Chery Tiggo 9 SUV: A Feature-Rich Chinese Contender with a Premium Price

The Chery Tiggo 9 positions itself at the pinnacle of the Chinese automaker's offerings, presenting a substantial plug-in hybrid SUV packed with technology and comfort. However, its price point places it at the upper limit of what many domestic buyers might consider, making it a significant investment.

Upon approaching the vehicle, the Tiggo 9 greets its occupants with a seamless digital experience. Lights illuminate and locks disengage as you near the car, and the central display springs to life with personalized music upon door opening. The cabin features a 15.6-inch central touchscreen that is highly customizable, complemented by a few physical buttons for essential functions like climate control and drive modes. Wireless charging for two phones is available, with the driver's side offering a powerful 50-watt wireless charging pad that also cools the device.

Comfort is a key focus, with the front passenger enjoying a luxurious recliner featuring a leg rest, massage, and climate control functions. These amenities extend to the driver and the second-row passengers. While the driver's seat is comfortable, the lack of an extendable thigh support is a notable omission in this segment. The voice control system, which only understands English, proved temperamental during testing, often misunderstanding commands and occasionally interjecting into conversations unprompted.

The Tiggo 9 offers seven seats, making it suitable for larger families. The second row is spacious, though the middle seat is less comfortable due to a fold-out armrest. Climate control and USB-C ports are available in the rear. Accessing the third row involves a complex process: pressing a button on the second-row seat causes the front passenger seat to tilt forward, creating space for the second-row bench to slide forward. This multi-step procedure takes approximately 30 seconds, adding a layer of inconvenience.