Fuel prices aren’t getting any cheaper, which explains why more buyers are starting to pay attention to hybrid vehicles. The challenge is finding one that delivers meaningful fuel savings without asking you to compromise on comfort, practicality or features.
That’s where the Chery Tiggo Cross Elite Hybrid comes in.
It takes everything buyers already like about the standard Tiggo Cross and adds a hybrid powertrain aimed at reducing fuel consumption and extending driving range. After spending a few days with the vehicle, it’s clear that efficiency is the main attraction here.
Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine working alongside an electric motor and a 1.83kWh battery pack. Combined outputs stand at 150kW and 310Nm, with power sent to the front wheels through Chery’s Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.
On paper, the numbers are impressive. Chery claims fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km and says the combination of the battery system and 51-litre fuel tank can deliver a driving range of up to 1,000km.
What impressed us most, however, was how close the vehicle came to those claims in the real world.
During our time with the Tiggo Cross Hybrid, fuel consumption hovered between 3.5 and 5.0L/100km depending on driving conditions. Those are excellent figures for a family SUV and suggest that achieving close to the claimed range figure is entirely possible under the right conditions.
From a design perspective, very little has changed, which isn’t a bad thing. The Tiggo Cross remains one of the better-looking SUVs in its class, and the hybrid version keeps the same sharp styling while adding model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels and subtle Hybrid badging at the rear.
Inside, the cabin continues to impress. The dashboard design feels modern, the materials are pleasant to touch and the overall fit and finish is difficult to fault at this price point. Chery has done a good job of creating an interior that feels more expensive than the price tag might suggest.
Out on the road, the Tiggo Cross Hybrid settles into its role as a comfortable and efficient daily driver. Around town, the hybrid system works seamlessly in the background, helping reduce fuel consumption while keeping the driving experience smooth and relaxed.
There are, however, a few trade-offs.
While the hybrid powertrain delivers impressive efficiency, it isn’t quite as responsive as the conventional petrol models fitted with the six-speed automatic transmission. There are moments when throttle inputs don’t translate into immediate acceleration, particularly when you’re demanding more from the drivetrain.
The transmission can also become vocal under harder acceleration. Push on while joining a highway or overtaking slower traffic and a noticeable drone makes its way into the cabin. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does remind you that the drivetrain is prioritising efficiency rather than driving enjoyment.
That said, once you’re cruising at a steady speed, the Tiggo Cross Hybrid settles down nicely and becomes a quiet, comfortable place to spend time. For daily commuting, school runs and weekend errands, it’s easy to live with.
What I like most about the Tiggo Cross Elite Hybrid is that it knows exactly what it wants to be. It isn’t trying to be sporty or exciting. Instead, it focuses on lowering fuel bills while retaining the comfort, technology and practicality buyers expect from a family SUV.
Verdict
The Chery Tiggo Cross Elite Hybrid won’t be the most engaging vehicle in Chery’s line-up, but that’s missing the point.
At R469,900, it offers attractive styling, a well-built cabin, generous equipment levels and genuinely impressive fuel economy. The hybrid system may introduce a little drivetrain noise under acceleration and isn’t quite as responsive as the standard petrol models, but the efficiency gains are difficult to ignore.
For buyers looking to spend less time at the fuel station without making the jump to a fully electric vehicle, the Tiggo Cross Elite Hybrid is well worth considering.
