Peugeot 3008 (2020-2023) Review & Prices

As far as SUVs go, the Peugeot 3008 is a bit of a glamorous starlet, but as any Hollywood A-lister will (quietly) tell you, to keep looking good you may need the occasional update.

Now, the Peugeot 3008 hasn’t quite been to a Brazilian back street clinic, and it’s always been nicely designed, but it’s had a series of nips and tucks for 2021 in a bid to help you distinguish it from the likes of the VW Tiguan, Skoda Karoq and Nissan Qashqai.

The old Peugeot 3008 had a fairly conventional front grille, but this new version gets a sweeping array of square chrome trim that stretches from one headlight to the other. There’s also a pair of new vertical daytime running lights on higher-spec cars – just like the ones on the new Peugeot 2008.

The interior is a familiar sight compared with the old Peugeot 3008, but that’s definitely no bad thing. It’s one of the most interesting-looking cabins of any SUV, and the quality is just as impressive as the way it looks. In front of the driver remains a 12.0-inch digital driver’s display in place of a traditional instrument panel, although all but entry-level Active Premium+ models now get a 10.0-inch central infotainment screen, rather than the old car’s 8.0-inch system.

Controls are laid out in a fashion that wraps around you. Physical buttons to control the infotainment are pointed towards you, while a high-set centre console creates a comfortable, cocoon-like effect. Materials are of a very high standard as well, and everything feels solidly built. There’s plenty of choices to make your 3008 a little more you as well, including the option of red Nappa leather or black Alcantara-trimmed seats, with top-spec GT models also coming with lime-wood inserts.

Seat adjustment is fantastic, but the tiny, squared-off steering wheel can make seeing the digital display a bit of a nightmare for some — so you should definitely take a Peugeot 3008 for a test drive before committing to a purchase.

There’s lots left to be desired in the back row as well, where having three passengers might be a little too close for comfort.

Boot space for the Peugeot 3008 comes in at a competitive 520 litres, which is more than the Mazda CX-5 but the same as the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan. It’s all very usable too, with a boxy shape and the lack of a lip means you can slide cargo in and out without having to lean down.

There’s a choice of one petrol engine, one diesel and three plug-in hybrid models in the 3008 range.

As a car primarily for town driving, the Peugeot 3008 ticks most of the boxes. Light steering makes manoeuvring dead easy, plus the suspension is so good that you’ll only notice the roughest of bumps. Visibility isn’t great though, with giant pillars creating blind spots and a tiny rear window making it hard to see out of the back.

The Peugeot 3008 is perfectly fine on the motorway, too. Even with the dinky 1.2-litre petrol equipped, power is enough for brisk overtaking and there’s very little in the way of road noise beyond a tiny bit from the tyres and wind around the mirror. As you’d expect, fuel consumption is light.

It’s no sports car, though, so don’t expect much from the Peugeot 3008 if you want something that’s going to be fun when things get twistier. If that’s what you want from your small SUV, take a look at the Seat Ateca.

Much like your mid-life Hollywood A-lister, a bit of a refresh really has improved the Peugeot 3008 without spoiling its core. If you’re in the market for a small SUV, you should definitely take a look at one. It doesn’t lead the way in practicality or driving experience, but it’s certainly very good — and is undoubtedly one of the best-looking SUVs out there as well.

If that sounds like your next car, take a look at the latest Peugeot 3008 deals, while you can look at other Peugeot deals with us too. If you don't want to buy new, you can find used Peugeot deals on carwow, and if you want to change your car completely, you can sell your car through carwow, with the help of our trusted dealers.

The Peugeot 3008 is priced very closely to most of its logical alternatives like the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan, however, the Seat Ateca is cheaper in base trim. The 3008 makes the most sense in mid-spec Allure Premium+ trim, fitted with one of the capable and frugal turbocharged petrol or diesel engines. The top GT trim and plug-in hybrid models are great but become very expensive.

You get smooth and responsive performance from even the base engines, the ride is great, too. The impressive hybrids are very pricey, though, and it’s not the most enjoyable to drive

In town

A great turning circle, well-damped suspension and sharp gearbox all go towards making the Peugeot 3008 a good city car. Unfortunately, the large pillars obscure your view when exiting junctions and the small rear window doesn’t help when you’re trying to reverse into a parking bay. The standard 180-degree colour reversing camera does help, but there are alternatives out there with better visibility.

The entry-level petrol engine is a good option for town driving (if you can't stretch to the cost of a hybrid or can't keep the batteries charged up). It's smooth and responsive when accelerating, and apart from an odd judder occasionally if you lift off the throttle and quickly press it again, proves more than up to the task of town driving.

On the motorway

Aside from a small amount of tyre and wind noise, the Peugeot 3008 is a competent motorway cruiser. Even the base 136hp models are capable of brisk overtakes, even if hard acceleration is accompanied by quite a harsh sound, while the 300hp plug-in hybrid model is downright quick. The visibility issues that afflict it in town are not a problem here, and the 3008 is comfortable enough for long journeys – as long as you aren’t a tall adult relegated to the back row.

On a twisty road

It looks sporty and doesn’t lack for power, but the Peugeot 3008 wasn’t designed to tackle a twisty road with enthusiasm. It has decent grip levels, accurate steering and won’t lean much in fast corners, but it’s far happier at the more sedate speeds the majority of owner’s will be driving at. For a sportier and more engaging drive you may want to sample the Seat Ateca or Mazda CX-5.

