Peugeot 2008 Review: The Small SUV That Finally Makes City Life Feel Big

Crawling through tight city streets. Fighting for a parking space that isnt designed for anything built after 1998. Burning fuel in stop-and-go traffic while your kids argue in the back. If driving has started to feel more like a chore than freedom, youre not imagining it  the modern car is often badly matched to the modern day.

Maybe you want SUV confidence, but you dont want to maneuver a tank. You want tech, but not a rolling gadget that overwhelms you. And you want to dip your toe into electrification without betting your entire life on range anxiety.

Thats exactly the gap the Peugeot 2008 is trying to fill.

In a crowded field of small crossovers, the Peugeot 2008 positions itself as the stylish, tech-forward, and surprisingly premium option that still respects your budget and your parking space. Built under the Stellantis N.V. umbrella (ISIN: NL00150001Q9), it aims to be the practical daily driver that doesnt feel like you compromised.

Why the Peugeot 2008 Might Be the Answer Youve Been Waiting For

The Peugeot 2008 is a compact SUV that gives you a commanding driving position, generous interior space for its size, and the choice between efficient petrol engines and the fully electric E-2008, all wrapped in sharp, concept-car-like styling.

On Peugeots official German site, the current 2008 is offered with modern powertrains (including the electric variant), a distinctive 3D-style i-Cockpit instrument cluster, and a digital infotainment system with up to a 10-inch touchscreen, depending on trim. The emphasis is clear: tech, style, and everyday usability, without the footprint of a full-size SUV.

Instead of asking you to choose between curb appeal, comfort, and practicality, the 2008 tries to thread the needle between all three. And thats exactly why it keeps coming up in buyer shortlists against rivals like the Volkswagen T-Cross, Renault Captur, and Ford Puma.

Why this specific model?

Scroll through owner threads and reviews on Reddit and European forums and a pattern emerges: people dont pick the Peugeot 2008 because its the absolute cheapest or the fastest in its class. They pick it because it feels special every time they get in.

Heres what makes this model stand out in the real world:

• Design that actually turns heads: The 2008 borrows a lot of visual drama from bigger Peugeots. The high bonnet, fang-like LED daytime running lights, and sculpted side panels give it a more upmarket presence than many boxy rivals. Owners frequently mention they get compliments, which is not something you often hear about a small SUV.
• Peugeot i-Cockpit for that shrink-wrapped feel: The brands trademark small steering wheel and high-set digital instrument cluster (3D i-Cockpit on higher trims) create a cockpit-like driving position. For many, it makes urban driving feel more agile and engaging. Some find the wheel/cluster ergonomics polarizing, but fans say once you adjust your seat properly, it becomes a strong selling point.
• Electric or combustion  your choice: The E-2008 gives you full-electric driving with zero tailpipe emissions, ideal if you spend most of your life in low-emission zones or doing urban commutes. If youre not ready to go fully electric, petrol options give you familiar refueling and lower upfront cost while still being efficient.
• Compact outside, surprisingly roomy inside: Drivers on forums consistently praise the usable boot space and rear legroom for this segment. Its one of those cars that look compact on the outside but can actually handle a weekly shop, a stroller, or a couple of suitcases without stress.
• Tech that doesnt feel bargain-basement: Depending on trim, you can get a large central touchscreen (up to 10 inches on current models) with smartphone connectivity, configurable digital instrument displays, and modern driver assistance like lane-keeping features and adaptive cruise on certain versions (availability depends on market and trim). It feels much more premium tech than many economy-focused rivals.

Translated into daily life, this means a car that doesnt just move you around, but makes every short trip feel a bit more intentional and a bit less like getting it over with.

At a Glance: The Facts

Exact equipment and engines vary by market and trim, but based on the official Peugeot 2008 and E-2008 information, here are some headline features and what they mean for you:

Feature	User Benefit
Distinctive SUV design with LED lighting (depending on trim)	Gives you an upscale look and strong road presence without driving a full-size SUV; better visibility and a more modern appearance.
Peugeot i-Cockpit with digital instrument cluster	Higher-set instruments keep key driving info closer to your line of sight, while the compact steering wheel can make the car feel more agile and responsive.
Up to approx. 10-inch central touchscreen (model- and trim-dependent)	Larger, clearer interface for navigation, media, and vehicle settings, reducing distraction once youre familiar with the layout.
Choice of internal combustion engines or fully electric E-2008	Lets you pick the powertrain that fits your life  conventional refueling for long trips, or quiet, locally emission-free driving with the electric version.
Compact exterior with practical interior space	Easier to maneuver and park in the city while still offering enough room for passengers, shopping, or weekend luggage.
Available driver assistance systems (trim-dependent)	Features like lane support or adaptive cruise control (where equipped) can make commuting less tiring and add a layer of safety.
Part of the Stellantis family (Peugeot brand)	Backed by one of the worlds largest automotive groups, with a broad dealer and service network in many markets.

