Chery Tiggo 8 2026 Review

In the Malaysian market, the competition in the D-segment SUV category has already reached a fever pitch. Consumers not only demand ample space to meet family needs but also look for rich configurations to enhance daily experiences and have clear expectations for a balance of power and handling. The 2026 Chery Tiggo 8, as a new entrant in this segment, comes with a price tag of RM129,800, offering advanced features like all-wheel drive, a nine-airbag safety system, and fully electric adjustable seats. This has piqued the curiosity of many users, who wonder if it can disrupt the existing market dynamics. The core purpose of this test drive is to evaluate whether the car's static attributes meet expectations, whether its dynamic performance supports its highlighted features, and its practicality in real-world usage scenarios.

Starting with the appearance, the overall style of the 2026 Tiggo 8 leans towards being steady yet refined. The front features a large grille with a matrix chrome trim, flanked by LED headlights connected to it, while C-shaped daytime running lights are embedded within the light assembly, offering high recognizability. The car's side profile boasts smooth lines, with the waistline extending from the front to the rear, enhancing the muscular look. The 18-inch alloy wheels have a clean and elegant design, paired with 235/55 R18 tires, creating a visually balanced proportion. At the rear, the highlight is the LED taillight that spans the width of the car, offering a striking visual effect when lit. The silver rear bumper plate and dual exhaust layout on either side add a sporty touch. As for the lighting system, the entire vehicle is equipped with LED lights, and features such as automatic headlights, front fog lights, and rear fog lights come as standard, providing sufficient illumination in practical scenarios.

Inside the car, the interior adopts a symmetrical layout with black as the main color, complemented by silver trims and soft-touch materials, giving it a texture that is above average for models in the same price range. The central control area is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a simple interface that offers decent operation fluency while supporting Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The instrument panel is fully digital and offers multiple display modes, capable of showing navigation, tire pressure, and other useful information. In terms of features, standard configurations include a head-up display (HUD), paddle shifters on the steering wheel, keyless entry/start, and 220V/230V power outlets for both front and rear passengers, making charging convenient. For the seats, both front and rear rows are equipped with electrically adjustable seats. Seat padding is moderately soft, offering sufficient comfort and not causing fatigue during long journeys. In terms of space, the car dimensions measure 4722mm in length, 1860mm in width, and 1705mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2710mm. The front row provides ample space, with a 175cm tall passenger having a fist's worth of headroom and over two fists of legroom. Rear seat legroom is also adequate, offering about two fists of space from the front seat, while the almost flat middle floor ensures comfort for the passenger in the middle seat. The standard trunk capacity is 193 liters, and the rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo space, meeting storage needs for family outings.

In terms of performance, the vehicle is powered by a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 145kW (197PS) and a maximum torque of 290N·m, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During actual driving, the engine responds quite promptly at startup, providing decent acceleration with a light press of the accelerator. Mid-to-late stage acceleration is smooth, but overtaking requires a deeper press on the accelerator. While the gear downshifts at a reasonable pace, minor jerks may occasionally occur. The car offers three driving modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport. The Sport mode makes the throttle response more immediate, suitable for urban highways or high-speed driving. In terms of handling, the steering feels moderate in weight, offers precise control, and the vehicle handles well. The suspension system consists of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned towards comfort. It absorbs most of the vibrations from urban road bumps and speed bumps effectively but does transmit some noticeable bounces when encountering larger potholes, especially for rear seat passengers. With a ground clearance of 200mm, the chassis offers good passability, making it suitable for light off-roading or driving on country roads.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.2L/100km. During the actual test drive, urban road fuel consumption is about 8.5L/100km, and highway fuel consumption is about 6.8L/100km. Overall performance meets expectations. The braking system uses front and rear disc brakes, with timely braking response, linear braking force, and stable body posture during emergency braking. In terms of noise control, cabin quietness is good at low speeds. However, wind and tire noise are slightly noticeable at high speeds but remain within an acceptable range. The four-wheel-drive system performs steadily on slippery roads or light off-road scenarios, providing sufficient traction and improving driving safety.

To summarize, the core advantages of the 2026 Chery Tiggo 8 are its rich configurations and spacious interior. The all-wheel-drive system and 9 airbag safety configuration are relatively rare in the same segment, making it highly cost-effective. Compared to competitors such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in the same class, the Tiggo 8 has a competitive edge in terms of configuration and price. However, it lags behind in brand reputation and resale value. Overall, this car is suitable for family users who value space, configuration, and cost-effectiveness, especially those who frequently go on long-distance trips or do occasional light off-roading. If your budget is around 130,000 Malaysian Ringgit and you want a well-equipped, spacious D-segment SUV, the 2026 Chery Tiggo 8 is worth considering.