A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
EXTER starts ZAR 599900 cheaperEXTER from ZAR 269,900 · Tiggo 7 PHEV from ZAR 599,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Engine Power
50.5 kW
265 kW
Torque
114 Nm
530 Nm
Engine Size
1197 cc
1.5 cc
Claimed Mileage
16.9 km/l
20.4 km/l
Ground Clearance
185 mm
162 mm
Boot / Load Bay
391 l
626 l
Airbags
6
Multiple airbags
Kerb Weight
999 kg
1870 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
7 Year / 200 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Tiggo 7 PHEV dominates this comparison with clear advantages across multiple categories.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Tiggo 7 PHEV
+63 pts
Efficiency
Tiggo 7 PHEV
+19 pts
Safety
Tiggo 7 PHEV
+33 pts
Practicality
Tiggo 7 PHEV
+11 pts
Ownership
Tiggo 7 PHEV
+4 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
EXTER
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
EXTER
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2026
Generation
Current South African EXTER listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Current South Africa Tiggo 7 PHEV range
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Compact SUV
SUV
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
-
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
active
Segment
SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Ground Clearance
185 mm
162 mm
Wheelbase
2450 mm
2670 mm
Length
3815 mm
4553 mm
Width
1710 mm
1862 mm
Height
1631 mm
1686 mm
Kerb Weight
999 kg
1870 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
-
2310 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
391 l
626 l
Towing Capacity
-
-
Front Track Width
-
1570 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1570 mm
Turning Radius
-
-
Load Bed Length
391 l
626 l
Load Bed Width
-
-
Front Legroom
-
-
Rear Legroom
-
-
Front Headroom
-
-
Rear Headroom
-
-
Front Shoulder Room
-
-
Rear Shoulder Room
-
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1672 l
Number of Doors
5
5
Max Payload
-
-
Boot Volume
391 l
626 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
60 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
-
2310 kg
Ground Clearance Max
185 mm
162 mm
Ground Clearance Min
185 mm
162 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
185 mm
162 mm
Height Mm
1631 mm
1686 mm
Length Mm
3815 mm
4553 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
391 l
626 l
Loadbox Width Mm
-
-
Payload Kg
-
-
Cargo Volume
391 l
626 l
Tare Mass Kg
999 kg
1870 kg
Turning Circle
-
-
Turning Circle M
-
-
Width Mm
1710 mm
1862 mm
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Engine
-
1.5T plug-in hybrid
Engine Type
-
1.5T plug-in hybrid
Displacement
1197 cc
1.5 cc
Cylinders
-
4
Valves per Cylinder
-
16
Power
50.5 kW
265 kW
Power @ RPM
-
5500
Torque
114 Nm
530 Nm
Torque @ RPM
-
1750-4000
Fuel System
-
Petrol injection
Turbocharger
-
Standard
Top Speed
-
-
0-100 km/h
-
-
Compression Ratio
-
-
Cylinder Bore
-
-
Piston Stroke
-
-
Engine Code
-
-
Power
68 bhp
355.4 bhp
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Petrol
Cylinder Layout
-
Inline
Engine Aspiration
-
Turbocharged
Engine Type Config
-
1.5T plug-in hybrid
0–100 km/h
-
-
Battery Capacity
-
-
Charging Port
-
-
AC Charging Time
-
-
Engine Displacement
1197 cc
1.5 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1197 cc
1.5 cc
EV Range
-
-
Acceleration 0 100
-
-
Combined System Power
-
-
Combined System Torque
-
-
Engine Config
-
1.5T plug-in hybrid
Engine Cylinders
-
4
Engine Displacement Cc
1197 cc
1.5 cc
Engine Power kW
50.5 kW
265 kW
Engine Torque Nm
114 Nm
530 Nm
Engine Valves
-
16
Induction
-
Turbocharged
Max Power kW
50.5 kW
265 kW
Max Torque Nm
114 Nm
530 Nm
Maximum Power
50.5 kW
265 kW
Maximum Torque
114 Nm
530 Nm
Motor Position
-
-
Motor Power
-
-
Motor Torque
-
-
Motor Type
-
-
Power kW Rpm
-
5500
Active Exhaust
-
-
System Output
-
-
Torque Nm Rpm
-
1750-4000
Turbo Type
-
Single turbo
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
Front-wheel drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
FWD
LSD Available
-
-
Transfer Case
-
-
Differential Lock
-
-
Paddle Shifters
-
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
-
-
Number of Gears
5 km/h
Hybrid DHT
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
-
Automatic clutch
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
FWD
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
4WD Engagement
-
-
4WD Hi Range
-
-
4WD Lo Range
-
-
4WD Selector
-
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
-
Standard
Differential Type Front
-
-
Differential Type Rear
-
-
Front Differential Lock
-
-
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range
-
-
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
-
-
Transfer Case Guard
-
-
Transmission Speeds
5 km/h
Hybrid DHT
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Claimed Mileage
16.9 km/l
20.4 km/l
City Mileage
13.9 km/l
-
Highway Mileage
19.6 km/l
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
60 l
Emission Standard
-
Euro VIb
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
-
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Average Fuel Consumption
5.9 l/100km
4.9 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
5.9 l/100km
4.9 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
5.9 l/100km
4.9 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
16.9 km/l
20.4 km/l
AC Charging Power
-
-
Charging Port Type
-
Plug-in hybrid AC/DC
Charging Time AC Full
-
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
-
-
Charging Type
-
AC/DC
Combined Consumption
5.9 l/100km
4.9 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
5.9 l/100km
4.9 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
5.9 l/100km
4.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
37 l
60 l
Fuel Type
Petrol
Plug-in Hybrid
Low Range Ratio
-
-
Combined Driving Range
-
1200
Electric Consumption
-
-
Range Real World Highway
-
-
Range Real World Mixed
-
1200 km
Range Wltp
-
93 km
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Airbags
6
Multiple airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
-
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
-
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
-
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
AEB
-
Standard
BA
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Standard
Curtain Airbags
-
Standard
Driver Airbag
6
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
-
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
6
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
-
Standard
Side Airbags
-
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
-
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
-
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
-
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
360 Degree Camera
-
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
-
Auto Highbeam
-
Standard
Auto Lights
Halogen with automatic function
-
Auto Wipers
-
Standard
Drive Modes
-
Eco / Normal / Sport
EV Mode
-
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
-
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Standard
Park Assist
-
-
Around View Monitor
-
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
-
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
-
Standard
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Seat Material
Cloth
Leatherette / leather
Heated Seats
-
Standard
Ventilated Seats
-
Standard
Ambient Lighting
-
Standard
Rear USB Ports
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
-
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
-
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
-
Power
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
-
Power
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EXTER grade before assuming a feature is included.
