Chery Tiggo 8 alternatives: which cars will it be going up against?

What’s big, seats seven, and costs a lot less than you expect? If you answered ‘Chery Tiggo 8’ congratulations. You clearly know your budget SUVs.

If you didn’t, there’s a good chance that’s because you have never heard of Chery. So, perhaps a quick recap is in order: Chery is a Chinese car company, and the parent of the Jaecoo and Omoda brands. It’s quickly making a name for itself with cars that are super-cheap, crammed with tech, and roomy compared with alternatives from better known car makers.

The Tiggo 8 is Chery’s seven-seat SUV and comes with a choice of petrol and plug-in hybrid power. It’s a similar size to a Skoda Kodiaq, but on price it undercuts the smaller Skoda Karoq.

That makes the Chery outstanding value, but don’t assume that the budget price means a budget finish. The Tiggo 8 is a very well-made car with lots of clever tech.

It’s not perfect, though. Too many functions are controlled by the touchscreen, and the boot is tiny with every seat upright. Vague steering and soggy suspension will disappoint keen drivers.

Is that enough to put you off? Or perhaps you are undecided whether to choose the Tiggo 8 or something different? Have a think about some of Carwow’s favourite alternatives before you make your decision.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Peugeot 5008

The Peugeot 5008 solves one of the Tiggo 8’s biggest flaws, with comfortable suspension that smooths over all but the worst bumps in the road. It is really supple so there’s none of the agitated movement you and your passengers put up with in the Chery.

Peugeot no longer offers the 5008 with diesel power, which isn’t especially surprising these days. There are petrol and hybrid engines although the hybrid is noisy while accelerating hard. Other downsides are a fiddly touchscreen and the lack of a four-wheel-drive version.

Skoda Kodiaq

Think of the Skoda Kodiaq as the Yogi of the SUV world – it’s smarter than the average bear. Clever features include an umbrella in the driver’s door and an ice scraper for cold mornings in the fuel filler cap.

These neat touches would count for little if Skoda didn’t get the fundamentals right. Fortunately the big Skoda does most things well. It’s satisfying to drive, comfortable to travel in, and has space for five or seven (the plug-in hybrid makes do with five seats). The trouble is, the Chery Tiggo 8 is much better value than the Kodiaq.

Citroen C5 Aircross

Next to most alternatives, the Citroen C5 Aircross is keenly priced. It costs more than the Chery Tiggo 8, but the difference isn’t huge.

For a little more cash, Citroen offers a lot more style. The C5 Aircross turns heads that remain unmoved by the neat but derivative Tiggo 8. Inside, the Citroen is less well finished than the Chinese car although the design is more interesting. Like the Tiggo 8, the C5 Aircross is available as a plug-in hybrid which should suit anyone with a charging point at home.

Volkswagen Tayron

The Tayron is similar to the Chery Tiggo 8 in some ways, but also its polar opposite. Both are seven-seat SUVs, but whereas the Tiggo is made by a little-known brand, everyone has heard of Volkswagen. While Chery sells on value, Volkswagen makes you pay a premium for a badge that’s a cut above.

With an entry-level price that’s more than £12,000 above that of the most basic Tiggo 8, the Tayron needs to be good to compete. And it is. The Volkswagen is handsome in an understated way. It has real presence on the road without the aggressive look of a BMW X3. All but the plug-in hybrid versions have space for seven in the roomy cabin, and the VW is refined and easy to drive. The sportier models have quite a stiff ride, though.

Kia Sorento

Kia offers drivers the choice of full hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and diesel power. Okay, so there aren’t many people choosing diesel anymore, but this type of engine still works well for anyone with a caravan or trailer to tow.

Whether you do or don’t need to tow something, the Sorento is a very practical car. There’s a lot of space inside so even the third row of seats can be used by adults as well as children. What’s more, there are air vents, cupholders and USB ports everywhere you look – the cabin has been designed by people who understand what modern family life is like. On the other hand, the Sorento is bigger and heavier than the Chery and considerably more expensive.

Chery Tiggo 7

One of the best alternatives to a Chery Tiggo 8 is the Chery Tiggo 7. The two cars share many of the same strengths and weaknesses, although the smaller model has room for five rather than seven.

The 7 is cheaper than the 8, and the smaller size makes it easier to squeeze into a tight parking space. Like the Tiggo 8, it comes with petrol or plug-in hybrid power. Choosing the petrol keeps the price down but the plug-in model is quicker and more fuel efficient. Even if you do go for the plug-in version the Tiggo 7 is still remarkably affordable, and whichever engine is under the bonnet the Chery is well equipped.

Used Audi Q7

The Chery Tiggo 8 may be outstanding value, but you can make your budget go further by shopping for a used car. Spend your money wisely and a quality second-hand model will lose value more slowly than a brand-new car.

The Audi Q7 makes an excellent used alternative to the Tiggo 8. It’s a much bigger car, so as a means of carrying seven and luggage it has the edge. What’s more, while you need to know your cars to have heard of Chery, the Audi name has a cachet and heritage that none of the new Chinese car brands can match.

You’ll find a choice of used Audi Q7s at very keen prices through Carwow.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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