Getting a new family SUV has become quite the adventure lately, hasn’t it? With so many options flooding the market, it’s refreshing when a brand takes a clear stance on what they believe is best for Australian families. That’s exactly what Chery Australia has done with their upcoming Tiggo 9 – and their decision might just surprise you.
What’s the Big Deal with Chery’s Latest Strategy?
Here’s something you don’t see every day: a car manufacturer deciding to skip the traditional petrol engine entirely for a new model launch. Chery Australia has announced that their highly anticipated Tiggo 9 will arrive in the third quarter of 2025 with only plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) power. No petrol-only option, no “we’ll see how it goes” approach – just a full commitment to hybrid technology.
This isn’t just a random decision either. Lucas Harris, Chery Australia’s chief operating officer, made it clear that this choice reflects where the company sees the automotive future heading. “Frankly, I think it’s a better car,” he explained during the recent launch of the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrids.
Why Chery Believes Hybrid-Only Makes Sense
Performance That Actually Delivers
Let’s be honest – when most people think about hybrid vehicles, “exciting to drive” isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. But Chery seems confident they’ve cracked that code with their Super Hybrid technology. The Tiggo 9 will feature a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine paired with what they call a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.
What does this mean for you as a driver? According to Chery, it means better performance than you’d get from a traditional petrol engine alone. The instant torque from the electric motor combined with the efficiency of the petrol engine should give you that zippy acceleration when merging onto highways, plus the fuel savings that matter when you’re filling up weekly for the school run.
The Economics Make Sense Too
Here’s where things get interesting from a wallet perspective. Harris pointed out that if they offered a petrol-only version, it would likely end up priced very similarly to their existing Tiggo 8 plug-in hybrid. At that point, why wouldn’t you go for the more advanced technology?
The Tiggo 9 is expected to land around the $55,000 mark, which puts it in an intriguing position against established players like the Mazda CX-80 P50e (starting at $76,245) and the Kia Sorento PHEV (from $84,660). That’s potentially $20,000+ in savings compared to the competition.
What This Means for Australian Families
Practical Benefits You’ll Actually Notice
If you’re considering a large SUV for your family, the Tiggo 9’s hybrid setup could solve some real everyday problems. Think about those short trips to school or the shops – with a plug-in hybrid, you might complete many of these journeys on electric power alone, meaning no petrol used at all.
For longer family road trips, you still have the petrol engine as backup, so there’s no range anxiety like you might experience with a fully electric vehicle. It’s the best of both worlds: efficiency for daily driving and flexibility for adventures.
The Charging Reality Check
One concern many families have about PHEVs is the charging situation. The good news is that unlike fully electric vehicles that need specific fast-charging infrastructure, plug-in hybrids like the Tiggo 9 can be charged from a regular household power point. Sure, it takes longer than a dedicated EV charger, but you can literally plug it in overnight like you would your phone.
How Does It Stack Up Against the Competition?
Taking Aim at Established Players
The large SUV market in Australia is pretty competitive, with the Mazda CX-80 and Kia Sorento being popular choices for families who need seven seats and decent towing capacity. Both of these offer PHEV variants, but they come with premium price tags that can make your accountant wince.
Chery’s strategy seems to be offering similar technology and capability at a significantly lower price point. Of course, the question remains whether Australian buyers will embrace a relatively newer brand over established favorites, but the value proposition is certainly compelling.
The Global Context
It’s worth noting that overseas markets get a different version of the Tiggo 9 with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. This version isn’t coming to Australia, which shows how committed Chery is to their hybrid-only strategy here.
The Bigger Picture: Where Is the Auto Industry Heading?
Reading the Room on Electrification
Chery’s decision reflects a broader industry trend toward electrification, but with a pragmatic Australian twist. While fully electric vehicles are gaining ground, PHEVs offer a stepping stone that addresses many concerns about charging infrastructure and range anxiety that still exist in our vast country.
This approach acknowledges that while Australians are interested in more efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles, they’re not necessarily ready to go fully electric just yet. A PHEV gives you the environmental benefits and fuel savings of electric driving for daily use, with the security of petrol power for longer journeys.
What It Means for Other Manufacturers
If Chery’s gamble pays off, expect other manufacturers to take notice. The success or failure of the Tiggo 9’s hybrid-only approach could influence how other brands position their future models in the Australian market.
Should You Wait for the Tiggo 9?
If you’re in the market for a large SUV and the expected pricing holds true, the Tiggo 9 could represent serious value. However, as with any new model from a relatively new brand in Australia, it’ll be worth waiting to see real-world reviews, reliability data, and how the dealer network shapes up.
The launch in Q3 2025 means you’ve got some time to see how the current Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrids perform in Australian conditions, which could give you confidence about the technology before the Tiggo 9 arrives.
For families who prioritize value, efficiency, and getting the latest technology without paying premium prices, Chery’s bold hybrid-only strategy might just hit the sweet spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Chery Tiggo 9 be available in Australia? A: The Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is scheduled to arrive in Australia during the third quarter of 2025, which means between July and September. Chery hasn’t announced a specific date yet, but it should be in showrooms before the end of 2025.
Q: How much will the Chery Tiggo 9 cost compared to other large hybrid SUVs? A: While official pricing hasn’t been confirmed, the Tiggo 9 is expected to cost around $55,000. This would make it significantly cheaper than competitors like the Mazda CX-80 P50e (from $76,245) and Kia Sorento PHEV (from $84,660), potentially saving buyers over $20,000.
Q: Can I still get a petrol-only version of the Tiggo 9 in Australia? A: No, Chery Australia has confirmed that the Tiggo 9 will only be available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). While overseas markets get a petrol-only version with a 2.0-litre turbo engine, this won’t be offered in Australia. The company believes the hybrid version is superior and better aligned with their future direction.