Volkswagen Tiguan vs Peugeot E-2008

What's the difference?

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.

The Peugeot e-2008 GT looks stylish but it’s definitely a compact SUV and that means it will only suit a small family. Or even a grandparent who has to occasionally ferry the grandkids around.

I like how easy it is to park and its stylish packaging but the cabin feels small. The practicality just wasn’t there for my family this week and the price point isn’t quite right for the features you get.

My son liked its looks but didn’t get excited about it.

The new Tiguan is a bit of a mind-bender. Its new design seems to make it feel smaller than the outgoing vehicle, despite it being both slightly wider and longer.

This, I have decided, is because the design creates a visual effect, where the upper curvier parts seem to shrink it down, and the additional length makes it seem narrower than the more boxy visage of the previous model. Also, it’s 20mm shorter than the previous design, which we’re told combines with the new bodywork to make for a 15 per cent drag reduction.

Either way, it’s nice not to see a mid-size SUV not continually engage in an arms race to get bigger and bigger. Volkswagen will also introduce the dedicated seven-seat Tayron later in 2025. It’s a half-size up and replaces the outgoing Tiguan Allspace, and this time it features a much more distinct design from its Tiguan sibling.

The third-generation Tiguan not only embraces a more curvy design aesthetic than its predecessor, but it also features many more contemporary design elements. The headlights and curvy accents over the wheelarches feel like they more closely associate this SUV with the new ID.4 and ID.5 EVs, while the light bar across the front on some grades combines with the new light bar across the rear to give it a trendy silhouette. It tops things off with the ‘Tiguan’ letterwork on the tailgate, and, as usual, a sporty spoiler fitting giving the rear hatch a bit of depth.

As usual, VW’s array of gloss-black, chrome or plastic garnishes on the outside, depending on grade, offer a subtle and tasteful finish to the exterior appearance.

The inside is revolution rather than evolution, now heavily screen-centri, and featuring an array of lighting features like many of its rivals.

The screens look the part and have fast and mostly straightforward-to-navigate software, while the seat designs are a real highlight, being both aesthetically pleasing and nice to the touch in all grades.

The ambient lighting features add a sense of presence to the cabin, and unlike the outgoing car, the new one feels a bit more driver-centric thanks to the design of the dash and screens effectively pointing their way down the road from the driver’s point of view.

It does away with the sparse feeling of the previous car, elevating things a notch with an increase of nice materials throughout.

While some may find the abundance of gloss-black finishes a bit harder to maintain, it’s hard not to feel like this new Tiguan is a major generational jump from the previous one. Mission accomplished, VW.

The e-2008 looks super cute! I love the intense 'Vertigo Blue' paintwork on our test model. It makes it pop.

In fact, all the paintwork colour options look bright and happy and that describes the styling of this car.

The e-2008 has stacks of personality and sports Peugeot’s signature three-claw LED lights at the rear but the daytime-running lights almost look fang-like, which gives it an edgy look.

The GT comes with a contrasting black roof, the same shade applied to the mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels, which further enhances its street-cred.

The cabin is gorgeous with the premium-look trims and contrasting green stitching.

The dashboard features sharp cutaways and shiny chrome accents but it's the 10-inch multimedia system and 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument panel which give the cabin a 'wow' factor.

Its a good-looking little SUV inside and out.

Like the previous model, VW hasn’t forgotten its pragmatic touches for the interior, despite its increase in complexity and appointments.

Finding a driving position was easy for me at 182cm tall, with both a healthy adjustment range for the seats and steering wheel. The digital instrument cluster remains one of the best on the market in terms of usability and customisation, while the multi-function steering wheel commits to buttons rather than the widely-disliked haptic feedback panels, which have appeared on various other VW models.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t entirely extend to switchgear for key functions, with the climate control exclusively controlled via touch sliders, a touchscreen menu or the Tiguan’s new voice control suite, none of which are as intuitive as just having a physical dial for temperature and fan speed and buttons for recirculate, auto and on-off.

