Chery Tiggo 9 gets cheaper entry point with new front-wheel drive variant
A new front-wheel drive Elite variant joins the Chery Tiggo 9 range from $52,990 before on-roads, sitting $7,000 below the all-wheel drive Ultimate and arriving in May 2026.
Rob Leigh
Key takeaways
- 2026 Chery Tiggo 9 Elite FWD priced from $52,990 before on-roads
- 225kW/450Nm PHEV system with 90km electric range, 1,250km total
- Available to order now, first deliveries from May 2026
Chery has added a more affordable entry point to its Tiggo 9 range introducing a front-wheel drive Elite variant priced from $52,990 before on-road costs. It undercuts the existing all-wheel drive Ultimate by $7,000 and arrives in Australian showrooms from the start of May.
The 2026 Chery Tiggo 9 Elite uses the same Super Hybrid plug-in powertrain as its sibling, pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with dual front-mounted electric motors. Combined output sits at 225kW and 450Nm - down from the Ultimate's 315kW/580Nm, which benefits from an additional rear motor. The smaller 19kWh battery delivers up to 90km of electric-only range (NEDC) and a claimed total range of 1,250km on a combined charge and tank.
2026 Chery Tiggo 9 pricing
| Variant | Price (before on-roads) |
| Elite FWD | $52,990 |
| Ultimate AWD | $59,990 |
Chery Tiggo 9 Elite specs
| Spec | Elite FWD |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo petrol + dual front electric motors |
| System power | 225kW |
| System torque | 450Nm |
| Battery capacity | 19kWh |
| EV range (NEDC) | 90km |
| Total range | 1,250km |
| Towing capacity | 1,500kg |
| Tare mass | 1,985kg |
| Fuel consumption | 1.3L/100km |
What the 2026 Chery Tiggo 9 Elite leaves out
The trade-offs versus the Ultimate are real but targeted. Buyers lose the rear motor, head-up display, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, 20-inch wheels, and four of the Ultimate's 12 speakers. The auto-dimming mirror and semi-autonomous parking assist also don't make the cut.
What remains is a well-stocked three-row SUV. Standard kit includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight-speaker Sony audio, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, synthetic leather trim, heated power front seats, dual-zone climate, and a full active safety suite with adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, and driver attention monitoring.
The Tiggo 9 competes in a segment that includes the BYD Sealion 8 and plug-in hybrid variants of the Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-80. At $52,990, the Elite FWD is now the most accessible PHEV large SUV in Chery's local range.
Buyers who don't need all-wheel drive capability now have a credible, fully loaded option without paying the AWD premium.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the 2026 Chery Tiggo 9 Elite cost in Australia?
The Chery Tiggo 9 Elite is priced from $52,990 before on-road costs, which is $7,000 less than the all-wheel drive Ultimate variant.
What is the electric range of the Chery Tiggo 9 Elite?
The Elite has a claimed electric-only range of 90km on the NEDC cycle, with a combined fuel and battery range of up to 1,250km.
When does the Chery Tiggo 9 Elite go on sale in Australia?
The Tiggo 9 Elite is available to order now, with first deliveries expected from the start of May 2026.
