Peugeot 508 vs Volkswagen T-Cross
What's the difference?

Peugeot 508

—

2024 price

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Volkswagen T-Cross

$19,990 - $39,990

2024 price

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Summary

2024 Peugeot 508

2024 Volkswagen T-Cross

By Emily Agar

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

1.8L/100km (combined)

5.6L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

21.1 kWh/100km

Electric range

55 km

Battery capacity

11.50 kWh

Seating

Likes

Can't fault its looks - it's sexy
Pleasant driving experience (once you get used to it)
Boot space is fab for families

Lots of features for not much money
Easy and fun to drive
Spacious and practical for the class

Dislikes

Multimedia system leaves you wanting
180-degree view camera is poor quality
Must charge it every day to get good fuel economy

A hybrid version is needed
Some rivals start at a lower price
Some turbo lag in stop-start traffic

2024 Peugeot 508 Summary

The humble station wagon has fallen by the wayside in favour of the ever-popular SUV, however, it was once more common for a very good reason.

It offers the space many families crave without having to upsize into a vehicle that can feel big and bulky.

A lot of drivers enjoy the sportier on-road feel and the good-looking styling that often accompanies a wagon. Enter the Peugeot 508 Sportswagon. A model that proves wagons can be hot.

I’m family-testing the top GT plug-in hybrid model this week but there’s not a lot to compare it to because of the interesting engine specs.

So, we’re being a bit cheeky and doing an ‘apples with oranges’ comparo instead.

Being on the premium end, the 508 Sportswagon faces competition from the Audi A4 Allroad 45 TFSI, Genesis G70 Shooting Brake and Volvo V60 Cross Country Ultimate.

It certainly has the looks to turn heads but we’re sussing out whether it’s a practical alternative for families, too.

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2024 Volkswagen T-Cross Summary

The Volkswagen T-Cross is the smallest SUV in the brand’s entire range, but it’s incredibly practical, great to drive and has an excellent level of safety.

It’s just been updated with some new features and it’s probably more affordable than you think.

So if you are thinking of a Mazda CX-3 or a Toyota Yaris Cross, then put the T-Cross on your list to check out, too.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Peugeot 508 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross

Verdict

The Peugeot 508 Sportswagon GT PHEV proves wagons can be extremely stylish but looks aren’t everything and it is an expensive option compared to its luxury rivals. It earns its place with the premium interior but the safety could be improved on and the tech is more confusing than it needs to be. But this wagon offers an alternative for families who are sick of being in an SUV yet still need a little extra space.

My son didn’t go nuts over this and complained about his view.

Verdict

There are so many new little SUVs out there and it might be easy to think they’re all the same - a tiny cheap SUV is just a tiny cheap SUV. But I’m convinced the Volkswagen T-Cross isn’t like the others.

Yes, it’s tiny and relatively cheap, but it can do more than most of the others from the storage and space it offers to the value-for-money and its level of refinement. Then there’s the way it drives - which can’t in my books be matched by any of its rivals.

The sweet spot in the range is the entry grade Life. At $35K drive-away the value is best and with no difference in engines between the grades there are no huge reasons to step up higher in the range unless you have the money.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Peugeot 508 vs Volkswagen T-Cross What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Peugeot 508 vs Volkswagen T-Cross
What's the difference?