However, the Tiguan does have a central dial on the console, which can cycle through volume control, drive modes or ambient lighting modes when pressed. A welcome addition.

Moving the shift stalk to the steering column, like the ID.4 and ID.5, has also allowed additional space for the centre console area, which is now quite versatile. It includes a variable-height armrest console box with either dividers or a dual-bottle-holder fitting, which can be interchanged between the two areas, while the dual-charging bays up front have a rubberised cover, which can be pulled down as to not waste the storage space. This has the additional feature of making the cooling system for the wireless charging phones more effective.

There are two large bottle holders and pockets in each door, which have a carpeted finish to reduce vibration, and there’s also a passenger glovebox.

The rear seat offers a healthy amount of space behind my own driving position. I had leagues of knee room and a healthy amount of airspace above me, however the presence of a tall raise for the transmission tunnel eats into the amount of room a centre passenger would have for their feet.

The comfortable seats continue and are on rails if you need to increase the amount of room in the boot, or simply want a more aggressive recline. When it comes to storage, there are bottle holders in each door, a drop-down armrest with dual bottle holders, dual USB-C outlets on the back of the console, as well as dual air vents with a touch control panel for the independent third climate zone. The only thing it seems to be missing is built-in window shades, which are offered on some Skodas and the now-discontinued Passat (RIP).

The boot helpfully features a powered tailgate on all grades, and measures in at 652 litres with the second row up, or 1650L with the seats down. Numbers can be deceptive, but it does seem large for the class, and there’s a space-saver spare wheel under the floor.

The e-2008 looks great but what about the practicality? Well, let’s just say the front row benefits the most in terms of everything – space, comfort and features. If you’re a super tall family, this might not be the car for you.

I felt perfectly happy when it was just my son and me but as soon as my husband jumped in, it started to feel a bit claustrophobic in the cabin.

There are a few reasons why, though. You knock elbows with your front passenger, if you have a cup in one of the centre console cupholders it gets in the way of the transmission shifter and you knock your feet on the too-high door aperture. I felt clumsy getting in and out of this car.

That said, the seats are comfortable and you could easily do a longer trip in them. It's curious that the front passenger seat and the sunblind for the panoramic sunroof adjust manually. But all in all, I was happy with the comfort in the front.

Individual storage is decent up front for this class with a middle console, glove box, two drink bottle holders in each door plus two cupholders. There is also a large hidden storage cubby above the phone tray that I was able to pop all my loose items away in.

Individual storage is basic in the back seat with the only options being a couple of netted map pockets plus shallow storage bins in each door.

Generally speaking, space is lean in the second row. I’m 168cm (5'6") and sitting behind my driving position, my knees touch the back of the seat.

My videographer and I had a laugh when we were filming the video review for the e-2008 because it was so awkward for him (at 183cm / 6'0") to get comfortable in the back seat! I thus dub it only fit for kids on longer journeys.

The two digital screens look great and the 3D-effect instrument panel is a cool highlight but the multimedia system doesn’t seem to have a lot of accessible information or customisations available.

The screen responds quickly but sometimes the built-in satellite navigation is slow to load. However, I like how easy it is to connect to the wired Apple CarPlay plus it has wired Android Auto for those users.

Charging options are good with each row enjoying two USB-A ports and the front getting a single 12-volt socket. Disappointing that there are no other amenities in the back row, though.

The highlight of the car for me is the boot. It's a good size at 434L and I like the level load space. You have underfloor storage for cables and such but the compromise for getting all of this space is that you only get a tyre puncture repair kit. There’s also no frunk storage in this model.

I missed a powered tailgate because the boot lid is quite heavy to close but otherwise, the boot suited my little family’s needs just fine.

There is only one model available for the e-2008 and that’s the GT. Which will cost you $59,990, before any on-road costs, which places it right in the middle of its nearest rivals. Let’s look at some of the features you get for the price.

The interior gets most of the big-ticket items with synthetic leather and synthetic suede trims, a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch 3D hologram-style digital instrument panel and 10-inch touchscreen multimedia system.

