Chery Tiggo Cross vs Perodua Traz: China's spec champion meets Malaysia's bestseller

The Chery Tiggo Cross is a true spec champion — whether it comes to kit or safety, it throws in practically everything but the kitchen sink.

Today's shootout, however, is a little different. The rival facing the Tiggo Cross is none other than the Perodua Traz, an undisputed bestseller in the Malaysian market.

The Tiggo Cross Turbo is priced at RM88,800, while the Perodua Traz retails for RM81,100 — making the national car RM7,700 cheaper. So, how does this "China vs Malaysia blockbuster SUV showdown" unfold?

Exterior

Dimensionally, the Tiggo Cross measures 4,318 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, and 1,670 mm tall, with a 2,610 mm wheelbase. The Turbo variant gets 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, giving it a broader, more planted stance. By contrast, the Traz measures 4,310 x 1,770 x 1,655 mm, riding on a 2,620 mm wheelbase.

On paper, the Traz's wheelbase is 10 mm longer than the Tiggo Cross, but its body is 60 mm narrower and 8 mm shorter. In plain English, the Traz is noticeably narrower, sporting a more upright, "boxy traditional SUV" silhouette. Its proportions lean towards an MPV-like two-box profile, making it clear that interior packaging and cabin space took top priority in its design.

Exterior kit on the Traz is decidedly more modest. While LED headlamps and tail lamps come standard, it rides on 17-inch alloys with a 16-inch steel spare wheel.

In terms of exterior styling, then, both cars cater to entirely different tastes, ending this round without a clear winner.

Interior Equipment

This is where the Tiggo Cross punches well above its weight: dual 10.25-inch integrated screens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 15W wireless smartphone charger, a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, faux leather upholstery, and ambient lighting. It essentially offers every creature comfort imaginable at this price bracket.

The Traz takes a distinctly no-frills, practical approach: a 9.0-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, a 4.2-inch TFT multi-info display flanked by analogue dials, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system.

Climate control is single-zone auto, the driver's seat is purely manual, and there is no wireless charging pad. Furthermore, cabin materials in the Traz H consist primarily of hard plastics and fabric upholstery — clearly engineered for hard-wearing durability rather than plush perceived quality.

The verdict here is unambiguous: the Tiggo Cross takes an effortless, comprehensive victory.

Space and Storage

Recall our earlier observation: the Traz's tall, boxy silhouette was engineered from the ground up for interior roominess. When measuring practicality, its advantages shine through immediately.

Despite having just a 10 mm advantage in wheelbase over the Tiggo Cross, the Traz's usable cabin room is on another level. Boot capacity tells the story: 380 litres for the Tiggo Cross versus a generous 471 litres in the Traz.

Moreover, thanks to that MPV-like profile highlighted earlier, the sense of airiness and space for rear passengers in the Traz is noticeably superior to that in the Tiggo Cross.

Indeed, the Traz's thigh support from its rear seat cushions and ample rear headroom have drawn consistent praise from both local motoring journalists and actual owners alike.

Consequently, whether in passenger comfort or boot utility, the Traz holds a decisive upper hand.

Powertrain

Under the bonnet, the Tiggo Cross runs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-pot pushing 147 PS, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The Traz makes do with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine developing 105 PS, paired with a CVT.

The spec sheet reveals an undeniable gulf in performance. Turbocharging versus natural aspiration already provides a generational leap in output, compounded by the contrast between a snappy DCT and a stepped CVT. In character, these two powertrains belong to completely different leagues.

While the Tiggo Cross may not be the fastest in its segment, it comfortably outmuscles the naturally aspirated Traz with minimal effort.

Safety

The Traz didn't become a national sales sensation by accident — it backs up its popularity with genuine substance. While the Tiggo Cross held the high ground for safety in prior match-ups, it meets a formidable rival here.

The Tiggo Cross packs a comprehensive safety kit: six airbags and standard ADAS, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and Auto High Beam (AHB). The AEB, in particular, is an invaluable lifesaver. But the Traz is equally well-armed:

It comes standard with six airbags and boasts a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating. Its AEB suite covers City, Inter-Urban, and Pedestrian detection. On top of that, the Traz features Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Lane Departure Warning and Prevention (LDW/LDP), with the Traz H also throwing in a 360-degree surround-view monitor.

On balance, the Traz's AEB covers a broader range of real-world scenarios, though it misses out on ACC. The Tiggo Cross leans towards daily driver convenience, whereas the Traz focuses on critical crash-mitigation fundamentals. In this safety duel, my vote leans slightly towards the Traz.

Verdict

The Tiggo Cross takes the spoils in interior kit and powertrain performance, but the Traz fires back with commanding wins in practicality and real-world safety. Separated by RM7,700, the two contenders walk away with a dead heat.

Which should you put your money on? The distinction between the two is crystal clear: the Tiggo Cross is a spec sheet titan, cramming in as much premium equipment and tech as possible. The Traz, conversely, zeroes in on family-friendly practicality, excelling in usable cabin space and proven safety.

Ultimately, there is no single victor here. Your choice comes down not just to whether your budget accommodates the RM7,700 price premium, but what you truly prioritise in a daily runner. If you value a modern, feature-laden cabin with punchy turbo performance, the Tiggo Cross is the one to beat.

If you prioritise maximum passenger room, proven durability, and don't mind sacrificing a few tech toys, the Traz remains the sensible buy. Besides, its fabric seats are arguably far better suited to our sweltering Malaysian weather.