The market for what Europeans think of as large SUVs is, well, bigger than it once was. Far bigger in fact, thanks to the Tesla Model Y. And even though that vehicle’s sales have taken a whopping hit across the region so far in 2025, it’s still extremely successful.
Other contenders in the 4.7-4.9 m long size class include the likes of the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. Plus the aged Land Rover Discovery Sport and just-facelifted Volvo XC90 are still doing good volume too.
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Peugeot hasn’t been anywhere near a dominant force in this segment, the new 5008 sharing its number with what had started life two generations ago as an MPV. Now though, the model is definitely an SUV, as was its predecessor.
As generation three hasn’t been on the market very long, the 5008’s sales total of 43,000 Europe-wide in 2024 is mostly the old-shape model. Others fared far better in the segment, including not only the Model Y but the Skoda Kodiaq too. However, the new Peugeot has an ace up its sleeve by offering three propulsion system options: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV. Take that Tesla.
Seven seats, or five?
Stellantis’ small-engine petrol-electric system is now available in every European Peugeot, from the little 208 to this new SUV, begging the question of whether or not a 1.2-litre engine has enough power and torque for a large seven-seater? Amazingly enough, it genuinely seems to, and traction is also fine, with only 2WD available for the 5008 Hybrid. Four-wheel drive is available for the E-5008 at least, due to the high outputs of its two motors.
Peugeot has recently announced a new option for the EV in the form of two-row seating. The brand’s research found that not everyone wants or needs the seven-seat layout, with an enormous boot a desired alternative. Substantial it is too, at 994 litres, a gain of 78 litres, expanding to a maximum of 2,310.
As the five-seat E-5008 is only newly announced, that one wasn’t available from Stellantis UK as a press sampler, nor was the PHEV. In any case, surely the best test of the model’s strengths and weaknesses would be spending time with an example powered by the smallest engine.
Three cylinders, or four?
Where some OEMs such as Toyota use the same basic engine for HEV and PHEV variants, in the case of the 5008, the plug-in hybrid has a 1.6-litre I4 linked to a seven-speed DCT but the MHEV is a 1.2 and has one less cylinder. Even the gearbox differs, having only six ratios.
There are 48-volt electrics and as noted in my reviews of various other Stellantis models with this powertrain, the so-called 136 e-DCS6 is able to move the 5008 from rest, just like a series hybrid. Technically speaking it’s not quite one of those, though it does more than the usual mild hybrid. And that 136? It’s the combined PS number of engine and transmission-integrated motor, the metric output being 100 kilowatts.
To be clear, you cannot plug the MHEV 5008 in, the electric energy used for running at low speeds/boosting engine power being stored in a battery. Peugeot specifies a HYBRID badge for the right side of the tailgate but other than that, the 136 looks almost identical to the PHEV or indeed, to the E-5008.
Inspired interior
Naturally the brand’s i-Cockpit concept features. I’m a fervant fan of the tiny steering wheel, angular dashboard and asymmetric central console and now, long digital dash-top display. It looks especially enticing at night and will wow any passengers. You also get lovely soft lighting which wraps around onto the tops of the doors, shifting shades for each of the drive modes. I especially liked the green of the Eco setting.
There is an abundance of glass for all occupants, even those in the third row, while the back window is a decent size too. Aerodynamics must also be good as unlike in many cars, the back wiper hardly needed to be used on a long and rainy motorway trip.
The only things I didn’t like about the 5008 were the ridiculously loud double beeps as the thing locks itself – why does it have to make a noise at all? – and that sometimes (oddly, it seems to vary by the model) troublesome Stellantis gear selection toggle. You have to hold it for a long time switching between D and R, making for annoying three-point turn delays. Tight parking spaces can be trickier still: be ready to stab the brakes due to being caught in neutral when you instead wanted forward or reverse.
Conclusion
No other model in the class has anything like the striking exterior and/or interior of this new Peugeot: very much a good thing, that. The seating options are fantastically flexible, the mammoth boot a real advantage and those who love the brand’s typical small-wheel-in-your-lap and cockpit-style dash the 5008 is hard to beat in its class. And the choice of three drive systems is without doubt a major boon. As a (mild) hybrid, the 5008 carries a lot of conviction.
The new Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 is priced from GBP38,360 (Allure model grade) or from GBP41,590 in as-tested GT specification.
