Used Peugeot 2008 (Mk2, 2020-date): stylish small SUV is a second-hand bargain

Verdict

The Peugeot 2008 Mk2 looks great, but it’s already starting to lose its gloss in a fast-moving market. It’s certainly not a bad car – far from it – but some rivals are more enticing because they offer more complete packages. Certain competitors are more enjoyable to drive, they have more space and they’re also better value. Crucially, while the 2008 is a bit pricey as a new buy, more sensible used values make it easier to recommend. Despite this, we’d suggest you try some of the 2008’s key rivals before signing on the dotted line – with its cousins the Citroen C3 Aircross and Jeep Renegade particular favourites of ours, along with the SEAT Arona. Having said this, though, there’s still lots to like about the stylish Peugeot.

It's amazing how much some mainstream brands have upped their game when it comes to design, build quality and reliability – plus, as a result, desirability.

Several of them are part of the Stellantis Group, and these include Vauxhall, Citroen and Peugeot – all of whom are streets ahead in most respects compared with where they were only a few years ago. The 2008 is a perfect example of this, because when the original was launched in 2013 it was worthy enough, but it didn’t stand out in any way.

The second-generation 2008 arrived seven years later, morphing into a more muscular SUV in the process. This metamorphosis led to showroom success despite high purchase prices – but how does the 2008 stack up as a used buy?

History

The second-generation 2008 reached UK showrooms in February 2020, with a choice of 1.2 PureTech petrol or 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engines, the latter only in 99bhp guise. The PureTech came in 109bhp, 128bhp and 153bhp forms, and for those who wanted to go electric there was the e-2008, with a 50kWh battery, a 134bhp motor and a claimed 206-mile range.

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From the start of 2022 a revised e-2008 went on sale, which was officially capable of 214 miles on a charge, thanks to different tyres being fitted. A facelifted 2008 arrived in May 2023, with revamped styling and improved connectivity. A self-charging hybrid has just reached showrooms, too. Called the Hybrid 136, it blends a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 21kW electric motor and a 0.9kWh battery pack.

Which one should I buy?

The PureTech 100 is underwhelming, while the diesel isn’t cost effective if you’re a low-mileage driver. The e-2008 makes a lot of sense if you’re not too reliant on the public charging network, which is costly.

All 2008s are well equipped, with the base Active having 16-inch alloys, air-con (climate control for the e-2008), rear parking sensors, a seven-inch touchscreen and LED headlights. The Allure adds front parking sensors, 17-inch wheels and privacy glass, while the Allure Premium has a 10- inch screen. Active Premium adds nav and power-folding mirrors over Active.

The GT Line has heated front seats and a rear camera, plus simulated leather trim, while the GT features 18-inch rims, adaptive cruise control, an opening panoramic glass roof and part-Alcantara trim.

Alternatives to the Peugeot 2008

Supermini-sized SUVs have been very popular for the past decade, so there are plenty of alternatives to consider. One of our favourites is the Ford Puma, which is great fun to drive, good value and practical. The Volkswagen T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq and SEAT Arona are closely related, and bring high-quality user-friendly cabins to the party, with efficient engines, too.

Hyundai’s Kona and Kia’s Niro use the same underpinnings, and impress with roomy cabins and a comfortable ride, while the related Nissan Juke and Renault Captur are both desirable all-rounders. The Jeep Renegade, Vauxhall Mokka and Citroen C3 Aircross share the 2008’s platform and many of its attributes, while the Suzuki Vitara and Toyota C-HR should also be on your shortlist, along with the hybrid-only Honda HR-V.

What to look for

Battery

The 2023 facelift brought a 54kWh battery and 154bhp motor for the e-2008, but a 50kWh/ 134bhp option has been reintroduced.

Towing

You can tow with petrol and diesel-engined 2008s, which are limited to pulling 1,200kg. The e-2008 is not able to tow at all, though.

Spare wheel

Unusually, Peugeot provides a space-saver spare tyre as standard on all petrol and diesel 2008s, but the e-2008 has a repair kit.

Infotainment

Owners’ most common gripe is problematic infotainment systems, and especially glitchy navigation – so check it works before buying.

Interior

The striking cabin design is a high point for many owners, but the ‘shrunken’ steering wheel is a turn-off for others – so you’ll either love or loathe it in here. What everyone seems to like is the impressive quality and the digital instrumentation.

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It’s well laid out, but too many functions are controlled via the touchscreen; from spring 2022, the automatic gearlever was replaced by a more integrated (and more modern) multi-position switch, still on the centre console. Rear legroom is merely average for the sector, but boot capacity is good, at 434 litres with the back seats in use or 1,467 litres with them folded down.

Prices

There are a lot of 2008s for sale, and plenty of e-2008s, too. Allure editions are by far the most popular trim across the range, while a third of 2008s have an auto box. e-2008 values are similar to those of the ICE cars. 

To check prices on a specific model head over to our valuation tool.

Running costs

All 2008s need to be serviced every year or 12,500 miles. The schedule runs Interim, Main, Interim, Major – with the Interim being little more than an oil change. This minor service is priced at £209 for all 2008s if original-equipment parts are used; pattern parts cut this to £199. The Main service costs £259, or £229 with pattern parts, while the Major is pegged at £399 for diesel-engined 2008s (£329 with pattern parts), or £419 for petrol models (or £369). The equivalent prices for the e-2008 are £80, £219 and £239.

Fresh brake fluid is required on all models every two years, at £79, and the coolant should be replaced every 10 years or 112,500 miles at £95. All engines have a cambelt, which has to be replaced every 12 years or 125,000 miles, at £499 for petrol models, and £619 for the diesel.

Recalls

The first-generation 2008, which was launched back in 2013, was caught up in no fewer than 18 recalls. That was very much old-school Peugeot, with large numbers of recalls quite common for many of the manufacturer’s cars. But things have taken a massive turn for the better since then, and the latest 2008 has been the subject of only one campaign so far. That was launched last December and, unlike most of the previous recalls, this one affected only the 2008.

However, 773 cars were involved, from the very start of production in October 2019, up to the end of September 2020. Only diesel 2008s were included, and the issue was one of the AdBlue injectors getting blocked. The necessary software update was performed for free to keep the car’s emissions within limits.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The 2008 Mk2 made its Driver Power New Car survey debut in 2021, in an impressive 12th place out of 75 entries. The next year it dropped to 17th, then by 2023 it managed only 53rd. There were no stand-out scores, the highest being for the styling and quality of the interior and exterior, while 26th for running costs is encouraging. The lowest scores were for front-seat comfort and the driving experience.