Peugeot 3008 review

The Peugeot 3008 is still a genuine contender in the family SUV class, thanks to its top-notch interior, refinement, and a strong engine range. It’s also practical and decent to drive, if not as enjoyable as some other rivals. It’s comfortable, with a well-judged ride that’s firm enough to stop it from feeling bouncy, yet yielding enough to glide over the worst bumps in the road.

For many, the Peugeot 3008 will offer everything they need: it’s economical, easy to use and feels upmarket, all at a reasonable price. If you’re considering a new family car, the 3008 is one to consider.

About the Peugeot 3008

The second generation of the Peugeot 3008 made its world debut in 2016 and quickly gained a reputation as being among the best family-friendly SUVs around. A couple of plug-in hybrid versions were introduced in 2018 before the whole range received a facelift in 2021, which saw it adopt some of the styling cues from the Peugeot 208 supermini and 2008 compact SUV. Some relatively minor tech and spec upgrades were also made to the cabin.

The tweaks may have been minor, but they’ve helped ensure the 3008 still has what it takes to attract favourable glances in an increasingly crowded segment. However, Peugeot isn't resting on its laurels, with an all-electric 3008 pencilled in for the beginning of 2024.

In the meantime, the 3008's closest rivals include the practical Ford Kuga, evergreen Nissan Qashqai, and handsome Skoda Karoq, along with the eye-catching and extremely slick Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. The 3008 can also count the Honda CR-V, SEAT Ateca, Toyota RAV4, and Vauxhall Grandland among its competition.

The far less flamboyant Grandland shares its underpinnings with the 3008 because both Peugeot and Vauxhall are part of the Stellantis family. If, on the other hand, you want something with more flair, both the Citroen C5 Aircross and recently facelifted DS 7 also share their architecture with the 3008 while offering different styling and driving characteristics. As a rule, all of these models provide plenty of room for five adults and luggage, but if you want more space than the 3008 can provide, you can opt for the larger 5008 seven-seater, which shares the same platform in stretched form, along with most of its engines.

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That engine range features a line-up of modern mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrids (PHEV) options, along with a more traditional turbocharged petrol and a BlueHDi diesel for those who regularly rack up big mileages. All 3008s have an automatic gearbox. The 1.2 petrol and 1.2 mild-hybrid use a six-speed auto, while the diesel and plug-in hybrids use an eight-speed automatic. 

Speaking of which, the Hybrid 180 e-EAT8 is the least expensive plug-in hybrid 3008, followed by the Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 at the top of the 3008 range. All use a 1.6-litre petrol engine as their basis, with a single electric motor to assist the front wheels and allow the 3008 to drive on electric power alone for up to 36 miles.

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Peugeot has developed its Grip Control system to counteract criticism for the lack of four-wheel drive. Aside from the most extreme off-roading, it has all the traction you will likely need. Where fitted, it adds a rotary controller to the centre console, allowing you to select the driving mode suitable for the terrain, whether snow, gravel, mud or tarmac.

Unlike other Peugeot model ranges, there's no entry-level Access model, so the line-up starts with the well-equipped Active model. Beyond that, Allure and GT trims are offered. All models come with 12.3-inch digital dials, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two-zone climate control, LED headlights, and a 180-degree colour reversing camera.

The sweet spot in the range is arguably the Allure, which features a bigger 10-inch touchscreen, integrated sat-nav, keyless go and upgraded upholstery. The top-spec GT Premium offers niceties like front parking sensors, Alcantara seat trim and extra driver assistance systems. Prices currently start from just under £33,000.

Used and nearly new

The first-generation Peugeot 3008 ceased production in 2016, so used examples will be getting on now, and most will probably have high mileage. Supply should be fine, but the MPV style of the early car hasn't worn well and feels dated. The standard kit is generally good, whichever model you are considering. 

We’d recommend you go for the far more modern feeling of the second-gen model if you can afford to, because the option of hybrid power could be the smart move, particularly if you’re buying a nearly new example.

Peugeot 3008 history

Peugeot 3008 Mk2: 2017-date

The 3008 model range received a facelift in 2020, with minor styling revisions to an already good-looking family SUV. We named it our mid-size SUV of the year when it was first launched in 2017, highlighting the 3008's design and onboard tech as key improvements over its rather dowdy predecessor.

There are two efficient plug-in hybrid models to choose from: the front-wheel-drive Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 and the four-wheel-drive Hybrid 300 e-EAT8, although these models cost more than the standard petrol and diesel cars. Read our full Mk2 Peugeot 3008 buyer’s guide here…

Peugeot 3008 Mk1: 2008-2016

Peugeot launched the 3008 with a focus on practicality, low running costs and decent levels of comfort. It's fair to say it succeeded in these areas, although the 3008's rather bland design could have been more appealing.

Pick a diesel model, and you'll appreciate the excellent fuel economy. We'd recommend the manual gearbox, particularly over the awkward Electronic Gearbox Controlled Manual (EGC) semi-automatic. Read our full Mk1 Peugeot 3008 buyer’s guide here…

For an alternative review of the Peugeot 3008, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...