Chery Tiggo 4 vs BYD Atto 3: Petrol vs Electric Value Battle
Australia's cheapest petrol SUV vs Australia's cheapest electric SUV
Summary
Very different propositions: the Tiggo 4 is half the price but uses petrol; the Atto 3 costs $19,000+ more but is electric with much lower running costs.
Detailed Comparison
| Specification | Chery Tiggo 4 | BYD Atto 3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price From (AUD) | $25,990 | $44,999 | Tiggo 4 |
| Driveaway (est.) | ~$28,500 | ~$48,000 | Tiggo 4 |
| Powertrain | 1.5L turbo petrol | Electric (150 kW) | Atto 3 |
| Range | 600+ km (tank) | 420 km (WLTP) | Tiggo 4 |
| Refuel/Recharge | 5 min | 30 min (DC fast) | Tiggo 4 |
| Energy/Fuel Cost (per 100km) | $11 (petrol) | $4 (electric) | Atto 3 |
| Annual Fuel/Energy Cost | $1,650 | $600 | Atto 3 |
| Boot Space | 340 L | 440 L | Atto 3 |
| Warranty | 7 years / 150,000 km | 6 years / 150,000 km | Tiggo 4 |
| ANCAP Rating | 5-star (2024) | 5-star (2022) | Tie |
| Stamp Duty (NSW) | $950 | $0 (EV exempt) | Atto 3 |
Chery Tiggo 4
- +Half the price ($25,990 vs $44,999)
- +No range anxiety (petrol)
- +Quick refuelling (5 min)
- +Longer warranty (7 years)
- +Established petrol infrastructure
- +Cheaper insurance
- −Higher fuel costs ($1,650/year)
- −No electric option
- −Less powerful (108 kW vs 150 kW)
- −Smaller boot (340L)
- −Higher CO2 emissions
- −Stamp duty applies
BYD Atto 3
- +Electric = lower running costs ($600/year)
- +More powerful (150 kW)
- +Bigger boot (440L)
- +No stamp duty (EV exemption)
- +Quiet, refined driving
- +Better technology
- +Regenerative braking
- −$19,000+ more expensive
- −Range limited (420km)
- −Longer recharge time (30min DC)
- −Battery degradation concerns
- −Charging infrastructure needed
- −Shorter overall warranty (6yr)
Which Should You Buy?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years?
Surprisingly, the BYD Atto 3 can be cheaper over 5 years despite costing $19,000 more upfront. With $1,050/year fuel savings, stamp duty exemption ($950), and cheaper servicing, the Atto 3 saves ~$7,200 over 5 years. Net difference narrows to ~$12,000.
Is the Atto 3 worth the extra money?
If you drive 15,000+ km/year, can charge at home, and plan to keep the car 5+ years, the Atto 3 makes financial sense. If you do low mileage, can't charge at home, or want the cheapest possible entry, the Tiggo 4 is the smarter choice.
What about range anxiety with the Atto 3?
The Atto 3 has a 420km WLTP range, which is plenty for daily driving (most Australians average 35km/day). For long trips, you'll need to plan charging stops. The Tiggo 4 has no such concerns - refuel anywhere in 5 minutes.
Can I charge the BYD Atto 3 at home?
Yes. With a standard wall socket, a full charge takes ~20 hours (overnight). With a home wallbox ($1,500-$2,500 installed), full charge takes ~7 hours. Most owners top up nightly, so range is rarely an issue.
Disclaimer: Prices and specifications current as of 2026-06-21. Driveaway prices are estimates and vary by state and dealer. CheryGuide is independent and not affiliated with any manufacturer. Always verify current details with authorized dealers.