How do they size up?

When you park them side-by-side, you’ll notice the Peugeot 3008 is a little bigger than the Nissan Qashqai. The 3008 measures 4,447mm long and 1,624mm high, while the Qashqai comes in at 4,394mm long and 1,590mm high.

These small differences might not seem like much on paper, but they can make a difference when squeezing into a tight parking spot or navigating narrow city streets. Both cars sit comfortably in the mid-size SUV category, so you won’t feel like you’re driving a massive tank, but it's something to keep in mind.

Design and style

This is where the two cars really show their different personalities. The Peugeot 3008 is all about modern flair. It has a sharp, eye-catching design, especially on models made since the 2020 facelift, which brought updated headlights and bumpers. Inside, it feels futuristic with its high-tech dashboard and small, sporty steering wheel.

On the other hand, the Nissan Qashqai plays it a bit safer with a more classic and conservative look. It's still a sleek and good-looking car, particularly the models updated in the 2017 facelift. The interior is more traditional, but the materials feel solid and well-made, giving it a sense of quiet quality.

Interior and technology

Step inside, and the differences become even more obvious. The Qashqai has a straightforward dashboard layout with the infotainment screen right in the middle. It’s simple and does the job well. If you love your apps, look for a model from 2018 or later, as these come with an upgraded system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Peugeot 3008 goes for a full-on futuristic vibe with its 'i-Cockpit'. This includes a digital display behind the steering wheel and that unique, low-mounted wheel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, which is a nice touch. While the infotainment system looks fantastic, it can take a bit of getting used to and isn't always the quickest to respond.

Which has more space?

Both the Qashqai and the 3008 can comfortably fit four adults, making them great for family trips or carpooling with friends. Neither is quite as roomy as a Skoda Karoq, but unless you're regularly carrying very tall passengers in the back, you'll find there's plenty of space. One small tip: models with a panoramic sunroof can have slightly less headroom, so check that if height is a concern.

Now, for the all-important boot space. A used Nissan Qashqai offers a solid 430 litres, which is more than enough for the weekly shop or a couple of suitcases. However, this is where a used Peugeot 3008 really shines. It boasts a huge 591-litre boot, one of the biggest in its class, making it perfect for families who need to pack for every possibility. Just be aware that hybrid versions of the 3008 have a noticeably smaller 395-litre boot, as the battery eats into the space under the floor.

How do they drive?

If you're looking for a comfortable and relaxed drive, you can't go wrong with either of these SUVs.

The Qashqai is designed for ease and comfort. The steering is light, which makes it a dream to handle around town, and the suspension smooths out bumps on motorways and country lanes. You'll find a good range of petrol and diesel engines, though there aren't any hybrid options available in this second-generation model (2013-2021).

The Peugeot 3008 also puts comfort first. It offers a smooth ride and the engines are nice and quiet, creating a calm atmosphere in the cabin. What's more, you can find used hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The plug-in hybrid is a great option if you do a lot of short journeys, as it can travel around 40 miles on electric power alone when fully charged (closer to 42-43 miles on the later, facelifted Hybrid 225 version).

Running costs

When it comes to the initial price, these two are often very closely matched. However, you might find that older Qashqai models are a bit cheaper, simply because they’ve been around for longer.

For day-to-day running costs, the petrol and diesel versions of both cars are quite similar. The plug-in hybrid 3008 could save you a lot on fuel if you can keep it charged, but it usually comes with a higher price tag to begin with.

Safety and reliability

You can feel confident in both cars, as the Nissan Qashqai and Peugeot 3008 earned a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. The Qashqai, tested in 2014, comes with helpful features like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. The 3008, tested in 2016, also has a long list of safety kit to keep you and your passengers protected.

When it comes to reliability, the picture has shifted a bit since this was last looked at. In one recent independent owners’ survey, Peugeot placed a solid 10th out of all manufacturers, with an 88.63% reliability score, while Nissan didn't feature in either the top or bottom ten – putting it somewhere in the reasonably dependable middle ground. Neither brand stands out as a reliability risk, so you can trust either car to be a dependable companion for your family adventures

What about the latest Qashqai and 3008?

If you're shopping at the newer end of the used market, it's worth knowing both cars have since been fully redesigned. The third-generation Nissan Qashqai arrived in 2021 (and was facelifted again in 2024), dropping diesel entirely in favour of a straightforward petrol mild-hybrid or Nissan's clever e-Power hybrid, which drives the wheels using an electric motor without ever needing to be plugged in.

The Peugeot 3008 has changed even more dramatically. The current, third-generation model arrived in 2023/2024 with a sleeker, coupe-like 'fastback' shape and a completely reworked interior built around a huge, curved panoramic screen. In the UK, it's now sold exclusively as a hybrid or as the fully electric E-3008 – there's no petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid option any more. Both of these newer models command a higher price than the generations covered above, but they're worth a look if your budget stretches that far.