-saving, I’m sure but many will forgive this as a very “first-world issue” given that we’re even talking about a massaging seat in a £22k car!

Engines & Performance

The Tiggo 4 keeps things refreshingly simple with a single hybrid powertrain. A 1.5-litre petrol engine is paired with an electric motor and a small battery, creating a self-charging hybrid setup.

With around 200bhp on tap, performance is stronger than many rivals in this class. A 0–62mph time of 8.9 seconds makes it genuinely brisk for a budget SUV, while official fuel economy of up to 53mpg suggests it should be relatively cheap to run.

Like most hybrids, it can run on electric power alone at low speeds, which helps with refinement in town and stop-start traffic.

Driving Experience

The Tiggo 4 is very useable but somewhat lacking in driving engagement. Steering is light and a tad vague, but it’s easy to manoeuvre in urban environments, and the hybrid system should deliver smooth, quiet progress at lower speeds. The suspension is fine but it can be crashy on our dreadful UK roads.

It’s unlikely to appeal to keen drivers or challenge more dynamic rivals on a twisty road, but that’s not really the point. For everyday use, it should feel easy, predictable and relaxed.

Practicality & Space

In terms of practicality, the Tiggo 4 delivers what you’d expect from a car of this size. Boot space sits at around 400 litres (no official figure is available at the time of writing), expanding to over 1,100 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Rear passenger space is decent thanks to the car’s upright proportions, making it suitable for small families or those needing a bit more versatility than a standard hatchback.

Running Costs & Value

This is where the Tiggo 4 makes its strongest case. With a starting price of £19,995, it significantly undercuts many hybrid rivals while offering more power and comparable levels of equipment.

Fuel economy of over 50mpg should keep running costs low, and the inclusion of a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty adds a level of reassurance that buyers in this segment will appreciate.

When compared to alternatives like the Dacia Duster Hybrid, MG ZS Hybrid+ or Renault Captur E-Tech, the Tiggo 4 stands out as one of the most affordable ways into hybrid SUV ownership.

Be sure to check the current lease prices over at Leasing.com.

Verdict

The Chery Tiggo 4 doesn’t attempt to reinvent the small SUV formula, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it focuses on delivering the features most buyers care about — strong performance, good efficiency and generous equipment — at a price that’s difficult to ignore.

There are still unknowns. Brand recognition remains low in the UK but is rapidly improving, and long-term reliability is yet to be proven. It’s also unlikely to be the most refined or engaging car in its class. However, as a value proposition, the Tiggo 4 is seriously compelling. If it delivers on its promises in real-world use, it could become one of the most important budget SUVs on sale.

✓ PROS

Exceptional value for money
Strong hybrid performance
Generous standard equipment

✓CONS

Not the most engaging to drive