TEST DRIVE Peugeot aims for major turnaround with 5008 hybrid SUV

Peugeot's 5008 SUV / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung

GIMPO, Gyeonggi Province — The third-generation Peugeot 5008 family SUV has made a striking return with a lively yet composed driving feature that sets the vehicle apart from its rivals.

After a decade, the vehicle has undergone a complete overhaul. Stellantis Korea hopes to jump on the booming SUV bandwagon by making the three-row family car its most strategic lineup this year.

Peugeot has balanced the essentials of a large family SUV — flexible seating, usability and reasonable fuel efficiency — with a sense of refinement and unique driving dynamics.

When the vehicle was taken for a round-trip drive between Gimpo and Incheon, with a distance of some 60 kilometers, the 5008 SUV dispelled the perception that a vehicle of this size would be relatively weak in responsiveness, compared to smaller, more typical sedans.

Peugeot's 5008 SUV / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung

However, the vehicle constantly delivered a breezy driving feel, powered largely by its well-balanced hybrid system.

The 5008 SUV is equipped with a 1.2-liter PureTech gasoline engine with a 48-volt hybrid system. This setup allows the SUV to operate in electric-only mode for roughly half the time during typical urban driving.

The integration of the electric assist and gasoline engine keeps the vehicle’s acceleration smooth and responsive enough for most road conditions in Korea. Drivers who value a spirited daily drive will appreciate this balanced driving performance.

However, those who prefer a swift acceleration or dynamic and powerful driving may not be satisfied with the 5008’s 1.2-liter hybrid engine, as it was not designed for that purpose.

Interior of the Peugeot 5008 hybrid SUV / Courtesy of Stellantis Korea

The interior flexibility is one of the vehicle’s great strengths. Many customers here are under the notion that the third row of most seven-seat SUVs is cramped and suitable only for children.

This was not the case for the 5008 SUV. Its third row was spacious enough even for adults of average build to enjoy a comfortable ride.

On the convenience front, Peugeot has equipped the 5008 with a suite of driver assistance systems. The vehicle features active safety braking and forward collision warning systems, which help drivers proactively detect potential hazards on the road. Other safety features also include lane keeping assist and lane departure warning, according to the carmaker.

Stellantis Korea CEO Bang Sil speaks during a media event to celebrate the launch of Peugeot's 5008 SUV at a cafe in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Courtesy of Stellantis Korea

Stellantis Korea CEO Bang Sil pinned hopes on the new vehicle to serve as a major sales driver for Peugeot this year.

“Our target is to make the 5008 SUV account for more than 30 percent of Peugeot’s total sales here in 2026,” Bang told reporters during a media event on Monday, before the test drive.

Last year, Peugeot sold 979 vehicles in Korea, up 3.4 percent from the previous year. The carmaker expects the new strategic model to not only boost its overall sales, but rekindle customers’ enthusiasm for the brand — particularly from those looking for family cars with a fresh identity that sets it apart from others on the market.

The vehicle’s price starts from 48.9 million won here.

“This is the cheapest and most competitive price level in the world,” Bang said. “We believe the 5008 SUV will gain popularity on its strong commercial value in a number of factors, from its price to its design and spacious interior.”