• One mild-hybrid model available
• Plug-in hybrid model to follow
• Better to drive than electric e-3008

Hybrid engines

If you’re interested in the electric version, we’ve covered that in a separate e-3008 review. Our focus here is on the hybrid versions, with a mild-hybrid now available and a plug-in hybrid expected to follow in 2025. 

The 3008’s mild-hybrid petrol engine is shared with a whole range of models from Stellantis, and is a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol paired with a small electric motor and 0.9kWh battery. It develops 136hp and 230Nm of torque (pulling power), and is paired to a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, with drive sent to the front wheels. There is no manual gearbox available on this new 3008. Accelerating to 62mph takes 10.2 seconds, and it would hit a top speed of 125mph if given the opportunity. 

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Peugeot previously offered a plug-in hybrid version on the 3008, and this will return but not until 2025. Expect it to be available with four-wheel-drive again but with a much longer electric range. 

What’s it like to drive?

• Better to drive than the electric model
• More comfortable 
• Good body control for an SUV

We were left disappointed by the driving experience of the electric e-3008. It felt cumbersome and heavy to drive as if little had been done to compensate for the extra weight of its big battery. 

The mild-hybrid 3008 is hardly a featherweight at just shy of 1.6 tonnes, but is a remarkable 535kg lighter than the electric model, and unsurprisingly is a big improvement to drive as a result. It feels much more agile, and while we’d not go as far as to say it’s fun, the combination of a small steering wheel and excellent body control with next to no roll in a corner (impressive for an SUV) makes it a big improvement. 

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Though the 1.2-litre mild-hybrid engine can spend a decent amount of time turned off while coasting or under very light acceleration, it lacks the refinement and sophistication you get from a Volkswagen Tiguan and its 1.5-litre mild-hybrid engine. The gearbox is also quite dim-witted, particularly if you try to put your foot down to overtake or out of a slower corner where we found you’re met with real hesitancy. Switching into the ‘sport’ drive mode makes a big difference to the gearbox’s responsiveness but results in using more fuel. 

The big weight saving also makes a considerable difference to the way the 3008 rides, as for the most part it’s comfortable and supple, not having the tendency to crash over bumps like the electric model. It’s generally quite refined, helped by a standard acoustic windscreen that helps reduce road noise, but on a rougher stretch of road the vibrations from the surface are quite pronounced.