Renault Rafale vs Peugeot 3008 Hybrid: The Clash of the Coupe SUVs

Their positioning is not identical, with the Renault Rafale being more prestigious than the Peugeot 3008, but both emphasize design.

It is always quite amusing to observe how our two French manufacturers closely compete with each other. In reality, there is no great surprise either, as the current design head of Renault, Gilles Vidal, is a defector from Peugeot.

Beyond these considerations, the customer is seeking SUVs with a more dynamic design and less of a “tall MPV” look. One can be a parent and still love boldly designed vehicles. That’s the bet taken by the Peugeot 3008, a bestseller in its previous generation, to refresh its appeal. As for the Renault Rafale, it is a new segment creation, thus the risk is lesser. In the case of the Peugeot, the concern is significant because enthusiasm seems to be less than for the first iteration. Watch out for a commercial crash.

Unmatched Prices?

Moreover, Peugeot doesn’t hide it: with a starting catalog price of 38,490 euros for this Hybrid 136 version, the online Store immediately drops this price to 37,730 euros, plus an additional 500 euros discount. This results in an “unofficial” price of 37,230 euros. However, an additional 170 euros in ecological penalty must be added to this total, compared to none for the Rafale.

In contrast, the Renault Rafale and its starting price of 45,000 euros seems much more expensive. The conclusion is hasty because the latter is far more dynamic and charismatic, while its standard equipment is extensive.

Technical Sheets

	Renault Rafale E-Tech full hybrid 200	Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 136
Price	Starting at 45,000 €	Starting at 38,490 €
Ecological penalty	None	170,00 €
Thermal engine	3-cylinder 1.2-liter turbo	3-cylinder 1.2-liter turbo
Thermal power	130 hp	110 hp
Electric power	2 motors, 112 hp combined	28 hp
Battery capacity	2 kWh	0.4 kWh
Driven wheels	Front	Front
Length	4710 mm	4542 mm
Width	1860 mm	1934 mm
Height	1610 mm	1640 mm
Trunk	530 / 1600 liters	520 / 1480 liters
Weight	1653 kg	1648 kg
Max speed	180 km/h	201 km/h
0 to 100 km/h	8.9 seconds	10.2 seconds
Tank	58 liters	55 liters
Fuel consumption	4.7 liters/100 km	5.5 liters/100 km

Two Rooms, Two Ambiences

As the reading of the technical sheet suggests, the philosophy of these two coupe SUVs is distinct. While the Renault Rafale embraces a Germanic style with 200 horsepower (a 300 hp version is arriving this autumn) and an efficient mild hybridization with fuel consumption contained to 4.7 liters per 100 km, all while offering very comfortable space, the Peugeot 3008 is more reserved.

The power deficit of 64 horsepower, for an equivalent weight, is striking. In reality, the electric assistance of 28 hp and the micro battery of 0.4 kWh are almost imperceptible. It’s difficult to move in 100% electric mode with the Lioness, while it is possible with the Rafale. The latter, if you wish, can even have four-wheel steering as an option (1500 euros).