What is it?
Peugeot has a known history for producing practical seven-seaters, including the ‘90s 806, the noughties 807 and more recently the 5008. Originally starting out as an MPV, as buyers increasingly turned away from these models, Peugeot switched this model to become a large SUV when the second-generation model arrived in 2017.
It proved to be a lucrative move, with the 5008 growing in popularity in the following years. Now, halfway through its life, Peugeot has made a number of upgrades, but is it for the better?
What’s new?
The changes made to the 5008 mirror those seen on the smaller 3008 SUV, and stem around the models getting a far bolder look, incorporating Peugeot’s latest frameless grille, along with gloss black lower areas.
Around the rear, the latest 5008 gets new LED lights with sequential ‘scrolling’ indicators for the first time, along with the next-generation version of Peugeot’s widely regarded digital i-Cockpit screen.
What’s under the bonnet?
The 5008 is now the only Peugeot model that’s not available with some kind of electrification, with customers instead having a choice of regular petrol and diesel engines. All are front-wheel-drive, too.
Starting with petrol, there is the choice of a 129bhp 1.2-litre unit, available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, along with a 178bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol that’s paired exclusively to the auto ‘box.
If you’d prefer a diesel, a 129bhp 1.5-litre BlueHDI starts things off and also has a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. For a big car, it’s superb on fuel – returning up to 60.8mpg, with CO2 emissions as low as 122g/km. If you want more power, a 175bhp 2.0-litre diesel with an automatic gearbox is available.
What’s it like to drive?
The engines are one of the best things about the 5008, and even the small 1.2-litre petrol unit is a surprisingly good fit in this SUV, which is seriously impressive considering its size.
It very much majors on comfort behind the wheel, and its supple suspension is fantastic around town, but also settled on the motorway. It’s just what you want from a seven-seater, and adds to the relaxing and refined experience that the 5008 has to offer.
How does it look?
The 5008 has always been a stylish choice ever since the second-generation form, and this latest model is only an extension of that. The new frameless grille and ‘Claw’ dynamic running lights bring this model in-line with Peugeot’s other models, while the standard-fit LED front and rear lights only add to the appeal.
For a large SUV, it handles its size well, not appearing quite as large as it actually is, and instead only looking like a slightly stretched version of the 3008.
What’s it like inside?
Peugeot interiors are now some of the best around and are refreshingly different. This might be the French firm’s largest car, but it retains the small steering wheel, large digital instrument cluster of its much smaller models, and brings that welcome uniformity. The switchgear and displays feel very premium and hard-wearing throughout, too.
All 5008s come with seven seats as standard, unlike some rivals, and though the rearmost chairs are only really suitable for children, this is still an impressively useful large family car.
What’s the spec like?
All 5008 models get plenty of equipment, with the entry-level Active Premium+ trim featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with keyless start and a reversing camera.
The Allure Premium+ trim offers keyless entry, 18-inch alloy wheels and an upgraded 10-inch touchscreen. Further up, the GT brings a sportier look, along with adaptive cruise control and full LED headlights. The flagship GT Premium then brings a Focal sound system, Alcantara seat trim and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Verdict
The Peugeot 5008 is one of the better large-family SUVs on the market, especially at the lower end of the pricing spectrum. Offering plenty of space, it also packs a high-quality interior and plenty of equipment to go with it.
Combined with its smart, eye-catching styling and comfortable and refined driving experience, this is an SUV that ticks plenty of the right boxes.