2025 Peugeot 5008 review

This family SUV markets itself as a ‘hybrid’ and a ‘seven-seater’, but its true nature reveals an unexpected surprise.

Matt Campbell

3 min read

July 7, 2025 - 5:32PM

Motoring

On the Road

Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News.

This French SUV is a bit of a fibber.

Peugeot is marketing the 5008 as a ‘hybrid’, but really it’s more of a mild hybrid. And it’s a seven-seater too, but it’s only a proper three-row SUV if those occupying the third row have no legs.

However, if you look beyond those assertions, this is a compelling family crossover wagon with a heap of interesting features, and one of the most enjoyable drive experiences of a car like this.

2025 Peugeot 5008 Hybrid. Picture: Supplied

MORE: Best budget SUV arrives in Aus

There are two versions of the 5008 Hybrid available — the Allure, at about $61,000 drive-away, and the more richly specified GT Premium at about $74,000 drive-away.

Keep in mind, that’s getting you a big SUV that only comes with a tiny engine. The 5008 has a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that pairs to a six-speed electrified dual-clutch auto gearbox, which houses an electric motor inside it. That means this SUV can use electric power to assist with a bit more power, and it can even drive in EV mode in some instances. But it still isn’t like a Toyota RAV4 or Kluger hybrid, and nor is the fuel consumption in real-world driving.

The 5008 is essentially the bigger, longer brother to the impressive 3008, and this one still isn’t massive. At just over 4.7 metres long, it is more compact than plenty of midsize SUVs with five seats, but because of its stretched body appearance and long wheelbase, it has a substantial appearance.

And it has a whole heap of extroverted but elegant styling to it, though those 19-inch wheels (with less-than-excellent Giti tyres) are a bit odd.

Even so, there are the claw-theme light signatures front and rear, and the top-spec model gets a two-tone turret with a massive panoramic sunroof.

Inside, there’s configurable ambient lighting that really changes the vibe. And it carries over Peugeot’s polarising i-Cockpit cabin design, meaning you get a tiny little steering wheel that you look over the top of to see your instrumentation.

2025 Peugeot 5008 Hybrid. Picture: Supplied

In this instance, it’s a big single-piece 21-inch curved screen for the driver info stuff (including configurable displays) and the touchscreen media system interface, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen takes a bit of learning, and there’s a lot going on. But there is another smaller touch panel below, called i-Toggles, to easily switch between menus.

2025 Peugeot 5008 Hybrid. Picture: Supplied

MORE: Tesla’s reign challenged by new Chinese rival

Thankfully you still get a number of buttons (recirc, demister) and there’s a volume scroller between the seats. That section of the cabin is divided by a spine-like structure finished in fabric – hate to think what it’ll look like for drive-through frequenters after a few years.

But the design is otherwise special and spectacular, but also pretty well considered. There are good cupholders between the seats and big storage in the doors. In the second row it’s well considered for stowage, too – and there’s a neat tilt-slide mechanism for the seats, and there are ISOFIX points and top-tethers for child seats, but the centre belt comes from the ceiling and may get in the way when accessing the back.

2025 Peugeot 5008 Hybrid. Picture: Supplied

Speaking of, the middle row slides to allow more space in the very back – but the third-row area is seriously cramped. I couldn’t fit at 182cm/6’0” and medium build. It’s strictly a ‘bonus seats’ situation for younger, nimbler occupants, though there are no child-seat anchors back there, no vents, and bugger all storage.

But it is pretty accommodating for cargo, thanks to some clever design - however, there’s no spare: just a tyre repair kit.

It drives well, this thing. The hybrid system isn’t obtrusive, and in fact it feels more oomphy than the combined outputs suggest. It’s zippy, fun, and has a nice raspy note to it because of the three-cylinder engine.

2025 Peugeot 5008 Hybrid. Picture: Supplied

MORE: Huge issue with super cheap Aus car

It steers smaller than it is, with direct responses that feel a little bit at odds with the size of it. But it’s fun to drive in corners, and the ride comfort is impressive, as is the general handling.

What could be better is the fuel consumption. The claim is 5.1 litres per 100km, but I saw 8.0L/100km across a mix of the sort of driving you might do. It needs 95RON premium unleaded, too.

It mightn’t be the most pragmatic or frugal three-row SUV on the market, but for those eager for a different kind of family car, it could be worth a look.

3.5 stars