Peugeot 5008 review

Despite the Peugeot 5008 having been around a while now, it still looks fresh in its second generation form. It’s been transformed from a frumpy MPV into a sharp-looking large SUV, sporting a fantastic interior, seven-seat versatility, and a remarkably composed and comfortable ride.

The 5008 makes a good case for itself in petrol form, but it’s in mid-spec diesel guise that we think will make the most sense to buyers. It’s gutsy enough to handle a full complement of passengers and their luggage, offers impressive economy, and is reasonably refined. The lack of any electrified plug-in hybrid option might put company car buyers off, but it’s hard to fault as a family car.

About the Peugeot 5008

Once upon a time, the Peugeot 5008 was for sale as an MPV, but it's now an SUV. Essentially, it's the seven-seat version of the 3008 – another car that used to have some people carrier DNA in its design. Look at the spec sheets, and you'll find that the 5008 has mostly the same engines and trim lines as the 3008, with the seven-seater layout and lack of plug-in hybrid options being the main things that separate the 5008 from the 3008.

The styling of the 5008 is different due to a longer roof line than the 3008, while the extended rear overhang means space for the third row of seats. This also means the 5008 has a bigger boot when the back seats are not in use, which makes it a great choice for families that need a bit more space.

All these attributes mean the 5008 has to take on some strong rivals in the seven-seat family SUV class. Chief among these is the Skoda Kodiaq, joined by the mechanically similar SEAT Tarraco at the front of the class, although the 5008 makes a great alternative option. Elsewhere, there's the Nissan X-Trail and VW Tiguan Allspace, although both these models have smaller rear seats than the 5008. Those looking for greater seven-seat practicality should look at the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.

One word of advice, though. If you're going to be using the third row of seats frequently, then none of these SUVs will be as practical as the French brand’s other seven-seat offering, the Peugeot Rifter and its Citroën Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo Life siblings.

A facelift in 2020 saw some slight exterior styling changes, including a larger grille, revised LED running lights and new headlights. On-board tech was also upgraded with a new 10-inch infotainment screen (on certain models) and an updated 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

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If the 5008 sounds appealing, then you can get behind the wheel for just under £37,000. That buys you the entry-level 1.2 PureTech 130 three-cylinder turbo petrol in Active trim. Don't worry if the thought of a 128bhp 1.2-litre engine hauling a seven-seat SUV doesn't appeal because the unit is a decent performer around town. It needs revving out with a full load aboard at higher speeds, so if you regularly drive on the motorway, try the slightly more potent 136bhp 1.2 Hybrid model, which provides some mild-hybrid electrical assistance when you need a quick burst of power. Other engines include a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel with 129bhp and a healthy dose of low-rev pulling power to get you up to speed.

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All 5008s come with some form of automatic gearbox. The 1.2 PureTech and 1.5 BlueHDi have an eight-speed EAT8 automatic, while the 1.2 Hybrid has a six-speed e-DSC6 dual-clutch automatic. All versions of the Peugeot 5008 are front-wheel drive with no four-wheel drive option available. While that might seem daft on an SUV, Peugeot does offer its Grip Control system as an option, which adapts the traction control system to different surfaces and adds ‘mud and snow’ tyres, which helps give you a bit more traction when you need it.

Active trim is the entry point to the range and is well equipped, but upgrading to the Allure version adds 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, a 10-inch infotainment screen with integrated sat-nav, and ambient interior lighting. Splashing out on the range-topping GT adds adaptive cruise control, blindspot monitoring, front parking sensors, and some Alcantara trim for the dashboard.

Used and nearly new

The Peugeot 5008 has dramatically changed since its introduction in 2009. The first model focused on space and practicality, with little thought about glamour and style. Things have changed with the current model, which has bold styling, a funky cabin and the latest tech.

Peugeot 5008 history

Peugeot 5008 Mk2: 2017-

As mentioned above, the 5008 is a very different beast from what you can see below. That’s because the second-generation car is a large SUV, whereas the first generation was an MPV. Earlier versions of this generation came with a greater range of petrol and diesel engines, and some were quite capable of towing a caravan or large trailer. There hasn’t been a plug-in hybrid offered, unlike the 3008. That’s because the battery pack would get in the way of its seven-seat layout, potentially removing the main reason you’d buy a 5008.

Peugeot 5008 Mk1: 2009-2017

The original 5008 arrived in 2009 as a seven-seater MPV, and was a big step up in quality and driving dynamics over the cars that had gone before. Peugeot introduced its first people carrier, the 806, in 1995, followed by the more stylish 807 in 2003. But each new arrival was trying to get a slice of an even smaller pie, as buyers migrated away from MPVs towards SUVs. It’s no surprise then, that the current 5008 has gone in that direction.  Read our full Mk1 Peugeot 5008 buyer’s guide here...

For an alternative review of the Peugeot 5008, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...