The Sportage was one of the key models in Kia's transformation from a budget brand into a worthy rival for the biggest car-makers in the business. Now in its fifth generation, the Sportage is one of our most highly rated family SUVs, and combines a striking design with good driving manners and useful practicality.
In this comparison it faces the impressive Peugeot 3008, which is a similarly sized SUV with a smartly designed interior and exterior, and a wide range of drivetrains. We'll look at how CarGurus expert reviewers rate the cars across a range of criteria to help you decide which is a better fit for you.
Kia Sportage vs Peugeot 3008
Practicality
CarGurus experts rate the latest Kia Sportage highly for its practicality, with a score of 4 out of 5 stars. When compared to its predecessors, this model offers more luggage space and improved passenger room. The boot capacity varies depending on the powertrain, ranging from 591 litres in the front-wheel-drive petrol manual variant to 526 litres in diesel all-wheel-drive models. All Sportage models feature a 40:20:40 split-fold rear seat arrangement, and a flat loadbay when all seats are folded. Rear-seat passengers enjoy ample legroom, and top-spec models even come with a panoramic sunroof.
The overall quality, fit, and finish of the Sportage's interior is impressive for the class, particularly in higher spec models. However, it still can't quite match the Peugeot in terms of tactile materials.
CarGurus experts also awarded the Peugeot 3008 with 4 out of 5 stars for its practicality, although it has different strengths to the Sportage. Specifically, the 3008 is one of only a select few SUVs in this price bracket that features three Isofix child seat mounting points in the rear seats, whereas the Kia only has two. Legroom and headroom for rear-seat passengers is good in the Peugeot, making it a comfortable choice for long journeys. The boot space of up to 520 litres is good by class standards, if not quite a match for the Kia. Also note that boot capacity drops in hybrid models due to some space being allocated to electrical components. Another useful feature on Allure trim and above is that the front passenger seat can fold flat to accommodate longer items when the rear seats are also folded.
One unconventional feature of the 3008 is what Peugeot calls the i-Cockpit, which is its name for an interior that pairs a small steering wheel with a digital instrument panel to give a futuristic vibe. Some drivers love it, but others don't, so it's definitely a case of try before you buy.
Driving Impressions
The Kia Sportage scores another strong 4 out of 5 stars for its driving experience, and finds a good balance between comfort and engagement. While the 18-inch alloy wheels may feel slightly unsettled on rough roads at low speeds, the ride smooths out at higher speeds, and smaller wheel sizes are also available.
Grip is ample, the steering feels substantial, and the Sportage handles quick direction changes with ease. It's also very refined and is a comfortable companion on long drives.
On the drivetrain front, the full hybrid model, which is the most popular with buyers, seamlessly transitions between electric and petrol power, resulting in a smooth and efficient driving experience. Performance is robust enough for a family SUV. The other powertrains also impress, and buyers can select between everything from petrol and diesel all the way through to plug-in hybrid.
CarGurus experts rate the Peugeot 3008 SUV with 3 out of 5 stars for the way it drives. It's an SUV that prioritises comfort and relaxation over exhilarating driving dynamics, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a stress-free journey. While it may not offer the same level of driving excitement as the best in class, it's a good match for the Sportage in most regards, and the small steering wheel adds an unexpected touch of nimbleness.
Like the Kia, the Peugeot 3008 offers a range of engine options to suit various preferences. The diesel lineup includes options like the BlueHDi 100, BlueHDi 120, and BlueHDi 150, each offering different levels of power and fuel efficiency. In 2018, Peugeot introduced a 1.5-litre diesel engine with 129bhp for improved fuel economy.
For those inclined towards petrol, the PureTech 130 delivers smooth and punchy performance. The top-spec petrol engine, the 1.6 THP 165, offers reasonable power but at the cost of some fuel efficiency. Both manual and automatic gearbox options are available, as is a plug-in hybrid model. If you do want an automatic 3008, look for a later model with the improved eight-speed gearbox, rather than the earlier six-speed unit.
Technology and Equipment
CarGurus experts awarded the fifth-generation Kia Sportage with a 5 out of 5-star rating for its technology and equipment. The Sportage boasts an impressive twin 12.3-inch curved screen setup, standard on most trims except the base '2' and 'GT-Line' models. This advanced system features one screen for infotainment and another for digital dials, creating a futuristic ambiance inside the cabin. All models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Kia's larger screens offer sharp graphics and configurable displays, with the digital dials providing useful information. While not quite on par with Audi's Virtual Cockpit, they come remarkably close.
The Peugeot 3008 earns 4 out of 5 stars for its technology and equipment. It also incorporates digital dials and a central touchscreen that offers driving information, navigation, entertainment, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it's not quite as logical to navigate as the system in the Kia. The 3008's trim levels start with the entry-level Active, which includes features like 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, and DAB digital radio. The Allure version adds 18-inch wheels, front parking sensors, a reversing camera, satnav, and a blind-spot warning system, while trims above that include GT Line and GT Line Premium, available from early 2018 and offering luxuries including heated and massaging front seats.
Running Costs
It's another 4-star rating for the Kia when it comes to running costs. The self-charging hybrid Sportage with front-wheel drive achieves an average of 40-45mpg in various driving conditions, which is respectable for its class. Similarly, the standard 1.6-litre petrol Sportage with a manual gearbox also returns a commendable 40-45mpg, which might make you question how much you need the hyrid's extra performance and automatic gearbox. The hybrid will, however, be more efficient in urban settings. Diesel engine options should return around 50mpg on longer journeys, while the plug-in hybrid version has a pure electric range of up to 43 miles.
The Peugeot 3008 also earns 4 out of 5 stars for its running costs. As with any car, fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine choice and driving style. Plug-in hybrid models offer the potential for exceptional fuel economy if you make regular use of the claimed 40-mile all-electric range.
For long-distance drivers, the diesel options, especially the BlueHDi 130, offer commendable fuel efficiency, with an official MPG figure of up to 56.3mpg. The petrol-powered PureTech 130 delivers up to 47.2mpg in official tests.
Reliability
The fifth-generation Kia Sportage is too new to have established much in the way of reliability data. However, Kia has a strong reputation for reliability, with the previous Sportage ranking 10th in its class in the 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey, and Kia itself finishing 8th out of 32 brands in the same survey.
In the same reliability survey the Peugeot 3008 came 28th out of the 34 brands in in its class, while Peugeot as a brand was in 21st position.
Further adding to the Kia's appeal in this category is its seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty from new, which is far more generous than the three-year, 60,000-mile package offered by Peugeot.
Verdict
Clearly these are two impressive family SUVs, and are also both deservedly popular. The Peugeot particularly appeals for the design and upmarket feel of its interior, and the fact its rear seats feature three sets of Isofix mounting points. Overall, it earns a score of 4 out of 5 stars from CarGurus experts.
However, on this occasion it's beaten by the Kia Sportage, which offers slightly more space, better tech, a more satisfying driving experience, and a better reliability record. In fact, the Sportage is so good that our experts awarded an overall score of 5 stars out of 5.
Choose a Kia Sportage if:
- You love its striking design.
- Advanced technology and a user-friendly infotainment system are essential for you.
- You value the peace of mind of a long manufacturer-backed warranty.
Search for a Kia Sportage on CarGurus
Choose a Peugeot 3008 if:
- You value an attractive exterior and high-quality interior.
- Three sets of Isofix mounting points are a must
- You like the unconventional driving position with its small steering.
Search for a Peugeot 3008 on CarGurus