Chery has expanded its large SUV offering in Australia with the introduction of a new front-wheel drive (FWD) version of the flagship Tiggo 9, lowering the entry price to $52,990 MSRP and broadening its appeal to families and fleet buyers looking for space, efficiency, and value.
Positioned as a more accessible entry point into the Tiggo 9 range, the new Elite FWD variant keeps the core features that define the model — three-row seating, advanced technology, and hybrid efficiency — while removing the complexity and cost associated with all-wheel drive systems.
For fleet buyers and novated lease customers, the move reflects a broader trend in the market: large SUVs are increasingly being purchased for urban and regional travel where all-wheel drive capability is rarely required, but passenger capacity and comfort remain essential.
A Lower Price Point Without Sacrificing Capability
The introduction of the front-wheel drive variant creates a new entry point into the Tiggo 9 line-up, making it more competitive against established seven-seat SUVs in the $50,000–$60,000 price bracket.
According to the company, the new variant is designed to maintain the premium feel of the existing model while improving affordability for everyday buyers.
Lucas Harris, Chief Operating Officer at Chery Australia, said the addition of the new drivetrain configuration is intended to broaden the vehicle’s appeal.
“By introducing a front-wheel drive option to the Tiggo 9 line-up, we are making our flagship SUV accessible to an even broader audience,” Harris said. “This variant delivers the same refined experience customers expect from Tiggo 9, now with enhanced value for everyday driving.”
For many organisations reviewing vehicle policies in 2026, this type of variant makes sense. Removing all-wheel drive can reduce purchase cost, improve fuel efficiency, and simplify maintenance — all without compromising functionality for typical metropolitan or highway use.
Hybrid Performance with Extended Driving Range
The Tiggo 9 continues to be powered by Chery’s Super Hybrid system, combining a turbocharged petrol engine with electric motors to deliver strong performance and extended range.
The powertrain produces a combined output of 225kW and 450Nm, supported by a 19kWh lithium-ion battery. The system enables a claimed driving range of up to 1,250 kilometres on a full tank and charge, along with an electric-only range of up to 90 kilometres under NEDC testing conditions.
From a fleet management perspective, that electric range is particularly relevant for organisations operating pool vehicles or executive transport within metropolitan areas. Daily commuting can often be completed on electric power alone, while the petrol engine provides flexibility for longer trips without charging downtime.
This hybrid configuration also aligns with the growing focus on emissions reporting and sustainability targets across corporate and government fleets.
Technology and Comfort Remain a Focus
Despite the lower entry price, the Elite FWD variant retains a long list of standard features designed to support driver comfort, safety, and productivity.
Key inclusions include:
- 360-degree surround-view camera
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired and wireless)
- Heated front seats with synthetic leather upholstery
- Panoramic sunroof with powered sunshade
- Power tailgate
- Sony eight-speaker sound system
- 50W wireless phone charging
- Intelligent voice command system
These features are increasingly expected in modern fleet vehicles, particularly those used for staff transport, client visits, or executive travel where comfort and presentation play a role in driver satisfaction and organisational image.
Practical Fit for Fleet and Family Applications
The new front-wheel drive configuration is likely to resonate with buyers who prioritise passenger capacity, efficiency, and value rather than off-road capability.
Typical applications include:
- Corporate pool vehicles
- Airport transfer and shuttle services
- Regional management travel
- Family and novated lease buyers
- Community and local government fleets
For organisations reviewing vehicle replacement programs, the Tiggo 9 FWD creates a practical option in the large SUV segment — particularly where towing and off-road performance are not core operational requirements.
It also reinforces the broader market shift toward electrified powertrains, where hybrid systems are increasingly viewed as a transitional technology that balances emissions reduction with operational flexibility.
Availability
The new front-wheel drive Elite variant of the Chery Tiggo 9 is scheduled to arrive in Australian showrooms from the beginning of May.
With pricing starting below many traditional large SUVs and a hybrid powertrain delivering extended range capability, the new variant positions itself as a value-focused alternative in a segment that continues to grow as fleets look for versatile, lower-emission passenger vehicles.
