Last Updated: March 17, 2025, | By CarSauce, Automotive Expert

The compact SUV market in the United States is heating up, and two Chinese contenders—the 2025 MG ZS and the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro—are vying for the title of the ultimate budget-friendly ride. Priced under $30,000, these subcompact crossovers promise affordability, modern features, and everyday practicality. But which one truly delivers the goods for American drivers? In this in-depth review, everything from price and design to performance, interior quality, safety, and long-term value. With an eye on the U.S. market—where fuel prices, road trips, and family needs reign supreme—we’ll unpack every detail to help you decide.

Overview: MG ZS vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro—Affordable SUVs Face Off

The 2025 MG ZS (petrol, non-turbo) and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (turbo) are designed to appeal to budget-conscious American buyers looking for a versatile crossover without breaking the bank. The MG ZS Essence tops out at AUD 29,990 (roughly $20,500), while the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Urban starts at AUD 23,990 (about $16,400), with discounts potentially dropping it even lower. Both are compact enough for city parking yet spacious enough for weekend getaways—think tailgating in Texas or a family trip to the Grand Canyon. MG, a British brand now under Chinese ownership, and Chery, a rising star from China, bring distinct flavors to the table. Let’s dissect their offerings and see how they fit into the American driving landscape.

Price and Features: Stretching Your Dollar

MG ZS

• Price Range: $18,500 (Excite) to $20,500 (Essence), estimated U.S. pricing with shipping and taxes.
• Trim Details: The base Excite offers essentials like a touchscreen and keyless entry, while the Essence ups the ante with a 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, faux leather seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a faux leather steering wheel.
• Value Proposition: Decent tech for the price, but the lack of a turbo engine in this variant limits its appeal for power-hungry Americans.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

• Price Range: $16,400 (Urban) to $17,800 (Elite), with potential savings via dealer negotiations.
• Trim Details: The Urban trim starts strong with a turbo engine, while the Elite adds a 360-degree camera, Sony sound system, heated front seats, a small powered sunroof, and proximity keyless entry.
• Value Edge: You’re getting a turbocharged powertrain and premium features for up to $3,000 less than the MG ZS Essence—a compelling deal for U.S. buyers who love a bargain.

Why It Matters in the USA: With gas prices averaging $3.50/gallon (March 2025) and a growing demand for affordable EVs and ICE vehicles, the Chery’s lower entry price and loaded features make it a standout. Negotiation platforms like CarSauce (mentioned in the video) could further sweeten the deal for savvy shoppers.

Winner: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. It delivers more bang for fewer bucks—crucial for Americans eyeing their wallets.

Exterior Design: Curb Appeal for American Roads

MG ZS

• Front: Sleek LED daytime running lights and a bold grille with the MG badge give it a modern, understated look. It’s tame but classy—perfect for suburban streets in Atlanta or Denver.
• Side: 17-inch alloy wheels and roof rails add a touch of ruggedness, though the design feels a bit stretched at 4.43 meters long (174.4 inches).
• Rear: LED taillights and a faux diffuser lend a European flair, but halogen turn signals and fake exhaust tips scream cost-cutting.
• Dimensions: 4.43m long, 1.818m wide (71.6 inches), 1.635m tall (64.4 inches)—longer but lower.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

• Front: A loud diamond-pattern grille, sequential LED turn signals, and bright LED headlights make it bold and brash—ideal for standing out in a crowded Los Angeles parking lot. The free red paint option adds flair.
• Side: 18-inch alloys with red brake calipers (Elite trim) and proximity keyless entry elevate its appeal. At 4.35 meters long (171.3 inches), it’s shorter but feels squat.
• Rear: Here’s the Achilles’ heel—dated halogen taillights, a clunky license plate bracket, and a stubby look drag it down compared to global variants.
• Dimensions: 4.35m long, 1.831m wide (72.1 inches), 1.662m tall (65.5 inches)—wider and taller.

U.S. Perspective: Americans love bold SUVs, and the Chery’s front end delivers. But the MG ZS’s cleaner rear and cohesive design might win over those who prefer subtlety over flash.

Winner: MG ZS. Its polished, European-inspired look edges out the Tiggo’s split-personality design.

Practicality: Space for American Lifestyles

MG ZS

• Boot Space: 443 liters (15.6 cu.ft.) expands to 1,457 liters (51.5 cu.ft.) with seats folded—wide enough for Costco runs or camping gear.
• Features: Space-saver spare wheel, adjustable false floor for extra storage flexibility.
• Why It Shines: That extra length in the rear translates to a cavernous cargo area—perfect for hauling Little League equipment or a Home Depot haul.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

• Boot Space: 380 liters (13.4 cu.ft.) expands to 1,225 liters (43.3 cu.ft.)—solid but noticeably smaller.
• Features: Space-saver spare wheel, roof rails for extra gear (think kayaks or bikes).
• Limitation: Less width in the boot means tighter packing for family road trips.

U.S. Context: From soccer moms in Ohio to outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado, Americans demand space. The MG ZS’s bigger boot makes it a practical champ.

Winner: MG ZS. More cargo room seals the deal for utility-focused buyers.

