Nissan Qashqai vs Peugeot 2008

Japanese Mastery Meets French Flair

One's a British-built Japanese success story. The other's a French design with a bit of Parisian panache.

No, this isn't the start of a bad joke. It's a battle. They’re going to go tyre to tyre, bumper to bumper, until we have a winner. 

In one corner, the Nissan Qashqai: sensible, spacious and about as prepared for family life as a car can get. In the other, the Peugeot 2008: stylish, sophisticated and looking like it's just rolled off the red carpet. 

A Tale of Two Motor Nations

Nissan Qashqai 

The Qashqai has a proper claim to crossover royalty. Launched in 2006 in the UK, it helped popularise the idea that you could have the elevated driving position and chunky looks of an SUV without needing a vehicle the size of a small bungalow.

And here's the local connection: it's designed, engineered and built right here in Britain, with production in Sunderland. That's a bit of Japanese ingenuity with a healthy helping of North East graft.

Peugeot 2008

Peugeot has been at this game for a while. Its industrial roots stretch back to 1810, long before anyone was arguing about touchscreen responsiveness or whether an SUV looks sufficiently premium.

The brand's famous Lion emblem has represented Peugeot since 1858, originally inspired by the qualities of its saw blades: strength, flexibility and speed. Not a bad set of credentials for a car brand. And that’s how the Peugeot 2008 continues to bring heritage into the modern age with sharp styling, distinctive lighting and a unique cabin.

The First Impression

Performance: More Punch or Nimble Moves?

Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium

The Qashqai gets a 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine producing 140PS and 240Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.

It's not the most powerful Qashqai in the range, but that's not really the point. It's built for the school run, the commute, the motorway and the weekly shop — without requiring a second mortgage to fuel your ambitions.

Performance highlights:

• 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine

• 140PS and 240Nm of torque

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• 0–62mph in around 10.2 seconds

• Front-wheel drive

• Combined fuel economy of around 44.1mpg (WLTP)

It's not trying to be a sports car. It's trying to make everyday driving easier. Fair play. 

Peugeot 2008 Allure

The Peugeot gets a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 130hp and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It's a little less powerful than the Nissan on paper, but its quoted 0–62mph time is slightly quicker.

Performance highlights:

• 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine

• 130hp and 230Nm of torque

• EAT8 eight-speed automatic gearbox

• 0–62mph in around 9.2 seconds

• Front-wheel drive

Less power on paper. A slightly quicker sprint. 

Interior: Tech City or French Fancy?

Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium

The Qashqai keeps things modern, with useful technology that makes everyday driving less of a faff. The Acenta Premium trim gives you plenty of practical kit without needing to climb the range for the basics.

Equipment highlights include:

• 12.3-inch NissanConnect infotainment display

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Rear-view camera

• 17-inch alloy wheels

• Intelligent cruise control

• Blind-spot warning

• Dual-zone automatic climate control

• Drive modes, including Sport, Normal and Eco

That camera is particularly handy when parking an SUV somewhere that was clearly designed for a Mini.

Peugeot 2008 Allure

The Peugeot takes a more distinctive approach. Its i-Cockpit puts a compact steering wheel beneath a raised instrument display, giving the cabin a look that stands apart from the usual SUV crowd.

Equipment highlights include:

• Peugeot i-Cockpit with compact steering wheel

• 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Front and rear parking sensors

• Automatic climate control

• Heated, electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors

• Lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking

It's a stylish, tech-packed cabin without needing to look like a spaceship.

The Verdict: Which SUV Gets the Keys?

Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium: the practical choice. More boot space, a mild-hybrid petrol engine and plenty of everyday technology make it a strong all-rounder for family life. The manual gearbox puts you in control, while the 504-litre boot leaves the Peugeot trailing on luggage capacity.

Explore the Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium lease deal

Peugeot 2008 Allure: the style-conscious choice. A distinctive interior, automatic gearbox and smart technology make it a compelling alternative if you prefer a smaller SUV with a bit of French flair.

Explore the Peugeot 2008 lease deal

The Nissan deal is based on a 12-month initial rental, 48-month contract and 5,000 miles per year. The Peugeot deal shown is based on a 12-month initial rental, 36-month contract and 5,000 miles per year. Check the linked offers for current pricing, fees and full terms.

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