Peugeot e-2008 vs Vauxhall Mokka-e: specs comparison

Small electric SUVs are rapidly gaining popularity and that’s not surprising given they combine two of the biggest trends in the new car market. In this sector, the MG ZS EV already occupies the cheaper end of the scale, and the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro are more expensive but offer an outstanding 280-mile range.

Between these cars, you’ll find the Peugeot e-2008 and the Vauxhall Mokka-e. With Peugeot and Vauxhall part of the same group, they use the same underpinnings and parts; the same ones that you’ll also find on the Vauxhall Corsa-e and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense. The Citroen e-C4 also uses PSA’s electric powertrain.

Range and charging

The powertrain consists of a 134bhp electric motor mated to a 50kWh lithium-ion battery. Peugeot has squeezed 214 miles of range out of the e-2008, while Vauxhall quotes a 209-mile range for the Mokka-e. It’s likely that you wouldn’t notice much of a difference in the real world, and both will offer slightly lower ranges in cold weather.

You can charge the Mokka-e and e-2008 from a 7kW wallbox installed at home, or at a public rapid-charger at up to 100kW. Plugging into a public charger sees the battery topped up to 80% in half an hour, while the wallbox fully recharges the battery in 7.5 hours - at a much cheaper rate than a public charger. An 11kW wallbox is available as an option, and you can also buy a cable to charge the cars from a normal plug socket (if you want to wait 24 hours for the battery to recharge).

Driving

Electric cars are capable of delivering all of their power instantly, so both these cars will feel very quick off the mark. The 0-62mph time is similar to the turbocharged petrol engines, but the electric versions don’t have a gearbox so the acceleration is smoother. We haven’t driven the Mokka or Mokka-e yet, but the e-2008 is around 300kg heavier than a petrol 2008, and you can feel the extra weight in corners. The e-2008 certainly isn’t bad to drive, with little body roll and light-but-precise steering but the 2008 is more agile.

Styling

The Peugeot 2008 has grown into a proper SUV, with styling that’s both chunky and intricate. Its front end features big grilles and large slashes for the daytime running lights, and from other angles it’s clearly influenced by the larger Peugeot 3008. The e-2008 gains a cleverly blanked-out grille with blue accents and a few subtle ‘e’ badges. It looks bigger than the Mokka and is, so that translates to a bigger boot.

Vauxhall has also treated the Mokka to a much-needed styling overhaul. It introduces the brand’s new ‘Vizor’ design, which will be used on a host of future models, and all cars get LED lights. Sidestep the entry-level SE Nav Premium and the styling is boosted by two-tone alloy wheels and chrome or red window-line trim.

Interior

We’re used to Peugeot’s eye-catching interiors now but the e-2008’s is still one of the most interesting designs in the class. The dials (digital on Allure Premium upwards) are positioned above the shrunken steering wheel, and the touchscreen protrudes from the dash and is angled towards the driver. Peugeot has fitted far more upmarket materials than in the previous 2008.

The new Mokka also gets a a more digital dashboard, although we’d say the design is a bit more conventional than the 2008. Both cars use the same touchscreens, albeit with different graphics, and the impressive 10-inch screen is available on all but the base models, which get a seven-inch version.

Prices and specifications

As standard, Peugeot fits smartphone mirroring, DAB radio, auto lights and wipers, and rear parking sensors. Allure adds a reversing camera, USB sockets and an upgraded version of the Active Safety Brake function, while GT brings LED headlights, sat nav and heated front seats. Keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control and a panoramic sunroof await top-spec GT Premium buyers. Prices range from around £32,000 to £36,000. 

The Mokka-e line-up kicks off with SE Nav Premium costing just under £33,000. It gets cruise control, sat nav, LED headlights and a rear-view camera. Elite Nav Premium gets the bigger touchscreen, heaters for the front seats and steering wheel and a black-painted roof. SRi Nav Premium is the sporty-looking one with much of the same equipment, and the top-spec Ultimate trim features leather upholstery, a massaging driver’s seat, advanced park assist and wireless phone charging for around £2,000 more. 

Verdict

Forget all about the old Vauxhall Mokka because the new one seems to be a huge leap forward. Its new styling and interior make it much more appealing, while the four available trim levels are all well-equipped. The Peugeot e-2008 looks to have a more luxurious interior, and is much more spacious, both for passengers and cargo; the Mokka-e’s 310-litre boot looks a bit disappointing next to the e-2008’s 434-litre space. With prices so similar, the e-2008 wins this comparison.

Read our guide to the best small electric cars.