The Chery Tiggo 5x 2023 arrived in the Philippine market as a heavy-hitting contender in the fiercely competitive subcompact crossover segment. Aimed straight at budget-conscious buyers seeking modern styling and upgraded tech, this iteration brought notable revisions over its predecessor. It squared off directly against entry-level favorites like the Toyota Raize and Geely Coolray, leaning heavily on aggressive pricing and a revamped trim lineup.
Buyers found two main variants upon release: the entry-level Comfort and the range-topping Hybrid. With retail prices starting at ₱940,000 for the Comfort and climbing to ₱1,140,000 for the Hybrid, Chery positioned this crossover to undercut established Japanese rivals while packing more technology into the cabin.
Engine Performance and Powertrain Options
Underneath the sheet metal, the 2023 release offered two distinct engine configurations. Choosing the base Comfort variant meant getting a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine. This setup pushed out 114 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. While adequate for daily city crawls, it felt somewhat sluggish during highway passing maneuvers.
Stepping up to the Hybrid variant changed the driving dynamics completely. It combined a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a belt-starter generator (BSG). Total output jumped to a much healthier 154 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque.
- Base Comfort: 1.5L naturally aspirated, 114 hp, 141 Nm. Best for relaxed daily commutes.
- Top Hybrid: 1.5L turbocharged with 48V mild hybrid, 154 hp, 230 Nm. Responsive acceleration with a 0-100 km/h time of roughly 8.8 seconds.
Exterior Styling and Dimensions
The exterior proportions matched the typical footprint of a modern urban crossover. It spanned 4,358 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, riding on a 2,630 mm wheelbase. Ground clearance sat at a practical 196 mm, which handled urban flash floods and steep driveways without scraping the undercarriage.
Lighting duties on the higher trims fell to sharp LED headlamps accompanied by LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, and tail lamps. It rolled on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/55 tires, giving it a planted, athletic stance. Chrome accents and functional roof rails completed the exterior presentation, ensuring it didn't look out of place next to pricier Japanese competitors.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Cabin presentation represented a massive leap forward from older Chery models. PVC leather upholstery covered the seats, and the driver enjoyed a six-way power-adjustable seat. Ambient lighting added a premium feel during night driving, while automatic climate control kept the cabin cool under heavy tropical heat.
Infotainment centered around a crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen floating dash display. It supported wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Convenience features included a push-button start, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold functionality on upper trims. Cargo capacity measured a respectable 371 liters, expandable by folding down the rear 60-40 split seats.
Safety Equipment and Warranty Offerings
Safety suites varied depending on the trim level chosen. The base Comfort model covered essentials like dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and rear parking sensors. Selecting the Hybrid version unlocked a comprehensive safety net featuring six SRS airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Chery backed these vehicles with its famous warranty program to ease buyer hesitation regarding Chinese brands. Buyers received a standard 5-year or 150,000-kilometer general vehicle warranty alongside a remarkable 10-year or 1,000,000-kilometer engine warranty.
Common Owner Considerations and Buying Mistakes
Choosing a crossover in the local market requires looking past spec sheets. Many first-time buyers make the mistake of assuming the base Comfort model delivers the same punchy acceleration as the Hybrid, only to find it underpowered on steep provincial inclines.
- Fuel Economy Trade-offs: Real-world city driving with the naturally aspirated engine often yields lower efficiency due to the vehicle's weight. The mild-hybrid variant fares better in stop-and-go traffic.
- Resale Value Realities: Chinese brands traditionally depreciate faster than Japanese equivalents, meaning buyers should plan to keep the vehicle long enough to maximize the ownership experience.
- Service Network Reliance: Always check proximity to authorized service centers, as parts availability depends heavily on regional dealership distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chery Tiggo 5x 2023 fuel efficient in city traffic?
The mild-hybrid variant offers decent fuel savings in heavy city gridlock thanks to its idle start-stop system and electrical assistance. The non-turbo base model consumes slightly more fuel because the engine works harder to move the chassis from a dead stop.
Does the infotainment system support wireless smartphone mirroring?
While the 10.25-inch touchscreen is responsive and feature-rich, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections require a physical USB cable link. However, a wireless charging pad sits right beneath the center console for convenient phone power-ups.
What kind of fuel does the engine require?
Both the naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.5-liter engines run smoothly on regular unleaded gasoline widely available at local petrol stations, though using higher octane ratings can optimize combustion efficiency.
How does ground clearance hold up against flooding?
With 196 mm of ground clearance, the vehicle navigates minor street flooding comfortably. Drivers should still exercise caution during severe weather, as deep water can damage electrical components or internal engine bays.
