Peugeot 3008 review

After hedging its bets with the crossover/MPV looks of the Mk1, the current Peugeot 3008 is a genuine front-runner in the crossover class. That’s thanks to its top-notch interior, up-to-date in-car tech, refined drive and competitive engine range.

It’s also practical and good to drive, if not quite as enjoyable as some other rivals. It’s comfortable, too, with a well-judged ride that’s firm enough to stop it feeling bouncy, but soft enough to glide over bumps in the road.

For many, the Peugeot 3008 will offer everything they need: it’s economical, practical and upmarket, all at a reasonable price. If you’re after a small SUV or crossover, the 3008 should definitely be one to consider.

About the Peugeot 3008

The Peugeot 3008 is arguably one of the most stylish SUVs on sale, so it’s good news that it backs up its smart looks with a practical five-seat cabin, good build quality, strong engines and a decent driving experience.

A facelift for 2021 has seen the latest version of the Peugeot 3008 adopt the looks of more recent stablemates, the 208 supermini and 2008 compact crossover. The design updates aren’t drastic, but new side-scoops in the bumper and a frameless grille give the 3008 a fresher and more contemporary edge.

Changes at the rear are limited to scrolling indicators and smoked lenses while there are relatively minor tech and spec upgrades in the cabin. The tweaks may be small, but they help to ensure the 3008 still has what it takes to attract favourable glances in an increasingly crowded segment.

Most of the 3008 is as it appeared in 2016 when a more significant package of mid-life upgrades was unveiled, followed in 2018 by the addition of a couple of plug-in hybrid options. Back then it was king of the compact SUVs, but the arrival of the Skoda Karoq cost the 3008 its crown, largely because the Peugeot is a bit more expensive and not quite as practical.

Other rivals give the 3008 a run for its money too, and the hotly contested class contains such luminaries as the SEAT Ateca, Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Vauxhall Grandland. 

The Vauxhall shares its engineering with the 3008 as a result of the PSA Group takeover, but it comes with a less flamboyant design treatment.

As a rule all of these models offer plenty of room for five adults and luggage, but if you want more space than the 3008 can provide there’s the larger 5008 seven-seater which shares the same platform. 

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Styling aside, the 3008’s finest attributes are its plush comfortable cabin and family-friendly practicality. The interior is a great place to travel with luxuriant materials and an impressively high-tech feel thanks to Peugeot’s i-Cockpit digital dashboard set-up, although some people find the layout takes a bit of getting used to. Like other Peugeots, the 3008 has a small steering wheel you must look over - rather than through - to see the fancy digital dash.

Both Peugeots also share a line-up of modern PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesel engines, as well as the plug-in (PHEV) models - although there’s no mild-hybrid variant which seems to miss a trick.

Petrol units include a 1.2 PureTech 130 three-cylinder turbo petrol, although the four-cylinder 1.6-litre PureTech 180 petrol is no longer available. In test, we've found the 1.2 PureTech to be a surprisingly good performer considering its size, and it's the engine we'd choose.

Diesel power was updated in 2018 with a new 1.5 BlueHDi 130 diesel, which replaced the 1.6 BlueHDi 120; while the more potent 2.0 BlueHDi 180 has been discontinued. Depending on which engine you choose there’s a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

There are also two plug-in hybrid models to choose from – the Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 and Hybrid 300 e-EAT8. The former uses one electric motor alongside its 1.6-litre petrol engine, while the latter uses two – one for each axle. Both use an 13.2kWh battery that can be charged in a claimed one hour and 45 minutes via an optional on-board charger.

Four-wheel drive isn't available on the majority of 3008 models. Peugeot has developed its Grip Control system that can do most of the things 4WD can do, aside from the most extreme off-roading. Where fitted, it adds a rotary controller to the centre console that allows you to select the driving mode suitable for the terrain, whether it's snow, gravel, mud or tarmac.

Unlike some other Peugeot model ranges there's no entry-level Access model, so the line-up kicks off with the relatively well equipped Active Premium model. Beyond that, Allure, Allure Premium, GT, and GT Premium trims are offered.

All models come with a decent amount of kit, with 12.3-inch digital dials, two-zone climate control and rear parking sensors all included, and the infotainment touchscreen is standard across the range. Allure models get 18-inch alloys, sat-nav and blind-spot detection among the extended kit list, while the GT Line gets a sportier bodykit and even more standard equipment.

Used and nearly new

The first-generation Peugeot 3008 ceased production in 2016, so used examples will be getting on a bit now and most will probably have higher mileages. Supply shouldn't be a major issue, although the exterior MPV/SUV style of the early car hasn't worn well and feels a little dated.

Standard kit is generally pretty good, whichever model you might be considering, although the more modern feel of the second-gen model and the option of hybrid power could be the smart move as a nearly new buy.

Peugeot 3008 Mk2: 2017-date

The current 3008 model range received a facelift in 2020, with some minor styling revisions to what was already a 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 four-wheel-drive Hybrid 300 e-EAT8, although these models cost more to buy 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 probably fair to say it succeeded in these areas, although the 3008's rather bland design wasn't the best and has dated rather quickly.

Pick a diesel model and you'll appreciate the excellent fuel economy on offer, and 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...