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Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: South Africa’s Newest Hybrid Crossovers

Erwin

14 July 2025

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South Africans have embraced hybrid SUVs, and Toyota’s Corolla Cross is already one of the country’s top sellers. Now Chery South Africa has launched the Tiggo Cross CSH HEV, bringing a fresh hybrid option to the market. Both compact SUVs target families and urban commuters who want fuel savings and modern features. In this head-to-head comparison, we break down how the Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid stacks up against the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid on performance, range, equipment and value , with a clear eye on Chery’s advantages for South African buyers.

Power and Performance – Chery’s Output Advantage

Chery Tiggo Cross HEV(Link): Powered by a 1.5 litre petrol engine (71 kW, 118 Nm) paired with an electric motor and 1.83 kWh battery, the hybrid system delivers 150 kW and 310 Nm to the front wheels via a dedicated hybrid transmission (Chery South Africa(Link to CSH).
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Uses a 1.8 litre petrol engine with electric assist, providing a combined 90 kW (Toyota South Africa).

In real terms, this means the Chery has substantially more power and torque underfoot. The result is livelier acceleration and better performance for highway merging and overtaking.

Fuel Economy and Range – Long Hauls Made Easy

Fuel efficiency is a key reason for choosing a hybrid. Here, Toyota has a slight edge in consumption numbers: the Corolla Cross Hybrid achieves around 4.3–4.8 L/100km (claimed and real-world). Chery claims 5.4 L/100km combined for the Tiggo Cross HEV (Chery South Africa).

Where Chery really shines is range. Thanks to its hybrid system and large fuel tank, the Tiggo Cross HEV can go up to 1,200 km on a single tank. According to Chery’s own testing, the vehicle achieved fuel consumption as low as 4.2 L/100km on a Jo’burg to Durban return trip (“Super Hybrid Technology,” Chery Midrand).

Design and Comfort – Bold vs Conservative

The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV makes a bold first impression with its large, star-studded diamond-patterned grille and sleek LED lights. The Tiggo Cross HEV makes an unforgettable entrance with its gloss black diamond-mesh grille, a signature design that adds depth and edge to the front fascia. Framed by striking triple-beam LED headlights and flanked by sharp vertical daytime running lights, the front-end styling is bold yet refined, a true head-turner on South African roads.

Inside, the Chery features dual 10.25″ screens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and ambient lighting, even on the base Comfort model. The Elite trim adds a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated seats, and a powered driver seat (Chery South Africa).

By contrast, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has a more conservative exterior, recently refreshed with a revised grille and LED headlamps. The interior is functional and includes a 10.1″ infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, and wireless phone integration from the XS model upward (Toyota South Africa).

Safety and Warranty – Chery Goes the Extra Mile

Both the Chery Tiggo Cross and Toyota Corolla Cross offer strong safety packages: 6-7 airbags, ABS, ESC, traction control, and advanced driver-assist systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Where Chery excels is warranty coverage: a 5-year/150,000 km warranty, plus an unmatched 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty (first owner only), which is a class-leader in South Africa (Chery South Africa). Toyota offers a 3-year/100,000 km warranty, with service plans over 6 years or 90,000 km (Toyota South Africa).

Pricing and Value – Chery Undercuts the Market

Chery Tiggo Cross HEV Comfort: R 439,900
Chery Tiggo Cross HEV Elite: R 469,900
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8 XS: R 494,400
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8 XR GR-S: R 561,700

This means the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV undercuts Toyota by at least R 50,000 in partly form, and even more when you compare spec-for-spec. You get more power, more features, and better range without stretching your budget.

Final Verdict: Why Chery Midrand Has the Edge

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a proven, efficient and practical family SUV, but it now faces real competition. The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV offers:

Stronger performance (150 kW vs 90 kW)
Up to 1,000 km hybrid range
More standard features for the price
Longer warranties

For middle-class South Africans who want more SUV for their money, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is a no-brainer.

Visit Chery Midrand Today. Come see the hybrid SUV that’s turning heads. Book a test drive of the Tiggo Cross HEV and experience the tech, power and value for yourself. With unbeatable pricing and service, Chery Midrand is your go-to destination for modern mobility.

Chery Tiggo Cross Tiggo Cross Launch

Get Ready, South Africa: The All-New Chery Tiggo Cross is Here to Shake Things Up!

Quinton

1 November 2024

The Chery Tiggo Cross is set to make its debut in South Africa by the end of October 2024, following its exciting reveal at the Festival of Motoring in Gauteng. This compact SUV will slot between the Tiggo 4 Pro and Tiggo 7 Pro, bringing fresh innovation and stylish design to the fiercely competitive SUV market.