2025 Peugeot 3008 GT Premium Hybrid Review

What is it?

The Peugeot 3008 is a compact SUV that is now in its third generation. Since the launch of the previous second generation model, the 3008 has been a visual statement more than anything with its bold and chic French styling that makes it stand out in the saturated crossover market segment.

The latest model has transitioned from the previous conventional SUV design to a fastback design, and it’s now even more eye-catching than before. Not just a pretty face, it’s also gained upgrades in technology, powertrain and interior.

How much does it cost?

In Australia the Peugeot 3008 is available in two trim levels – Allure and GT Premium. Both trims are hybrid only – for now. Available in the previous model, the plug-in hybrid model is now no longer offered.

The Allure Hybrid is priced at $52,990, while the top-spec GT Premium asks for $64,990. All prices exclude on-road costs. It’s quite a big pricing gap between the two model grades and chances are Peugeot might slot in a mid-spec GT variant in the future.

For now the real concern is not that, but the pricing strategy that Peugeot has in place for the 3008 line-up. It’s more expensive than nearly all key rivals in the mainstream SUV space including the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail and Hyundai Tucson. Most rivals are also larger in size and more spacious than the 3008.

It’s no secret that Peugeot has been trying to push upmarket for quite a long while now, and this is certainly reflected in the 3008’s price. The cabin might be able to offer a bit of justification for its hefty sticker though, which is what’s coming up next.

What is the interior like?

The previous generation 3008 had an interior that could easily win the crown as the most striking and upmarket in its class. This new model not only continues with that trend but also turns the ante up further. It looks cool and futuristic, with very high perceived quality. Our favourite feature is the cabin mood lighting which projects onto a textured surface on the dashboard. Very cool.

The other draw card is the seemingly floating 21-inch ultra widescreen display that stretches from the centre of the dashboard right across to the driver’s side A pillar. Unlike other dual-screen setup, this is one continuous curved display with one half serving as the instrumentation display and the other half a touch screen operating the infotainment system.

The display forms part of what Peugeot calls the i-Cockpit, which has evolved from the previous generation. The driver still views the instrumentation cluster from above the compact steering wheel, rather than through it, which negates the need for a head-up display. In the centre console, a second smaller touchscreen offers customisable shortcut buttons that bring up the relevant pages in the main touchscreen.

While the shortcut buttons are great given the infotainment system’s menu structure is rather complicated and confusing, a better approach would be to revamp the main screen’s menu structure for better intuitiveness and have the second touchscreen just for the climate controls.

Another awkwardness with the cabin is that the raised centre stack between the front seats presents a bit of an obstruction for the driver to access the integrated storage compartment, or is that meant to be accessed by the passenger only?

How is the practicality?

Being a compact crossover, one with a fastback design and a sloping rear windscreen, it doesn’t come as a surprised that the interior space is somewhat compromised. While the front occupants enjoy decent space, those seated in the rear will not appreciate the tight legroom and headroom. The rear bench seat is also quite narrow so three average-sized adults will find it a bit of a squeeze to fit in the back. Ideally the rear seats are only for two adults plus a small child.

On the flip side it’s good to see there are rear air vents and the lack of a centre hump in the footwell, both of which would be very much cherished by the rear passengers.

For a compact vehicle it’s also nice to find decent size cup holders in the centre console and on the back of the rear flip down arm rest. The bottle holders in the door cards are thick and deep enough as well.

Popping open the powered tailgate reveals a 520-litre capacity boot which is pretty good for its class. Drop the very practical 40-20-40 split folding rear seats and the space expands to 1480 litres.

What technology does it have?

The aforementioned 21-inch widescreen display on the dashboard serves up some pretty fancy infographics which look really cool. The driving instrumentation half of the display has the ability to display a map view including mirroring the map on your smartphone. It’s capable of over-the-air updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, both wireless, are also supported. In addition it has built-in navigation, FM / DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth.

A 10-speaker Focal premium audio system (GT Premium spec) plays your favourite tunes with excellent clarity and bass. There’s a single wireless charging pad.

The 3008 GT Premium is one of very cars in this segment with massaging function for the front row seats. While it’s not a full fledge massaging seat it has several massaging modes to choose from and it does the job of reducing fatigue during long drives.

Electrically adjustable with driver memory function, the front seats are also heated and ventilated, while the rear outboard seats are heated. All seats are upholstered in Nappa perforated leather.

The GT Premium spec also nets you a panoramic split opening sunroof which lets in heaps of light into the cabin.

How does it drive?

Propulsion for the 3008 comes from a hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine and a single electric motor. The former develops 100kW / 230Nm, while the latter makes 15.6kW / 51Nm for a combined total output of 107kW / 230Nm. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

There’s adequate power for the daily grind and the transition from electric to engine power is seamless for the most part. However, engine use is very frequent, certainly more so than other hybrid SUVs we have driven in the category. At times it feels more like a mild hybrid than a full hybrid. A quick check at the spec reveals the culprit. The lithium ion battery is a small 0.9kWh unit with not much capacity to hold charge, leaving the engine do most of the hauling.

As a result the fuel economy isn’t exactly like how a hybrid should be, in the real world at least. Despite being rated at a combined average of 4.9L/100km, we managed a much higher fuel use of 7.0L/100km after 300km of mixed driving, mostly conservatively.

Look past the inefficiency though, the 3008 is a sweet handling SUV. The firm suspension setup endows the car with a sporty and taut handling. On open roads it’s quite a pleasure to explore the car’s sharp dynamics. The small steering wheel is also nice and direct which adds to the joy of steering this thing around.

As for ride quality, you do feel quite a bit of the road when the surface is rough. Nothing too uncomfortable but don’t expect it to ride like a RAV4 or Tucson.

How safe is it?

All essential safety features expected of a modern vehicle are there, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane guidance and adaptive cruise control. In addition, road sign recognition, driver attention warning, front and rear sensors as well as a surround view camera are fitted.

Calibration of those driving aids are good which means they’re not overly intrusive. And finally Peugeot got the surround view camera working properly this time, unlike the erroneous one in the previous model.

Verdict

2025 Peugeot 3008 Hybrid pricing and specification

Price (excluding on-road costs):	From: $52,990 GT-Premium: $64,990
Warranty:	5 years/unlimited kilometre
Warranty Customer Assistance:	5 year roadside
Service Intervals:	12 months/15,000km
Country of Origin:	France
Engine:	1.2-litre turbocharged in-line 3-cylinder, direct injection petrol: 100kW @ 5,500rpm, 230Nm @ 1,750rpm Electric motor: 15.6kW / 51Nm
Transmission:	6-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drivetrain:	Front-wheel drive
Combined Fuel Consumption (L/100km):	Claimed: 4.9/Tested: 7.0
RON Rating:	95
Fuel Capacity (L):	55
Body:	5-door SUV, 5 seats
Dimensions (L/W/H/W-B):	4,542/1,934/1,665/2,730
Tare Mass (kg):	1540
Towing Capacity (kg):	Braked: 1,200 /Unbraked: 750