Chery vs. BYD
Get the details on Chery vs. BYD, as these two emerging brands battle it out
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If you’re considering an electric car, you’ll notice the Chery vs. BYD debate comes up a lot.
Chery and BYD are new faces and are making a name for themselves as great value options that are easy to live with, but is there a clear winner between the two?
We’re comparing Chery vs. BYD for reliability, fuel usage, electric range, styling and tech so you can see which one is right for you.
We’ll also cover Chery models and BYD models available in the UK so you can see your options.
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Chery vs. BYD
BYD is fast becoming a household name in the UK after starting out as a battery manufacturer in mid-90s China. Its electric cars are a testament to the company’s roots, as they bring reliable and long-lasting batteries that are ideal for electric driving.
Chery is relatively new to the UK mainstream market but has been impressing those who cross paths with it. They’re another Chinese-owned company and the parent company to OMODA and JAECOO – another pair of brands that are gaining recognition.
Our guide will answer:
Are Chery or BYD cars better to drive?
Does Chery or BYD have a better electric range?
Does Chery or BYD have better tech?
Which has the better styling?
Are Chery vs. BYD EVs more reliable?
Which has the better lineup?
Chery vs. BYD: what are they like to drive?
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Driving an electric or hybrid car is typically a smooth and quiet experience, and you can expect that from both brands.
Chery launched in the UK with the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 – both SUVs available as petrol or ‘Super Hybrid’ (better known as a plug-in hybrid).
They’re comfortable, economic and easy to drive, making for a laidback driving experience at an accessible price point. There’s not much to get excited about in terms of performance, but that’s really not the brand’s USP.
BYD has quite a few more cars on sale in the UK, so offers a broader driving experience. Here you will find options with a bit more in terms of performance, like the BYD SEALION 7.
Chery vs. BYD: range & batteries
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Both Chery and BYD models have some capacity for electric driving, but how do their mile ranges compare?
BYD has a larger range of electric vehicles that include SUVs, city cars and hatchbacks. The brand is proud of its ‘Blade’ batteries that claim to have a longer battery life – with over 5000 charge and discharge cycles.
Mile range in BYD models is very usable for most motorists. The BYD SEAL gets up to 354 miles from an 82.5kWh battery.
As of December 2025, there are no fully electric Chery cars on sale in the UK – so it’s hard to compare these to BYD offerings.
Both the Chery Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 hybrids use an 18.4kWh battery, which can get up to 56 miles of electric-only driving.
Chery vs. BYD: interior and technology
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The interior of any modern car will rarely be disappointing when it comes to features and tech. If that’s your priority, BYD models might take the lead.
Most BYD cars now come with a rotating infotainment screen in the centre – and this controls most of the car’s functions. It’s very Tesla-esque, but there are still some buttons and switches.
Chery options don’t disappoint either. There’s a pair of large screens that span the dash, and touchpad controls that feel more modern than your standard buttons and switches.
Both brands create a comfortable cabin and do a good job of keeping the cheaper plastics out of view. They feel aligned with the premium German brands in a big way.
Chery vs. BYD: styling
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Styling for the Chery vs. BYD is going to come down to a matter of taste.
We mentioned the German premium models earlier, and Chery stays very in line with that sort of styling. You might mistake the Tiggo 7 for a sleek Audi or BMW SUV, especially with the large grille and relatively minimalistic design.
BYD models are slightly more angular and detailed, and all models follow an aquatic theme. We’d liken them to brands like Honda or Hyundai, though options like the SEAL and SEALION wouldn’t look out of place next to a Tesla.
Chery vs. BYD: safety and reliability
It’s hard to know the true reliability of cars that are pretty new to the market.
But what we do know is that electric cars seem to be more reliable in general because they have fewer moving parts than in an internal combustion engine. This helps hybrids too.
Reviews for both brands have been impressive so far. Take a look at our reviews to see how we got along with each brand.
