Battle of the plug-in hybrids
Chery Automotive is fast becoming one of South Africa's leading automotive suppliers, offering various vehicles under its numerous banners. In recent months, we have seen the introduction of a slew of new offerings from them, all straying into NEV territory. These new vehicles are now equipped with new hybrid drive technology and have accelerated the brands into consumers' hands.
Related: Jaecoo J7 SHS (2025) First Drive Review
Two of these new derivatives are the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro CSH and the Jaecoo J7 SHS, which appear very similar on the surface. They are ostensibly rivals, but much the same in their underpinnings. The Chery and Jaecoo are fantastic vehicles, but how different are they?
Sampling Chery's Super Hybrid Cars during Auto Shanghai 2025
Powertrain
| Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 1.5T CSH PHEV Ultra | Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre 4 cylinder turbo petrol + hybrid electric | 1.5-litre 4 cylinder turbo petrol + hybrid electric |
| Transmission | DHT Automatic | DHT Automatic |
| Power figures | 265kW / 530Nm | 255kW / 525Nm |
| Top Speed | 180km/h | 180km/h |
| Drive | FWD | FWD |
| Paddle Shift | No | No |
Both vehicles are virtually identical, with the Tiggo 7 pro gaining a marginal power advantage.
Fuel efficiency
| Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 1.5T CSH PHEV Ultra | Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV | |
| Claimed fuel economy | 93km in electric mode / 1200km combined | 90km in electric mode / 1200km combined |
| Actual fuel economy | 4.1L/100km (as tested) | 4.5 L/100km (as tested) |
| Fuel tank size (litres) | 60 litre + 18.3 kWh | 60 litre + 18.3 kWh |
| Distance on a tank | 1 050km | 1 030km |
Practicality
| Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 1.5T CSH PHEV Ultra | Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV | |
| Boot size (litres) | 626 - 1672 | 340 - 500- 1265 |
| Towing capacity | Not rated | Not rated |
| Seating | 5 Adults, Leatherette | 5 Adults, Leatherette, driver electric lumbar adjustment |
The Tiggo has better space utilisation, whereas the Jaecoo does have a few more additions, such as the lumbar support and a cooled centre console.
Safety
| Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 1.5T CSH PHEV Ultra | Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV | |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
| NCAP Rating | 5 Star ANCAP | 5 Star NCAP |
| Airbags | 8 | 8 |
| Cruise control | Adaptive | Adaptive |
| LED lighting | Yes | Yes |
| Land Departure Warning | Yes | Yes |
| Heads Up Display | No | Yes |
| Hill Hold Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | 360 surround view | 360 surround view |
| PDC (Park Distance Control) | Front and Rear | Front and Rear |
Once again the Tiggo and Jaecoo are virtually identical in their spec levels.
Price and warranty
| Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 1.5T CSH PHEV Ultra | Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV | |
| Price | R 679 900 | R 689 900 |
| Warranty Time | 7 years on vehicle / 10 years on engine for 1st owner / 10 years on hybrid battery for 1st owner | 7 years on vehicle / 10 years on engine for 1st owner / 10 years on electric drive unit parts / 10 years on hybrid battery for 1st owner |
| Warranty Distance | 150,000 km vehicle / 1 000 000km engine for 1st owner / unlimited on hybrid battery for 1st owner | 200,000 km vehicle / 1 000 000km engine for 1st owner / 200,000 km on electric drive unit parts / unlimited on hybrid battery for 1st owner |
| Service Plan | 5 Year / 60 000 km | 5 Year / 70 000 km |
The Jaecoo is R10 000 more expensive, but the aftermarket support is almost identical.
Our Verdict
Considering the massive strides that the Tiggo range has experienced in the last year, the 7 Pro CSH takes the narrowest of victories here. Honestly, either vehicle will be a great buy, so choose based on which one you prefer after the all-important test drive!
