Peugeot 2008 Review: The Small SUV That Finally Makes City Driving Feel Big-League
12.01.2026 - 08:49:17
Rush-hour traffic. Tight parking spaces. Rising fuel prices. And yet, you still want a car that feels like a reward, not a rolling compromise. Most small SUVs promise it all, then hit you with a harsh ride, bland interior, or tech that feels two generations old.
If that sounds familiar, you're exactly who Peugeot is aiming at.
The Peugeot 2008 steps into this crowded compact SUV segment with a clear pitch: you can have bold design, grown-up comfort, and real-world efficiency in a package that still fits every underground garage and supermarket slot you throw at it. This latest generation (including the recent 2023/2024 facelift) is Peugeot's most confident small SUV yet, and it shows.
The Solution: What the Peugeot 2008 Is Really Trying to Fix
Peugeot knows the typical small SUV owner is tired of feeling short-changed. You want:
- A higher driving position without feeling like you're piloting a bus.
- Family-ready practicality that doesn't scream "family car" from 50 meters away.
- Modern tech that looks and feels like your smartphone life, not an afterthought.
- Fuel bills that don't punish you for wanting a bit of style.
The Peugeot 2008 attacks those pain points with a sharp, almost concept-car exterior, a surprisingly upmarket interior, and a choice of refined petrol and fully electric powertrains (the e-2008) depending on your market. On Peugeot's official site, the 2008 is positioned as a compact SUV with up to around 434 liters of boot space, a high seating position, and the brand's trademark i-Cockpit layout with a compact steering wheel and elevated digital cluster.
Why this specific model?
In a world overflowing with small SUVs, why would you pick the Peugeot 2008 over something like a Volkswagen T-Cross, Hyundai Kona, or Renault Captur? Because the 2008 doesn't just try to be "practical and sensible". It actually makes you want to drive it.
Design that doesn't blend in
Peugeot has leaned hard into its new design language, and the 2008 benefits massively. The vertical "lion fang" LED running lights at the front (and claw-like rear lamps on recent models) give it a distinctive face you can spot instantly in a parking lot sea of grey crossovers. The crisp body creases, floating-style roofline and big wheel options make it feel more premium than many badge rivals.
The i-Cockpit: Love it or learn it
Inside, the 2008 goes in a different direction than the typical "flat screen, flat dashboard" formula. You get Peugeot's i-Cockpit: a compact, low-set steering wheel with the instruments mounted high, so you look over the wheel, not through it. In higher trims, that instrument cluster becomes a 3D digital display that subtly layers information for depth.
On paper it sounds odd, and on Reddit you'll find plenty of debate: drivers either adapt in the first few days and love the "go-kart" feel, or they struggle to find the perfect seating position. But many owners say once you dial it in, it's comfortable and makes the car feel more agile than its SUV shape suggests.
Real-world engines and an EV option
Depending on your market, the 2008 range typically offers:
- Efficient 3-cylinder turbo petrol engines (around 100–130 hp) focused on low fuel consumption and city drivability.
- Automatic or manual transmissions, with the auto praised in many user reviews for smoothness in everyday use.
- A fully electric variant, the e-2008, with improved range in the latest update, aimed at urban and suburban commuters who want to cut fuel entirely.
Users on forums and Reddit threads often highlight the petrol models as smooth, quiet, and surprisingly punchy for their size. The e-2008, meanwhile, is frequently praised for refinement and silent running, though some wish for even longer range compared with newer EV rivals.
Comfort without float
Where some budget crossovers feel brittle over potholes or too soft on the highway, the 2008 finds a nuanced middle: notably comfortable in town, yet composed on longer journeys. Owners commonly mention that it feels "like a bigger car" on the highway, with good noise isolation and stable handling.
