Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDI 390T Executive (2023) Review
Chery has stormed the local market and has introduced a full range of practical SUVs ranging from small crossovers to mid-size 7-seaters. The last entrant was the Tiggo 8 Pro which has now received a new addition. We tested the new Max model and this is what you will find inside this new model.
In this article:
Chery to the Max
Chinese automaker, Chery has come a long way since its introduction to South Africa over a decade ago. Gone are the poor-quality copy/paste machines that left many motorists disappointed. In their place comes a range of modern-looking and incredibly well-equipped range of crossover SUVs that have consumers lining up to get their hands on one.
Related: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 290T Distinction (2022) Review
The Chery Tiggo Pro range has the 4 Pro, 7 Pro and 8 Pro with the majority of these machines employing small turbocharged petrol engines to move them around. The vehicles are stylish, well built, and loaded with features as standard and the best part of all is they are very affordable. The latest addition to the 8 Pro lineup is the Max model which as you can guess is the flagship derivative and we got to spend a week putting this unit to the test
Styling
At first glance, the Max model doesn't appear to be any different from the rest of the 8 Pro lineup. It has a strong muscular profile that gives it an air of purpose. The reverse point grille and narrow LED headlights give the Tiggo an aggressive look. Privacy glass on the rear windows adds to the brawny look while the multispoke wheels and cladding trimmed arches give it an air of off-road worthiness.
The only way to really tell that this is a standalone model is the 390T and Max badging in red lettering on the rear tailgate. On the whole, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max is a good-looking vehicle and there are no offensive lines to speak of.
Which Chery Tiggo 8 Pro trim depreciates the fastest?
Space & Interior
Your eyes do not deceive you, that is indeed a third row of seating. This is a full-sized 7-seater and while the 3rd row is meant for those of smaller stature there is actually quite a lot of space for a large family and their gear.
Seats are all covered with leather that is not as plush as you may find in a higher-value vehicle but is still very comfortable and there is a surprising amount of leg, shoulder and headroom. The full-length sunroof lets in plenty of light when open giving the interior a spacious airy feeling.
Comfort & Convenience
With this being the flagship model it is loaded to the rafters with standard fitment. Cilmate control, USB and 12v outlets and an 8-speaker Sony sound system, wireless mobile phone charging and Adaptive Cruise Control, Ambient Lighting, Chery Voice Control, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an 8.0-inch touch screen that takes care of the aforementioned climate control.
Chery has upgraded the window glass to dampen exterior sound and the overall NVH levels are quite low with just the barest of wind noise coming from the wing mirrors.
Performance
The Max derivative is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 187kW and 390Nm of torque which is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Performance and fuel consumption claims are bold, with 0-100km/h coming up in 7.3 seconds and fuel consumption rated at 7.0 L/100km.
Careful throttle management will yield quite an astounding drive as the powerplant really wakes up when you change the drive mode into its Sport setting. It is quite spritely in and around town but the obvious results will be seen at the fuel pumps.
Fuel Economy
As it has been widely reported Chery's consumption figures are somewhat lofty as there is just no possible way to achieve 7.0l/100km. Our combined cycle testing returned low 10's at its absolute best. We do know why this is and it is mainly due to the factory programming in a wide fueling margin into the ECU to compensate for our altitude, climate, and perceived poor fuel quality.
This is not the end of the world though and a frugal driver could most likely get it down past 9.0l 100km if they tried.
Safety
Along with the normal alphabet soup of ABS EBD and TSC, the 8 Pro Max gets an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that contains features such as Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control with Emergency Braking Assistance, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Monitoring. There is currently no NCAP rating but we can only assume it will be good due to the shopping list of safety equipment.
Top 3 safety features on a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro
Price
One of the best selling points of the entire Chery range is the affordability factor. The Chery range comes in significantly less than its closest competitors.
| Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6TGDI 290T Distinction | R 496 900 |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6TGDI 290T Executive | R 574 900 |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDI 390T Executive | R 629 900 |
Competitors
In terms of size and standard equipment on offer, the Tiggo 8 Pro squares up against the Kia Sorento, Haval H6, and Hyundai Santa Fe but beats all contenders in the price stakes.
Verdict
We have made no secret of our admiration for what Chery has accomplished in such a short time. The vehicles are top-notch, prices are reasonable and they are growing every month with new dealerships opening all the time. We do like the engine upgrade in this flagship unit almost as much as the features inside. We highly recommend taking one of these for a test drive if you are in the market for a price-competitive 7-seater crossover SUV.
