Peugeot 5008 GT 2022 review

How does the 5008 GT drive?

Frankly, you’ll want the strong and torquey diesel engine in this case. That’s because the 121kW 1.6-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine is just adequate to propel this 1493kg seven-seat SUV with two passengers on board - fill the 5008 with people and luggage and it runs out of puff quite quickly.

Adding to the strain of the petrol’s modest power and torque is its older six-speed torque converter automatic which has tall gear ratios that don’t always mesh well with 5008’s power band. Oddly, Peugeot’s smaller 3008 GT Sport model sees the 121kW petrol paired to an eight-speed auto, which could help somewhat.

Best to keep it simple, though: if you intend to pack the 5008 full on a regular basis and go touring in the country, as many family buyers aspire to do, the 133kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder is the superior choice.

Regardless of your choice of fuel, no 5008 is available with an AWD system - this may be a turn-off to those who want to use their SUV for off-road duties, though if you mainly stick to sealed roads and avoid the snow, front-wheel drive will be adequate. The 5008 is most comfortable with its wheels on black top. Indeed, in typical French car fashion, this car excels on our tough testing roads.

Although firmer than its Citroen C5 Aircross counterpart, the 5008’s ride is never unsettled and inspires confidence despite a basic torsion beam rear suspension setup.

The only downside of the simple torsion beam is an audible resonance over bumps amplified by the 5008’s open cabin. It’s something of an echo chamber when driving by yourself, though five humans and their luggage do soak up sound coming from the rear suspension.

In town the 18-inch alloy wheels shod in chubby 225/55 series Michelin Primacy tyres don’t compromise the ride quality, and the 5008 is happy to waft around - just don’t treat your suburban run like it’s Circuit Paul Ricard, as you’ll be successfully dragged off by alternatives like the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162TSI Elegance ($52,990).

Visibility is also excellent owing to the 5008’s low bonnet (for an SUV). The passive visibility is bolstered by front and rear parking sensors though the grainy 360-camera could be better.

Active safety features are respectable with adaptive cruise control - activated by a hard-to-find stalk behind the steering wheel - AEB with low-light pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring fitted as standard.

Peculiar the 5008’s driving position may be, the high-set 12.3-inch digital driver’s display actively invites you to throw your gaze further down the road which can only be a good thing for passive safety.

Again, the minivan-aping proportions are unassuming, but underneath the 5008 is PSA’s EMP2 platform which lends plenty of athleticism to this SUV. It’s not as crisp in its responses as a 508 liftback, but the tiny steering wheel and low-set driving position encourage you to drive the 5008 with gusto.