Reviewed: 2025 Peugeot 3008 GT hybrid
The all-new Peugeot 3008 is built on the new STLA Medium platform. Photos: Liz Dobson
The all-new Peugeot 3008 marks an ambitious step forward for the French brand, continuing its strong tradition of producing stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped SUVs; the result is “tres magnifique”.
With significant updates over its predecessor, the new 3008 enhances its appeal and aims to solidify its place in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.
It’s also a strong move for its distributor here, Auto Distributors NZ (ADNZ), as it pushes its presence in a crowded market.
The all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV introduces a host of visual and technological updates. The most striking change is its exterior design with elements that could be taken from French fashion houses.
Material quality has also improved, with soft-touch surfaces and premium upholstery options.
ADNZ has two models of the 3008 hybrid available, the $57,990 Allure and the $62,480 GT.
Both are powered by a 1.2-litre turbo petrol hybrid engine paired with a six-speed double-shift auto transmission. The engine produces 100kW of power and 230Nm of torque, with the hybrid function giving it a combined fuel consumption of 5.4l/100km.
The 3008 GT was my first test vehicle for 2025 and it only had 150km on the clock when I picked it up for the seven-day review. I had a combination of driving scenarios over the summer holiday period; motorway, city roads, rural and winding streets and handing it back the consumption figure was 5.5l/100km.
One fact that helped keep the number to manufacturer-stated figures was although the 3008 has three drive modes - eco, normal and sport - the default setting was eco. I drove around the city in eco mode but as I headed to the motorway I used the drive mode toggle into sport mode. This held the gears longer and made steering firmer.
The standout is the all-new grille.
The all-new Peugeot 3008 is built on the new STLA Medium platform from its parent group Stellantis with the Peugeot 5008 and Opel Grandland also built on this with five additional models set to launch by the end of 2026.
With the new platform, Peugeot’s designers have opted for a sleeker, more futuristic aesthetic for the third-generation 3008.
It is 4542mm long, 1895mm wide and 1641 high but the floating roofline gives it the fastback SUV appearance while the star of the new look has to be at the front thanks to the bold front grille, slender LED headlights, and a redesigned rear featuring 3D claw-like tail lights.
The floating roofline gives it the sportsback appearnce.
This dynamic design has earned the 3008 the prestigious Red Dot Award for outstanding “Product Design’.
That futuristic design is echoed inside the 3008 has received Peugeot’s latest i-Cockpit with a 21-in curved HD screen.
The interface is more intuitive, with improved graphics and responsiveness. Material quality has also improved, with soft-touch surfaces and premium upholstery options available in higher trims.
The difference between the Allure and GT is prominent inside the cabin, with eight-color ambient lighting, GT logo, and Alcantara fabric seats.
My GT had the $4,500 option of 10-way front seats that had massaging functions with ventilated and heated front and rear seats. Those ventilated seats were working full-time during my seven-day test period and out of the eight massage options I preferred the cat paw massage.
The other difference was the GT had adaptive cruise control which was operated on the steering wheel with a simple ‘ok’ button activating it.
It has Peugeot’s latest i-Cockpit with a 21-in curved HD screen.
So what is the 2025 Peugeot 3008 sportback SUV like to drive? Ride comfort is a standout feature of the 3008. Peugeot has tuned the suspension to absorb road imperfections effectively, offering a smooth experience for passengers.
The steering is light and precise, making city maneuvers effortless, though some enthusiasts might find it lacks the feedback desired for spirited driving. On winding roads, the 3008’s body roll is well-contained, and it feels planted, though not quite as sporty as rivals like the SEAT Ateca.
Talking about competitors, what other SUVs are the Peugeot 3008 rivals? Another European competitor is the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan, while Japanese rivals include the firm Kiwi favourite, the Toyota RAV4 hybrid.
But the third-generation Peugeot 3008 successfully builds on the strengths of its predecessor while addressing some of its shortcomings.
With its striking design, refined interior, and hybrid powertrains, it’s a compelling option in the compact SUV market.
A redesigned rear featuring 3D claw-like tail lights
The 3008’s blend of style, comfort, and modern tech gives it a unique edge.
For those seeking an SUV that stands out without compromising on practicality or performance, the 2025 Peugeot 3008 deserves serious consideration. However, potential buyers take time to get accustomed to its advanced infotainment system before committing.
But the overall package of the 3008 GT is noteworthy, especially the high specs that it comes with, as aforementioned the massaging and ventilated seats. And speaking of ventilation, I appreciated physical vents to project the cold air on my face, especially as some brands prefer to have the breeze directed via a function on the info centre.
While my inner city, child-free lifestyle no longer requires an SUV and I’m back in my sports car faze, I appreciate what the 3008 can offer.
It is 4542mm long, 1895mm wide and 1641 high.
