The Peugeot 3008 is a car that very much reflects the changing fortunes – and changing attitudes – of its maker. Back in 2008 when the original 3008 was launched, Peugeot was a manufacturer of comfortable but somewhat staid-looking family cars. As a result, the original 3008 was an enjoyable car to ride in and offered a lot of interior space for people and luggage, but was rather gawky-looking.
It was also Peugeot’s first significant attempt at a family crossover SUV, following the lead of the popular Nissan Qashqai and joining cars like the VW Tiguan and Ford Kuga in the race to capitalise on the car-buying public’s appetite for an SUV style car with the running costs and practicality of a family hatchback or small MPV.
Fast-forward to 2016 and the second-generation 3008 was quite a departure from the original car. Peugeot had rediscovered its sense of style, with striking, bold styling inside and out, really making the new car stand out as a chunky, stylish crossover SUV. As well as being more spacious inside, there was a panache to the whole car that pitched it closer to premium SUVs than mainstream rivals from the likes of Nissan, Hyundai or Ford.
Fast-forward even further to 2024, and the third-generation version refines the formula even further, with sharp looks inside out and a choice of cutting-edge powertrains.
Peugeot 3008 Generations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Peugeot 3008 Pros and Cons
- Peugeot 3008 mk3 (2024-)
- Peugeot 3008 mk2 (2016-2024)
- Peugeot 3008 mk1 (2008-2016)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Peugeot 3008 years are the best?
For us, the mk2 is the sweet spot in the 3008 lineage. Compared with the mk1, it looks a lot better inside and out, and is much more desirable as a result, while compared to the mk3, it's actually better to drive, and can be had for a lot less on the used car market.
Which Peugeot 3008 years are the worst?
This might be a little hard to believe, but there's an argument that the latest mk3 car is the worst of the bunch. It's actually worse to drive than it predecessor, and prices are very much on the high side. The mk1 is less desirable, but at least you can buy one for peanuts. The mk2 is a great halfway house between the two, so get yourself one of those.
Is a used Peugeot 3008 a good deal?
Very much so. We'd recommend buying a nice used mk2 over a brand new mk3, in fact.
Peugeot 3008 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Later iterations look great inside and out
- Practical enough for a family
- Mk2 is a cracking all-rounder
Cons:
- Mk1 looks a little awkward
- Mk3 not as good to drive as mk2
- Many rivals are cheaper to buy
Peugeot 3008 mk3 (2024-)
Bodystyles:
- Five-door SUV
Notable features and facelifts of the Peugeot 3008 mk3:
- Builds on previous car's upmarket appeal with striking design
- Plush interior with a premium feel
- First fully electric 3008 offered alongside mild hybrid petrol
While the transition from mk1 3008 to mk2 had been revolutionary, the transition from mk2 to mk3 in 2024 was more evolutionary, on the face of it at least.
The mk3 builds on the strong style and desirability of the mk2: the design is a little bolder, the details a little sharper, but the new car is instantly recognisable as a 3008. A slightly more slanted coupe-like roofline at the rear does give it an ounce more visual purpose, mind. The interior is a similar story, with achingly cool design and a standard of materials that pushes the 3008 even further upmarket towards the likes of Audi and BMW. There's also plentiful space for passengers and luggage (although that sloping roof does mean slightly reduced headroom in the rear seats).
Perhaps a little more revolutionary compared to the previous 3008 are the powertrains available. The big news is the all-electric e-3008 (pictured), which has a 73kWh battery for a range of up to 326 miles regardless of which of the two versions you go for: the single-motor has 210bhp, while the dual-motor ups that to 322bhp. A longer range option followed later with 228bhp and a range of 435 miles. There's also a 134bhp 48-volt mild hybrid engine with a six-speed twin-clutch gearbox, and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with 192bhp and a range of up to 55 miles on just its electric motor.
In truth, the mk3 has lost a little of its predecessor's dynamic sparkle, with clumsier handling and a firmer ride. However, it'll be civilised enough for most on the road.
Two trim levels are offered, both generously equipped. The entry-level Allure car comes with LED headlights, diamond cut alloy wheels, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, power folding door mirrors, a centre console with two cupholders and a wireless phone charger, plus a cool 21-inch infotainment display with DAB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety measures include automatic emergency braking system, lane-keeping assist, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition and Isofix points for child seats. Range-topping GT adds adaptive cruise control, contrasting black roof, headlights with high-beam assist, front parking sensors, handsfree powered tailgate, heated front seats, extended ambient lighting, and part-leather-effect upholstery.
