Cherry Tiggo 4 Pro Review: Best Budget SUV Under $25K?
Is the Cherry Tiggo 4 Pro Australia's Smartest Budget SUV Buy?
If you're searching for a brand-new SUV under $25,000 driveaway, your options are shockingly limited. The just-released Cherry Tiggo 4 Pro enters this sparse market with aggressive pricing starting at $23,990. But can a new car this cheap possibly deliver on safety, features, and daily usability? After analyzing Drive's exclusive pre-production test, I believe this SUV challenges expectations - with caveats. Let's unpack why budget-conscious buyers should pay attention.
Price Positioning and Key Competitors
The Tiggo 4 Pro Urban ($23,990 driveaway) and Ultimate ($26,990 driveaway) undercut nearly all new SUVs. Based on Drive Marketplace data:
- Only three new cars are cheaper: Kia Picanto, MG ZS, Suzuki Ignis
- At $25k, you're comparing to 4-year-old used rivals like Hyundai i30 or Toyota Corolla
- Crucially, it includes safety tech absent in many rivals: Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and six airbags come standard.
Interior Quality and Practical Features
Don't assume "cheap price equals cheap interior." The Tiggo 4 Pro's cabin surprises with thoughtful execution:
- Dual 10.25-inch screens (infotainment + digital dash) with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Physical climate controls (a wise choice over touchscreen-only systems in other Chery models)
- Synthetic leather seats (Ultimate trim), soft-touch door panels, and logical switchgear
- Practicality highlights: 380L boot, rear air vents, USB ports front/rear, and generous rear legroom (accommodates 6'1" passengers comfortably)
Performance and Driving Dynamics: First Impressions
Since testing occurred on a closed circuit with pre-production models, final judgments await public road reviews. However, initial observations reveal:
- Engine: The 1.5L turbo petrol (108kW/210Nm) provides adequate power for city driving
- Transmission: Smooth shifts in routine driving, though responsiveness needs further testing
- Handling: Soft suspension prioritizes comfort but creates noticeable body roll in corners
- Steering: Overly light weighting lacks feedback, feeling artificial during direction changes
Where the Tiggo 4 Pro Fits in the Market
This SUV makes the strongest case for first-car buyers or urban commuters prioritizing:
- Maximum new-car warranty (7 years/Unlimited km)
- Modern safety tech at entry-level pricing
- Surprising cabin tech (wireless phone mirroring standard)
However, driving enthusiasts or those frequently on highways might prefer:
| Priority | Better Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Driving Engagement | Used Mazda CX-3 (2-3 years old) |
| Highway Refinement | Used Hyundai Kona (2020+) |
| Brand Resale | Suzuki Ignis (new) |
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Verify final build quality when production models arrive (some pre-production plastics felt hard)
- Test rear seat comfort on rough roads - suspension tuning prioritizes front occupants
- Compare insurance quotes - new brands can sometimes incur higher premiums
The Verdict: Disruptive Value With Managed Expectations
The Cherry Tiggo 4 Pro delivers unprecedented features for under $25k, challenging assumptions about budget Chinese SUVs. You get contemporary tech, respectable space, and crucial safety systems typically reserved for pricier models. While driving dynamics won't thrill enthusiasts and long-term reliability remains unproven, it represents genuine value for cost-focused buyers. If your top priority is maximizing new-car bang-for-buck, the Tiggo 4 Pro deserves your test-drive shortlist.
What's your biggest hesitation about buying a brand-new SUV under $25K? Share your concerns below - your questions might shape our full road test focus!
