If you're looking for a small SUV, the choice can be overwhelming. But two of the most stylish and popular options come from France: the Peugeot 2008 and the Renault Captur. Both offer chic looks, compact dimensions perfect for city life, and a range of efficient engines.
The Peugeot 2008 stands out with its bold, aggressive styling and a futuristic interior dominated by its i-Cockpit design. The Renault Captur, in contrast, goes for a softer, more rounded look and majors on comfort and clever practicality. With petrol, hybrid, and even electric power on offer between them, which of these French crossovers is the right fit for you?
Peugeot 2008 vs Renault Captur
Practicality
Peugeot 2008 practicality score: 4/5
Renault Captur practicality score: 4/5
For compact cars, both the 2008 and Captur are surprisingly practical. The Peugeot offers a decent 434-litre boot, which is competitive for the class, and there's enough room in the back seats for a couple of adults on shorter journeys. The cabin is dotted with useful storage spots, too.
However, the Renault Captur has a clever trick up its sleeve: a sliding rear bench. This allows you to choose between maximising rear legroom or increasing boot space up to a vast 536 litres. This flexibility is a huge advantage for families, making the Captur feel more versatile than the 2008 in day-to-day use, even if its boot is slightly smaller when the seats are pushed back for maximum passenger space.
Driving Impressions
Peugeot 2008 driving score: 3/5
Renault Captur driving score: 4/5
This is where a clear difference emerges between the two cars. The Renault Captur is set up for comfort. It has soft suspension that does a good job of soaking up bumps, making it a relaxing car to drive around town and a comfortable cruiser on the motorway. The steering is light and the handling is safe and predictable, which is exactly what most buyers in this class are looking for.
The Peugeot 2008 aims for a sportier feel. Its small steering wheel and quick steering give it a sense of agility, but the trade-off is a firmer ride that can feel a bit unsettled on rough British roads, especially on models with larger alloy wheels. Peugeot's i-Cockpit layout, with its high-set dials and low-slung wheel, also doesn't suit every driver. For pure, easy-going comfort, the Captur has the edge.
Technology and Equipment
Peugeot 2008 technology and equipment score: 4/5
Renault Captur technology and equipment score: 4/5
Both French brands load their cars with tech. The Peugeot 2008’s cabin is a real highlight, with its slick digital i-Cockpit display (which is 3D on higher-spec models) and a sharp central touchscreen. The 'piano key' shortcut buttons below the screen are a nice touch, and all models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Captur fights back with an equally impressive setup. Top-end models get a large, portrait-style central touchscreen that looks modern, complemented by a clear digital driver’s display. Like the Peugeot, it has all the connectivity you need. Both cars are available with a host of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping aids. It's a dead heat in the technology stakes.
Running Costs
Peugeot 2008 running costs score: 4/5
Renault Captur running costs score: 4/5
Whether you choose the Peugeot or the Renault, running costs should be manageable. Both are offered with efficient 1.2-litre PureTech (Peugeot) and 1.0-litre TCe (Renault) petrol engines that deliver good fuel economy.
The big news is electrification. The Peugeot e-2008 is a fully electric version that offers silent, zero-emission motoring, while the Renault Captur is available as both a 'self-charging' E-Tech hybrid and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The PHEV can travel for around 30 miles on electric power alone, which could mean tiny fuel bills if you have a short commute and can charge at home. Both cars sit in low insurance groups and come with a standard three-year warranty, so there's little to separate them here.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Peugeot 2008 Review (2019-present) |
Renault Captur Review (2020-present) |
| CarGurus expert rating |
4 out of 5 |
4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
4.0 out of 5 |
4.5 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
41.2% |
29.9% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
4.2 out of 5 |
4.4 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Peugeot 2008 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2/5
Renault Captur Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4/5
This is an incredibly close contest between two very talented small SUVs. The Peugeot 2008 makes a strong case for itself with its standout styling and a cabin that feels genuinely special and high-tech. The availability of a fully electric e-2008 version is also a major draw.
However, based on our comprehensive CarGurus Buyer Insights, the Renault Captur emerges as the winner. It scores higher in our Overall CarGurus rating, thanks in large part to a better user rating. Owners clearly appreciate its superior comfort and its brilliantly practical sliding rear seats, which add a layer of versatility the 2008 can't match. While our experts rate them equally, the Captur's more comfortable ride and user-focused features give it the victory. For the best all-round family-friendly package, the Captur is our choice.
Peugeot 2008 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Striking exterior design |
Firm ride on some models |
| High-tech i-Cockpit interior |
Divisive driving position |
| Wide range of powertrains including electric |
Not as practical as the Captur |
Renault Captur Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Comfortable and refined ride |
Interior quality not quite as plush as the Peugeot |
| Flexible interior with sliding rear seats |
Infotainment can be slow on older models |
| Good range of hybrid options |
Less distinctive styling |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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