Real-World Driving: Comfort and Handling
The Peugeot 5008's driving dynamics will surprise you. This big seven-seater handles like a much smaller car. Few family SUVs blend practicality and driving pleasure so well.
Urban Driving and Manoeuvrability
The 5008 proves easy to drive in the city. The power steering system stands out - it responds so well that tight streets become a breeze. Light controls make city driving relaxed, which helps during busy school runs and shopping trips.
You won't struggle to park this big SUV. Every model comes with rear parking sensors and a backup camera. The optional 360° vision system shows you exactly what's around the car when you're trying to fit into a spot. Some versions can even park themselves.
The cruise control system has one drawback. The touch-based controls have too many buttons, which might take time to get used to.
Motorway Stability and Ride Quality
The 5008 shines on the open road. It glides along at high speeds, making road trips enjoyable. The car handles most bumps well, and highway driving stays quiet.
The cabin's quietness really impresses. Road noise, wind noise, and engine sounds barely make it inside. Even at idle, you'll hardly hear the engine running.
The mild hybrid manages mid-forties mpg in ground conditions, though this drops with seven people on board. The automatic gearbox works well but sometimes hesitates to shift quickly when you need rapid acceleration at junctions.
Steering and Suspension Feedback
The small steering wheel makes this SUV unique. It tricks you into thinking you're driving something more compact. You'll need a few miles to adjust to this setup.
The steering feels quick at first because of the small wheel. The sharp response doesn't quite match the car's otherwise relaxed nature. Most drivers grow to love how this makes such a big car feel more manageable after a short adjustment period.
The suspension balances comfort and handling nicely. The Skoda Kodiaq might corner flatter, but the 5008 rides smoothly. It stays stable over rough patches, even mid-corner.
Stick to standard wheels for the best ride quality. The optional 19-inch or 20-inch alloys make the suspension work harder. The standard hybrid model (1.7 tonnes) feels more agile than the two-tonne PHEV version.
The 5008 won't satisfy sports car enthusiasts. But it delivers what families want - a comfortable, quiet, and easy-to-live-with car that makes daily drives a pleasure.
Interior Experience: Space, Layout and Feel
The Peugeot 5008's cabin makes an immediate impression with its modern design and smart layout. This seven-seater SUV stands out from its rivals with an interior that blends style, practicality, and comfort.
Front Cabin Ergonomics
Peugeot's distinctive i-Cockpit arrangement defines the 5008's front cabin. A smaller-than-usual steering wheel sits beneath the instrument cluster. You'll find yourself wrapped in a cocoon-like driver's seat. The dashboard and controls angle toward the driver to make everything easily accessible.
The front seats give you plenty of space with 1,492.5mm of elbow room. There's excellent headroom at 930mm with the standard roof, though this drops to 878mm if you opt for the panoramic sunroof.
The front cabin has storage spaces everywhere you look. Felt-lined door bins keep your items from rattling around. A large central storage box under the armrest comes with an air-conditioning vent to keep drinks cool. You'll also find a wireless smartphone charging pad and a big bin along the dashboard's side.
The glovebox is a bit small according to several reviews. However, the abundance of other storage spots more than makes up for this minor drawback.
Rear Passenger Comfort
The middle row shows off the 5008's versatility. Three separate seats can recline, slide, and tilt independently. This lets you choose between maximising passenger comfort or boot space.
Middle-row passengers get 1,465mm of elbow room and 905mm of headroom (863mm with the panoramic roof). A flat floor design removes the central transmission tunnel, which gives the middle passenger better foot space. Second-row amenities include map pockets, a fold-down armrest with cupholders in GT models, and twin USB charging ports.
The two back seats work fine for adults on shorter trips. As one reviewer notes, "Average-sized adults will just about fit for a short journey, especially if the middle row occupants slide their seats forward a little". The new model's longer doors and better tilting mechanism make getting to these seats easier.
The 5008's interior quality rivals premium brands. Smart grey cloth covers the dashboard and centre console, extending to the seats and rear areas. This fabric approach adds a distinctive touch to what could be just another plastic-heavy interior.
The build quality feels reliable throughout. One reviewer points out that "you'll have to dig hard to find scratchy plastic surfaces". Small details add to the premium feel - window switches work silently and column stalks feel solid.
