Renault Kadjar vs Peugeot 2008
What's the difference?

Renault Kadjar

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2021 price

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Peugeot 2008

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2024 price

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Summary

2021 Renault Kadjar

2024 Peugeot 2008

By Laura Berry

By Dom Tripolone

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.3L

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

6.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Cool styling inside and out
Bose stereo
Leather seats

Good looks
Charming engine
Affordable servicing

Dislikes

Jerky dual-clutch auto at low speeds
Falling behind in advanced safety tech
Pricey

Stiff suspension
High price
Driver display hard to see

2021 Renault Kadjar Summary

Don’t let people talk you into buying a tiny car just because you live in the city. That’s what I’ve learnt from being a car reviewer and living about eight kilometres from the CBD.

Yes, car spaces are small, or almost non existent, but the people that live there are as full-sized as people elsewhere and they often carry around just as much gear. What you need is a big, little car and the Renault Kadjar is that – a small SUV which is actually bigger than most.

The Kadjar is also French, and that’s appealing to us city folk because even though there are millions of us living in one square metre we like to think of ourselves as different, as individuals, cosmopolitan, metropolitan.

So the Kadjar looks perfect then, right?

Well, it’s good yes… in some ways, but after reading this you might prefer its Japanese cousin, the Nissan Qashqai. Let me explain...

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2024 Peugeot 2008 Summary

Looks are subjective but Peugeot’s updated 2008 small SUV is good looking from every angle.

The update brings a raft of design tweaks and some tech upgrades, but mechanically there isn’t anything new.

It’s not a cheap car and its diminutive size might scare off some buyers who can cross-shop cheaper and more value focused alternatives from mainstream Japanese and Korean brands.

We are driving the range-topping 2008 GT variant to find out if it’s more than just a pretty face.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Renault Kadjar 2024 Peugeot 2008

Verdict

The Renault Kadjar Intens ticks a lot of the urban boxes. It’s small, which is good for navigating narrow city streets and parking in tight spaces, but it’s also spacious and practical. The Kadjar is fuel efficient for a four-cylinder petrol engine and it has that sophisticated French styling.

The Intens is expensive, though, and unless you absolutely have to have leather seats, a glass roof, and the Bose stereo I’d go for the mid-range Zen grade and save yourself $5K but still have all the same safety tech. That said the Intens has auto parking as standard which is a nice convenience for the city.

Safety could be better. The AEB system doesn’t have pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross traffic alert, or reverse emergency braking.

Finally, the dual-clutch automatic and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine while a fuel efficient combination, isn’t all that easy to live with and can make driving a less-than-smooth experience. The Nissan Qashqai’s combination of CVT auto and four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine is better suited to the urban jungle - something to think about there.

Now the scores, the Kadjar Intens gets the same mark for daily driving and its urban talents – it could be smoother to drive, but there’s still lots to like.

Verdict

The Peugeot 2008 is a handsome and accomplished little SUV that’s fun to drive and has a cabin that feels a little bit special.

In reality the 2008 is too expensive and isn’t as practical as most of the mainstream compact SUVs.

This is the car you buy with your heart, not with your head.

Renault Kadjar vs Peugeot 2008 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Renault Kadjar vs Peugeot 2008
What's the difference?