In a compact SUV segment perennially dominated by the Havel H6, the Changan CS75 PLUS and other heavyweights in the 80,000–120,000 yuan price bracket, the Chery Tiggo 7 has carved out a steady presence with a pragmatic, value-focused approach. In July 2025, the Tiggo 7 recorded monthly sales of 4,276 units, ranking 73rd among all SUV models. On 8 April 2026, Chery launched the all-new generation Chery Tiggo 7, with an official guide price ranging from just 69,900 yuan to 81,900 yuan. The model aims to defend the petrol-powered compact SUV segment with a proven and reliable 1.5T powertrain, solid chassis construction and a highly competitive price point.

In real-world driving, the all-new Chery Tiggo 7 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (displacement 1,498 cc), delivering maximum output of 115 kW (156 hp) and peak torque of 230 N·m, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) simulating nine forward gears. The powertrain calibration prioritises smoothness; off-the-line response is somewhat subdued, yet once on the move, acceleration is fluid and linear. Firmly pressing the throttle unleashes a respectable surge of power, with a 0–100 km/h time of 9.9 seconds as tested. Mid- to high-end power reserves are more than adequate for daily family use, and highway overtaking can be executed with sufficient confidence.

By contrast, the fourth‑generation Changan CS55 PLUS is equipped with a new-generation “Blue Whale” 1.5T direct‑injection engine (displacement 1,494 cc) featuring 500‑bar ultra‑high pressure injection, producing 141 kW (192 hp) and 310 N·m of peak torque, matched with a seven‑speed wet dual‑clutch transmission. In terms of power output, the Changan CS55 PLUS holds a clear advantage – 26 kW more power and 80 N·m more torque, with a tested 0–100 km/h time of 8.18–8.37 seconds, roughly 1.5 seconds quicker than the Chery Tiggo 7. The two models embody distinctly different powertrain philosophies: the Chery Tiggo 7 pursues a “smooth, reliable and worry‑free” family‑oriented approach, while the Changan CS55 PLUS leans toward a “powerful and technologically advanced” performance‑oriented direction. Nevertheless, the Chery Tiggo 7’s pricing advantage is equally pronounced – its starting price of 69,900 yuan undercuts the Changan CS55 PLUS by several tens of thousands of yuan.

In terms of fuel economy, the Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T+CVT variant recorded a combined fuel consumption of approximately 7.5–7.8 L/100 km in our tests, with urban stop‑and‑go conditions returning around 8.3–9.0 L/100 km. Some owners of the high‑power 1.6T+7DCT version have reported real‑world combined consumption as low as 6.3 L/100 km. The Changan CS55 PLUS registered about 8.46 L/100 km under similar testing. Both models run on 92‑RON petrol, with the Tiggo 7 holding a slight edge in real‑world fuel efficiency.

“The Chery Tiggo 7 is a vehicle that requires little explanation – from 69,900 yuan, a 1.5T+CVT powertrain, and a rear multi‑link independent suspension – these three key points sum up its value proposition. It is not a car for show; it is a car for daily life.” – Compact SUV market observer

Settling into the driver’s seat, the high riding position of the SUV affords an expansive forward view. The all‑new Chery Tiggo 7 measures 4,530 mm in length, 1,862 mm in width and 1,695 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm; the 2025 Excellence Edition comes in at 4,500×1,842×1,746 mm, while the High‑Energy Edition stretches to 1,898 mm in width. The steering wheel offers a solid feel, with light and effortless turning characteristics that make urban manoeuvring a breeze. The suspension employs a MacPherson strut front and multi‑link rear setup. The tuning is firm and well‑damped, providing good body control through corners with composed roll suppression, delivering a driving character that leans toward “stable and planted”. However, over speed bumps and rough road surfaces, rear‑seat occupants may perceive noticeable jolts, and tyre noise becomes more apparent above 100 km/h. This powertrain represents one of Chery’s more mature technologies, with reliability proven through long‑term market validation.

The Changan CS55 PLUS, fitted with a seven‑speed wet dual‑clutch transmission, responds more directly to throttle inputs, offering sharper initial pick‑up and stronger low‑end acceleration, with power almost always on tap. Its chassis, also a MacPherson/multi‑link configuration, is tuned for a balance of comfort and handling, with superior high‑speed stability compared to the Chery Tiggo 7.

The Chery Tiggo 7’s 100–0 km/h braking distance measured approximately 40.4 metres in our tests, with a somewhat soft pedal feel that does not inspire absolute confidence, though brake dive is effectively suppressed. It should be noted that the 2017‑model Chery Tiggo 7 (fitted with Maxxis BRAVO HPM3 tyres) once recorded 40.96 metres, whereas the high‑spec 1.6T High‑Energy Edition equipped with Continental MC6 tyres achieved a much shorter 37.48 metres – tyre specification has a marked impact on braking performance. The 2026 High‑Energy Edition comes standard with 235/55 R18 tyres. The Changan CS55 PLUS, by comparison, posted a 100–0 km/h stopping distance of 38.82–39.13 metres, placing it in the upper‑mid range among its peers. The Changan CS55 PLUS thus outperforms the Chery Tiggo 7 in braking by roughly 1–2 metres – a significant margin.

