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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider Review: Chery Tiggo rEV LE PHEV

Review: Chery Tiggo rEV LE PHEV

Luxurious, fast, impressively efficient, and super hi-tech

Published Dec 12, 2025 09:54 am

At A Glance

  • At the rate Chery is churning out Tiggos, it won't be long before they perfect this model, and for now, the 2025 rEV LE is the closest they have gotten.
  • For P1.528 million, it feels like a bargain in the seven-seater crossover segment.
When my editor asked me to review this Tiggo, I wasn't expecting much. The rEV model name tells me it's a hybrid, but with Chinese marques, electrified vehicles are a dime a dozen.
I realized how different this vehicle was when I saw it for the first time. Don't get me wrong. The overall shape remains very Tiggo-like, albeit just a bit wider and longer because it is a seven-seater crossover. What made me double-take is the latest version of the Diamond Accent grille, but in this case, it's not really a grille. The nose is fully encased and flanked by steering-responsive LED headlights. Chery designers incorporated air intakes on either side and a slim lower grille to cool the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Except for the nose job, the exterior of the Tiggo rEV LE is typical of Chery models. It has an aerodynamic shape, slim body cladding, ornamental roof rails (so don't expect it to carry a heavy load), and a panoramic sunroof. The rear has a roof spoiler, a height-adjustable power tailgate, and LED taillights. The FWD system sits on 18-inch, two-tone alloy wheels. There really isn't a lot to gawk at on its body, but the design isn't really what makes this vehicle special and fun to drive.
If you have its Intelligent Remote Key (with Smart Proximity), the vehicle unlocks as you walk up to it, and the best part, it starts up – the LED daytime running lamps, audio system, and even the dual-zone climate control – using its Super Hybrid 18.66 kWh battery.
As I surveyed the cockpit, my gray matter was still processing the fact that the vehicle was actually ready to go before I even got in, so everything was a bit overwhelming in the beginning. The layout makes it feel wide and spacious from the electronically-adjustable and plush driver's seat. The flat and padded dashboard is set low to enhance visibility, but the A-pillars (especially on the left) could be slimmer. The cabin uses Space Black upholstery with stylish quilting on the seats and select surfaces. Unlike competitors in the segment, the Tiggo rEV LE has a wide center console with dual lids. In front is the mode selector (Eco, Normal, Sport) and the EV toggle. It has one of the best wireless charging pads I have ever used. It never gets dislodged (no matter how spirited I drove), and Chery thoughtfully added a holder beside it so you can move your device over to prevent overcharging.
Chinese models are known for having big screens, and not to be outdone, the Tiggo rEV LE has a massive 15.6-inch floating touch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It sends audio to a heart-thumping 12-speaker Sony system, including two headrest speakers (driver's seat only). My only gripe is that you can only adjust the side mirrors and aircon using the screen. It's a bit tedious and dangerous to do on the fly.
Aside from not having an On/Off button, the Tiggo rEV LE does not have a parking brake lever or button either. It automatically engages once the seatbelt is removed. Needless to say, even if the vehicle is on and ready to go, the parking brake will not disengage if you're not strapped in.
The hybrid system packing 204-PS and 310-Nm of torque makes the Tiggo rEV LE move swiftly. There is no turbo lag, and it responds almost instantaneously to even the slightest throttle input. Because of how fast it accelerates, it would have been better if Chery incorporated an e-pedal-type system like in the Nissan Leaf, so it could charge the battery using regenerative braking when you ease off on the accelerator while saving the brake pads.
Steering is lighter than it should be for a seven-seater crossover, but I'm sure not many people will complain. Occupants will also love the ride comfort from its MacPherson and multi-link independent suspension combo that keeps it quiet and cushy over potholes and road imperfections. What passengers might balk about is the limited leg room in the third row. Best to leave this space for children under the age of eight.
Plus, it has advanced driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, hill descent control, and a tire pressure monitoring system, among others, including a 540-degree panoramic view camera.
At the rate Chery is churning out Tiggos, it won't be long before they perfect this model, and for now, the 2025 rEV LE is the closest they have gotten. For P1.528 million, it feels like a bargain in the seven-seater crossover segment.

Related Tags

Chery Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
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