I’ve been putting two EVs through their paces while exploring the British countryside including the stunning Corfe Castle in Dorset – easily one of the most dramatic backdrops you can pick for a car comparison. Today we’re putting two of the biggest names in the family EV world head-to-head: the Peugeot E-3008 and the Kia EV3.
Both are stylish. Both are practical. Both punch well above their weight. But which one is the electric SUV for you and your daily life?
Let’s get into it
Styling: Minimalist Cool vs Sharp and Sporty
Starting at the front end, the Kia EV3 keeps it simple. Thin light bar, crisp daytime LEDs, and a clean face that says “I’m here for the future, not faff.” Even the airflow channels feel neat and purposeful.
The Peugeot E-3008, however, leans into its bold new identity. The fresh badge, the detailed grille, and those signature three-claw headlights… if they appear in your rear-view mirror on a dark night, you’ll know about it. It’s definitely the more dramatic of the two.
My take? I love the futuristic EV vibes, so the first styling point goes to the EV3.
Interior & Comfort: Premium Feels vs Space to Breathe
Inside the Peugeot, first impressions are brilliant with premium materials, impressive ambient lighting, and plenty of soft-touch surfaces. The E-3008 feels like Peugeot’s design team has been quietly levelling up.
Storage-wise, it’s pretty decent with;
- Big cup holders
- Cooled armrest storage
- Extra compartments
- But slightly awkward door bins
Over in the EV3, things open up. Being a ground-up EV gives it that extra bit of breathing room. People have called it more premium… and while I totally see the appeal, for me, the Peugeot wins on overall feel and finish.
The E-3008 officially takes the interior round.
Infotainment & Buttons (Yes, Buttons Matter)
This is where the battle gets spicy.
The Peugeot’s i-Toggle system is excellent boasting customisable shortcuts, great layout, and a solid blend of screens and physical controls. But navigating things like heated seats through the system is slightly faffy when all you want is a warm bum, fast.
The Kia, meanwhile, does something simple:
It gives you proper buttons.
And ventilated seats. In the UK, a luxury you don’t realise you need until you get stuck to a seat on a hot school-run day.
For usability and practicality, Kia steals this one.
Tech & Features: Gamified Regen vs Clever Power Tricks
Kia loves a bit of tech theatre and the EV3 delivers:
- Paddle-controlled regenerative braking
- (Almost) one-pedal drive
- Vehicle-to-Load for powering laptops, camping gear or even a coffee machine
- Head-up display
It’s clever, useful, and makes you feel like you’re driving something delightfully futuristic.
The Peugeot has some great tech too… but without full one-pedal driving or V2L, the EV3 edges ahead.
Driving Experience: Floaty Tech vs Driver Connectivity
This bit genuinely surprised me.
On country lanes in Dorset, the Peugeot E-3008 feels more connected and enjoyable. Light steering, good balance, and easy to place on narrow roads feels spot on.
The EV3, while stable and reassuring at higher speeds, has a heavier feel around town. Less nimble. A touch more detached from the road.
Fast on paper? Yes. More fun to drive? Peugeot takes this one.
Practicality: Boots, Bins, and the All-Important Frunk
Both SUVs ace the family-friendly boot test plus the all-important golf-club test.
The Peugeot doesn’t have a frunk because it’s a converted platform, not a dedicated EV. The Kia’s frunk might be tiny… but it’s perfect for storing charging cables.
Even with the EV3’s bonus storage, the Peugeot still wins overall space, and the 40/20/40 seat split is incredibly useful especially for skis, scooters, and all the chaos of family life.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
After a very tight contest, here’s the honest breakdown:
Peugeot E-3008 Wins If You Want:
- A more premium interior
- A nicer driving experience
- More boot space and better seating configurations
- Faster charging
- Stunning looks
Kia EV3 Wins If You Want:
- Ground-up EV design
- Easier parking and town-friendly size
- Vehicle-to-Load for camping and road-trip gadgets
- A frunk (even a small one is useful!)
- More affordable pricing
- Tech that feels a bit next-level
But when it comes down to gut instinct – that intangible X-factor – the car that surprised me the most and genuinely put a smile on my face was….
➡️ The Kia EV3
It just feels special in a way that’s hard to quantify.
And of course, if neither of these floats your boat, Select Car Leasing has every other EV under the sun and lots of cracking deals too.
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