What Users Are Saying

Looking at Reddit discussions and owner reviews in English-speaking and European communities, the sentiment around the Peugeot 2008 is largely positive, with some consistent themes.

What drivers love:

• Design and interior feel: Many owners say they chose the 2008 because it looked and felt more premium inside and out compared with similarly priced rivals. The ambient lighting and materials on higher trims in particular get praise.
• Comfortable, quiet drive: For daily driving and moderate motorway use, owners frequently report that the 2008 is comfortable, refined, and reasonably quiet for a small SUV.
• City-friendly size: People moving from larger cars or traditional hatchbacks like that the 2008 feels easy to park and navigate in urban environments, while sitting a bit higher than a typical compact car.
• E-2008 smoothness: Drivers of the electric version appreciate the quiet, instant torque and the way it makes short commutes and errands feel effortless.

Where owners see room for improvement:

• Infotainment speed and usability: Some users on forums say the touchscreen in certain model years can feel a bit sluggish or menu-heavy, especially compared with smartphone standards. Once configured, most find it usable, but its not universally loved.
• Space vs. bigger SUVs: While roomy for its class, its still a compact crossover. Tall rear passengers and families with bulky child seats sometimes wish for just a bit more rear space.
• E-2008 range concerns: Electric owners note that range is fine for city and mixed use, but long highway trips require more planning, especially in colder climates. This is common for many small EVs.

Overall, the tone from actual drivers isnt, This is the perfect car, but more, I genuinely enjoy using this every day and I love how it looks. That alone is a meaningful differentiator in a segment that often feels purely functional.

Alternatives vs. Peugeot 2008

So how does the Peugeot 2008 stack up against the rest of the small SUV world?

• Volkswagen T-Cross / Taigo: VWs small SUVs are strong on practicality and have a straightforward, no-surprises character. They often win on perceived build robustness, but their interiors and design dont usually evoke the same emotional response as the 2008s more daring cabin and exterior.
• Renault Captur: Another French rival with a focus on comfort and customization. The Captur is spacious and family-friendly, but if you care about a more driver-focused cockpit and distinctive lighting/signature styling, the Peugeot often feels more special.
• Ford Puma: Considered one of the most fun-to-drive small crossovers, the Puma leans sportier in handling. However, its design and cabin may feel less premium to some, and the Peugeots i-Cockpit layout and electric option give it a different, more tech-forward appeal.
• Hyundai Kona / Kia Stonic: Korean rivals often win on warranty and value-for-money packs, plus strong tech. But again, styling is more conservative compared with the 2008s bold, almost concept-car lines and Peugeot-specific cockpit experience.

If your priority list is: practical, reliable transport at the lowest possible cost, there are rivals that might edge the 2008 on pure value equations in some markets. If your list reads more like: something thats practical and looks great, with a nice interior I want to sit in, plus an electric option, the Peugeot 2008 arguably lands right in the sweet spot.

Final Verdict

The Peugeot 2008 isnt trying to be all things to all people, and thats why it works. Its aimed squarely at drivers who are tired of anonymous boxes on wheels and want a compact SUV that feels like it has a point of view.

It solves the daily grind problem: its small enough for the city, big enough for your life, comfortable enough for real-world commutes, and stylish enough that youll look back at it when you park. The available electric E-2008 option adds a forward-looking angle if youre ready to embrace battery power for urban and suburban duty.

Are there compromises? Sure. The rear space wont rival a mid-size SUV, and the infotainment experience in some versions wont blow your mind if you live on your phone. But when you weigh design, tech, driving feel, and everyday usability together, the 2008 comes across as one of the most emotionally satisfying choices in the small SUV universe.

If youre shopping in this segment, the smartest next step is simple: book a test drive, try the i-Cockpit for yourself, and decide whether youre ready for a compact SUV that doesnt just fit your life  it elevates it a little, every time you turn the wheel.