GAC GS8 Review: Premium 7-Seater SUV Alternative Under ₱2.3M?

Is the GAC GS8 the Smart Choice for Filipino Families?

Choosing a seven-seater SUV in the Philippines often means sacrificing luxury for affordability. When my own family needed spacious transport, premium crossovers felt financially out of reach—until I tested the 2023 GAC GS8. Priced at just ₱2,298,000, this Chinese contender challenges established players like the Hyundai Palisade and Mazda CX-9. After extensive driving through Metro Manila and highways, I discovered its surprising strengths and compromises. Let's examine why it deserves serious consideration.

Core Engineering and Brand Authority

The GS8 arrives under Astara Motors, a global distributor with billion-dollar credentials. Unlike earlier Chinese entrants, this partnership ensures nationwide dealership support—a critical factor for long-term ownership.

Technically, the GS8 sits on a unibody crossover platform, not a truck-based ladder frame. This explains its refined ride quality while maintaining 200mm ground clearance. The 2.0L turbocharged gasoline engine delivers 248 horsepower and 400Nm torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During testing, fuel efficiency reached:

• 10 km/L in city traffic
• 13.8 km/L on highway drives

What surprised me most was the throttle calibration system. Unlike most rivals, you can manually adjust response sensitivity across drive modes—a feature typically reserved for luxury German models.

Practical Experience: Space and Comfort

Seating Innovation and Cabin Design

The GS8's party trick is its one-touch second-row tumble function. Pressing a button effortlessly slides and folds seats, creating walk-in access to the third row—superior to the Nissan Terra's mechanism. While rear jump seats suit children best, adults can manage short trips thanks to dedicated air vents and cup holders.

Second-row space impresses with sliding seats that offer limousine-like legroom. The flat floor eliminates tunnel humps, allowing three adults to sit comfortably. Leather seats feature contrast stitching and perforated inserts, though I'd prefer thicker padding for long journeys.

Technology Quirks and Daily Use

The 14-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard—larger than the Ford Everest's 12-inch unit. However, the interface lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, relying on basic phone mirroring. Physical button absence proves frustrating: adjusting volume or climate requires screen navigation while driving.

On the upside, the panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, enhancing the premium feel. NVH (noise-vibration-harshness) insulation exceeds expectations, with minimal road noise intrusion. The audio system's bass-heavy performance unfortunately triggers pulsating ambient lights—I couldn't locate the setting to disable this distraction.

Value Analysis Against Competitors

Pricing Advantage and Feature Trade-Offs

The GS8's decisive advantage is its ₱2,298,000 price—approximately ₱700,000 cheaper than segment leaders. This positions it closer to Philippine-market SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner while offering crossover comforts.

Standard features include:

• 360-degree camera system
• Advanced driver assists (lane-keeping, adaptive cruise)
• Wireless charging pad
• 20-inch alloy wheels

Notably, the ADAS system intelligently activates steering assist only when cruise control engages—a thoughtful adaptation for Manila's inconsistent lane markings.

Driving Dynamics and Owner Considerations

Behind the wheel, the GS8 prioritizes comfort over sportiness. The suspension absorbs road imperfections competently, though Sport mode introduces noticeable throttle lag before power delivery. Paddle shifters provide some engagement, but this isn't a driver's SUV.

Critical ownership considerations include:

• 65L fuel tank capacity requires frequent refills on long trips
• Parts availability concerns for non-collision repairs
• Resale value uncertainty compared to Japanese brands

Final Verdict and Buyer Recommendations

Who Should Consider the GS8?

This SUV makes the strongest case for budget-conscious families wanting premium amenities. If you prioritize cabin space, tech features, and ride comfort over brand prestige, it delivers exceptional value. However, tech enthusiasts needing smartphone integration may find the infotainment limiting.

Actionable Checklist Before Purchase

1. Test third-row accessibility with your family members
2. Verify dealership service locations via Astara's network
3. Negotiate warranty extensions beyond the standard coverage
4. Compare insurance premiums against established brands
5. Test drive in rush-hour traffic to evaluate transmission behavior

The GS8 redefines value in the seven-seater segment. While established players offer more polished interfaces, nothing matches its feature-per-peso ratio. When recommending alternatives, I suggest the Mitsubishi Montero for off-road capability or the Hyundai Palisade for tech integration—but both demand significant premiums.

Which factor matters most in your family SUV decision: cutting-edge tech, proven reliability, or maximum savings? Share your priorities below—your experience helps other buyers navigate this complex choice.