on asphalt
The Tiggo lineup presents a single face: the Tiggo 8 in three trims—Simple, Pro, and Pro Max. In the same breath, GAC offers three models, with only two true crossovers standing out. From an assortment standpoint, Chery holds a clear edge. The broader question remains: how do the others compare?
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max proves to be a strong performer on paved roads, delivering brisk acceleration that edges past rivals. Its 0-100 km/h time sits around 8.4 seconds, with the GAC GS8 hovering around 10.1 seconds. The result is notable fuel efficiency, showing roughly 1.5 to 2 liters per 100 kilometers less fuel consumption on average for the Tiggo lineup in mixed driving conditions.
On small, imperfect surfaces, both crossovers feel similar. Yet when confronted with larger potholes or harsher impacts, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max rides more smoothly, though it is not without faults in handling and stability. The model generally maintains a steady line without excessive steering corrections, which helps confidence grip even on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
On a country road
Ground clearance is nearly even between the two: about 170 mm for the GS8 and 175 mm for the Tiggo 8 Pro Max. Notably, both benefit from an extra 15 millimeters of clearances as standard equipment, though there is no universal security package across all trims. If a brand can forgo certain features, Chery makes up for it with a lower engine bay profile and a more practical oil filter layout that some might view as advantageous on rugged routes.
Four-wheel drive remains a feature appropriate to crossovers, not a guarantee of superior capability. The system can be difficult to engage in a forceful manner, and electronic simulations provide only modest assistance in challenging terrain.
However, the Tiggo lineup ships with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike Cherie’s preselective transmission, this unit reliably handles shifts without creating nuisance odors or hesitation, contributing to a more relaxed long-distance drive.
From a cross-country perspective, the Chinese entrants show respectable geometric capability. Yet in truly demanding terrain, four-wheel drive offers limited advantage and cannot be relied upon for extreme conditions.
Let’s look inside
Inside, the GAC GS8 tends to offer more passenger room in the second and third rows, while front-seat comfort may not quite reach the level of the Tiggo 8 Pro Max. The Tiggo 8 Pro Max shines with a more refined interior: higher-quality materials, better attention to detail, and a modern design philosophy that minimizes physical controls in favor of streamlined, intuitive interfaces.
Between these models, the interior evolution is obvious. The newer Tiggo 8 Pro Max benefits from a generation gap, bringing fewer physical buttons and a more cohesive cockpit compared with the GS8’s layout.
How equipped?
Both vehicles can be outfitted with adaptive cruise control and a suite of driving-assistance features. They perform well in their respective roles. The Tiggo improves with features like rotating headlight elements, while the GS8’s stationary headlights offer standout illumination in certain conditions.
Heating is essential in cold climates. The Tiggo ensures warmth, but the GAC might fall short if rear seats lack heating, and the Tiggy’s front seats could still use ventilation in hotter periods.
In the realm of multimedia, the Tiggo line provides a modern, responsive experience, while the GS8’s system lags in some areas. The GS8’s camera graphics may appear less sharp, and its menu language might not be as polished as the Tiggo’s. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support is more robust on the Tiggo, and the Tiggo’s display tends to be larger overall. The GS8 does offer a full climate control system with three zones, though.
What to take?
Excluding discounts, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max is priced around 3.9 to 4.2 million rubles. The GAC GS8 with four-wheel drive sits in the 3.39 to 3.59 million ruble range, with two-wheel drive versions also available. The difference is sizable, but dealer incentives and seasonal promotions can narrow or even erase the gap. In such cases, the Tiggo remains a compelling choice against a noticeably aging competitor.
- “Behind the wheel” updates can also be found in messaging channels.