The all‑new Chery Tiggo 7 features a comprehensively upgraded cabin. The centre console is dominated by a 24.6‑inch curved immersive dual‑screen display, powered by the Lion Smart Cloud system, which supports virtual assistant “Xiaoqi” voice interaction, Apple CarPlay and Huawei HiCar smartphone integration, infotainment and lifestyle services, as well as remote vehicle control functions. The 2026 High‑Energy Edition further incorporates a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, greatly enhancing system responsiveness. Standard equipment includes electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a power tailgate, a 360‑degree camera system and cruise control. It is worth noting that some owners have reported sluggish performance, occasional lag and sporadic black‑screen issues on older infotainment systems; the 2026 model’s upgrade to the 8155 chip has significantly addressed these concerns.

The Changan CS55 PLUS adopts a more EV‑inspired interior design, with a dual‑screen layout and the Tianshu OS operating system, supporting CarPlay, CarLink, HiCar and other mainstream connectivity protocols. Its voice assistant incorporates the Deepseek AI large‑language model. The front passenger seat is equipped with a “queen’s” leg rest and eight‑point massage function, while both front seats offer heating, ventilation and electric adjustment. In terms of cabin material quality and perceived refinement, the Changan CS55 PLUS clearly outshines the Chery Tiggo 7.

On the driver‑assistance front, the 2026 Chery Tiggo 7 High‑Energy Edition achieves Level 2 autonomous driving capability, featuring full‑speed adaptive cruise control and a 360‑degree panoramic view system. The Changan CS55 PLUS also offers Level 2 ADAS, with little fundamental difference between the two in basic assisted‑driving functions.

Interior space is a critical metric in the compact SUV segment. The all‑new Chery Tiggo 7 offers a standard boot capacity of 475 litres, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. For a passenger of 1.78 metres in height, rear legroom measures approximately one fist and nearly three fingers, while headroom exceeds one fist. When accommodating three adult passengers in the rear row, lateral space feels somewhat cramped. Overall, the Chery Tiggo 7’s cabin space can be described as “adequate but not generous” – well suited for small families in daily use.

The Changan CS55 PLUS, with dimensions of 4,550×1,868×1,675 mm and a wheelbase of 2,656 mm, offers slightly more generous rear legroom and headroom despite a similar wheelbase. Its boot capacity is also 475 litres, expanding to 1,415 litres with the rear seats folded. The Changan CS55 PLUS surpasses the Chery Tiggo 7 in both ride comfort and the sense of spaciousness.

1.What kind of vehicle is the Chery Tiggo 7?

The Chery Tiggo 7 is a compact SUV under the Chery brand, positioned in the 80,000–120,000 yuan family‑oriented market. It leverages a mature and reliable 1.5T powertrain, a rear multi‑link independent suspension and an extremely competitive price to appeal to budget‑conscious buyers seeking practicality and value.

2.What are the Chery Tiggo 7’s core competitive strengths?

Its core strengths lie in the combination of a proven powertrain, a multi‑link rear suspension and outstanding cost‑performance:

A starting price of 69,900 yuan, setting a very low entry threshold;A 1.5T+CVT/7DCT powertrain with long‑term market validation and proven reliability;A rear multi‑link independent suspension – a rare feature in this price bracket;The 2026 High‑Energy Edition adds a Snapdragon 8155 chip and a 24.6‑inch curved screen, effectively addressing previous shortcomings in smart‑cabin technology;An unlimited‑mileage/unlimited‑year warranty for the first owner.

3.What are the key differences between the Chery Tiggo 7 and the Changan CS55 PLUS, and how should one choose?

Power performance: The Changan CS55 PLUS’s 1.5T (192 hp / 310 N·m) holds a decisive advantage, with a 0‑100 km/h time roughly 1.5 seconds quicker; the Chery Tiggo 7 (156 hp / 230 N·m) is smooth and adequate for everyday needs.

Braking performance: The Changan CS55 PLUS stops from 100 km/h in 38.82–39.13 metres, outperforming the Chery Tiggo 7’s 40.4‑metre result.

Interior quality: The Changan CS55 PLUS features a dual‑screen setup with Deepseek AI integration and a front‑passenger leg rest, offering a more technologically advanced cabin; the Chery Tiggo 7’s 24.6‑inch curved screen and 8155 chip are functional but slightly less refined in overall execution.

Pricing: The Chery Tiggo 7 ranges from 69,900 to 97,900 yuan, while the Changan CS55 PLUS is priced at approximately 100,000–130,000 yuan – a considerable price gap.

Recommendation:

Choose the Chery Tiggo 7 if you have a tighter budget, prioritise maximum value for money, and value a mature, reliable multi‑link rear suspension.

Choose the Changan CS55 PLUS if you seek stronger outright performance, superior braking capability and a more premium cabin experience.

User Comments

16AR: “The front fascia of this model is quite attractive.”

659: “Many people are not fond of the hidden door handles.”