Full guide to the 2016-2023 Peugeot 3008: facelift changes, cabin, 520-litre boot, PureTech and BlueHDi engines, common faults, safety and trim kit.
Please note: this guide covers the second-generation Peugeot 3008 (2016 to 2023, facelifted in 2021) using 2023-2024 data. An all-new third-generation 3008 has since replaced it, so this is most useful if you're buying a nearly-new or used example.
The second-generation 3008 was the car that changed people's minds about Peugeot. It took a fairly anonymous crossover and turned it into one of the sportiest-looking family SUVs on sale, with a cabin that felt a class above. It also sold in huge numbers, so there are plenty of used examples around. This guide explains what changed over its life, which engine to choose and what to check before you buy.
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| Second-generation 3008 | |
|---|---|
| Platform | EMP2 |
| Launched | 2016 |
| Facelift | 2021 |
| Replaced by | All-new third-generation 3008 (from 2024) |
| Rivals | Volkswagen Tiguan, Citroën C5 Aircross, Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage |
The update was mostly about the front end. The 3008 lettering moved onto the grille, and a new grille with chrome detailing continues beneath the headlights, and the new lion badge sits front and centre. LED headlights became standard across all trims, with "lion's fang" daytime running lights incorporating the indicators. Some angular vents in the headlight clusters look like air intakes but are purely decorative.
Lighting by trim (2023-2024): Active Prime and Allure models get LED headlights, while GT Selection and GT models upgrade to full LED units with static cornering lights that illuminate the inside of a bend. At the rear, the tail lights are LED but the indicators remain halogen.
Wheels: Active Prime and Allure ride on 18-inch "Los Angeles" alloys with 225/55 R18 tyres; the GT gets 19-inch "San Francisco" wheels, which give the 3008 a more aggressive stance.
Even years after launch, the 3008's interior hasn't dated badly. Peugeot's i-Cockpit layout places the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster high up, viewed over a compact steering wheel that's flattened at the top and bottom so you can see the dials more easily. Satin chrome "piano key" switches give quick access to the main touchscreen functions, and blue ambient lighting glows beneath the instrument panel and across the centre console.
Upholstery options range from cloth on lower trims through part-leather to leather and Alcantara on the GT, with distinctive stitching and perforated panels featuring the new Peugeot logo. You could also pay extra for Nappa leather, including a vivid red option for something more eye-catching.
The driver's seat on upper trims is electrically adjustable, with memory, heating and massage. The front passenger seat, however, has no electric adjustment, which feels stingy at this price. Most surfaces feel premium, though you'll find some hard plastics lower down.
Rear passengers get plenty of space, and the car works well as a family SUV. Cars with the panoramic sunroof have a slightly lower headlining.
The boot holds 520 litres and the floor can be set completely flat. Lift it and you'll find extra underfloor storage (handy for bike accessories), plus a 12V socket in the boot. The one weak spot is the single boot light on the left-hand side, which doesn't light the space very well.
Higher trims have a powered tailgate that you can open hands-free by sweeping your foot under the rear bumper with the key in your pocket. Lower trims make do with a manual tailgate.
The 3008 was offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, although the line-up was trimmed back significantly later in its life in some markets.
In my view 130 hp is adequate rather than generous for a car of this size. If you don't drive particularly fast and you want a comfortable family car, it'll do the job; if you want a bit more pace, look for the 1.6 petrol.
With the EAT8 automatic, expect around 6 l/100 km on a long run and around 7 l/100 km in town. Drive enthusiastically and that can climb to 8-9 l/100 km.
The 3008 handles in a balanced, reassuring way and rides comfortably both in town and on long journeys. The EAT8 eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly and helps fuel economy. Selected versions offered Advanced Grip Control, which adapts the traction control for snow, mud or sand and works with special tyres and Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC). It isn't a true four-wheel-drive system, but it's a real help on slippery tracks and grassy fields.
Early production cars had more issues, and many were resolved on later models. Problems reported by owners include:
Electrics - Intermittent faults with parking sensors, navigation, the alarm and central locking. Most are fixed with a software update. - ABS/ESP warning lights, usually caused by a faulty wheel speed sensor.
Engine - Variable valve timing solenoid failures on older VTi and THP petrol engines, which can bring on the engine warning light and occasionally cause stalling. - Ignition coil failures on petrol engines, causing misfires. - Carbon build-up in the inlet manifold and on the valves of petrol engines.
Transmission - Automatic gearbox issues, mainly on 2017-onwards cars: erratic shifts and vibration are early signs. - Manual gearboxes are durable, but a clutch and flywheel replacement can be expensive.
Emissions and other areas - AdBlue system faults on diesels, where incorrect sensor readings trigger the engine management light and reduced power. - Check the air conditioning works properly before buying. - Occasional vibration from the front axle and minor suspension issues.
A full service history and a check for outstanding software updates are your best protection. If a light comes on, our guides to Peugeot 3008 red warnings and orange warnings explain what each one means.
The 3008 scored five stars when Euro NCAP tested it (together with the 5008) in 2016. Euro NCAP ratings expire after six years, so that result is now listed as out of date. See the Euro NCAP results page.
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| Feature | Active Prime | Allure | GT |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESP, traction control, hill start assist | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Front, side and curtain airbags (passenger airbag can be disabled) | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| ISOFIX (front passenger and rear seats) | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Active lane departure warning | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Distance alert and automatic emergency braking | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Extended traffic sign recognition | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Cruise control and speed limiter | Standard | Standard | Not fitted |
| Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go | Not fitted | Not fitted | Standard |
| Lane positioning assist | Not fitted | Not fitted | Standard |
| Driver attention alert | Level 1 | Level 3 | Level 3 |
| Blind-spot monitoring | Not fitted | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic high beam | Not fitted | Standard | Standard |
| Grip Control with HADC | Standard | Standard | Optional |
| Night Vision | Not available | Not available | Optional |
The optional Night Vision system uses an infrared camera to spot pedestrians and animals in the dark. It highlights hazards with a yellow box on the instrument display and can contribute to braking if needed.
Multimedia: an 8-inch touchscreen, or a 10-inch HD screen with 3D navigation and voice control on higher trims; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; wireless charging; two USB ports behind the centre console; three 12V sockets; and an optional 515-watt, 10-speaker Focal hi-fi system.
Comfort and convenience: 12.3-inch digital instruments (Onyx-style on some versions), keyless entry and start, an electric parking brake, dual-zone climate control, rain and light sensors, an auto-dimming (frameless on some trims) mirror, a reclining front passenger seat, front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, a front camera and automatic parking.
Exterior: a gloss-black Black Diamond roof with black A-pillars and mirrors, a panoramic opening sunroof with electric blind, roof bars, tinted rear windows, a chrome rear bumper strip, chrome exhaust finishers and protective cladding around the arches and sills.
Pros: sporty, modern looks; a comfortable, high-quality cabin; a large 520-litre boot with clever storage; strong safety and driver-assistance kit (especially on GT models).
Cons: 130 hp feels modest for the size; pricier than many rivals; some hard plastics; no electric adjustment for the passenger seat; powered tailgate only on upper trims; the small steering wheel isn't for everyone.
The second-generation 3008 remains a stylish, practical and comfortable family SUV, and as a used buy it offers a lot of car for the money. Go for a well-maintained diesel or a 1.6 petrol if you can, check the known fault areas above, and you'll have a family car that still looks and feels special. It's a little more expensive than some rivals, but it's easy to see why so many people chose one.
For help with the dashboard, see our guide to Peugeot 3008 blue and green warning lamps.
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