Volkswagen Tiguan vs GWM Cannon Alpha
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Tiguan

$36,990 - $80,690

2025 price

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GWM Cannon Alpha

$50,490 - $66,990

2026 price

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Summary

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

2026 GWM Cannon Alpha

By Tom White

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

7.7L/100km (combined)

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Seating

Likes

The driver's mid-size SUV
Straightforward, well-equipped range
Super practical cabin

Ride/handling/comfort
Electric-only driving mode
3500kg towing/1000km-plus range

Dislikes

Hybrid? Look elsewhere
One too many touch controls
Ride harsher than expected

Small payload
Spare wheel location
Faulty tailgate-split function

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Summary

The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is likely to be the most important new vehicle Volkswagen launches in 2025.

The popular mid-sizer has proven to have impressive staying power for the brand, with the outgoing version still impressing buyers despite being nearly a decade old.

What does this ground-up new version change? Does it have what it takes to maintain the nameplate’s reputation in one of Australia’s most hotly contested market segments? And what are some surprises this time around?

We went to its local launch to find out.

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2026 GWM Cannon Alpha Summary

Chinese automotive brand GWM (aka Great Wall Motors) has been making headlines, given that in 2024 it was the first manufacturer to launch an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) ute in Australia. And in 2025 it's replaced that short-lived model with a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) version.

The decision to axe the original Alpha Hybrid was a no-brainer for GWM, given its PHEV successor offers not only short-haul pure-electric driving but also superior power, torque and driving range plus the enhanced ride comfort and handling of four-coil suspension.

We were recently handed the keys to the latest iteration of this lavishly-equipped 4x4 dual-cab ute to assess its workhorse credentials from a tradie’s perspective.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 2026 GWM Cannon Alpha

Verdict

The new Tiguan is as confident as ever in its identity, even in such a crowded mid-size SUV space where there are so many models worthy of your attention.

No matter which version you choose, this is still the mid-size SUV for a driving enthusiast who doesn’t quite have premium dollars to spend.

While it may not quite expand its appeal as much as the brand hopes precluding a hybrid variant, those who are choosing this as their family hauler for the right reasons won’t be disappointed.

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

Verdict

The Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV combines five-star safety, a confident warranty, lavish luxury and short-haul electric driving for a competitive price. However, from a pure workhorse perspective, its class-benchmark 3500kg tow rating is offset by a modest payload limit, plus an awkward spare tyre location which could be a deal-breaker for some tradies as it compromises working floor space and the securing of loads.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs GWM Cannon Alpha What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Tiguan vs GWM Cannon Alpha
What's the difference?