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Cloth
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Capacity
5
-
Seat Count
5
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
Leatherette / leather
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Climate Control
-
Automatic
Power Windows
-
Standard
Keyless Entry
-
Standard
Push Button Start
-
Standard
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Standard
Sunroof
-
Standard
Electric Tailgate
-
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
AC Type
-
Automatic
Adaptive Dampers
-
-
Engine Warranty
4
-
Gear Shift Type
AMT
Electric
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Launch Control
-
-
Performance Data Logger
-
-
Rev Matching
-
-
Seat Type
Cloth
-
Seatbelt Reminder
-
Standard
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
5 Year / 75 000 km
Stability Control
-
Standard
Steering Mounted Controls
Multifunction
-
Valves Per Cylinder
-
4
Battery Preconditioning
-
-
Battery Voltage
-
-
Bed Extender
-
-
Canopy Fitment
-
-
Diff Lock
-
-
Difflock
-
-
Front Diff Lock
-
-
Intelligent Battery System
-
-
Load Bed Cover
-
-
Load Bed Light
-
-
Load Bed Steps
-
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
-
One Pedal Driving
-
-
Rear Diff Lock
-
-
Rear Electric Motor
-
-
Regenerative Braking
-
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
-
Source Model Column
exter
-
Sport Plus Mode
-
-
Sports Bar
-
-
Tailgate Damper
-
-
Tailgate Lock
-
-
Tow Bar Type
-
-
Trim Level
flagship
-
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
-
-
Vehicle To Load
-
-
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
-
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
Standard
USB Ports
Standard
Front and rear USB where listed
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Multifunction
-
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Audio Controls On Steering
Multifunction
-
Rear Usb
Standard
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard
-
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
Standard
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Standard
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
LED Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
H-signature LED
Standard
Fog Lamps
-
Standard
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
3
White, black, grey, silver, blue, green and other official Chery market colours by model.
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
H-signature LED
Standard
Led Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Auto Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
-
Automatic Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
-
Daytime Running Lights
H-signature LED
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlamp Levelling
Halogen with automatic function
-
Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Headlight Type
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Load Bed Liner
-
-
Panoramic Sunroof
-
Standard
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Approach Angle
-
-
Departure Angle
-
-
Wading Depth
-
-
Terrain Modes
-
-
Locking Differential
-
-
4WD System Type
Front-wheel drive
FWD
Breakover Angle
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
-
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
-
Off Road Descent Control
-
-
Off Road Traction Assist
-
-
Crawl Control
-
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
-
Terrain Mode Mud
-
-
Terrain Mode Normal
-
-
Terrain Mode Rock
-
-
Terrain Mode Sand
-
-
Terrain Mode Snow
-
-
Terrain Response System
-
-
Underbody Camera
-
-
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Tyre Size
-
225/60 R18
Front Brake Type
-
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
-
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
-
-
Wheel Rim Size
-
225/60 R18
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
-
Handbrake Type
-
Electronic parking brake
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Multifunction
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Multifunction
-
Wheelbase Mm
2450 mm
2670 mm
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Front Suspension
-
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
-
Multi-link
MagneRide Damping
-
-
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Battery Warranty
4
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45000 km
5 Year / 75 000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
5 Year / 75 000 km
Alternator
120A
-
Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Warranty Years
5
7 Year / 200 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5
7 Year / 200 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
7 Year / 200 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
7 Year / 200 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
CO2 Emissions
-
33 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
-
Spec
EXTER
Tiggo 7 PHEV
Ownership Role
Flagship
flagship or capability-focused
Price Source
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Official model page price card
Price Zar
334900 ZAR
679900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
flagship or capability-focused
Starting Price
334900
599900
Starting Price Zar
334900
599900
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Tiggo 7 PHEV leads by 29 points
Tiggo 7 PHEV dominates this comparison with clear advantages across multiple categories.
🏆Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV
wins with 84 pts
vs 55 pts for EXTER
In structured scoring, Tiggo 7 PHEV emerges as the stronger overall package. However, EXTER may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Tiggo 7 PHEV edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: EXTER 66 vs Tiggo 7 PHEV 85. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: EXTER 61, Tiggo 7 PHEV 94. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: EXTER 65, Tiggo 7 PHEV 69. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: EXTER 65, Tiggo 7 PHEV 76. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: EXTER 28, Tiggo 7 PHEV 91. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Tiggo 7 PHEV edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Tiggo 7 PHEV scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between EXTER and Tiggo 7 PHEV in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: EXTER scores 28 vs 91.
Efficiency: EXTER scores 66 vs 85.
Safety: EXTER scores 61 vs 94.
Practicality: EXTER scores 65 vs 76.
Ownership: EXTER scores 65 vs 69.
Final structured scoring gives Tiggo 7 PHEV
the advantage in this comparison.
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