It has been a huge success, this Peugeot 5008, since its launch in 2017 – and no wonder. For starters, it’s unusually stylish for a large SUV, especially one boasting seven seats. In essence, it’s a lightly stretched version of the firm’s five-seat 3008. Added to that, it’s almost certainly among the most practical. Bought used, it’s now great value, too.
Of course, it needs more than just good looks and practicality to succeed, and the 5008 makes a good stab at delivering all the essentials.
There’s a good range of engines, for one. Petrols can be had with a 128bhp 1.2-litre engine or a 163bhp 1.6-litre unit, while diesels are served by a 1.6-litre engine with 99bhp or 118bhp and a 2.0-litre version with 148bhp or 178bhp. Later cars added a 128bhp 1.5-litre diesel with commendable performance and fuel economy. The 5008 is strictly front-wheel drive, but you can have an automatic gearbox as an option.
Trim levels kick off with Active, which comes with electric windows, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, and much more. Next-step-up Allure throws in sat-nav, a rearview camera, 18in alloy wheels and privacy glass. Top-spec GT and GT Premium trims have a panoramic glass roof, a more sporty-looking interior and bigger wheels.
On the road, all engines push the 5008 along at a good lick. Around corners, it does pretty well, with quick steering, plenty of grip and predictable handling. It rides well on fairly soft suspension, too. Moreover, the 5008 is a very refined car and is at its best on motorways. It works well with an automatic gearbox, which adds an extra air of suaveness to proceedings.
The impressive and solidly built interior has an excellent driving position with good visibility. The materials are especially impressive, with soft-touch trim used where you look and touch most often, and chrome highlights and stylish cloth inserts adding a touch of flair. The 5008 follows the Peugeot design philosophy of mounting instruments high on the dashboard, above the very small steering wheel. It works well here, as does the layout of the major and minor controls.
There’s more good news in terms of space and seating flexibility. Middle-row passengers will be happy to sit for quite long journeys and the third row has two flip-up seats that are suitable for children or smaller adults for short journeys. The boot is huge with all seats folded and still very large with the second-row seats in place. There’s a small space left even with the third-row seats in use.
Need to know
The 5008 was refreshed in 2020. There were new LED headlights and tail-lights and a redesigned ‘frameless’ front grille. Inside, the centrally mounted infotainment touchscreen grew from 8.0in to 10.0in (on Allure trim upwards). Smartphone mirroring was made standard across the range. The 12.3in i-Cockpit digital dashboard was also upgraded to be clearer and easier to read.
The 5008 will set you back between £18,000 and £20,000 for an early car. Spend between £20,000 and £22,000 on a good 2018 example, or £22,000 to £25,000 for a 2019 or 2020 car. Up the ante to £26,000-£28,000 for your choice of barely used cars.
Our pick
1.2 130
The smooth and punchy nature of the popular 1.2-litre petrol engine gets our vote because it combines decent fuel economy and performance, as well as a good dollop of refinement.
Wild card
2.0 180 GT Premium
Inasmuch as the 5008 could ever be considered wild, the 2.0-litre diesel in 178bhp mode has plenty of punch. Indeed, it’s positively lively. Top-spec GT Premium trim gets larger wheels, sporty interior trim and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Ones we found
2018 Peugeot 5008 1.2 130 Allure, 32,000 miles, £19,500
2019 Peugeot 5008 1.5 130 Allure, 10,000 miles, £23,150
2021 Peugeot 5008 2.0 180 GT Premium, 2000 miles, £27,000
