Peugeot 3008 vs 5008 – which is best?

But which one to pick? The Peugeot 3008 and Peugeot 5008 both have a stunning interior, plenty of space, and a choice of hybrid and long-range electric offerings.

We’ll compare the new 3008 and 5008 first. Further down the page we’ve got a section on the previous-shape models which are cheaper to buy.

Peugeot 3008 vs 5008 compared

Styling and design

Peugeot has form in creating some of the boldest SUVs on the market, and both of these cars have a daring front end with claw-like LED lights and intricate grille detailing. Further back, the 3008 has a rakish coupe-like roofline, which really adds to the car’s style factor. It looks meaner and sleeker than the previous 3008. Having to fit seven seats in the 5008 means it’s still boxy, but it’s undeniably stylish for such a large car.

Interior

Taking centre stage in both the 3008 and 5008 is a vast 21-inch screen that crushes together a touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The whole one-panel display seems to float above the beautifully tactile fabric-clad dashboard, which also features an additional touch panel that can be used to control the main touchscreen. So lovely seeing a baby touchscreen in the wild!

If we’re being picky, the fabric patches are clearly covering up some cheap and scratchy plastics, while the Y-shaped central spar makes it difficult for the driver to reach the storage cubby and USBs.

Dimensions and practicality

This is where the big difference is. The Peugeot 5008 comes with seven seats as standard, and the rearmost seats are big enough for adults. Even if you use the 5008 as a five seater for most of the time, it’s probably a better-value buy than the 3008 – just look at the vast difference in the boot space figures. Also, the 5008 has three same-sized rear seats, while the 3008 has a smaller middle seat, so the 5008 is the better choice for five adults.

Okay, sure, the 3008 will be easier to squeeze into a car parking space, and it makes no sense that the 5008 only comes with two Isofix points – the old car had three across the middle row, while smaller Peugeots get a third set on the front passenger seat.

Engines and performance

As you might expect, both of these cars have the same engine options, but they perform better in the smaller and lighter 3008. Kicking off the range is a 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol with 136hp, which is punchy in a Peugeot 208 or Vauxhall Corsa but strained in the huge 5008 – even with just two of the seats filled. This engine is noticeably sprightlier in the 3008, and it’s likely to be the most popular choice. 

Next up is a plug-in hybrid with around 50 miles of range, and above that is a pair of fully electric options. With batteries that are either big or huge, you’re guaranteed a long range – 326 miles in the standard e-3008, and a class-leading 435 miles in 97kWh battery versions (take 20-ish miles off for the e-5008).

The electric powertrains add over half a tonne of weight compared with the mild-hybrid petrol, so fast cornering is likely to result in your passengers reaching for the sick bag. All versions of the 3008 and 5008 are better sampled by driving more sedately.

Value

Neither of these cars is the cheapest in their respective class, but the 5008 seems better value than the 3008 because it’s not much more expensive in the grand scheme of things – and adds two extra seats and a much bigger boot.

If you’re comparing the electric versions, we’d definitely plump for the smaller 73kWh battery. It has enough range for almost any daily driving situation, and its 160kW fast-charging capability means a 30-minute top-up from 20-80% at a powerful enough public chargepoint.

Used Peugeot 3008 vs 5008

The last-shape 3008 and 5008 certainly aren’t outdated choices – they still have an interior full of flair and eye-catching styling. Engine choices are petrol or diesel, and there are manual gearbox options if you’re into shifting your own gears. A used 3008 or 5008 makes a really shrewd buy if you’re not bothered about electrified engines or the very latest infotainment screen.

As we’ve mentioned, the older 5008 gets three Isofix points, across a rear-seat bench with three same-sized seats. You don’t get this in the 3008, so the bigger car is better for carrying kids.

Which is best?

Considering that there’s not a huge difference in price between the 3008 and 5008, the latter represents the best value for its extra seats and space.

However, if you know you won’t need the extra space, the slightly cheaper 3008 is the more stylish choice – it really cuts a dash against the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga.

Read our Peugeot 3008 review and Peugeot 5008 review for more information or, if you’ve made your mind up, shop our exciting selection of used Peugeot 3008 and used Peugeot 5008 cars for sale.