The automotive market continues to evolve at a breathtaking pace, and Chery’s latest offering, the 2025 Tiggo 4, stands as a testament to how far affordable SUVs have come. With a fresh design language, improved technology, and an emphasis on value, this compact crossover demands attention in an increasingly crowded segment.
I recently had the opportunity to spend a week with the new Tiggo 4, driving it through both bustling city streets and quiet country roads. What I discovered was a vehicle that challenges preconceptions about budget-friendly SUVs.
Design Evolution: A Fresh Face Forward
The first thing you’ll notice about the 2025 Tiggo 4 is its significantly upgraded exterior styling. Chery has embraced a more sophisticated aesthetic that aligns with current automotive design trends.
The front fascia features a wider grille with a honeycomb pattern that creates a more premium appearance. LED headlights now come standard across all trim levels, giving the vehicle a modern light signature that enhances both visibility and style.
In profile, the Tiggo 4 maintains its compact proportions but introduces more dynamic character lines that reduce visual bulk. The gently sloping roofline creates a sportier silhouette without sacrificing interior headroom.
The rear end completes the transformation with redesigned taillights connected by a light bar – a premium touch previously found only in more expensive vehicles. These subtle but effective changes collectively elevate the Tiggo 4 beyond its price point.
Color Options That Pop
Chery has expanded the color palette for 2025, introducing several eye-catching options that help the Tiggo 4 stand out in parking lots.
My test vehicle came in Galaxy Blue – a deep, metallic finish that shifts between blue and purple depending on lighting conditions. This type of premium paint option was unexpected but welcome in this segment.
Other available colors include:
- Starlight White
- Midnight Black
- Volcano Red
- Sage Green (new for 2025)
- Titanium Silver
- Sunset Orange (new for 2025)
Interior Comfort: Punching Above Its Weight
Stepping inside the 2025 Tiggo 4 reveals where Chery has made some of its most meaningful improvements. The cabin now features soft-touch materials in key contact points, reducing the obvious hard plastics that betrayed the previous model’s budget status.
The redesigned dashboard adopts a more horizontal layout with a floating touchscreen that creates a sense of width. Ambient lighting – customizable in seven colors – adds an unexpected premium touch to evening drives.
Seat comfort has been noticeably improved, with better cushioning and more substantial side bolstering in the front seats. The leatherette upholstery in higher trims convincingly mimics more expensive materials and should prove durable in daily use.
Space Utilization: Making the Most of Compact Dimensions
Despite its compact footprint, the Tiggo 4 makes intelligent use of its interior space. Rear passengers enjoy surprising legroom thanks to the efficiently designed front seatbacks.
The cargo area offers 16.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats – not class-leading but practical for most daily needs. With the 60/40 split rear seats folded, this expands to 45.8 cubic feet, easily accommodating larger items.
Thoughtful storage solutions abound throughout the cabin, including generously sized door pockets, a configurable center console, and several smaller compartments for personal items. These practical touches enhance everyday usability considerably.
Technology Integration: Connected and Convenient
The 2025 model year brings substantial technological upgrades to the Tiggo 4, centering around a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interface has been completely redesigned with improved graphics, responsiveness, and feature integration.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now come standard, eliminating the need for cables during short trips. The system also incorporates native navigation with real-time traffic information in higher trim levels.
Voice command functionality has been expanded and now operates with greater accuracy. Simple phrases like “I’m cold” or “Find the nearest gas station” trigger appropriate system responses, reducing driver distraction.
Digital Driver Experience
Complementing the central touchscreen is a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster that replaces traditional gauges. This configurable display can show various information layouts, prioritizing performance data, navigation directions, or fuel economy metrics based on driver preference.
A wireless charging pad has been added to the center console, supporting the latest smartphone standards. USB-C ports replace older USB-A connections, future-proofing the vehicle for newer devices.
The sound system has been upgraded to a six-speaker arrangement with improved audio quality. An optional premium audio package adds two additional speakers and a small subwoofer for enhanced bass response.
