Peugeot 3008 Review (2016-2023)

What is the Peugeot 3008?

The 3008 is Peugeot's answer to the burgeoning compact crossover market, which was kick-started by the Nissan Qashqai. When the original launched in 2009 it had a focus on practicality, but this second generation represented a big change.

Rather than delivering a mildly tweaked version of the old car, Peugeot turned on the style for its replacement. Gone were some of its predecessor’s handily family-friendly touches, replaced by slicker design and a concerted push upmarket. It was the right approach too, as the latest 3008 sold like hot cakes. Several years on, it’s still one of the best family SUVs around, and there are now plenty to buy secondhand.

This includes the facelifted car, which arrived in 2021, and is identified by its more prominent front grille and revised headlamp treatment, plus a subtle reshuffled of the trim levels.

An entirely new mk3 model came along in 2024, but it's the second-generation car that we're focusing on here.

How practical is it?

Step inside and you’ll find an interior that still feels fresh, even though quite a few rivals have been brought to market since the 3008 launched. There’s a small steering wheel in front of a digital instrument panel (called i-Cockpit), rather than traditional analogue dials, which gives a very contemporary, even futuristic vibe. Impressively, all models get this; it’s a feature that’s often only optional on even much more expensive cars.

Build quality is very good and the materials used could easily come from a more premium, upmarket car. On all models except the entry-level Active, a central touchscreen shows more driving information, navigation and entertainment features, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It looks great, although some rival systems are a bit easier to use.

Crucially for a family vehicle, space and practicality scores are high. There’s plenty of leg space and headroom (mostly – more on that later) and the boot is huge, far bigger than in most rivals. The exception is in the hybrid model, as the electrical components take up some boot space, but it’s still not bad. All models from Allure upwards get a folding front passenger seat in case you need to transport something particularly long. All models get some of the latest safety systems, including automatic emergency braking.

What's it like to drive?

On the move, you’ll find that the 3008 has been set up for comfort and relaxation rather than any kind of excitement; if you want driving fun, check out the Seat Ateca. Yet unless you’re driving like your hair’s on fire, the Peugeot feels composed and poised through corners, while the small steering wheel does actually make it feel surprisingly nimble. The ride quality is more than comfortable enough for family use and longer journeys, even in cars with larger wheels.

The diesel range starts with the 1.6-litre BlueHDi 100 engine, which has 99bhp. That might be a bit lacking for a lot of people, so we’d recommend you start your search with the more powerful version of the same engine, called the BlueHDi 120, which is impressively gutsy and smooth. If you need more poke, there’s a 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 diesel, which has 148bhp.

In 2018 Peugeot overhauled the diesel range, dropping all of the above and replacing them with a 1.5-litre engine, developing 129bhp, giving you a touch more grunt with even better fuel economy. You can also get a 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 engine with 179bhp, which gives you really strong performance without crippling fuel bills.

You can choose between some very efficient petrol and diesel engines, and a plug-in hybrid model, too. The petrol range starts with the 1.2 PureTech 130, and don’t be put off by it being the entry-level option. It’s impressively smooth and punchy and should provide enough oomph for most people. The top-spec petrol engine is the 1.6 THP 165, which has 163bhp and reasonable performance, but it drinks fuel quickly and we can’t see too many reasons why you’d take it over the most powerful diesel option.

Both manual and automatic gearbox options are available, although some engine and trim combinations have limited choices. The manual option has a reasonably precise action, while the automatic is fairly responsive, especially the eight-speed version in later cars, which delivers greater efficiency and performance than the earlier six-speed unit.

Technology and equipment

Trim level choices start with the entry-level Active, which might be the bottom rung of the ladder but still has plenty of features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and DAB digital radio. For more toys, the Allure version adds 18-inch wheels, front parking sensors and a reversing camera to make manoeuvring easier. It also comes with satnav and a blind spot warning system, alerting you to any cars that might be lurking alongside you.

The GT Line model gives you extras like a wireless phone charger and some fancy interior lighting, as well as synthetic leather upholstery and bright LED headlights, while the GT Line Premium, which was on sale from early 2018, adds keyless entry and start and heated, massaging front seats. At the top of the tree is the GT model, which includes 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof and leather seats, as well as adaptive cruise control.

A touchscreen infotainment system is standard on all 3008 models, and at a glance it looks very slick. Yet it’s not as responsive as the best, often requiring a couple of stabs at the display before anything happens, while you’re also forced to enter various sub menus to access frequently used functions, such as the climate control. Post-facelift cars are much improved, however, plus all feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Better still, the 3008 promises to be a safe choice, with EuroNCAP awarding the car five stars. Multiple airbags, electronic stability control and a speed limiter featured on all models, as is autonomous emergency braking. Various other driver aids were also available, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning, so it’s worth checking whether any potential purchase has this kit fitted.

How much does it cost to run?

When it comes to fuel, it’s the plug-in hybrid models that have the potential to be the cheapest, promising up to 235mpg according to official fuel consumption figures. But as with all plug-in hybrids, what you actually get will depend on how you use them. Keep the battery charged up and do mostly shorter journeys on electric power only, and the fuel gauge will hardly dip. But once the battery has depleted, you’re using a petrol engine to haul around heavy electrical equipment and the fuel economy plummets.

The diesels will get the better fuel economy for long-distance drivers, with the BlueHDI 130 the one to go for if you can. It promises an official MPG figure of up to 56.3mpg. The petrol-powered PureTech 130 will give you up to 47.2mpg.

Insurance groups range between 11 and 26 (of 50) for most of the range, but the more powerful and more expensive Hybrid4 model sits at 36, so expect to fork out extra to cover it.

The 3008 will need a service every year or 16,000 miles, whichever comes sooner. Cars over three years old can take advantage of Peugeot’s fixed-price servicing offers, which start at £199 for the first year and include parts and labour. A major service (due every two years or 20,000 miles) will cost £329, while replacing the brake fluid costs £59 (all prices correct at time of writing). If your car is out of warranty, you may want to consider going to an independent garage, which would be cheaper.

Is it reliable?

Peugeot as a whole has a very good reputation for reliability, especially in recent years. It was top of all the major manufacturers in the 2019 JD Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study, and the 2018 Auto Express Driver Power survey named the 3008 as the best car to own in Britain, which is no small compliment.

Very few common faults have been reported, but those that are tend to be electrical, with some owners having issues with the infotainment system turning off and rebooting. Others have found that the screen and parking sensors fail, while some owners report rain leaking in through the top of the windscreen.

There have been quite a few recalls on the 3008. These include software updates to fix injector issues and emissions problems, defective rear suspension and tow bar bolts, damaged diesel particulate filters, worn fuel lines and substandard engine parts. All these issues should have been fixed by now, but it’s still worth checking if your car was affected and if any remedial action was taken by speaking to a Peugeot dealer.

Peugeot offers a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the 3008, which is pretty standard but pales compared to those offered by some rivals. Kia, for example, offers a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty on its Sportage.