Peugeot 2008 vs Peugeot 3008 – which is best?

We're comparing the two most recent versions of these cars side-by-side to see which is best and why. The 2008 was updated in 2023 with fresh styling, while a whole new generation of 3008 launched the year after, so there are some big differences between the two models.

Will the 3008's new upgrades swing you, or will the 2008's value shine through?

Peugeot 2008 vs Peugeot 3008 compared

Styling and design

Peugeot 2008 (left) vs Peugeot 3008 (right)

Styling is an area in which Peugeot has taken enormous strides recently, with the French company producing, to our eyes, one of the sharpest-looking lineups of any carmaker. As a result, both the 2008 and 3008 are among the most eye-catching cars in their respective classes. 

The 3008 is particularly striking. This newer model now has a sleek coupe-like roofline, while the bluff surfacing gives it a tough stance. Complementing this is a really intricate front-end design, where slim headlights sit above a grille that extends into the bodywork and the trio of LED slashes. It looks like it's been in a scrap with Wolverine.

When the 2008 was facelifted, the changes focused around the lights, grilles and wheels. The 2008 has always been a stylish small SUV so it didn't require major changes to keep it looking fresh.

Interior and practicality

Peugeot 2008 (left) vs Peugeot 3008 (right)

Peugeot’s hard work hasn’t just gone into the exterior design, however, with both the 2008 and 3008 sporting supremely comfortable and stylish cabins. Like all modern Peugeots, both cars feature the brand’s i-Cockpit design philosophy, with an oddly small steering wheel which sits below the driver’s dials, rather than in front of them. Compared against cars in their respective classes, both Peugeot SUVs are among the plushest models you can buy but, when compared against each other, the more expensive 3008 takes the edge – its mega screen and interesting Y-shaped spar make it feel very futuristic.

Both come with DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although the 3008's infotainment system is a newer version that's ironed out some of our frustrations with the older system. While the 2008’s graphics and menus are fine, they can be a little slow to respond to touches, and it’s annoying that heater and air con controls have been relegated to the screen on both cars with no physical controls. Some of the settings menus are impossible to find, too.

The 3008 features a vast 21-inch screen that's one continuous display – although only the left half is a touchscreen. It's been tidied up and is now more logically laid out, as well as crisper to look at and quicker to load. The touchscreen is ably assisted by another, smaller touchscreen, featuring a row of icons that you can personalise – letting you put your most-used functions and radio stations just a tap away.

Size and dimensions

It won’t come as a surprise that the larger 3008 is the more practical of the two. That said, the 2008 is still noticeably bigger in the back than the 208 hatchback it’s based on – two adults will fit in the back comfortably, while three can squeeze in for shorter journeys. It's more spacious than the majority of rival small SUVs, too.

The 3008 still isn’t the best choice for carrying three across the rear row, however – try the larger Peugeot 5008 or Citroen C5 Aircross if that’s something you do often – but it does give all rear passengers a good helping of extra space to stretch out. Neither car leads their respective classes for cargo room, but there’s still enough for a holiday’s worth of luggage, with the larger 3008 swallowing a couple of bags more than the 2008.

Engines and performance

Peugeot 2008 (left) vs Peugeot 3008 (right)

There used to be a lot of similarities in these cars' engine ranges. Now, there's only one shared engine: a full hybrid petrol engine that sends 145hp through a six-speed automatic gearbox. As you might hope, this engine is more economical in the smaller, lighter 2008 (57mpg in the 2008 versus 52mpg in the 3008).

This is the base engine in the 3008, meaning every version comes with an electric motor and a battery. That's because the next choice is a plug-in hybrid offering between 39 and 55 miles of electric driving. For the first time in a 3008, there's an e-3008 model that's fully electric. More than one in fact: there's the standard-range model with over 300 miles, a long-range one with over 400, and even a dual-motor performance model with 325hp.

The 2008's engine range starts with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, producing either 100hp or 130hp. The 100hp engine is the only one to come with a manual gearbox these days; the 3008 doesn't offer the option to shift your own gears at all.

An electric option has been available ever since this 2008 came out. To stay competitive, newer e-2008s have a 54kWh battery with a near-250-mile quoted range, which is a noticeable improvement over the older 50kWh battery. This amount of range should be enough for the majority of drivers, whether you're going to be charging at home or relying on the public charging network.

Driving

With the 2008 and 3008 scoring nearly top marks for styling and design, their on-road performance is comparatively their weakest area. Neither car drives badly but, at the same time, neither has the kind of handling sparkle or body control you’ll find on the best in class. The steering on both, while accurate, has a slightly vague weighting and a brief delay between handling inputs and feeling an output at the front wheels.

There is a payoff to the soft suspension, however, in the form of decent comfort over bumps and rough road surfaces. You do feel the occasional jostle at town speeds but everything settles down as speeds increase, making both of these cars effortless long-distance cruisers. It’s almost too close to call, but we think the 2008 is very slightly nicer to drive, with the 3008’s extra weight dulling its responses a little more.

If you’ve not driven a recent Peugeot, it might take a little time to get used to the small steering wheel – especially if you’re a very tall driver. However, once you’ve got your head around it, you’ll start to appreciate the benefits it brings, with noticeably less hand flailing needed when performing tight three-point turns, for example.

Value and reliability

The short answer here is that the 2008 is smaller and cheaper than the 3008, so is a better-value choice. However, for the extra money, the 3008 offers a noticeably larger cabin that’s easier to live with if you regularly carry tall rear-seat passengers or want more room to secure kids in their car seats. Plus, the 3008 has a larger boot that makes it a better choice if you need to carry pets or pushchairs. Choosing the right one for you is a question of whether the additional practicality is worth the larger price tag.

Surveys including JD Power and Warranty Wise have both indicated that Peugeot’s reliability has improved noticeably in recent years. Both cars use parts and engines shared widely across Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall lineups, and replacement costs are comparable to other mass-market brands.

Which is best?

The substantial makeover that’s swept the Peugeot lineup means the 2008 and 3008 are both among the most desirable options in their segments. Picking the cheaper 2008 doesn’t feel like choosing a cut-price product. It has instant appeal thanks to a stylish design, plush materials, and an admirable focus on driving comfort – especially as every SUV seems obsessed with being ‘sporty’ these days.

You’ll pay more for the 3008 but it has extra space where it counts the most – in the back seats and the boot – making it easier to live with if it’s your family transporter. Plus, it has a far more impressive interior with Peugeot's latest and greatest tech.

Peugeot 2008 video review

Peugeot 3008 video reviews

Which Peugeot SUV do you prefer?

If you’ve made your mind up between these two temping SUVs, take a look at Motorpoint’s selection of used Peugeot 2008 and used Peugeot 3008 cars. For more inspiration, check out our picks for the best used SUVs on sale.