Peugeot 3008 Review 2022

Model Review

First introduced just before the crossover market exploded in the early 2010s, the first generation Peugeot 3008 came out in 2009 and with it a new dominant segment of the motoring market. Although the design of the first model left a little to be desired – it was a bit dumpy and although it was something a bit different, it didn’t quite hit the mark.

That all changed in early 2017 with the launch of the second-generation model, which was a radical reinvention and really helped to signal a huge turnaround for this French manufacturer. Bringing a far more striking design, chunkier styling and an interior completely unrecognisable to its predecessor, it was a massive step forward. 

At launch it was available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, and in 2020 Peugeot expanded the line-up with a powerful plug-in hybrid – producing nearly 300bhp with its combination of petrol and electricity.

Latest Model

For 2021 the 3008 was given a mid-life refresh, ensuring it can keep competitive with more modern rivals like the Ford Kuga and Skoda Karoq. 

Peugeot didn’t change the formula too much, but key things to look out for include standard-fit LED headlights, along with a new frameless front grille and additional gloss black styling to give it a stealthier appearance. There are also now Peugeot’s latest ‘Claw’ LED running lights, while the rear units feature full LED technology now too. 

Inside, there’s a smarter and larger 10-inch touchscreen used, while another new piece of tech available is Night Vision, which uses heat-sensing cameras to detect pedestrians and animals in the road, well ahead of when a driver may normally spot them. A more affordable 222bhp hybrid powertrain was also launched.

Value for money

The second-generation 3008 signalled a step upmarket for Peugeot, and that continues to be reflected in its price. With models starting from £27,905, it’s one of the more expensive models in the mid-size SUV class, and noticeably more expensive than rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Seat Ateca. It does feel like a more premium product, though, and the standard kit is impressive too – including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, LED headlights and front and rear parking sensors. It’s best to stick to the lower end of the 3008 spectrum, though, as prices do rise considerably as you go through the line-up, with the range-topping hybrid model costing a steep £47,000. 

As for used 3008s, if you’re not bothered about the all-singing new version, first-generation 3008s are available from as little as £2,000, though you’ll need to double that figure for a lower-mileage example. Second-generation are the more desirable models, though, which is reflected in the price you pay. Even a four-year-old car will set you back £16,000, and though you can expect small savings on nearly-new examples, they’re unlikely to be significant.

Looks and image

When it comes to looks, if budget allows it’s worth going for the second-generation model. It is a far more stylish and modern-looking thing, while also being sportier. Though the design won’t suit all, the 3008 is one of few models in this class that is able to turn heads – especially since its 2021 facelift, which gives it a bolder grille and eye-catching ‘claw-like’ headlights.

Inside, and again the 3008 is a huge change to the models that came before it. Featuring Peugeot’s unique cabin design, it benefits from a huge 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which sits higher-up than a traditional set of dials. It can be easily configured to show the information you want, as well as reduced to purely showing the essentials, such as what speed you’re doing. The rest of the cabin feels very upmarket, while the large 10-inch touchscreen helps to make the 3008’s interior feel ultra-modern. 

Behind the wheel, the 3008 doesn’t lead the way for fun, but it’s a safe and sophisticated steer. The ride is comfortable, even on larger alloy wheels, while around town it’s a great choice thanks to its relaxed manner. You can add a dose of extra performance by choosing the more powerful hybrid versions too. The only thing worth noting is that Peugeot adopts a rather different driving position to most, and the combination of a small steering wheel and upright digital dials won’t suit all, so it’s worth checking you can get comfortable on a test drive.

Space and practicality

Against market rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar, the 3008 has them beat in terms of boot and interior space with 520 litres with the rear seats up and 1,580 litres with the seats down. The 60/40 split rear seats fold pretty much flat and can offer you a good load space. There are plenty of storage pockets, bins and spaces throughout the cabin, meaning you have plenty of cubby holes for your phone, keys and other knick-knacks you may have. Rear space isn’t the most generous, though. 

Tested alongside the 5008 back in 2016, the new 3008 rates highly on the EuroNCAP safety tests after it scored an overall rating of five stars. With adult occupancy and child occupancy scores of 86 and 85 per cent respectively, the 3008 does well on those fronts, with pedestrian and safety assist scores in the middle of the pack (67 per cent and 58 per cent).

Active safety braking and lane keep assist come as standard on all models, with other technology available such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping technology, driver attention alert and speed limit recognition also available at various trim levels.

Engines

Peugeot offers petrol, diesel and hybrid options on the 3008, with the range beginning with a  turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine, which you can choose with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox. For most, this engine should be plenty, as it’s able to reach 60mph in 9.5 seconds.

As for diesel, there’s a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit available, which again gets the choice of manual and automatic transmissions, though is slightly slower – 0-60mph taking around 11 seconds. 

Then there are the plug-in hybrids, which both use a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol unit. The front-wheel-drive PHEV serves up 222bhp in all, but a four-wheel-drive option is also available, and thanks to its additional electric motor, takes the power up to an impressive 296bhp. Once the battery is charged, it means it does the 0-60mph sprint in under six seconds.

Running costs

Where running costs are concerned, if you’re able to charge regularly and mainly do small trips, you should look for a plug-in hybrid. Thanks to a claimed 39-mile electric range, Peugeot says it can return up to 225mpg, while CO2 emissions of 31g/km make it an attractive option for company car drivers. 

Even the standard petrol and diesel models should be relatively frugal to run too, with Peugeot claiming 48mpg for the former and 60mpg for the latter.

Things to look out for

In more recent years, Peugeot might not have had the best reputation when it came to reliability, but the brand seems to have turned a corner in this respect. In fact, there seems to be very few issues with the second-generation 3008 – one of the few concerns being that models fitted with the panoramic sunroof can suffer from leaks. It’s worth checking the seals and feeling the carpets to see if they’re damp on versions fitted with them.

Rivals

Many of the 3008’s rivals come from the popular Asian manufacturers Kia, Hyundai and, most notably, Nissan. The Sportage, Tucson and bestselling Qashqai respectively are Peugeot's biggest rivals, especially when it comes to outright practicality. However, other credible models in this class include the Ford Kuga, Seat Ateca, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Depreciation

As Peugeots have headed upmarket in more recent years, its cars have stopped plummeting in value in the way used to. In fact, the latest 3008 is one of the best cars in its segment for depreciation, with used prices holding up well.