Chery Tiggo 8 Review

In the Malaysian D-Segment SUV market, consumer demand for space, features, and value for money is becoming increasingly clear. As one of the earlier brands to enter this market, Chery, with the launch of the 2026 Tiggo 8, directly targets family users who value balanced performance. Priced at RM129,800, this new car is equipped with a 1.6L engine + 7DCT powertrain and comes standard with 9 airbags, all-wheel drive, and rear-row electric seats, offering a compelling combination of "high configuration + practical space" as its core selling point. The primary purpose of this test drive is to assess whether its static performance meets family needs, whether its dynamic driving characteristics balance daily commuting and light off-road capabilities, and how practical its features are in real-world use.

Approaching the 2026 Tiggo 8, its overall exterior maintains Chery's family-style rugged design. The front features a large-sized grille paired with a blackened front bumper, giving it a high level of recognition. The side of the car has straight lines, with a waistline extending from the fenders to the rear, enhancing its muscular look. The 235/55 R18 tire specification combined with a 200mm minimum ground clearance ensures both off-road capability and well-proportioned side aesthetics. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a penetrating design that echoes the front headlights. The rear fog lights are embedded below the bumper, showcasing a simple yet unremarkable design, perfectly suited for a practical family SUV.

Opening the door, the interior features black as the main color, with the dashboard wrapped in soft-touch materials. All touchable areas are covered with leather-like textures, standing out in quality among vehicles in the same price range. A 10.25-inch center control screen and a fully digital dashboard create a dual-screen effect, with good responsiveness and support for CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The most notable details in the configuration include electrically adjustable seats for both front and rear rows, a HUD (Head-Up Display) that shows speed and navigation information, and a 220V power socket below the front center armrest convenient for outdoor use of laptops or small appliances. A USB port is located below the rear air conditioning vents to meet passenger charging needs. These features provide uncommon "all-round coverage" in this category of internal combustion engine vehicles.

In terms of space, a length of 4722mm and a wheelbase of 2710mm provide ample room for a 5-seat layout. With the front seats adjusted to a comfortable position, a passenger with a height of 175cm still has a headroom of one fist and two fingers. The rear row offers two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring comfort even during long rides. The trunk has a standard capacity of 193L, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats to accommodate more space and meet storage needs for short family trips. The interior storage compartments are thoughtfully designed; for example, the door panel storage slots can hold two 500ml water bottles, and the center armrest box is deep enough to fit a wallet and phone, demonstrating attention to detail.

Starting the vehicle, the power output of the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine is smooth. With 197PS horsepower and 290N·m torque, paired with a 7DCT transmission, the gear-shifting logic is clear during daily commutes. The start-up phase shows no noticeable jerking, and acceleration is linear. When switched to sport mode, throttle response becomes faster. Although mid-to-late acceleration is not aggressive, fully pressing the accelerator during overtaking still provides adequate power. The all-wheel-drive system performs steadily on rainy or slightly muddy roads, automatically distributing torque to prevent slipping. The officially stated 7.2L/100km combined fuel consumption translated to about 8.5L in urban driving and 6.8L on highways during actual test driving, meeting family users' expectations for fuel efficiency.

In terms of handling, the combination of front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for comfort. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out most bumps, so rear passengers hardly feel any significant jolts. During cornering, the body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, and the steering wheel offers moderate precision with minimal play, making it suitable for daily commuting. The braking performance is stable, with a braking distance of approximately 38 meters from 100 km/h, which is about the average level for its class. In terms of noise control, wind and tire noise are not noticeable at speeds below 80 km/h, while wind noise is transmitted from the A-pillar after exceeding 100 km/h, but it does not affect conversations inside the car. Overall, its performance aligns well with the positioning of a family SUV.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2026 Chery Tiggo 8 lie in its "class-leading features + practical space." Compared to similarly priced models like the Honda CR-V 1.5T or Toyota RAV4 2.0L, its standard features include nine airbags, rear electric seats, and all-wheel drive, while being approximately 20,000 MYR cheaper, showcasing great value for money. In terms of dynamic performance, the smooth power delivery and comfortable suspension tuning fully meet the needs of family commuting and weekend getaways, with light off-road capability offering an advantage over two-wheel-drive competitors.

This vehicle is most suitable for family users aged 30-45, especially those who frequently travel with their families, prioritize practical features, and have a limited budget. It does not have overly aggressive designs or excessive performance, but it comprehensively addresses the core needs of "family use." If you're looking for a "can't go wrong" family SUV, the high-end features and practical space of the 2026 Chery Tiggo 8 make it a standout choice among vehicles in its price range.