At a Glance: The Facts
| Feature | User Benefit |
|---|---|
| Compact SUV dimensions (approx. 4.3 m length) | Easy to park and thread through city streets while still feeling like a "proper" SUV. |
| High driving position with Peugeot i-Cockpit | Better view of the road and a more engaging, "cockpit-like" feeling behind the wheel. |
| Boot space around 434 L (depending on version) | Enough room for weekly groceries, strollers, luggage or outdoor gear without folding seats. |
| Available 3D digital instrument cluster and large central touchscreen | At-a-glance driving info and modern infotainment that mirrors your digital life. |
| Efficient petrol and fully electric (e-2008) options | Choose between low running costs with fuel or zero tailpipe emissions with the EV. |
| Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) | Helps reduce fatigue and improve safety with features like lane keeping and adaptive cruise (trim-dependent). |
| Striking "lion fang" LED signature lighting | Stand-out road presence and improved visibility in poor conditions. |
What Users Are Saying
Scour owner reviews and Reddit discussions of the Peugeot 2008 and a clear pattern emerges.
The big positives:
- Design and interior quality are easily the most celebrated aspects. Many buyers say they chose the 2008 after cross-shopping more conservative rivals simply because it looks and feels special inside and out.
- Comfort and refinement get consistent praise, especially on longer trips. Road and wind noise suppression feels a notch above the cheaper end of the crossover market.
- Real-world efficiency of the small petrol engines impresses many, especially in mixed driving. The e-2008 is applauded for smoothness and quietness.
- Technology and features – particularly in higher trims – feel more premium than its size category would suggest.
The recurring complaints:
- Infotainment responsiveness on some model years is sometimes described as laggy, with owners wishing for quicker, more intuitive menus.
- i-Cockpit ergonomics can divide opinion; some shorter or taller drivers report that they struggle to position the wheel without obscuring part of the cluster.
- Rear space is generally considered decent, but not class-leading, especially if you regularly carry tall adults in the back.
- The e-2008's driving range (depending on battery generation) is occasionally critiqued as adequate rather than outstanding compared to the latest long-range EV crossovers.
Overall sentiment, though, trends clearly positive: many owners say the 2008 feels like they "traded up" in style and ambiance without taking a big hit in everyday usability.
Alternatives vs. Peugeot 2008
The compact SUV arena is fierce, so how does the Peugeot 2008 stack up?
- Volkswagen T-Cross / Taigo: VW's small SUVs tend to focus on simplicity and practicality. They typically offer a bit more straightforward ergonomics and a no-nonsense cabin, but lack the visual drama and interior flair of the 2008.
- Renault Captur: The Captur rivals the 2008 closely with its own expressive styling and practical interior. However, the Peugeot generally feels more premium in touchpoints and offers the unique i-Cockpit experience.
- Hyundai Kona: Especially in EV form, the Kona is a serious alternative to the e-2008, often with strong electric range figures. But its interior and design philosophy are more conventional; if you want something with more "wow" factor inside, the 2008 has the edge.
- Ford Puma: The Puma leans sporty with sharp handling and clever boot tricks. Drivers who prioritize driver engagement might gravitate toward it, while the 2008 leans into comfort and premium ambiance.
If your priority is a highly rational purchase with maximum back-seat space and the simplest ergonomics, one of these rivals might suit you better. But if you want a small SUV that genuinely feels a class above in style and design without an outrageous price tag, the Peugeot 2008 moves to the top of the shortlist.
It's also worth noting that Peugeot is part of Stellantis N.V., one of the world's largest automotive groups (ISIN: NL00150001Q9), which means the 2008 benefits from shared platforms, technology, and investment across multiple global brands.
Final Verdict
The Peugeot 2008 isn't trying to be the safe, anonymous choice. It's aiming squarely at drivers who are tired of compromising aesthetics and cabin appeal just because they need something practical and compact.
If you value:
- A standout design that looks premium in your driveway.
- A cabin that feels modern, distinctive, and genuinely pleasant to spend time in.
- Comfortable ride quality and quietness on both urban commutes and longer trips.
- The choice between efficient petrol engines and a refined fully electric e-2008.
…then the 2008 deserves a serious look. Yes, you should sit in one and make sure the i-Cockpit layout works for your driving position. Yes, you should test the infotainment and rear-seat space for your specific needs. But if it fits you, this is one of the most characterful and well-rounded compact SUVs on sale right now.
In a market full of cars that feel like they were designed by committee, the Peugeot 2008 feels like it was designed with you – and your everyday life – in mind.