The lighting creates an upmarket atmosphere inside. You can customise the eight-colour extended ambient lighting system. Blue ambient lights light up the front door panels and cupholders in higher trim levels. GT models get flocked front door pockets with blue ambient lighting.
GT and GT Premium trims add extra luxury touches. These include grey "Greval Alcantara" dashboard and door panel inserts, Aikinite contrast stitching, and a Mistral full grain perforated leather steering wheel.
The 5008's interior ended up creating the perfect balance. It works great for family life while feeling decidedly upscale for daily driving.
Infotainment and Controls Usability
The Peugeot 5008's dashboard showcases an impressive 21-inch curved LED panel that grabs your attention right away. This panoramic display combines the driver's digital instrument cluster and central infotainment touchscreen into one eye-catching unit. The sophisticated setup wants to merge technology with ease of use, but like many modern infotainment systems, it comes with its share of pros and cons worth learning about.
Touchscreen Responsiveness
The 5008's large touchscreen shows off crisp, clear graphics and high resolution that improve the premium feel inside. The system looks visually stunning with its modern interface and sleek design. Daily use reveals that the touchscreen doesn't always keep up with your inputs. Several owners mention that the system "doesn't load faster than we'd like", which can be frustrating when you're in a hurry.
The display sits at a perfect height—you can see it clearly over the steering wheel (unlike other Peugeot models) and reach it easily from the driver's seat. This smart placement lets you check information while keeping your eyes on the road. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring standard across all models, so you can combine your phone smoothly with the car's system.
Some owners have faced reliability problems, with the system freezing and needing restarts. One user said: "After a week and about 400km later, the infotainment system was not turning on on an engine start (black screen and touch bar not lit up)". These problems seem random rather than constant.
Climate and Navigation Access
Many users criticise Peugeot's choice to put climate controls on the touchscreen instead of using physical buttons or dials. Temperature controls usually show up on both sides of the home screen, but they vanish when you use smartphone mirroring. This means you must exit your navigation or media apps just to change the cabin temperature.
The navigation system packs several useful features. Connected Navigation gives you immediate traffic information through TomTom Traffic. You get helpful extras like parking assistance that displays available spaces and prices, plus fuel price comparisons at nearby stations. Voice commands let you control various functions while keeping your hands on the wheel, offering a safer option than touching the screen while driving.
You can pick different view options for navigation using the screen or steering wheel controls. The system updates over-the-air, keeping your maps current without trips to the dealer.
i-Toggle Shortcuts and Limitations
The 5008's most innovative control feature is the i-Toggle feature—a touch-sensitive panel below the main infotainment screen. This panel lets you customise shortcuts to functions you use often, such as:
- Navigation destinations
- Radio station presets
- Climate control settings
- Telephone contacts
- Mobile applications
The i-Toggle concept strikes a balance between touchscreen flexibility and physical button convenience. The icons are big and easy to spot while driving, though as one reviewer points out, "physical buttons would be more precise".
The complex menu structure stands out as the biggest problem. Finding your way through various submenus can distract you, especially when you need quick adjustments on the move. The system lacks logical connections between related functions, making you take extra steps for tasks that should be simpler.
Despite these drawbacks, the complete infotainment package offers detailed functionality that, once you know how to use it, gives you an impressive range of features to improve your trips in the Peugeot 5008.
Boot Space and Storage Flexibility
The Peugeot 5008's appeal comes from its practical nature. Its versatile boot space and clever storage solutions make it stand out for families who need flexibility.
Peugeot 5008 Boot Space in All Configurations
The Peugeot 5008's boot capabilities change based on how you set up the seats. You'll get 348 litres of storage space with all seven seats up, which matches a small family hatchback. The space splits between the main boot area and drawer-like storage under the back seats.
The available space grows to 916 litres when you fold the third row into the floor. This makes it one of the roomiest vehicles in its class. You can create a massive 2,042 litres of space by folding all rear seats - enough room for big furniture or adventure gear.
The 5008 has a unique trick up its sleeve - you can take out the third-row seats completely instead of just folding them. This adds another 108 litres, bringing the total to 2,150 litres for those extra-large items.