It’s got plenty of storage space and a big boot, but the narrow rear can get rather cramped for three adults

The front seats offer plenty of adjustment and getting comfortable shouldn’t be an issue, with one proviso, make sure that the small diameter steering wheel doesn’t obscure your view of the dashboard.

The 3008 has plenty of handy storage compartments for your odds and ends, with a closable centre armrest that can swallow even larger items and wide door bins for your water bottles. The two obligatory cupholders are located between the front seats, there’s also a spot in the centre console for your phone and another one for coins and keys. The glovebox is a bit small, though.

Space in the back seats

A flat floor, decent headroom and a great view out make the rear an inviting place to be. It’s not as wide as some alternatives though, and the middle seat is narrow as a result; three adults will be rubbing shoulders back there.

Three teenagers will fit just fine, though, and there are two ISOFIX mountings in the two outer seats as well as another in the front passenger seat. On the top GT trim, USB ports are situated in the centre console by the centre passenger’s feet, there are also storage nets in the front seatbacks and two generously sized door bins. A pair of cupholders are built into the foldable centre seat backrest.

Boot space

With a total of 520 litres of boot space on offer with all seats in place, the Peugeot 3008 matches up well to alternatives like the Skoda Karoq (521 litres), Mazda CX-5 (506 litres) and the Volkswagen Tiguan (520 litres as well).

The Tiguan does offer up to 615 litres with the rear seats pushed forward, but the Peugeot 3008 counters with a wide and flat load space that has no lip to hinder you when packing in large items. Choosing the PHEV version does knock space down though, with the plug-in having 395 litres.

You can easily lower the rear seats via a latch located in the boot, and you get some hooks and tethering points to secure your luggage with. Folding the seats down gives you 1,482 litres to work with, while the plug-in hybrid is slightly down due to the batteries at 1,357 litres.

An eye-catching cockpit design and decent quality materials help elevate the Peugeot 3008’s interior, but the small steering wheel can obscure the instrument panel

There’s a lot to like about the interior of the Peugeot 3008, it not only looks stylish, but the quality of the materials used throughout the cabin is great, too. The update in 2021 has really elevated the ambience of an already chic cabin, and the infotainment system has also been uprated, with a 10.0-inch touchscreen now standard on all but the base Active models, which get an 8.0-inch unit. Hybrid versions – regardless of trim level – get the 10.0-inch display as standard. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity are all standard, as is a six-speaker audio system, with GT trims getting an uprated six-speaker 515-watt system.

The customisable 12.3-inch digital driver display offers clear graphics, but the small steering wheel can obscure some of it depending on your seating position. This is a car which really needs a test drive to see whether this will be an issue for you.

The controls and dashboard are all angled slightly towards the driver, with a row of aircraft-style toggles and raised central console making you feel like you’re piloting something far more exotic. Depending on the trim level, you have the option of cloth, half leather and full Nappa leather to choose from.

The Peugeot 3008 range kicks off with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that makes 136hp. An update in 2023 made it a bit more powerful and a bit more economical than before thanks to a mild hybrid system, also bringing with it a six-speed automatic gearbox. You should see around 40mpg in mixed driving.

A diesel is also offered and will be better suited to those who do a lot of motorway miles. It's a 1.5-litre engine that makes 130hp and gets up to 54.1mpg in official tests.

The first of three plug-in hybrid engines makes 180hp, is available on the lower two trims and is the most affordable way into a 3008 that can drive on electricity alone. Above it sits the 225hp plug-in hybrid engine, with little difference other than power between the two – both do around 200mpg in official tests and record sub-9.0-second 0-60mph times. One minor difference is that the more powerful version has a slightly bigger battery and can go 41 miles on electricity compared with 36 miles.

The big appeal of a PHEV is the company car Benefit In Kind tax being lower. You're looking at up to 34% in the regular models, but it's 12% in the 180hp hybrid and 8% in the other two.

That third hybrid is the 300hp four-wheel-drive plug-in model, which dispenses with the 0-62mph sprint in just 6.1 seconds; this is quicker than just about all its direct alternatives, with the VW Tiguan plug-in hybrid being one of the few cars to offer similar acceleration figures. Charging from 0-100% takes less than two hours from a home wallbox on all three versions.

It may look like it was launched yesterday (thanks partly to the recent refresh), but the Peugeot 3008 has been on sale since 2016 when it scored an impressive full five-star rating in the Euro NCAP. While the safety assist and pedestrian safety ratings were only middling, its 86% score for adult occupant safety and 85% for child occupants is commendable.

Safety systems have been beefed up since the original was tested and standard equipment includes frontal collision warning, advanced emergency braking, lane keep assist and a reversing camera.

A benefit to having been around for a while is that most niggling issues should have been ironed out in this updated 3008. That said, while Peugeot generally scores well in customer satisfaction surveys, the 3008 has received mixed results in recent years. Overall, though, most owners commented positively on their ownership experience.

There have been a number of recalls over the years, from diesel particulate issues to potential problems with the suspension and chassis corrosion. These should all have been resolved by the manufacturer if you are considering buying used.

Peugeot offers an industry average three-year/60,000-mile warranty on the 3008, an extended warranty is available as long as the vehicle has covered less than 100,000-miles and is under 10 years of age.