The Malaysian SUV market has long been dominated by Japanese and Korean brands, but Chery’s return is turning heads—and the Tiggo 8 Pro is its most compelling argument yet. Priced at RM159,800, this flagship seven-seater from the Chinese automaker offers a tempting mix of power, premium features, and practicality that challenges better-known rivals head-on.
Under the hood, the Tiggo 8 Pro houses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that churns out 256 hp and 390 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful vehicles in its class.
Power is delivered to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), offering brisk acceleration and smooth highway cruising. Chery claims a 0–100 km/h time of around 8.4 seconds, which is impressive for a three-row SUV.
While performance is certainly a highlight, the DCT can feel hesitant at low speeds—a common trait among dual-clutch systems. Once up to speed, however, it shifts with precision and efficiency.
Chery clearly aimed high with the Tiggo 8 Pro’s design. Its wide stance, bold front grille, and LED lighting signature lend it a modern, upscale appearance. Inside, the cabin leans heavily toward premium territory.
Soft-touch surfaces, brown leatherette upholstery, and wood-effect trim elevate the ambience, while a 24.6-inch curved dual display setup (digital instrument cluster + infotainment) dominates the dashboard.
Other premium touches include ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a high-end 8-speaker Sony audio system. Fit and finish are surprisingly solid for a brand still establishing itself in Malaysia.
The Tiggo 8 Pro offers seating for seven, with the first two rows being particularly generous in space and comfort. The third row, however, is best suited for children or occasional short trips. With all seats up, cargo space is limited, but fold the third row and it opens up into a usable, flat boot floor ideal for family outings.
Chery has put considerable effort into noise insulation. The Tiggo 8 Pro features acoustic glass and ample cabin insulation, making it impressively quiet on the move. The suspension setup offers a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps without feeling overly soft. Handling, however, is not its strongest suit—the electric power steering is light and lacks feedback, which may bother more enthusiastic drivers.
In terms of safety, the Tiggo 8 Pro is fully loaded. It comes with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and even a 540-degree panoramic camera system. You also get nine airbags, an impressive figure for the segment.
If we are to compare it with its rivals, the CR-V is a perennial favourite in Malaysia which offers excellent resale value, refined driving dynamics, and brand trust. However, its 190 hp output lags behind the Tiggo 8 Pro, and it lacks features like ventilated seats or a panoramic camera system. The CR-V’s cabin is practical, but less luxurious than the Chery’s.
And then we have the Korean rivals which offer a more polished driving experience and proven after-sales support. However, they cost significantly more when similarly equipped. For example, a Santa Fe 2.5 Turbo variant crosses the RM200k mark, while the Tiggo 8 Pro packs many of the same luxuries at a far more affordable price.
Last but not least, we have the Mazda CX-8 which wins in terms of driving dynamics and interior craftsmanship, and offers all-wheel drive on certain variants. However, its infotainment system feels dated by comparison, and its third row is also relatively tight. The Chery fights back with more powerful hardware and a longer warranty.
That being said, one of the Tiggo 8 Pro’s biggest strengths is its powerful engine, which delivers class-leading output that outpaces many rivals. It’s also exceptionally well-equipped for the price, boasting features typically found in more expensive models—ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 540-degree camera system, and a premium infotainment interface.
Inside, the cabin looks and feels premium, offering impressive build quality and refinement. Ride comfort is commendable, and Chery has done a solid job of ensuring low cabin noise even at highway speeds. To top it off, the long warranty and five years of free servicing give buyers peace of mind and add further value.
However, the Tiggo 8 Pro is not without its drawbacks. The light, overly assisted steering lacks feedback, which can diminish driver confidence, especially during spirited driving. The dual-clutch transmission, while fast on the move, can be jerky at lower speeds or in stop-and-go traffic. The third-row seats are cramped, making them suitable only for kids or very short trips.
While the official fuel economy figures are respectable, real-world consumption tends to be higher. Lastly, as a relatively new entrant in Malaysia, Chery still faces skepticism regarding long-term reliability, resale value, and service network maturity.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro proves that value no longer has to mean compromise. It brings premium flair, strong performance, and a generous equipment list to a segment that has seen little disruption in recent years.
While some may hesitate due to brand unfamiliarity or service concerns, early adopters will find a family SUV that punches well above its weight—especially for under RM160k.
If you’re shopping for a three-row SUV and want to break away from the mainstream without breaking the bank, the Tiggo 8 Pro deserves a long, hard look.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Specifications
Price: RM159,800 (on-the-road, without insurance)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Power: 256 hp
Torque: 390 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (FWD)
0–100 km/h: 8.4 seconds
Safety: 9 airbags, full ADAS suite, 540° camera
Warranty: 7 years/150,000 km