Underfloor Storage and Load Bay
The 5008's clever design goes beyond just numbers. It has practical underfloor storage you can reach even with all seats up. This hidden spot keeps valuables safe or stores items you don't need often.
The boot floor shines with its smooth, flat design when you fold the seats. Many competitors have annoying steps or gaps with folded seats, but the 5008's level surface stops small items from getting stuck during trips.
Smart features fill the load area. The underfloor storage has special clips that hold the parcel shelf when you're not using it. The boot sides stay flat without wheel arches getting in the way. Loading gets easier since there's no lip to lift heavy items over. You'll also find handy hooks for shopping bags and a useful storage cubby built into the right side.
Comparison with Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento
The Peugeot 5008 shows its practical nature against key rivals. The 5008 is smaller than the Kia Sorento (16.9cm shorter and 4.9cm lower) but still offers 4% more cargo space - proof of Peugeot's smart space use.
The Skoda Kodiaq, known for being practical, only manages 720 litres with five seats up while the 5008 gives you 952 litres. The 5008 beats the Hyundai Santa Fe too, which has 748 litres in five-seat mode compared to the Peugeot's 952 litres.
The 5008's competitors fall short with their third row up. The boot space behind the 5008's third row (348 litres) is bigger than rivals, who typically offer 230-270 litres. Even city cars like the Fiat 500, with its 185-litre boot, can't match the 5008's seven-seat capacity.
These numbers matter in ground use. The 5008's five-seat boot fits sports gear, big weekly shopping trips, or holiday luggage for the whole family - things that busy households care about more than just numbers.
Hybrid Powertrains: Performance and Efficiency
The Peugeot 5008 comes with two hybrid powertrain choices. Each option serves different driving needs and runs more efficiently than regular engines.
Mild Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid
The basic mild hybrid pairs a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a compact 0.9kWh battery that sits under the passenger seat. This self-charging setup produces 136hp through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. The power output isn't remarkable - it takes 10.1 seconds to reach 60mph, while the Nissan X-Trail does it in 7.6 seconds. Yet it works well enough for daily drives.
Drivers who need more punch can opt for the plug-in hybrid version. It combines a bigger 1.6-litre petrol engine with a stronger electric motor to generate 192hp. The PHEV uses a much larger 22kWh battery pack and delivers better performance overall. The price reflects these upgrades - it starts at £43,000, while the mild hybrid begins at £37,360.
Electric-Only Range and Charging
The biggest difference between these powertrains lies in their electric driving abilities. The mild hybrid runs on electricity only during slow-speed moves and stop-start traffic. WLTP tests show it uses electric power more than half the time in city driving.
The plug-in hybrid can travel up to 48 miles on pure electric range with a full charge. Real-life driving usually yields 35-40 miles. These numbers fall behind the Skoda Kodiaq iV's 75-mile range. A standard outlet takes about 5.5 hours to charge the PHEV because charging speed tops out at 3.7kW.
MPG and BIK Tax Benefits
Both hybrid versions shine when it comes to efficiency:
- Mild Hybrid: WLTP ratings show 44.6-52.5mpg, but real-life tests achieved 40.8-48mpg
- Plug-in Hybrid: Official numbers reach 356.2mpg, but this depends heavily on regular charging
The mild hybrid releases 122-143g/km of CO2, putting it in a high 31% BIK tax band. The PHEV drops this to just 8%, making it a great choice for company car drivers.
Fuel consumption in the mild hybrid beats its regular petrol counterpart by 15%. Running costs stay reasonable, but buyers should weigh the £1,300 extra cost against potential fuel savings over time.
Ownership Costs and Trim Levels
The cost of owning a family SUV like the Peugeot 5008 goes way beyond the original purchase price. Your daily expenses and long-term ownership experience will depend on the trim level you choose.
Running Costs and Depreciation
The Peugeot 5008's routine maintenance stays relatively affordable. The first year starts at about £234 and gradually rises to £1,535 by year five. You can expect to pay between £238 and £397 for annual servicing. The budget for replacement parts such as brake pads and philtres typically ranges from £158 to £476 per year.