For comfort items, the driver’s seat is electric with adjustable lumbar support and a massage setting (although the ‘massage’ is very gentle). The front passenger’s seat is manually adjustable but both front seats feature a heat function.

Other standard features include items like dual-zone climate control, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, five seats (2-3 configuration), 18-inch alloy wheels, a built-in satellite navigation system and adjustable ambient lighting with up to eight colour choices.

There are three engine options in the Tiguan range, and it is notable none are even mild hybrids (MHEVs) in 2025.

The base engine present in 110TSI variants is even a carryover 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, providing 110kW/250Nm to the front wheels. The big news for these base cars is the dry-clutch DCT has been swapped out for the better-performing wet-clutch version, which also has various improvements made to it for this iteration. Notably, VW has stripped-out the stop-start system with this engine and transmission combination. 

The brand says it opted not to use the more recent 1.5-litre MHEV version of this engine as it simply didn’t need it to meet Australia’s new emissions standards and it would have added a prohibitive amount to the cost of entry-level variants to justify its inclusion in the range.

Next up is the new 150TSI engine. It is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit, which replaces both the 132TSI and 162TSI engines from the previous-generation model. It provides 150kW/320Nm and drives all four wheels via the same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. This engine also reintroduces stop-start.

At the top of the range, solely available on the R-Line, is the 195TSI engine. VW says this offers buyers of the previous Tiguan R somewhere to go, but also an option for those who wanted more than the previous 162TSI R-Line offered. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged 195TSI engine is sourced from the Golf GTI and produces 195kW/400Nm, driving all four wheels via the same seven-speed dual-clutch. It reduces the 0-100km/h sprint time from 7.1 seconds to 5.9 seconds.

It is a shame in the current environment VW hasn’t chosen to make a splash with the 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, which is available overseas. This Tiguan features a 25kWh battery paired to the 110kW engine to make for an estimated 100km electric-only driving range. It even features both 11kW AC charging and 50kW DC charging for convenient top-ups.

If you want it, tell your dealer. VW tells us they’re working on a business case for the PHEV in the background, but if you want electric driving for now, it’s pointing current customers to the ID.4 (from $59,990 before on-roads).

The e-2008 GT has a fully electric powertrain and a lithium-ion battery that has a 50kWh capacity. The battery is located underneath the rear seats.

The electric motor delivers a maximum power output of 100kW and 260Nm of torque. It's official 0-100km/h sprint time is nine seconds.

So, it's not the punchiest EV on the market but it has enough power to tackle the open-road, if need be.

Efficiency is remarkably even across the Tiguan range, with the new engines and updated transmission helping to make things reasonably straightforward.

The base 110TSI versions have an official/combined fuel consumption of 7.6L/100km, as do the 150TSI versions thar benefit from the stop/start system but have the added heft of all-wheel drive.

The top-of-the-range 195TSI R-Line, meanwhile, is said to consume 8.5L/100km. All versions require 95RON mid-shelf unleaded. And for those who care, the 110TSI and 150TSI produce 173g/km of CO2, while the 195TSI produces 194g/km.

Interestingly, the 110TSI variants have a 55-litre fuel tank, while the 150TSI and 195TSI have a 58-litre fuel tank.

The e-2008 has a driving range of up to 328km (WTLP) and a Type 2 CCS charging port – which means you can hook it up to a fast charger.

The battery capacity means it can also accept a 50kW fast charger’s speed and will go from 0-80 per cent in as little as 30 minutes, which is very handy.

Peugeot's official energy consumption figure for the e-2008 is 14.5 kWh/100km and I saw my average flit between 17.3kWh to 19.5kWh on my travels after doing mostly urban driving this week. 

I will admit to feeling some range anxiety because of the lower driving range available.

The Tiguan range has some significant upgrades from behind the wheel this time around, but there are a handful of areas where I was surprised to find it didn’t quite live up to expectations.

Firstly, the seating position and driver-centric cabin design make the Tiguan feel like more of a driver’s car than ever before. The bucket-style seats and the high beltline combine to make the seating position feel like more of a hatchback than an SUV. Yet visibility out of the cabin is healthy thanks to large windows and mirrors.

