Peugeot 3008 review

Overview

The second-generation 3008 transformed Peugeot's awkward former crossover into one of the most recognisable family SUVs of its era. Sold in the UK from 2017 to 2024, it combined a sharply styled body with the dramatic i-Cockpit dashboard, strong cabin quality and a large boot. A 2020 facelift changed the nose and screens without altering the core package. Our selected 1.5 BlueHDi 130 Allure EAT8 can be an economical long-distance choice, but it carries an unusually important condition: Peugeot and the DVSA document a campaign concerning premature camshaft-chain wear on certain 1.5 diesels. Recommendation depends on verified VIN status and remedy evidence.

Exterior and interior

Pre-facelift cars wear a restrained grille; the later version adopts fang-like daytime lights and a frameless-looking front treatment. Both have balanced proportions and look less utilitarian than many family SUVs. Inside, a small steering wheel sits below a high digital instrument display, with metallic shortcut keys and a driver-angled centre screen creating genuine theatre. Materials and seat comfort are strong for the class. The layout is also polarising: some drivers cannot see the instruments without placing the wheel uncomfortably low, and routine ventilation adjustments live in the touchscreen. A long test drive is essential because seating geometry cannot be judged from photographs or specification lists.

Practicality

A square 520-litre boot is one of the 3008's best features. The adjustable floor can reduce the loading step or hide smaller items, the rear backrests fold from the luggage area on many versions and the resulting space is long enough for substantial family loads. Rear legroom and headroom are competitive, the floor is almost flat and two outer Isofix positions are straightforward to reach. Door bins and the deep centre console swallow everyday clutter. The powered tailgate found on some higher specifications is useful rather than necessary. Plug-in hybrids sacrifice underfloor space, so their figures should not be confused with this conventional diesel's capacity.

Driving experience

The 3008 is tuned as a relaxed family car. It rides most roads comfortably, remains stable at motorway speed and turns more eagerly than its upright body suggests because the compact steering wheel makes inputs feel quick. That same response can initially feel nervous, and the steering supplies less natural feedback than the best handling rivals. Large wheels make sharp potholes more obvious, so an Allure on sensible tyres is preferable to choosing appearance alone. Wind and engine noise are controlled at a cruise, where the diesel and EAT8 work best. Visibility is good ahead; the rising rear body makes parking sensors and the camera worthwhile.

Performance

The 1.5 BlueHDi produces 131 hp and a useful 300 Nm, paired here with an eight-speed automatic. A quoted 11.5 seconds to 62 mph is unremarkable, yet the torque allows calm motorway merging and fewer downshifts when carrying passengers than the number suggests. The EAT8 is generally smooth, though it can hesitate before selecting a lower ratio. This drivetrain is chosen for distance and economy, not urban response or sport. Earlier 1.6 and 2.0 diesels, PureTech petrols and later plug-in hybrids differ substantially. Buyers should not transfer this review's performance, reliability warning or suitability score to another engine simply because the trim also says Allure.

Fuel economy

The exact 1.5 BlueHDi Allure EAT8 specification records 53.3 mpg combined, with an equipment-dependent WLTP span of roughly 45.6–54.3 mpg and 143 g/km of CO₂. Steady long journeys play to the diesel's strengths and can make high-40s consumption a reasonable planning figure. Repeated short urban use is a poor match: economy falls and the emissions system has fewer opportunities to complete the hot running it needs. AdBlue is required and belongs in the operating budget. Compare official figures using the same test regime, and remember that wheel size, temperature, load, traffic and regeneration events can all alter an individual tank's result.

Reliability

Reliability is the decisive caveat. Peugeot says certain 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023 may suffer premature camshaft-chain wear; the UK recall record R/2025/246 describes software analysis, oil work, inspection and chain replacement where required. Peugeot also describes conditional special coverage up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. Our 3.2 score is therefore deliberately cautious, while evidence confidence is good because the issue is manufacturer- and government-documented. Before purchase, check the VIN directly with Peugeot, demand written campaign completion, inspect service invoices and confirm the correct oil. Walk away if history is vague, a warning is active or abnormal chain noise is present.

Safety

Euro NCAP awarded the 3008 and related 5008 five stars under the 2016 protocol, with 86% adult, 85% child, 67% pedestrian and 58% safety-assist scores. The archived rating has expired as protocols advanced, so it should be presented as a period result rather than a current five-star retest. Autonomous emergency braking availability and other assistance differed by trim and options, although later cars received broader standard equipment. Inspect the windscreen camera area, tyres and evidence of body repair, then confirm every warning lamp clears. The tall stance and assistance systems do not overcome poor tyres, distracted driving or an incorrectly fitted child seat.

Technology and features

Allure's appeal includes the configurable digital instrument display and, on the referenced later car, a ten-inch centre screen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cruise control, parking sensors and a reversing camera add everyday value. The metallic piano-key shortcuts are useful, but temperature and fan changes still take extra screen interaction. Early cars used a smaller display and equipment evolved around the facelift, so test the exact vehicle. Connect both types of phone, check the camera for a clear image, verify navigation and Bluetooth, and touch every shortcut. A frozen screen or missing advertised feature should be resolved before purchase, not accepted as normal.

Running costs

Insurance group 21E is typical rather than cheap for a 131 hp family SUV. Our annual estimate allows for fuel, scheduled servicing, tax, MOT, AdBlue and normal wear at typical mileage, excluding insurance, finance, depreciation and major failures. Eighteen-inch tyres are preferable to the largest sizes for cost and comfort. The standard warranty was three years or 60,000 miles, but manufacturer special coverage for the documented chain issue has separate eligibility, maintenance and diagnosis conditions; it is not a blanket used-car warranty. Owners should retain every invoice. A diesel bought cheaply for short school-run use can prove less economical overall than a suitable petrol or hybrid alternative.

Advantages and disadvantages