The diesel variants deliver around 45mpg on the ground compared to 35mpg for petrol models—roughly a 10mpg difference. A new self-charging hybrid tries to close this gap by offering 44.7mpg in mixed driving. The three-year/60,000-mile warranty looks modest next to Toyota's impressive ten-year coverage.
The 5008 holds its value well. After three years, the 1.5 BlueHDi Active keeps 46% of its value while the 1.2 PureTech GT maintains 51%.
Allure vs GT Equipment
The Allure specification takes the base Active trim up a notch. It comes with high beam assist, keyless entry, and half leather-effect trim with "Colyn" fabric. The package also has an upgraded 10-inch touchscreen with connected navigation.
GT models step things up with 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, full LED headlights, and frameless rearview mirrors. The interior features Alcantara dashboard inserts, ambient lighting, and a leather steering wheel with "Aikinite" copper stitching. GT trim adds practical luxuries like lumbar adjustment, flat-folding passenger seats, and "aviation style" tray tables.
Best Value for Money Option
The Allure trim stands out as the sweet spot in the range. It gives you essential family-friendly features without GT specification's higher price tag. This mid-range option delivers excellent value and comes with navigation, blind-spot detection, and front parking sensors.
The mild hybrid version starts at £39,490 and offers great economy without the plug-in hybrid's hefty premium.
Safety, Reliability and Warranty
Family SUV buyers place safety features at the top of their list. The Peugeot 5008 delivers with detailed protection systems and driver aids that prevent accidents and protect occupants during collisions.
Driver Assistance Features
The Peugeot 5008 has an impressive range of safety technologies in models of all sizes. Standard features are autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that detects pedestrians and cyclists even at night. The SUV also comes with lane departure warning and active lane keep assistance. GT models feature blind spot detection, while vehicles with automatic transmission get adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go functionality.
This SUV stands out with its Night Vision system—unique at this price point. The system uses infrared technology to spot pedestrians and animals up to 200 metres beyond your headlights. Your safety matters even more with the Driver Warning Alert system. It watches steering wheel micro-movements above 40mph to detect when you're tired.
Peugeot Reliability Ratings
The reliability story of Peugeot shows mixed results. The 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey ranked the brand 19th among 31 manufacturers. While this puts them in the bottom half, they still rank better than Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen.
The current 5008 hasn't appeared in recent surveys yet. Its predecessor didn't fare well and ranked near the bottom of the seven-seater class. Owners praise the car's reliability but point out dealer service quality issues. Some electronic problems exist, but these seem like isolated cases rather than systemic issues.
Warranty vs Hyundai and Kia
Peugeot's standard warranty gives you three years or 60,000 miles of coverage. This matches industry standards but falls nowhere near what key rivals offer. Hyundai gives five years with unlimited mileage, while Kia leads with seven years or 100,000 miles. This gives these brands a clear edge if you plan to keep your car longer.
The good news? Peugeot backs its hybrid batteries for eight years or 100,000 miles. This covers both mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems. You just need to stick to service schedules at approved centres. This extended coverage gives hybrid model buyers peace of mind.
Conclusion
The Peugeot 5008 is an impressive family package that combines style with practicality in a seven-seater SUV. You'll find class-leading boot space and real seven-seat capability in a versatile vehicle that adapts as your needs change. The price range sits between £39,490 and £46,940, but it's worth the money with its premium interior feel, advanced tech, and detailed safety features.
The Allure trim hits the sweet spot in the range. It gives you all the important features without GT models' higher price tag. The mild hybrid version makes sense financially for most buyers. It offers decent economy and doesn't ask for the plug-in version's big premium.
The Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe are strong competitors, especially when you have warranty coverage and driving dynamics in mind. All the same, the 5008's space usage, unique styling, and that eye-catching 21-inch curved display lift the whole cabin experience above the rest.
The 5008's best feature might be how small it feels to drive. Good visibility, responsive steering, and nimble handling make daily drives easier than you'd expect from a seven-seater SUV. Of course, it won't match a sports car's handling, but it strikes the right balance of comfort and driver involvement that families want.
The car has a few drawbacks. The infotainment system can be annoying to use, and the warranty is just average. But the Peugeot 5008 gives growing families everything they want - space, flexibility, comfort, and enough style to avoid the purely practical look. This balance makes it a great choice to think about if you want seven seats without too many compromises.
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