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Chery is preparing to launch a facelifted version of its non-hybrid Tiggo 7 family SUV, following the new PHEV model, with a less-powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
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The 2026 Chery Tiggo 7 midsize SUV could receive a power cut when a facelifted version of the petrol-only model launches in Australia in the coming months.
Government approval documents reveal the petrol-powered Chery will receive the same updated styling as the recently-launched Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, and a new, smaller 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine borrowed from the Tiggo 4 and C5 (née Omoda 5) small SUVs.
At 108kW and 210Nm, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine is less powerful than the 137kW/275Nm 1.6-litre turbo found in today's Tiggo 7 Pro.
While the engine switch could bring an improvement in the Tiggo 7's fuel consumption, currently rated at 7.0L/100km on the combined cycle, the 1.5-litre engine consumes 7.4L/100km in the Tiggo 4 and 6.9L/100km in the smaller C5.
However, the Tiggo 4 uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic, rather than the dual-clutch automatic found in the C5 and incoming Tiggo 7.
A version of the 1.5-litre turbo is used as the basis for the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 plug-in hybrids, which add a 150kW/310Nm electric motor.
Australian timing for the updated 2026 Chery Tiggo 7 midsize SUV – likely to drop the Pro from its name – has not been announced, but it could arrive by the end of the year.
"We’re not in the position to confirm this model for now," a Chery Australia spokesperson said.
The documents show Chery has also listed the name 'Chery T7', similar to how the Chery Omoda 5 and Chery Omoda E5 were renamed to Chery C5 and Chery E5, respectively, earlier this year – though it is likely to retain Tiggo 7 badging.
Styling changes are identical to the Tiggo 7 PHEV, including a new front end, a revised rear design with slimmer tail-lights, and potentially fresh colours and alloy wheel designs.
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Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
