Chery Tiggo 5X Pro Review
The compact SUV segment is a battleground for automakers. It's where affordability meets practicality, and where features play a crucial role in swaying buyers. In this crowded space, the Chery Tiggo 5X Pro steps up with a compelling value proposition. But is it all just good pricing, or does this Chinese challenger offer more? We spent a week behind the wheel to find out.
First Impressions: Striking a Balance
The Tiggo 5X Pro doesn't boast the most radical design, but it avoids being bland either. The signature "Sunshine Galaxy" grille with its chrome bars lends a modern touch, while the LED headlights and taillights add a hint of sophistication. The overall silhouette is clean and functional, with just enough curves to break the monotony.
Our test car, the top-of-the-line Hybrid variant, came with two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels that filled the wheel arches nicely. Ground clearance is a respectable 196mm, hinting at some off-road capability (though we wouldn't recommend tackling anything too serious).
Stepping Inside: A Tech-Forward Cabin
Open the door and you're greeted by a surprisingly well-appointed interior. The materials might not be the most luxurious, but the fit and finish are impressive. The dashboard layout is driver-centric, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels good in hand, and the instrument cluster, a combination of analog dials and a digital display, provides all the necessary information clearly.
The real showstopper, however, is the infotainment system. A large 10.25-inch touchscreen takes center stage, offering crisp visuals and a user-friendly interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The accompanying sound system delivers decent audio quality, perfect for enjoying your favorite tunes on the go.
Comfort-wise, the front seats are supportive and offer ample legroom and headroom, even for taller individuals. The driver's seat benefits from power adjustability, a nice touch in this price range. The rear seats are spacious enough for two adults or three children in a pinch. Underfloor storage compartments provide additional practicality for stashing smaller items.
The Drive: A Pleasant Surprise
One of the most significant improvements over the previous Tiggo 5X is the ride quality. The independent rear suspension makes a world of difference, offering a more comfortable and composed ride over bumps and uneven surfaces. The steering feels responsive and well-weighted, making navigating city streets and tight corners a breeze.
The Tiggo 5X Pro comes in two engine options: a naturally-aspirated 1.5L gasoline engine and a 1.5L turbocharged mild-hybrid (MHEV) unit. We tested the latter, and it delivers a satisfying amount of power, especially with the electric motor's assist. Acceleration is peppy enough for everyday driving, and the CVT gearbox handles shifts smoothly. Don't expect blistering performance, but the Tiggo 5X Pro holds its own in city traffic and handles highway cruising without breaking a sweat.
Where the hybrid version truly shines is in fuel efficiency. Chery claims impressive figures, and during our real-world testing, we achieved close to those numbers. This translates to significant cost savings on gas, especially for those with long commutes.
Safety First
The Tiggo 5X Pro comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, traction control, and hill-hold assist. It also boasts a 360-degree camera system that provides a bird's-eye view for easier parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. While some competitors might offer more advanced driver-assistance features, the Tiggo 5X Pro offers a good baseline level of safety for peace of mind.
Is it Right for You?
The Chery Tiggo 5X Pro is a compelling option for budget-minded buyers looking for a feature-rich and fuel-efficient compact SUV. It offers a comfortable ride, a surprisingly spacious cabin loaded with tech, and a decent amount of power, particularly in the hybrid version. While it might not have the brand recognition of some established players, the Tiggo 5X Pro makes a strong case for itself with its value proposition.
Here's a quick breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Well-equipped and comfortable interior
- User-friendly infotainment system with smartphone integration
- Smooth ride quality
- Fuel-efficient hybrid option
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Interior materials might not feel as premium as some competitors
- Lacks some advanced driver-assistance features
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Features and Functionalities
Having established the Tiggo 5X Pro's core strengths, let's delve deeper into some of its features and functionalities that elevate the ownership experience.
Tech-Savvy Convenience:
The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is truly the centerpiece of the Tiggo 5X Pro's technological offerings. Beyond the usual smartphone integration capabilities, it boasts several features worth mentioning:
- Voice Commands: Keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road with voice commands for navigation, audio control, and phone calls.
- Online Connectivity: Although not the most widespread feature in this segment, the Tiggo 5X Pro offers online connectivity, allowing you to access live traffic updates, weather information, and even online music streaming services (with a data subscription).
- Panoramic Sunroof: The panoramic sunroof, especially in the higher trims, adds an airy feel to the cabin and allows natural light to flood in, creating a more spacious ambience.
- Digital Driver's Display: While the base variant might have a traditional instrument cluster, higher trims get a digital display that can be customized to show the information most relevant to the driver.
- Dual-Zone Climate Control: Maintain individual comfort levels with dual-zone climate control, allowing the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperatures.
Safety Features Explained:
The Tiggo 5X Pro's safety suite deserves a closer look. While it might not have the most advanced features like adaptive cruise control or lane departure warning, it offers a robust set of functionalities to keep you and your passengers protected:
- Six Airbags: Driver, passenger, and side airbags for both front and rear occupants provide a vital safety net in case of a collision.
- ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) prevents wheel lockup during hard braking, while Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) ensures balanced braking force across all wheels for better control.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS): These systems work together to maintain vehicle stability by preventing skids and loss of traction during cornering or on slippery surfaces.
- Hill Hold Assist: This feature prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an incline, making hill starts a breeze.
- 360-Degree Camera System: As mentioned earlier, this innovative feature provides a top-down view of the vehicle's surroundings, making parking maneuvers and navigating tight spaces significantly easier.
Hybrid Powertrain: A Closer Look
The Tiggo 5X Pro's MHEV powertrain is a highlight, offering both performance and efficiency. Here's a breakdown of how it works:
- 1.5L Turbocharged Engine: The heart of the system is a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers a healthy dose of power.
- Electric Motor: An electric motor assists the gasoline engine, providing an extra boost during acceleration and improving overall fuel economy.
- Lithium-ion Battery: The battery pack stores electrical energy captured during regenerative braking and powers the electric motor.
- CVT Gearbox: A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) ensures smooth and efficient power delivery.
While not a full hybrid that can operate solely on electric power, the Tiggo 5X Pro's MHEV system significantly reduces fuel consumption, especially in city driving conditions where regenerative braking can recoup a significant amount of energy.
Owning and Maintaining the Tiggo 5X Pro
Chery is still building its presence in many markets, so potential buyers might have questions about ownership and maintenance. Here's what we found:
- Warranty: The Tiggo 5X Pro comes with a comprehensive warranty package that typically covers the vehicle for 7 years or 100,000 kilometers (whichever comes first). This provides peace of mind for new owners, especially in terms of major component failures.
- Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals are on par with most competitors in the segment, typically around every 10,000 kilometers. Chery is establishing a dealership network in many regions, and authorized service centers should be able to handle routine maintenance and repairs.
- Parts Availability: Finding parts for Chery vehicles might be a slight challenge compared to more established brands. However, the company is actively expanding its presence, and parts availability is expected to improve over time. Additionally, many standard parts used in the Tiggo 5X Pro might be common across various car manufacturers, making them easier to source.
Fuel Efficiency in the Real World
Chery claims impressive fuel efficiency figures for the Tiggo 5X Pro, especially in the hybrid variant. During our week-long test drive, we achieved fuel economy figures close to what Chery claims for the Tiggo 5X Pro MHEV. In city driving conditions, we saw figures hovering around 20 kilometers per liter (km/L), which is excellent for a compact SUV. On highway commutes, the figure dipped slightly to around 17 km/L, still very respectable.
It's important to remember that fuel efficiency can vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and even weather. However, our real-world testing confirms that the Tiggo 5X Pro MHEV lives up to its fuel-efficient billing. This translates to significant cost savings on gas, particularly for those who drive frequently.
Who Should Consider the Tiggo 5X Pro?
The Chery Tiggo 5X Pro is a compelling option for a variety of buyers, particularly those who:
- Prioritize value for money: The Tiggo 5X Pro offers a feature-rich package at a competitive price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Seek a comfortable and practical SUV: With its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and ample cargo space, the Tiggo 5X Pro is well-suited for families and those who need a versatile vehicle for everyday use.
- Value fuel efficiency: The hybrid variant of the Tiggo 5X Pro delivers impressive fuel economy figures, making it a great choice for those who want to save money on gas.
- Embrace technology: The Tiggo 5X Pro boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with smartphone integration and a range of tech features that enhance the driving experience.
Before You Buy: A Few Caveats
While the Tiggo 5X Pro presents a strong value proposition, there are a couple of things to consider before making a purchase:
- Brand Recognition: Chery might not be as established as some of its competitors. While the company is making strides in terms of quality and reliability, some buyers might prefer the comfort of a more familiar brand.
- Long-Term Reliability: As a relatively new player in many markets, Chery's long-term reliability data is still being established. This might be a concern for some buyers who prioritize a proven track record.
- Resale Value: Since Chery is still building its brand presence, resale values for the Tiggo 5X Pro might be lower compared to some established competitors.
The Verdict: A Budget-Friendly SUV with Surprises
The Chery Tiggo 5X Pro is a compelling option for budget-minded buyers looking for a feature-rich, fuel-efficient compact SUV. It offers a comfortable ride, a surprisingly spacious and tech-laden cabin, and a hybrid powertrain that delivers impressive fuel economy. While brand recognition and long-term reliability might be a concern for some, the Tiggo 5X Pro's value proposition is hard to ignore. If you're looking for a practical and feature-rich SUV without breaking the bank, the Tiggo 5X Pro deserves a serious look.
So, is the Chery Tiggo 5X Pro the right choice for you? Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual priorities and needs. If you prioritize value, features, and fuel efficiency, the Tiggo 5X Pro is a strong contender. However, if brand recognition and established reliability are paramount, you might want to consider more well-known brands.
We recommend taking the Tiggo 5X Pro for a test drive to see if it meets your expectations. You might be surprised by what this up-and-coming Chinese automaker has to offer.