Chery Tiggo 8 2022 Review

In the current D-Segment SUV market in Malaysia, most models either have mediocre features or are overpriced, making it difficult for consumers to find a balanced choice that offers space, intelligent features, and power. The arrival of the 2022 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Upcoming Version (hereinafter referred to as Tiggo 8 Pro) happens to fill this market gap—it not only continues Chery’s advantage in cost-performance ratio but also upgrades its exterior design, intelligent technology, and powertrain. The core purpose of this test drive is to verify whether this car can truly meet the family users’ needs for "large space + strong configuration + stable power."

The exterior design of the Tiggo 8 Pro follows a dignified and stable style while incorporating many youthful elements. The front end features a large hexagonal grille filled with a black honeycomb structure, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, greatly enhancing its recognition; the L-shaped daytime running lights below the headlights extend to the grille edge, visually broadening the front. The side profile of the body has smooth lines, with a waistline running from the hood to the rear, enhancing the muscular feel. The 18-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels have a dynamic design, and the tires are sized 235/55 R18, balancing grip and comfort. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights stand out as a design highlight, creating a striking appearance when lit at night. The chrome dual exhaust layout (decorative, actual exhaust is hidden) and diffuser design below additionally enhance the sporty feel.

Inside, the Tiggo 8 Pro's interior is aimed at luxury and a sense of technology. The center console adopts a symmetrical design, featuring extensive soft-touch materials (such as a soft-touch dashboard and leather door panels) paired with silver trims and piano lacquer panels, creating a high-quality tactile experience. A 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen form a dual-screen setup, offering clear resolution and smooth operation. The center screen houses Chery’s latest smart car system, supporting voice controls (air conditioning, navigation, multimedia, etc.), as well as CarPlay/CarLife smartphone connectivity, making daily use convenient enough. In terms of features, the test drive model comes with an electric tailgate, heated/ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, independent rear air vents, as well as 360-degree panoramic imaging and front/rear parking sensors, ensuring high practicality.

As a 7-seater SUV, the Tiggo 8 Pro’s dimensions are 4722mm × 1860mm × 1745mm, with a wheelbase of 2710mm, making space its core advantage. The front-row seats provide moderate support, and with a height of 175cm, a passenger can adjust the seat and still have one fist and two fingers of headroom. The second-row seats are adjustable for forward/backward movement and backrest angle; with the same passenger seated, the legroom can reach up to two fists, and the headroom offers one fist, ensuring comfort even for long rides. The rear floor is almost flat, and the middle passenger's footroom is not affected. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or adults on short trips; a 170cm-tall passenger in the third row will find their legs touching the back of the second-row seats with three fingers of headroom remaining, and the long-distance comfort is average. In terms of storage, the trunk offers a volume of 193L under regular conditions; folding down the third row expands it to 889L, and folding down both the second and third rows results in a maximum volume of 2105L, enough to accommodate large luggage or home appliances. The interior also features door panel storage compartments, a central armrest box, front cup holders, and other small storage spaces, making it convenient for daily items.

In terms of power, the Tiggo 8 Pro is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 197 horsepower (145kW) and a maximum torque of 290N·m, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. During actual driving, the power response at the start is quite responsive, and you can feel a noticeable push when lightly pressing the accelerator. Mid-to-high-speed acceleration (80-120km/h) performs well too. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator firmly prompts quick downshifting from the transmission, ensuring seamless power output without any delays. Three driving modes are available: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Eco mode, throttle response is slightly slower, making it suitable for daily fuel-saving commutes; Standard mode delivers balanced power output, and is the most commonly used option; in Sport mode, the transmission remains at a lower gear, and throttle sensitivity is enhanced, ideal for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration.

As for handling and chassis performance, the Tiggo 8 Pro's steering wheel provides moderate resistance and precise direction with minimal slack, making daily driving quite effortless. The chassis features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, calibrated for comfort. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out most bumps, avoiding harsh impacts. During high-speed cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, maintaining a sense of stability without feeling overly floaty.

In terms of fuel consumption, this test drive covered approximately 200km, consisting of urban congestion (around 40%), highway driving (around 50%), and rural roads (around 10%), with an average fuel consumption of 8.2L/100km. For a 1.6T seven-seater SUV, this performance ranks slightly above average among competitors in the same class. Noise isolation is commendable; at 120km/h on the highway, wind and tire noise remain within an acceptable range, without interfering with normal conversations among passengers. Engine noise does enter the cabin during rapid acceleration but is not harsh.

To summarize, the 2022 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro has clear core advantages: its spacious 7-seater layout meets the travel needs of families with multiple children, while its extensive intelligent and comfort features enhance the daily user experience. The 1.6T powertrain offers ample performance with reasonable fuel efficiency. Compared to similar competitors such as the Proton X90 (similar configuration but higher price) and Honda CR-V (smaller space and average 7-seater configuration), the Tiggo 8 Pro offers superior value for money.

This vehicle is best suited for families aged 30 to 45, especially those who frequently travel with 6-7 people and value space practicality and feature richness. For users who occasionally need it for business purposes, its luxurious interior and mature exterior design can also meet expectations. If your budget is between 150,000 to 200,000 MYR and you are looking for a "well-rounded" seven-seater SUV, the Tiggo 8 Pro is definitely worth considering.