2025 Chery Tiggo Cross: Budget-Friendly SUV Revolutionizing the Southeast Asian Market

Learn all about the 2025 Chery Tiggo Cross in depth — design, interior quality, features, powertrains, real-world performance, safety tech, pricing, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth a purchase in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Introduction: Chery’s Road to Reinvention

When Chery first entered markets in the early 2000s, the brand was known mainly for affordability, but hardly for refinement. Over the last decade, however, this Chinese automaker has undergone a quiet but purposeful reinvention. With investments in R&D, new global design partnerships, and hybrid technology development, Chery now competes seriously in markets once dominated by Japanese and Korean brands.

The 2025 Chery Tiggo Cross is a turning point. It is a B-segment crossover that aims at an expanding peer of Southeast Asian buyers who wants premium amenities, advanced safety features, and improved fuel efficiency — without breaking the RM 100k ceiling.

Interior: Improved Materials, Wiser Layout

Step into the Tiggo Cross and the first feeling is clear: Chery has focused heavily on raising quality. The cabin design uses layered, horizontal lines that visually widen the space. While hard plastics remain in lower sections (expected in this price range), the dashboard top, door armrests, and steering wheel are finished in soft-touch or leather-like materials.

The focal point of the cabin is its twin-screen configuration: a 10.25-inch digital gauges cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Both have crisp graphics and are well integrated in a single horizontal panel — a design that’s gained popularity among newer SUVs for its clean, tech-oriented appearance.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.Air-conditioning controls are partially digital but still aided by physical toggle switches, offering a good blend of futuristic styling and ease of use behind the wheel.

Practicality is also to be praised: storage compartments feature a deep centre console bin, huge door pockets, and several USB charging points for front and rear occupants. Rear seatback is nicely comfortable enough for extended trips, and the rear bench folds flat to open up boot space when required.

Powertrains: Two Routes, One Objective

The 2025 Tiggo Cross has two different powertrains, made to cater to various purchaser requirements:

1. 1.5 Turbo Petrol

The standard choice employs a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-4 petrol engine with 147 PS and 210 Nm. The output competes with or beats most B-segment competitors such as the Honda WR-V or Proton X50 Standard. Power is delivered through a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DCT). Though some prefer a torque converter for low-speed creep smoothness, the DCT enhances fuel efficiency while offering quicker acceleration once on the move.

2. Hybrid (HEV)

The second choice is a more sophisticated full hybrid system. It couples a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce a total output of around 204 PS and 310 Nm — a big upgrade for this class. The hybrid employs Chery’shomegrown Direct Hybrid Transmission (DHT) which is designed to offer smooth transition between electric, gasoline, and combined drive modes.

In practical terms, the Hybrid’s fuel efficiency can achieve around 5.4–5.7 L/100 km, placing it in one of the most economical choices below RM 100k. It becomes very desirable for city drivers who are concerned with increasing fuel prices as well as congested stop-start city traffic.

Safety Features: Comprehensive for the Segment

Safety features are one of the strongest selling points of Chery’s newest models. The Tiggo Cross is equipped as standard with a full suite of passive and active safety systems.

Some of its key features are:

6–7 Airbags (variant specific)

ABS, EBD, ESC, Traction Control

ISOFIX rear child seat mounting points

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as:

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Lane Keeping Assist

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

Traffic Jam Assist (Hybrid version)

Door Opening Warning for motorbike/bicycle safety

Most of these features, particularly the Traffic Jam Assist and Lane Centering, are uncommon in this price range, placing Chery at a premium for those who value safety.

Real-World Capabilities: Built for Southeast Asian Roads

With daily urban driving in mind, the Tiggo Cross is small enough for cramped city parking but large enough for tiny families.

Dimensions

Length: ~4,300 mm

Wheelbase: 2,610 mm

Ground clearance: ~175 mm

These numbers put it firmly in the compact crossover category. Suspension is set for mixed use: city, highway driving, and light country off-roads. It is predictable and safe to handle, with moderate steering weight to maintain manoeuvres in the city.

Boot space measures approximately 380 litres for the Turbo, with the Hybrid sacrificing around 30 litres to fit the battery pack — still sufficient for shopping, short luggage, or weekend kit.

Pricing, Warranty, and Availability

The most goodaspect is the way Chery markets the Tiggo Cross in the market:

1.5 Turbo Petrol: From ~RM 88,800

Hybrid: From ~RM 99,800

Both prices make it one of the cheapest ADAS and hybrid SUVs in Malaysia and Asian nations.

To mitigate long-term dependability concerns, Chery provides a 7-year/150,000 km warranty for the car and a separate 8-year/160,000 km warranty on hybrid system and battery. Roadside assistance and free towing (up to 7 years) provide reassurance to new buyers.

Pros and Cons

Strengths:

Satisfactory cabin materials and practical design

Contemporary, well-integrated technology features

Full ADAS safety package standard or optional

Turbo or fuel-saving hybrid choice

Competitive pricing with excellent after-sales services

Drawbacks:

Brand image still lagging behind Japanese rivals

Few customers might notice the low-speed performance of the DCT as less polished than a traditional auto

Hybrid’s marginally reduced boot space

Last Word: A Value Urban Crossover

The 2025 CheryTiggo Cross indicates just how far China’s carmakers have progressed. It provides real value for money, cramming contemporary design, solid build quality, sophisticated driver aids, and fuel-saving technology into an appealing sub-RM 100k proposition.

For consumers considering the Proton X50, Honda WR-V, or other compact crossovers, the Tiggo Cross has a compelling argument, particularly for those seeking more safety features and the possibility of a full hybrid without breaking the bank.

In the end, the Tiggo Cross may not reinvent the wheel — but it certainly proves Chery has learned how to build one that fits modern Southeast Asian roads and budgets very well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the 2025 CheryTiggo Cross worth buying?

A: For the price, its features, safety technology, and hybrid option make it one of the best-value small SUVs in the market today.

Q2: What is fuel economy like?

A: Look for around 6.3 L/100 km for the Turbo and 5.4–5.7 L/100 km for the Hybrid — great for everyday city driving.

Q3: Compared to the Proton X50?

A: The X50 is a local contender but still lacks a hybrid. Chery’sTiggo Cross responds with additional ADAS features and a sophisticated hybrid under RM 100k.

Q4: Is servicing and spare parts support available?

A: Yes. Chery has been expanding its local service and dealer network in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Q5: What is the warranty coverage?

A: 7 years/150,000 km on the entire vehicle and an additional 8 years/160,000 km on the hybrid battery and system, along with roadside assistance