Comparison: Peugeot 3008 vs Renault Scenic

From our most recent test of the Peugeot 3008 equipped with the 150 CV HDi diesel engine we kept a very special part aside: a comparison. When we tested it, I already mentioned that the Peugeot 3008 segment was very unusual because it is not a pure crossover (it does not offer all-wheel drive, not even as an option) and it tries to be an MPV. So we had two options: go for a Nissan Qashqai or look for a similar MPV to compare it with.

Since I personally believe that the best feature of the 3008 is its interior space, we looked for a diesel MPV that had just come onto the market and the Renault Scenic came to mind, due to its similar dimensions. Thanks to the dealership RODOSA (Renault Vigo), they lent us a diesel Scenic. Although the Peugeot may seem larger, both models are very similar in exterior dimensions, with the height of the 3008 perhaps standing out.

We are going to compare two main aspects of both models: design/ habitability and handling/engine. The Renault Scenic we tested was equipped with the 1.5 dCi 105 CV engine, an engine comparable to the 1.6 HDi 110 CV.

As for exterior design, it is striking that, despite similar dimensions, the Peugeot 3008 is somewhat larger, but above all this comes across because of the vehicle’s height, since it has a driving position that is higher than the Scenic’s. In figures, the Peugeot has a length of 4.37 metres and a width of 1.84 metres, while the Renault Scenic has a length of 4.26 metres and a width of 1.80 metres.

As for lines and design, we cannot deny that the Peugeot 3008 has a more innovative and, above all, more original design, while the Renault MPV has a more conservative design, especially at the front (with features borrowed from the Mégane, including the fangs in the bumper). At the rear, the Scenic becomes somewhat more original with its new-design rear lights, while the Peugeot has rear lights in fin-type form with LED indicator effect.

Turning to the interior of both models, we find more differences, and this is where the Peugeot 3008 falls a little short. Despite being slightly smaller, the Renault Scenic achieves more interior space and, above all, wins on storage spaces and practical solutions, such as the glove boxes under the rear floor mats and under the seats, or the folding rear tables behind the seats. These are solutions the Peugeot only partly incorporates and which are typical of an MPV; for example, the 3008 has glove boxes under the rear floor mats but lacks some of the practical storage spots and solutions that the Scenic does have.

As for the driving position, the Peugeot 3008 is dominated by that very distinctive central console, but at the same time the speedometer and instrument layout is completely sober, without great design flourishes. By contrast, the Renault Scenic has a more centralised instrument layout, and all of it is an LCD screen showing data from speed and fuel to even radio information. The only drawback I see with that screen is that it is somewhat overloaded with information, especially if we want to operate the radio.

Finally, the navigation system of the Renault Scenic is fully integrated into the central console, and to operate it we use a joystick and several surrounding buttons located on the centre console, which are easy to handle.

If we compare the interior quality of both models, the Renault comes off worse because of some hard plastics on the dashboard that considerably spoil the overall look. For example, the radio or climate controls and even the steering wheel are of good quality, but the dashboard plastics could be softer to the touch, especially in comparison with the Peugeot.

As for engine and handling, it is clear that we cannot directly compare a 105 CV diesel engine with a 150 CV one, but we can compare the overall behaviour of the cars. The Renault Scenic had an engine that matched the car very well: the 1.5 dCi 105 CV provided the necessary power and moved it with ease.

As for handling, I did notice more differences. The height and design of the Peugeot 3008, which aim to bring it closer to a crossover, reduce its stability and composure (as we already noted in the first part of the test), while the Scenic behaves much more like a passenger car in this respect, gaining somewhat more composure.

Furthermore, the Renault Scenic, despite having similar dimensions, is more manoeuvrable than the Peugeot 3008, and it has a somewhat light steering (compared with the 3008) but precise. For city driving the Renault clearly has the advantage, and in ride comfort both are practically on the same level (apart from handling).

As for an overall assessment of both models, the Peugeot 3008 deserves consideration for its design and ride comfort, especially on long journeys, as well as its higher driving position. If you are not particularly interested in the crossover look (remember the Peugeot does not have all-wheel drive), the Renault Scenic offers more MPV-type solutions and behaves very similarly to a passenger car.

As for prices, the Renault Scenic is somewhat cheaper, starting at 18,350 euros (before discounts) for the base 110 CV petrol version, while the 1.5 dCi 105 CV engine starts at 21,450 euros (before discounts). The version we tested, with quite a few extras (it only lacked xenon headlights), rises to 26,520 euros (before discounts).

The Peugeot 3008 starts at 21,130 euros for the 120 CV petrol engine, and the base 1.6 HDi 110 CV diesel sits at 23,030 euros. By comparison, a Peugeot equipped with the 110 CV diesel engine and equipment similar to the Scenic we tested would come to 26,080 euros with navigation and without xenon. Bear in mind this is an approximation, because the Peugeot Sport Pack trim we tested includes xenon and headlamp washers, among other features, so we have configured it on the basis of the 3008’s Premium trim and the Scenic with the Dynamique trim.

Thanks to the dealership Renault- RODOSA for providing us with a Renault Scenic for the comparison.

All interior photos are of the Renault Scenic.

Photos | David Taboada

Peugeot 3008 test | Part I , Part II, Part III