2020 Peugeot 2008 vs. Renault Captur: New French Crossover Comparison

As coincidence would have it, the best-selling Renault Captur has been renewed at the same time as the Peugeot 2008, its main rival. This French review is the first to put the 2020 models side-by-side.

These two won't be available to drive until next year, but this fiercely contested battle can also be decided in the technology and design departments. And it seems the two automakers took completely different approaches.

The old 2008 looked like a slightly rugged tourer/MPV, but its successor takes inspiration from the successful 3008 crossovers from the segment above. In some areas, its lines are even sharper. Wrap-around taillights, a sharp chin - it's enough to get your attention.

The Captur is more of an evolution, with almost identical proportions to its predecessor. We were initially disappointed with Renault's work, but they spent more money on the stuff customers complained about, like the interior. This 2020 Captur probably has the nicest cabin materials in the class, a gigantic infotainment system and more.

Meanwhile, the 2008 has an eye-catching progression of the cockpit design, but the review says the quality isn't on par with Renault, which also has practicality on its side. Rear seat passengers will have more headroom and better seats, while trunk space is said to be larger too, though not by much.

The power outputs of the turbocharged gasoline engines match - 100, 130 or 155 HP, though the companies used slightly different displacements to get there. And while both models have 1.5 diesel engines, Peugeot offers up to 130 HP while Renault stops at 115. That's probably not as important as their approach to being green.

About a year from now, the 2008 will have a fully-electric version with a 50 kWh battery and a 136 HP motor, just like the e-208 hatchback. However, Renault wants a hybrid and a plug-in with up to 45 km of EV range.