Interior: Comfort, Tech, and Quirks

MG ZS Front Cabin

• Materials: Soft-touch surfaces mix with scratchy plastics. The Essence’s faux leather seats and steering wheel feel upscale for the price.
• Tech: A snappy 12.3-inch touchscreen (no wireless CarPlay/Android Auto—ugh), digital cluster, and panoramic sunroof brighten the cabin.
• Drawbacks: No telescoping steering wheel (a major ergonomic fail), single-zone manual climate control, and a lackluster sound system. Adjusting the seat is a fidgety ordeal.
• Storage: Ratcheting cup holders, USB-A/C ports, 12V socket, and a decent glove box.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Front Cabin

• Materials: Soft-touch everywhere, sporty bucket-style seats, and a premium vibe—way above its price tag.
• Tech: Smaller touchscreen but with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, dual-zone auto climate control via a dedicated display, Sony sound system, and ambient lighting.
• Perks: Proximity keyless entry, auto wipers, and mechanical switchgear feel satisfying.
• Storage: Massive door bins, soft-close glove box, 12V socket, and modular cup holders (though not the widest).

Rear Seats

• MG ZS: Spacious legroom and headroom (5’11” tester fits easily), dual air vents, and supportive seats. No centre armrest is a glaring miss—where do your drinks go?
• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro: Equal legroom, flatter seats (slippery), single vent, but a fold-down armrest with cup holders adds comfort.

U.S. Take: Americans crave tech and comfort. The Chery’s premium front cabin and connectivity win hearts, while the MG ZS’s roomier, supportive rear caters to passengers.

Winners: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (front) for luxury and tech; MG ZS (rear) for comfort.

Performance: Powertrain Punch or Plodding Along?

MG ZS

• Engine: 1.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder (108 hp, 103 lb-ft).
• 0-60 mph: ~14 seconds (0-100 km/h in 14.9s)—“one of the worst ever,” per Jacob. Overtaking on I-95? Forget it.
• Drive: Loud CVT, zero pep, struggles on hills. Fuel economy: 32 mpg combined (7.2L/100 km), real-world ~26 mpg (8.9L).
• Bright Spot: European-tuned suspension delivers a plush ride and decent handling—great for cruising Route 66.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

• Engine: 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (144 hp, 155 lb-ft).
• 0-60 mph: ~9.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 9.8s)—sub-10 is a win for this price.
• Drive: Peppy turbo, quieter CVT, and fun around town. Fuel economy: 28 mpg combined (8.4L/100 km), real-world ~25 mpg (9.3L).
• Caveat: Giti tires slip in wet conditions—swap them for better grip in rainy Seattle.

U.S. Angle: American roads demand power for merging onto highways like I-80. The Chery’s turbocharged zing trounces the MG’s anemic crawl.

Winner: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. It’s a driver’s delight at this price.

Safety and Ownership: Peace of Mind

Safety

• MG ZS: 4-star ANCAP (no centre airbag, weaker adult protection, subpar reverse AEB).
• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro: 5-star ANCAP—top marks for crash safety.
• Winner: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro—safer for U.S. families.

Warranty

• MG ZS: 10 years/155,000 miles—unmatched longevity.
• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro: 7 years/unlimited miles—strong but shorter.
• Winner: MG ZS—better for long-term ownership.

U.S. Note: With NHTSA ratings pending, ANCAP scores hint at Chery’s edge. MG’s warranty suits cross-country commuters.

Pros and Cons

MG ZS

Pros: Spacious boot, comfy ride, sleek design, unbeatable warranty.
Cons: Sluggish engine, no telescoping wheel, dated tech, 4-star safety.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

Pros: Turbo power, premium interior, loaded features, 5-star safety.
Cons: Ugly rear, smaller boot, shorter warranty, tire grip issues.

Who Should Buy Which in the USA?

• MG ZS: Retirees in Florida or city slickers in Chicago who value comfort, cargo space, and a killer warranty over speed. It’s a laid-back cruiser for leisurely drives.
• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro: Young families in Houston or enthusiasts in Phoenix needing power, safety, and value. It’s peppy, feature-rich, and wallet-friendly.

Final Verdict: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Takes the Crown

The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro emerges as the champ for U.S. buyers. Its turbocharged punch, premium cabin, 5-star safety, and unbeatable price (starting at $16,400) make it a standout in the sub-$20,000 segment. The MG ZS fights back with superior practicality, a plush ride, and a 10-year warranty, but its gutless engine and ergonomic flaws are unforgivable—especially for Americans who need to merge onto I-5 or tackle mountain passes. For under $18,000, the Chery delivers more car for less cash—a budget SUV that doesn’t feel cheap.

Ratings:

• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro: 4.3/5
• MG ZS: 3.6/5

About the Author: CarSauce is an automotive expert with a decade of experience reviewing cars for U.S. audiences. From Detroit’s highways to California’s coast, he blends hands-on testing with market insights for trustworthy advice.

Sources: Insights from Jacob’s YouTube review (2025 MG ZS vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Review) and official specs, adapted for the U.S. market.