A few models have been independently tested by Euro NCAP, like the BYD SEAL, ATTO 3 and SEALION 7 that have all scored the full five-star rating.
The Chery Tiggo 7 scored four stars in 2025, so still a high rating – especially with the new stricter testing rules.
BYD also offer a six-year/93,750-mile warranty on its cars, which is higher than industry leaders like BMW.
Chery is even more impressive, with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty on every new car in its line-up.
Chery vs. BYD: practicality
Both brands offer practicality, depending on the car you pick. That doesn't mean you need to opt for the biggest SUVs to be practical – a small car like the BYD DOLPHIN SURF will be ideal for many.
One of the largest BYDs is the BYD SEAL U - it’s a comfortable SUV with a 425-litre boot. It stands up nicely to the Chery Tiggo 8 – the brand’s seven-seaters with a 117-litre boot.
Chery vs. BYD model lineup
Chery
Chery Tiggo 7 (petrol)
1.6-litre petrol, up to 47mpg
A great-value SUV that’s sophisticated and easy on the eye. Petrol power is still economical, but there’s a hybrid if you want it.
Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid
18.4kWh battery, 56-mile range
A classy seven-seater with plug-in hybrid power optional, ideal for large and busy families.
Chery Tiggo 8 (petrol)
1.6-litre petrol, up to 36mpg
A smooth seven-seater SUV that feels premium despite the price tag. Includes tech like an air purification system and some flashy screens.
Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid
18.4kWh battery, 56-mile range
Great value seven-seater with plug-in hybrid power, costing around the same as an entry-level Volkswagen Golf brand-new.
Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid
34.5kWh, 91 miles
A 1.9-litre petrol engine is paired with a chunky battery for improved fuel efficiency in this sizeable seven-seater.
BYD
BYD DOLPHIN SURF
30kWh, 137 miles
43.2kWh, 200 miles
The smallest BYD on offer with sleek styling and a boot load of tech.
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BYD DOLPHIN
60.4kWh, 265 miles
An electric hatchback that was one of BYD’s earliest cars for the UK market.
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BYD ATTO 2
51.1kWh, 214 miles
64.8kWh, 267 miles
A small SUV that reminds us of the Toyota Yaris Cross – with an all-electric engine.
BYD ATTO 2 DM-i
7.8kWH, 25 miles
18kWh, 56 miles
This small hybrid SUV rivals the Mazda MX-30 R-EV and is set to arrive in the UK from Marsh 2026.
BYD ATTO 3
60.4kWh, 261 miles
A comfortable all-electric family SUV that’s comfortable and great value.
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BYD SEAL
82.5kWh, 354 miles
Rivalling the Tesla Model 3, the BYD SEAL is fast and fun with plenty of tech.
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BYD SEAL 6 DM-i Saloon or Touring
10kWh, 34 miles
19kWh, 65 miles
Available as both a Saloon or Touring model, the practical BYD SEAL 6 DM-i comes in two trim levels – Boost of Comfort.
BYD SEALION 7
82.5kWh, 300 miles
91.1kWh, 312 miles
Taking on the Tesla Model Y as another Tesla rival, it’s a spacious SUV with five seats.
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BYD SEAL U DM-i
1.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid
18.3kWh, 43-50 miles
26.6kWh, 78 miles
The BYD U DM-i is an affordable plug-in SUV that’s roomy and very economical.
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Verdict: Chery vs. BYD – which should you buy?
Chery pros and cons
Pros:
Great value for money
Stylish and luxurious
Cons:
Not a massive model range
No electric models in the UK yet
BYD pros and cons
Pros:
Simple styling that’s still sleek
Ideal value for money
Cons:
Not the biggest model range yet
Smaller cabins than some rivals
Find used electric cars for sale
So, that’s how BYD vs. Chery looks in a nutshell.
There are plenty of details on both brands to help you make the choice, but you’re going to get a great value, attractive car either way.
Check out our BYD and Chery cars for sale, as well as a whole range of other used electric cars.
Browse the full collection to find one that suits your needs.
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