The Nissan Qashqai and Peugeot 3008 are two of the many popular family SUV choices in the UK. The Qashqai kick-started the crossover craze when it was launched in 2006, blending hatchback running costs with an elevated driving position and a bit more interior space than buyers were used to. The 3008 morphed from a people carrier into an SUV in 2016, bringing sharp styling and a premium interior to the class.
For the latest generations, both cars have been overhauled to keep up with the competition. The Qashqai has grown in size and gained a bolder look, while the 3008 has adopted a sleek coupe-like profile. So how do they stack up? This in-depth comparison explores their relative strengths across key areas.
Nissan Qashqai vs Peugeot 3008
Practicality
The Nissan Qashqai has long been a favourite for family practicality, and the latest model continues that tradition. It offers excellent passenger space in the rear, while the boot is a very usable 504 litres. A split, variable-height boot floor allows you to divide the space cleverly, but there's no sliding rear seat like in some rivals. Up front, the driving position is SUV-lofty yet car-like.
The Peugeot 3008 is even more practical despite its sleeker looks. Headroom is decent in the rear thanks to the high roofline, and legroom is generous too. The middle seat is broad and has minimal footwell intrusion. Boot space is a rated at 588 litres, though it looks a little smaller in reality. The two-level boot floor is handy, but the rear seats don't fold fully flat. Overall it offers a great amount of space for families.
These are fine margins, however. The fact is, these are both very practical family cars.
Driving Impressions
Neither of these family SUVs aim to be the last word in driving thrills. The Qashqai adopts a comfort-oriented approach, with light controls and a compliant ride (avoid larger wheels for the best ride comfort). Body lean is well contained, but the Qashqai lacks the agility of some rivals. Engine choice is limited to a mild hybrid 1.3-litre petrol or the E-Power hybrid, both front-wheel drive. Performance is adequate rather than sparkling.
The 3008 disappoints a little compared to its sharper predecessor. The ride is quite firm, while body control and steering feel have taken a backwards step. It feels less agile and engaging as a result. Engine options include a wheezy 1.2 petrol mild hybrid or a punchier 1.6 plug-in hybrd (PHEV). But even the plug-in hybrid feels lethargic, with slow responses when you want to pick up speed.
On the road, the Qashqai provides the more relaxed, effortless driving experience. But keen drivers may find both a little uninvolving compared with something like a Ford or BMW SUV.
Technology and Equipment
In the Qashqai, every model gets a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring. Higher trims upgrade to a sharper 12.3-inch display. It can be fiddly to use at times, but has a decent spec including wireless Apple CarPlay. Equipment levels are generous, with even the base trim including LED lights and adaptive cruise control. Higher grades add luxuries like a head-up display and massage seats.
The 3008 makes a bigger tech statement with its huge 21-inch curved infotainment display and configurable 'i-Toggle' shortcut controls. It looks fantastic and is fairly user-friendly, albeit with some lags and lack of sensitivity at times. Whichever trim you choose, you get a long kit list covering everything from ambient lighting to wireless phone charging.
Both of these brands load their family SUVs with the latest gadgets and connectivity. The 3008 has the wow factor, but the Qashqai is still well equipped for the money.
Running Costs
For affordable running costs, the Qashqai mild hybrid petrol returns up to 44mpg, which is reasonable if not outstanding for the class. In our experience, while the E-Power has superior on-paper fuel economy, in real-world driving it's actually similar to the mild hybrid. Servicing is every 12 months or 18,000 miles, or 9,000 miles for the E-Power.
The 3008 mild hybrid's official 52.5mpg looks good on paper, but expect lower real-world figures as there's minimal electric assistance. The plug-in hybrid promises over 350mpg, but that's using unrealistic tests - actual economy depends heavily on keeping the battery charged. Service intervals are the usual yearly schedule.
Overall, there's not a huge amount separating these cars for fuel costs and maintenance, although the 3008 PHEV could prove very cheap to run with frequent charging. On a similar note, Peugeot does also offer a fully electric e-3008, which we've reviewed separately.
Verdict
The Nissan Qashqai and Peugeot 3008 are both strong, well-rounded contenders in the hugely competitive family SUV market. They take slightly different approaches, with the Qashqai favouring no-nonsense versatility and the 3008 prioritising style and interior wow factor.
Neither car is particularly rewarding from the driver's seat, but the Qashqai provides a more composed experience overall. Running costs are competitive for both, especially if you opt for the 3008 plug-in hybrid or the fully electric e-3008.
Ultimately the Qashqai takes the victory in this comparison - but it's a close call. It depends whether you value the Qashqai's all-round versatility or the 3008's visual flair more highly.