Peugeot 3008 Review: The Tech-Savvy Family SUV Everyone’s Suddenly Talking About

You know that moment when you climb into your car after a long day, look around the tired plastics, outdated screen and rumbling engine and think: this can’t be it? Commuting becomes a chore, family trips feel cramped, and every gas station stop is a reminder that your vehicle is stuck in the past.

Modern SUVs promise to fix all that, but too many of them feel like the same anonymous box: sensible, yes, but boring. You want comfort, tech and efficiency without feeling like you just bought an appliance.

That is exactly the gap the Peugeot 3008 is trying to fill.

The Peugeot 3008 takes the humble family SUV and gives it a sense of occasion. From the moment you sit behind its distinctive i-Cockpit dash and tiny steering wheel, it feels different: more like a concept car that made it into your driveway than another school-run shuttle.

Why this specific model?

The current-generation Peugeot 3008 (and its latest evolution for 2024/2025 in many markets) is Peugeot’s answer to a crowded compact SUV segment dominated by the Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4. Instead of trying to out-volume them, Peugeot goes for something more emotional: design, driver-focused tech and a refined interior that punches above its price.

On the official manufacturer site at Peugeot.de, the 3008 is positioned as a bold, high-tech SUV with:

• Distinctive exterior styling with sharp lines, frameless grille and Peugeot’s claw-style LED lighting.
• The Peugeot i-Cockpit layout: compact steering wheel, elevated digital driver display and a large central touchscreen (depending on trim and market) for navigation, media and vehicle settings.
• Efficient powertrains, including petrol and plug-in hybrid variants in many regions, aimed at lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
• Advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition and automatic emergency braking (equipment varies by trim and market).

The headline specs are only half the story, though. What matters is how they translate into your daily routine:

• City driving: The relatively compact footprint makes parking easier than in bulkier SUVs, while the high seating position still gives you that commanding view you want.
• Commuting: With plug-in hybrid versions (where available), you can do short daily journeys on electric power only, cutting fuel bills and emissions.
• Family life: A clever, square-shaped trunk and split-folding rear seats make it simple to throw in strollers, groceries or sports gear.
• Road trips: Supportive seats, good sound insulation and a refined suspension tune mean less fatigue on long drives.

Compared with many rivals, the Peugeot 3008 feels genuinely premium inside for the money. Soft-touch materials, ambient lighting and a dashboard design that looks more boutique lounge than budget SUV make every drive feel a little more special.

At a Glance: The Facts

Feature	User Benefit
Peugeot i-Cockpit with compact steering wheel and digital cluster	More engaging driving position, easy-to-read information and a futuristic feel without a steep learning curve.
Available plug-in hybrid powertrain (varies by market)	Short daily trips on electric power, reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, especially attractive for city commuters.
Advanced safety and driver assistance systems	Adaptive cruise, lane-keeping support and emergency braking enhance safety and reduce fatigue on long drives.
Spacious trunk and flexible rear seats	Easy to accommodate luggage, strollers, bikes or DIY gear while still having room for passengers.
High-quality interior materials and ambient lighting	A more premium, calming cabin experience that makes daily commutes and trips feel less like a grind.
Modern infotainment with large central touchscreen	Access navigation, music and smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto availability varies) with a clean, modern interface.
Distinctive exterior styling with LED lighting	Stand-out look in parking lots and on the road; you drive something that feels unique rather than anonymous.

What Users Are Saying

Look at community discussions and Reddit threads about the Peugeot 3008 and a clear pattern emerges: owners tend to be pleasantly surprised by how upmarket it feels and how composed it is on the road.

What people love:

• Interior quality: Many users comment that the cabin feels comparable to or better than some traditional premium brands, especially in higher trims.
• Design: Both exterior and interior styling regularly earn praise. The 3008 is often described as one of the best-looking compact SUVs on sale.
• Comfort and refinement: Owners highlight the comfortable seats and quiet cabin, making it a relaxed cruiser for both city and highway driving.
• Efficiency (for hybrids): Plug-in hybrid drivers report low fuel consumption on mixed or city-heavy routes, provided they keep the battery charged.

Common complaints and caveats:

• Infotainment responsiveness: Some users feel the touchscreen can be a bit laggy or unintuitive until you get used to Peugeot’s interface.
• Rear space vs. the biggest rivals: While family-friendly, a few owners point out that models like the Skoda Karoq or Hyundai Tucson can be roomier in the back.
• Small steering wheel ergonomics: The unique i-Cockpit layout is not for everyone. A minority of drivers mention needing time to adjust to the tiny steering wheel and high-set dials.
• Real-world EV range (plug-in hybrids): As usual with PHEVs, electric-only range can be noticeably lower than optimistic lab figures, especially in cold weather or at highway speeds.

Overall sentiment, though, leans positive: the Peugeot 3008 is often recommended on forums to buyers who want something more stylish and interesting than the usual suspects, without going full luxury-brand pricing.

It is worth noting that Peugeot is part of Stellantis N.V., a global automotive group listed under ISIN: NL00150001Q9, which brings scale, shared technology and broad service networks behind the 3008.

Alternatives vs. Peugeot 3008

The compact SUV segment is brutally competitive. Here is how the Peugeot 3008 typically stacks up against key rivals:

• Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan is the benchmark for practicality and understated quality. It usually offers more conservative styling but slightly more rear-seat and cargo space. If you want something sensible and familiar, the VW remains strong, but it lacks the visual drama and cabin design flair of the 3008.
• Hyundai Tucson / Kia Sportage: These Korean SUVs offer excellent value, long warranties and lots of tech. They often beat the 3008 on equipment-per-dollar, but many shoppers find Peugeot’s interior ambiance and driving feel more special.
• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4, particularly in hybrid form, is a reliability and efficiency hero. However, its interior and ride can feel more utilitarian. If bulletproof durability is your top priority, Toyota is a safe bet; if you want to enjoy the design and cabin every day, the 3008 has the edge.
• Skoda Karoq / SEAT Ateca: The Skoda and SEAT cousins are packaging masters with clever storage and roomy interiors. The 3008 gives up a bit of sheer space but wins back points for originality and perceived luxury.

In short, the Peugeot 3008 is not the absolute king of rear legroom or the cheapest to buy. Instead, it aims to be the SUV you actually look forward to sitting in and driving — and that is where it convincingly outshines many competitors.

Final Verdict

If you are tired of cars that treat you like a passenger in your own life, the Peugeot 3008 is a refreshing alternative. It solves everyday pain points — comfort, tech, efficiency, safety — while adding something mainstream SUVs often forget: personality.

You get an SUV that looks great on your driveway, feels almost boutique inside and still ticks the rational boxes of practicality and economy, especially in plug-in hybrid form where available. Yes, the infotainment could be snappier and rear space is not class-leading, but for many buyers those trade-offs are worth it for the overall experience.

For drivers who want an SUV that is more than just transportation — a car that turns every school run, commute or weekend escape into a small moment of enjoyment — the Peugeot 3008 deserves a spot at the top of your test-drive list. Visit the official site at Peugeot.de or your local dealer, sit in that i-Cockpit, and see if you do not immediately start imagining longer, more interesting routes home.