Performance and Efficiency: Balanced for Daily Driving
Under the hood, the 2025 Tiggo 4 offers two engine options, both tuned more for efficiency than outright performance. The standard powerplant is a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 115 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque.
My test vehicle came equipped with the more compelling option – a turbocharged 1.5-liter generating 156 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. This engine transforms the driving experience, providing a welcome punch for highway merging and passing maneuvers.
Both engines can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The revised CVT deserves special mention for its improved behavior, with programmed “steps” that mimic a traditional automatic, reducing the droning often associated with this transmission type.
Ride Quality and Handling: Comfort-Focused
The Tiggo 4’s suspension has been returned for 2025, yielding a more composed ride over varied surfaces. Urban obstacles like potholes and speed bumps are absorbed with surprising compliance for a vehicle in this class.
Handling is predictable rather than exciting, with light steering that prioritizes ease of use over feedback. Body roll is present in spirited cornering but remains within reasonable limits for a comfort-oriented crossover.
Road and wind noise have been reduced through additional sound insulation, creating a more refined highway cruising experience. At steady speeds, the cabin remains impressively quiet, allowing for easy conversation or music enjoyment.
Safety Features: Peace of Mind Standard
Chery has significantly expanded the safety equipment for the 2025 model year, making several advanced driver assistance systems standard across the lineup. This commitment to safety represents one of the most compelling aspects of the updated Tiggo 4.
All trim levels now include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Blind Spot Monitoring
Higher trims add a 360-degree camera system that proves invaluable when navigating tight parking situations. The clarity of this system exceeds expectations for a vehicle in this price range.
Structural Improvements
Beyond electronic aids, Chery has reinforced the Tiggo 4’s structural integrity with additional high-strength steel in key areas. Side-impact protection has been enhanced, and crumple zones redesigned for improved crash energy absorption.
The six-airbag system includes front, side, and curtain coverage. Combined with the strengthened structure, these passive safety elements provide comprehensive protection in the event of a collision.
Also Read: Subaru Defies Market Pressure, Sticks to Core Brand Values
Fuel Economy: Easy on the Wallet
With fuel prices remaining a concern for many buyers, the Tiggo 4’s efficiency represents another significant selling point. The base engine with CVT returns an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
The turbocharged option sacrifices some efficiency for performance, achieving 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. During my week of mixed driving, the turbo model consistently averaged 29 mpg – closely matching the official combined rating.
A new Eco driving mode adjusts throttle response and transmission behavior to maximize fuel economy when needed. The impact is noticeable, particularly in stop-and-go traffic where small efficiency gains add up over time.
Maintenance Considerations
Chery has extended the recommended oil change interval to 10,000 miles, reducing both maintenance costs and environmental impact. The powertrain warranty has also been extended to 5 years/60,000 miles, with the core powertrain components covered for 10 years/100,000 miles.
This warranty coverage exceeds many competitors and provides valuable peace of mind, especially for those concerned about long-term reliability from a less established brand in some markets.
Trim Levels and Pricing: Value Proposition
The 2025 Tiggo 4 lineup has been streamlined to three well-equipped trim levels:
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | $21,995 | 8″ touchscreen, cloth seats, 16″ alloy wheels, full safety suite |
| Premium | $24,495 | 10.25″ touchscreen, leatherette seats, 17″ alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof |
| Luxury | $27,995 | The turbocharged engine, leather seats, 18″ alloy wheels, premium audio, heated/ventilated front seats |
This pricing structure positions the Tiggo 4 several thousand dollars below similarly equipped competitors, reinforcing its value proposition. Even the base Comfort trim includes features that would be optional extras on many rival vehicles.
Customization Options
Chery offers several option packages to tailor the Tiggo 4 to individual preferences:
- Technology Package ($1,200): Upgrades the base model with a larger touchscreen, wireless charging, and additional USB ports
- Comfort Package ($950): Adds heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Style Package ($800): Includes larger wheels, roof rails, and exterior accent lighting
Individual options remain limited, encouraging customers toward package selections. This approach simplifies the manufacturing process while still providing reasonable customization opportunities.