As you set off, the Tiguan feels smoother through its drivetrain than its predecessor, thanks to the new dual-clutch automatic being sandpapered when it comes to its initial engagement and shift-mapping. Even the base 110TSI, which can sometimes struggle for initial torque thanks to a dollop of turbo-lag, has a decent roll-on, and with no stop-start system this time, it’s much more friendly when hopping on the accelerator from a standstill.

The steering tune is great in all grades, helping to make this new Tiguan feel light and reactive, despite its slightly expanded dimensions. This lightness is a trait which shines through on this new version, making it feel much less pedestrian than almost all of its rivals.

On the base variant, this can be to its detriment at times, with the 110TSI engine occasionally overcoming the grip of the front tyres when a lot is asked of it, however all-wheel-drive versions are much more confident in their footing, not only delivering power in a more linear fashion, but also putting it to the ground more smoothly.

R-Line variants, with wider and more expensive tyres, are reactive, grippy, and simply outstanding to drive in this mid-size segment, with the 195TSI bringing a strong additional lump of torque and a throatier engine note.

Indeed, this version of the Tiguan leans into the nameplate’s best traits and solidifies its position as the driver’s option in the segment. The 150TSI R-Line in particular stood out as raucous amounts of fun for a mid-sizer for a fair price, as it could be driven significantly harder than the more powerful 195TSI.

However, this new Tiguan was also not without some disappointments. The amount of road noise in all grades was notable, and while VWs are usually known for their balanced ride quality, all Tiguan variants also featured a certain seemingly inherent firm response to sharper blemishes in the road, perhaps a cost for the otherwise superb body control.

These blemishes in driving ambiance were relatively minor in scale, but surprising to find nonetheless.

Besides the range anxiety, the e-2008 drives well. The power is a bit lacklustre compared to other EV models out at the moment but there is still plenty to access when you need it. I felt confident whenever I had to tackle the open-road or overtake.

The ride comfort is good with the suspension cushioning most bumps. The road noise can creep up a bit, especially at higher speeds but the e-2008 is otherwise fairly quiet around town.

I like the concise steering. It makes the e-2008 super fun to drive in the city! When you hit corners or wind at higher speeds, it can feel a bit light footed, though.

It sits low at 1550mm in overall height and that can mean that sometimes the visibility isn’t great if you pull up to a roundabout or traffic lights with a big SUV beside you. Otherwise, the windows are nice and wide and provide decent visibility.

The e-2008 is a good size to fit into small car spots in the city but the 180-degree rear-view camera isn’t as clear as I’d like. It’s still serviceable and I like the back up provided by front and rear parking sensors. It takes out some of the guesswork!

The e-2008 has a solid list of safety features and I like the adaptive cruise control's stop and go function. 

Other standard safety features, include blind-spot monitoring, daytime-running lights, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping aid, lane departure warning, intelligent seatbelt reminders, traffic sign recognition, 180-degree view camera system, as well as front and rear parking sensors.

The rear seat also features ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard positions and three top tether anchor points but two seats will fit best. Front passenger comfort will be compromised when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat is installed.

The e-2008 doesn’t have an ANCAP rating but its fuel-based siblings achieved a maximum five-star assessment in 2019.

Surprising that it only has six airbags, which is low for a family car, but the curtain airbags do cover the back row.

Volkswagen offers the Tiguan with its usual five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. While this is still the prevailing standard, the warranty wars are back with more manufacturers pushing into the seven-to-10-year category.

The Tiguan requires servicing once every 12 months or 15,000km, although pricing for the service packages was yet to be revealed at the time we put this review together.

The e-2008 comes with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, as well as an eight-year/160,000km warranty on the battery.

Servicing intervals are every 12 months, but it is normal to see EV servicing at around 24 months.

You can pre-purchase either a three- or five-year servicing plan, which are both cheaper than the pay-as-you-go option.

On the five-year plan, services average $200, which is good for the class.