Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 2020 Review - The Best Family SUV?

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A PEUGEOT 3008 HYBRID FROM OSV: bit.ly/3fB7wxC
Peugeot wants to be a key player in the plug-in hybrid part of the mid-sized SUV segment with this car, the 3008 Hybrid. It looks smart, certainly makes the efficiency numbers and will work well as a package for a family buyer wanting a degree of EV tech but not quite ready to take the plunge into full-battery motoring. But though the plug-in technology on offer here is pretty cutting-edge, it's also pretty heavy and pricey.
Background
Plug-in Hybrid technology may turn out to be one of the more short-lived of the motor industry's propulsion options. The first plug-in hybrids didn't arrive until around 2015 and there's talk of future legislation banning them by 2035 (though in a post-Covid world, who knows how far that deadline might be extended?).
What we do know is that right here and now, plug-ins (or PHEVs) are often the undecided green motorist's preference, even though they're no longer government-incentivised. The fully electrified commuting mileage, the absence of range anxiety and low taxation of PHEVs are all tempting. But the elephant in the room remains the high cost of this technology, which reflects in the price of all current contenders, including the one we look at here, the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid. Can it stack up? Let's find out.
Driving Experience
This isn't the first time we've seen a Hybrid 3008 model. The first generation design was available in electrified form too, but that was a self-charging set-up mated to a diesel engine. This time round, a 1.6-litre petrol turbo powerplant mated to an 8-speed auto gearbox has been blended with more advanced plug-in hybrid technology that allows for 36 miles of WLTP-rated all-electric driving range. This powertrain features in two flavours: in 225hp form in the front-driven 3008 Hybrid. Or in 300hp guise in the AWD 3008 Hybrid4, the latter variant featuring two electric motors (a 108bhp unit on the front axle and a 111bhp motor on the rear axle - hence the nominal AWD capability). In both cases, the way that petrol progress is seamlessly integrated with electrified power is very impressive - and the whole package feels as quick as those output figures might suggest (rest to 62mph in the Hybrid4 takes just 5.9s en route to a 146mph maximum - or an 84mph all-electric maximum).
So it ought to feel pretty quick. Well it does to a point. But things are rather blunted, as is usual with this class of car, by a somewhat prodigious kerb weight. The plug-in powertrain adds a substantial 360kgs over the weight of a 2.0 diesel 3008; or around half a tonne over a base petrol version. That's an awful lot of extra bulk to carry around and even with 520Nm of pulling power on tap, you feel that from behind the wheel, especially if you try and chuck this car about in the kind of manner a typical owner never would. You get four driving modes, with the one you'll be using most of the time being the 'Hybrid' setting that chooses the best mix of electric and petrol propulsion to suit the driving style whilst optimising efficiency. The alternative settings are either 'Sport' (where the car combines the power of the electric and petrol motors to offer livelier performance). And 'All-Wheel Drive'.
Design and Build
As usual with plug-in models, visual differentiations from standard variants are few. In this case, that means special dichroic badging on the boot and front wings, an extra filler flap and a cyan light that shines from the interior mirror when the car is in all-electric motion. Otherwise, this is like any other second generation 3008, which means it's very sleekly styled but, at 4.4-metres long, remains one of the more compact crossovers in the mid-sized SUV segment.
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[@yes8032]

I like this car it’s soo clean and beautiful designed

[@dylanwilliams6128]

OSV i trust you and look forward to every video thank you to you all at OSV

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

It's our pleasure Dylan! Many thanks for watching 👍

[@steveb4012]

Another excellent review as usual. We were supposed to be having a RAV 4 as a new company car back in March but COVID scuppered that. Weve now been offered a BMW X1 25e and we're awaiting a test drive. The cost of PHEV's is terrifying and would be unattainable if it wasn't a company vehicle. I do miss diesels...

[@TheMisterB2u]

Hey,4th to view,no doubt another top OSV review coming!

[@mmazourov]

How does it compare to XC40 PHEV that you also reviewed?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Max, one of our vehicle experts can explore your options to help you find your perfect model 👍 Get in touch with the team on 01903 538835 or book a free consultation - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@DreamCarGarage1]

Is this the un-facelifted version?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi there, it's the 2020 model 👍

[@podge5555]

Prefacelifted version? 😕

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Podge, it's the 2020 model 👍

[@phil8437]

Much too expensive for a Peugeot- Crazy prices. Prices for these start at 37K! You can get A Lexus NX self charging hybrid for a grand less! Peugeot/ Citroen customer service and reliability is average at best. Lexus is a far better brand than Peugeot when you compare reliability, build quality and customer support. Thanks for a great and comprehensive review.

[@Sevan59]

Hybrid Lexus for less ? I don’t think so , may be petrol version.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks Phil, we're glad you found the review helpful 👍

[@phil8437]

@@Sevan59 Have a look at Lexus UK website. UK price for a Lexus NX Hybrid start at 36k UK pounds.

[@AlexisDelatolas]

Don't be confused by the marketing of Lexus' self charging hybrid technology. Those cars cannot do more than a km in ev only so you are basically using the 2.5 liter engine 95% of the time compared to the opposite with a plugin hybrid due to the much larger battery. When you deplete the battery in the Peugeot then it works as a normal self charging hybrid like the Lexus and still gets a lower fuel consumption due to the smaller engine capacity. Add to that the Peugeot has a 0-60 in 5.9 seconds compared to 9.2 for the Lexus and the Lexus having another 300kilos extra... There is really no comparison between them and all the equipment you get with the high spec Peugeot for basically the same money as the lowest spec Lexus, is really a no brainer. The savings alone from using ev for 40-50km a day pays you back in less than a year of that 1k you mention. And is the quality of the Lexus that much better to ignore all the other shortcomings?

[@pap_chr5063]

What? This thing has won over 70 international rewards because of its beautiful design, high tech and premium interior , its.reliability .Also it was announced as the best medium suv for 2020.3008 looks way better than this Lexus In and out

[@jimmesep2108]

Wow, I thought I was looking at a honda

[@derekt7606]

French expensive tat.