Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max vs Geely Starray EM-i
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Price Breakdown
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max starts from $38,990 before on-road costs, while the Geely Starray EM-i opens at $37,490. That makes the Geely Starray EM-i the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $42,889 and $41,239 respectively.
The Geely Starray EM-i qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Geely Starray EM-i by roughly $10,970 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and Geely Starray EM-i hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Geely Starray EM-i.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 10 in the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and 7 in the Geely Starray EM-i.
Feature Showdown
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Geely Starray EM-i gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and Sony audio that you will not find on the Geely Starray EM-i. The Geely Starray EM-i counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max uses a Petrol producing 180kW and 375Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Geely Starray EM-i responds with a Petrol making 160kW and 262Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has the clear power advantage at 180kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Geely Starray EM-i is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max measures 4,720mm long on a 2,710mm wheelbase, 20mm shorter than the Geely Starray EM-i at 4,740mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Geely Starray EM-i generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 550L in the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and 428L in the Geely Starray EM-i, giving the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max a 122L advantage. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max seats 7 vs 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and $115/year for the Geely Starray EM-i. That is a $2,194 annual difference in favour of the Geely Starray EM-i.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max) vs $115 (Geely Starray EM-i). The Geely Starray EM-i saves you roughly $2,194 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Geely Starray EM-i). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Geely Starray EM-i if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Geely's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Geely Starray EM-i takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Geely Starray EM-i will save you roughly $2,194 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and Geely Starray EM-i?
The Geely Starray EM-i is the cheapest at $37,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max by $1,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Geely Starray EM-i uses the least fuel at 2.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and Geely Starray EM-i all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has the largest boot at 550L.
Which can tow the most?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max makes the most power at 180kW. The Geely Starray EM-i is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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