Real-World Impressions: Living with the Tiggo 4
After a week of daily use, several aspects of the Tiggo 4 stood out as particularly noteworthy. The intuitive infotainment system proved less distracting than many competitors, with logical menu structures and responsive controls.
The turbocharged engine’s eager low-end torque made urban driving more enjoyable than expected. Though not a performance vehicle by any measure, the Tiggo 4 never felt underpowered in typical driving scenarios.
Parking and maneuvering in tight spaces highlighted the benefits of the compact exterior dimensions combined with good visibility and camera assistance. The turning radius is particularly tight, making U-turns and parking garage navigation a breeze.
Minor Drawbacks
No vehicle is perfect, and the Tiggo 4 does have some weaknesses worth noting. The plastic quality in lower cabin areas still betrays its budget-friendly nature, with some panels that scratch easily.
Wind noise becomes more noticeable above 70 mph, particularly around the A-pillars. While not excessive, it’s more prominent than in some competitors.
The CVT, though improved, still exhibits some rubber-band effect during rapid acceleration. Drivers accustomed to traditional automatics may find this characteristic initially off-putting.
Market Position: Challenging Established Players
The 2025 Tiggo 4 enters a fiercely competitive segment dominated by established players like the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Mazda CX-30. What Chery brings to this battle is an exceptional value equation that cannot be ignored.
When comparing similarly equipped models, the Tiggo 4 typically undercuts these competitors by $3,000-$5,000 – a significant difference in this price-sensitive segment. This value proposition becomes even more compelling when considering the expanded warranty coverage.
What remains to be seen is whether brand perception will evolve to match the vehicle’s actual quality. Previous generations of Chinese automotive exports suffered from quality concerns, but the 2025 Tiggo 4 demonstrates how rapidly this gap has closed.
Target Demographics
The Tiggo 4 seems ideally suited for several specific buyer groups:
- Young professionals seeking maximum features on a limited budget
- Small families needing a practical second vehicle
- Empty nesters downsizing from larger SUVs
- Value-conscious consumers prioritize warranty protection
These demographics represent substantial market segments, giving the Tiggo 4 significant sales potential if properly marketed and distributed.
A Compelling Alternative
The 2025 Chery Tiggo 4 represents a significant step forward not just for the model but for affordable SUVs as a category. It demonstrates how quickly automotive standards have evolved, with features and refinement that would have seemed impossible at this price point just a few years ago.
Is it perfect? No. Does it match the driving engagement of a Mazda or the perceived quality of a Honda? Not quite. But it comes remarkably close while offering substantial savings and warranty advantages that many buyers will find compelling.
For those willing to look beyond established brands, the Tiggo 4 rewards with a package that feels like it should cost thousands more. It deserves serious consideration from anyone shopping in the compact crossover segment with value as a priority.
The 2025 Tiggo 4 earns a strong recommendation for budget-conscious consumers who need a practical, well-equipped SUV. Its combination of updated styling, comprehensive technology, and remarkable value make it one of the most interesting new entries in this competitive segment.
As global automotive manufacturing continues to evolve, vehicles like the Tiggo 4 remind us that compelling options often emerge from unexpected sources. This compact crossover proves that “affordable” no longer needs to mean “compromise.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Chery Tiggo 4 available with an all-wheel drive?
A: Currently, the 2025 Tiggo 4 is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive across all trim levels.
Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2025 Tiggo 4?
A: The fuel tank holds 13.2 gallons, providing approximately 380-420 miles of range depending on driving conditions.
Q: Does the Tiggo 4 require premium fuel?
A: No, both engine options are designed to run optimally on regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline.
Q: How does the Tiggo 4’s cargo space compare to competitors?
A: At 16.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, it offers slightly less space than the Honda HR-V but more than the Mazda CX-30.
Q: Is the infotainment system compatible with wireless charging?
A: Yes, wireless charging is standard on Premium and Luxury trims, and optional on the base Comfort trim.