Car ReviewsCheryChery reviewsComparisonsGWMGWM reviewsHavalMGMG reviewsSUVs

Best cheap small SUVs: 2025 Chery Tiggo 4 vs MG ZS vs GWM Jolion comparison

The world and the cars Australians buy has undergone a metamorphosis in the last 10 to 15 years. For the last five or so years, the MG ZS has been the huntsman on the wall, helping itself to all the flies but now it will have to learn a few new tricks to compete with the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and GWM Haval Jolion.

Last year, the Australian small SUV segment saw fierce competition among these three budget-friendly Chinese contenders. According to VFACTS data, the MG ZS led the market with an impressive 22,629 sales (14.9% market share), followed by the Haval Jolion with 14,238 units (9.4% market share). Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, despite a late launch, managed 1918 sales, claiming a 4.1% slice of the segment.

These figures underline the growing appetite for affordable, feature-packed small SUVs in Australia. In this comparison we’ll examine the incoming 2025 MG ZS Excite 1.5L, and the existing Haval Jolion Premium, and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Urban to help you, from first-time drivers to retirees, decide which one suits your needs best.

2025 MG ZS

2025 MG ZS Excite

The MG ZS Excite has long been a popular choice for Australians, offering competitive pricing and practicality. The refreshed 2025 model should continue to appeal to families and budget-conscious drivers with its spacious interior and modern technology.

Priced from $26,990 drive-away, it is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 81kW and 141Nm โ€“ the lowest output among this trio. While itโ€™s not the most powerful, it prioritises efficiency and affordability, making it ideal for urban commuting and casual weekend trips.

Inside, the MG ZS Excite features a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with MGโ€™s i-Smart safety suite that includes lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking. Practicality is a strong point, with dimensions measuring 4430mm in length, 1818mm in width, and 1635mm in height, offering 443 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1457L with them folded.

Price from: $26,990 (drive-away)
Dimensions: L 4430mm, W 1818mm, H 1635mm
Boot volume: 443 litres (seats up); 1,457 litres (seats down)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, 81kW/141Nm, CVT auto with FWD
Official fuel consumption: 6.7L/100km
Kerb weight: ~1285kg
Warranty: 10 years/250,000km
Total service cost over 5 years / Interval: Not yet confirmed

Pros:

  • Spacious boot capacity (biggest of this three)
  • Modern infotainment and safety features
  • Best official fuel economy of this trio
  • Longest warranty here (albeit capped at 250,000km)

Cons:

  • Least powerful engine in its class
  • Likely 4-star ANCAP rating (petrol not yet tested, but ZS Hybrid+ variant has been rated 4 stars)

2025 GWM Haval Jolion

2025 GWM Haval Jolion Premium

The Haval Jolion Premium is a standout in this segment, offering strong value for its $26,990 price tag. Under the bonnet features a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder delivering 105kW and 210Nm. This added power provides better acceleration and highway performance compared with a non-turbo, appealing to drivers who want a bit more punch from their SUV. Combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it balances performance with reasonable fuel economy and driving engagement.

The Jolion measures 4472mm in length, 1841mm in width, and 1619mm in height, making it the biggest of these three. However, boot space is the smallest here, which is weird. Although the cabin layout is designed for practicality, it doesn’t offer the best ergonomics in our opinion, presenting a slightly off driving position and a strangely large steering wheel.

Notable features include a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a comprehensive safety suite that includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist (although, some of these are poorly calibrated in our opinion). Importantly, the Jolionโ€™s servicing costs are not the cheapest here, with the capped-price costs reaching $1840 for the first five years.

Price from: $26,990 (drive-away)
Dimensions: L 4472mm, W 1841mm, H 1619mm
Boot volume: 337 litres (seats up); 1133 litres (seats down)
Powertrain: 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol, 105kW/210Nm, CVT auto with FWD
Official fuel consumption: 8.1L/100km
Kerb weight: 1370kg
Warranty: 7 years/unlimited km
Total service cost over 5 years (capped-price) / Interval: $1840 / Every 12 months or 15,000km

Pros:

  • Powerful turbo engine, even in base model
  • Advanced safety features
  • Biggest of this three

Cons:

  • Highest official fuel consumption of this trio
  • Horrible ergonomics and ADAS
  • Smallest boot here

2025 Chery Tiggo Pro 4

2025 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Urban

The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Urban enters as the most affordable option in this lineup, priced from just $23,990 drive away. Its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 108kW and 210Nm, making it the most powerful here. With a fuel consumption rating of 7.3L/100km, it offers the best balance between power and economy here as well.

Measuring 4318mm in length, 1831mm in width, and 1662mm in height, the Tiggo 4 Pro is slightly shorter than its competitors but still provides adequate space for small families. The boot holds 380 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to 1225 litres when folded. We like the conventional box-shape of the cabin and boot as well, which makes it more practical than some of the more stylish, coupe-inspired rivals.

Inside, the base model features a 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a suite of safety features, including a reverse camera, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane monitoring and keeping aids. Capped-price servicing costs are very competitive as well.

Price from: $23,990 (drive-away)
Dimensions: L 4318mm, W 1831mm, H 1662mm
Boot volume: 380 litres (seats up); 1225 litres (seats down)
Powertrain: 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol, 108kW/210Nm, CVT auto with FWD
Official fuel consumption: 7.3L/100km
Kerb weight: 1419kg
Warranty: 7 years/unlimited km
Total service cost over 5 years (capped-price) / Interval: $1400 / Every 12 months or 15,000km

Pros:

  • Most affordable turbo small SUV on sale, and cheapest here
  • Punchy turbocharged engine, most powerful of these three
  • Compact and practical design

Cons:

  • Heaviest model here, could result in higher real-world fuel consumption and tyre wear
  • No ANCAP rating yet

Verdict

For everyday Australian buyers, each of these SUVs caters to a slightly different audience. The MG ZS Excite shines with its spacious boot, family-friendly practicality, and modern infotainment, making it an excellent choice for urban commuters who prioritise value over power. However, its engine output lags behind the rivals, which may deter buyers seeking a more dynamic driving experience.

The Haval Jolion Premium offers a balance of performance and features, but it is a bit thirsty compared with the others. Finally, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Urban stands out for its sheer affordability and punchy turbocharged engine. Boot space and economy are also well balanced.

If youโ€™re looking for the best overall package, the MG ZS wins this comparison in our view. It balances features, refinement, and cost the best, and it’s offered with the longest warranty; 10 years. However, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is a strong alternative if budget is your top priority.

Mitchell Jones

Eccentric car nut and just as enthused by roasting an egg on the air cleaner of an old Hemi as he is hunting the horizon in a space-age electric supercar, Mitchell's passion for motoring started at a young age. He soon developed a meticulous automotive obsession for obscure facts. He joins Driving Enthusiast as a features writer and car reviewer, following a near 10-year stint at PerformanceDrive.

Related Articles

Back to top button