Peugeot 3008 vs Peugeot 5008 – Which is Better?

Looking to drive a Peugeot but can’t decide between the 3008 and 5008? In their current guises, both cars are just a couple of years old – the French manufacturer unveiled the second generation of the 3008 and 5008 in 2017.

They may differ in size, but with their distinctive styling and off-road capabilities (both are crossover SUVs), the Peugeots have a lot in common. In fact, they share 70% of their parts. So how are you supposed to choose between them? 

This guide will compare the performance, practicality, reliability, green credentials, design and comfort of the SUVs. Read on to find out whether the Peugeot 3008 or 5008 is better for you. 

Performance

Although both cars are sold as sport utility vehicles (SUVs), the smaller size of the 3008 does mean you’ll notice a few of the bigger bumps or potholes in the road. Fortunately, the 5008 is much better at absorbing rough tracks. Best of all, both cars come with Advanced Grip Control with a number of different settings to cope with and overcome road conditions like mud, ice and snow that would normally require a 4WD.

With a 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine, the 3008 can go from 0 to 62mph in 10.8 seconds and has a top speed of 117mph. The slowest 5008 available – the BlueHDi 100 – takes 13.8 seconds to reach 62mph and has a top speed of 108mph. The most powerful – the BlueHDi 180 – can cut this time to 9.1 seconds and maxes out at 131mph. 

So, which is better? 

Overall, the 5008 performs better as an SUV. When compared to the 3008, its most powerful models are also nimbler for their size. 

Practicality 

The main difference between the 3008 and 5008 is in their capacities. A pair of extra seats in the boot of the 5008 makes it a deceptively spacious 7-seater, although tall passengers might be cramped in the back seats. If you’re likely to have more than five people in your car on a regular basis, this alone makes the 5008 a more practical choice. 

As a medium SUV, the 3008’s 591 litres of boot capacity is impressive. There is storage throughout – including cubbies, cupholders and USB ports – and Isofix points to secure child seats in the middle row. With the two back seats down, the 5008 has 952 litres of boot space and Isofix points in the middle row of seats. 

So, which is better? 

The extra capacity of the 5008 makes it more practical, but only if you need the space. 

Reliability 

When it comes to safety features, both the 3008 and 5008 has it covered. In 2016, the 3008 gained a five-star safety rating after being crash-tested by Euro NCAP, thanks to features such as automatic emergency breaking, lane keep assist and traction control system.

Other than its extra length and seating, the 5008 is structurally identical to the 3008. Euro NCAP confirmed that with additional tests to give it the same rating as the originally tested 3008.

These features clearly translate to customer satisfaction. The 2019 Driver Power survey ranked the Peugeot 3008 as the seventh best car to own in the UK (after the Skoda Kodiaq). The survey asked motorists to rate factors such as handling, acceleration and frequency of faults. Within a year of ownership, only 15.1% of Peugeot 3008 drivers experienced a problem.

So, which is better? 

The 3008 and 5008 are pretty much neck and neck in terms of safety, both offering excellent peace of mind to drivers and passengers.

Engine and green credentials

Peugeot claims its engines are more CO2 efficient than those of its similarly sized rivals. The figures for the 5008 vary depending on whether you have a petrol or diesel engine – the manufacturer quotes 188g/mile of emissions for petrol engines and 170g/mile for diesel. 

You have a choice of four engines with the 3008, two petrol and two diesel. These range from 130hp (the most economical) to 180hp (the fastest). Peugeot complies with EU emission standards and most 3008 models can be specified with a turbocharged 1.2 litre petrol three-cylinder or 1.5 litre four-cylinder engine. 

So, which is better? 

It’s a draw. Both models have some of the most efficient engines for their size on the market. 

Design and comfort 

The Peugeot 5008 has one of the best ratios of external size to interior space of any 7-seater SUV. When compared to the 3008, the extra 165mm between its wheels means there is additional legroom for those in the middle row of seats. These reclining seats can be moved independently of each other, both forwards – to give passengers in the back row more room – and backwards.

Dimensions in the front seats are practically identical in both the 3008 and 5008. The driver has approximately 32 inches of leg room and 36 inches of head room, even with the high driving position. Both cabins, which Peugeot refers to as i-Cockpits, have small steering wheels, which might take some getting used to, and a mix of analogue and digital controls. 

So, which is better? 

The Peugeot 5008’s extra space and better suspension make it a more comfortable drive – especially if you venture outside the city.