Peugeot e-3008 review
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Peugeot 3008 mk2 (2016-2024)
Bodystyles:
- Five-door SUV
Notable features and facelifts of the Peugeot 3008 mk2:
- Won the European Car of the Year award in 2017, beating the Mercedes E-Class and Alfa Romeo Giulia
- Includes a Driver Alert Warning system to make sure you’re not driving tired
- The front passenger seat folds down to allow long, narrow items to be carried with ease
- The distinctive Peugeot i-Cockpit has instruments above a small steering wheel
When it first arrived in 2016, fashionably chunky SUV looks and a left-field interior design helped make the new Peugeot 3008 really stand out, and it continues to do so today. It was already practical, but the fact that its boot is 90 litres larger than its predecessor's was impressive.
Trim levels for the mk2 3008 start with Active Premium, which gets standard equipment like climate control, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers. Step up to the Allure trim and you’ll get larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and a 10.0-inch touchscreen rather than an 8.0-inch item. Upgrade to Allure Premium for still more luxuries, while Peugeot 3008 GT line and GT Premium cars top off the range. High-tech kit such as adaptive cruise control is fitted to the higher-end models.
Engines include a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Puretech turbo petrol model, plus a 1.6 e-THP with 163bhp and, on newer models, the option of a 178bhp 1.6-litre Puretech petrol engine. If you want a diesel then, depending on the age of the car, you can get a 148bhp 2.0-litre BlueHDi or a 1.5-litre BlueHDi with 130hp. There’s also a more powerful 178bhp 2.0-litre BlueHDi turbodiesel.
Gearbox choices include a six-speed manual or a six-speed EAT6 automatic. The six-speed automatic gearbox was superseded by the eight-speed EAT8 or e-EAT8 transmission from 2018.
If you’re really after improving your green credentials, the plug-in hybrid version, introduced in 2019, could be a good choice. There’s the front-wheel-drive Hybrid, which has 222bhp and an all-electric range of 39 miles, plus CO2 emissions of just 29g/km. Alternatively, you can plump for the 296bhp Hybrid4, which is the only four-wheel-drive 3008 and has an electric range of 40 miles.
And it's a cracking car to drive, the mk2 3008. The ride may be a little firm for some tastes, but it'll be more than comfortable enough for the majority of folk, while the payoff is surprisingly nimble and enjoyable handling.
Peugeot 3008 mk2 review
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Peugeot 3008 mk1 (2008-2016)
Bodystyles:
- Five-door SUV
Notable features and facelifts of the Peugeot 3008 mk1:
- Boot has a split tailgate design, and the lower half can support up to 200kg
- The 3008 Hybrid4 was the world’s first full diesel hybrid model
- To help keep the car’s weight down, Peugeot used laser welding instead of spot welding
Although the first 3008 wasn’t the striking style statement that its successor was, it nevertheless had considerable appeal. The dashboard had enough soft-touch fixtures and shiny chrome bits to give a premium feel. Even the basic Active models were fairly well equipped, although you won’t find a modern infotainment screen in these models: just a basic radio and CD player. Sport models were better equipped, with Allure-spec cars topping the range.
The 3008 was facelifted in 2014, which brought with it more fuel-efficient engines, a smarter interior and slightly less awkward styling (though you’d not really call any 3008 mk1 a beauty).
Engine options included a 128bhp 1.2-litre e-THP turbocharged three-cylinder petrol, which was surprisingly lively, as well as a non-turbocharged and less powerful 1.6-litre VTi petrol four-cylinder engine.
The diesel engine choice was a 2.0-litre HDI with either 148bhp or 161bhp, or a 1.6 HDi with 108bhp or 118bhp. Fuel consumption figures of up to 68.9mpg were claimed with the diesels (or 75 mpg for the hybrid), while the 1.2 petrol could achieve fuel economy up to 57.6 mpg. It’s worth noting, however, that these figures were obtained using the old-style NEDC tests, which are even less accurate than the newer WLTP standard.
Peugeot 3008 mk1 review
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