Peugeot's 5008 Hybrid: Can This SUV REALLY Save Them?!

GIMPO, Gyeonggi Province – Peugeot is betting big on its revamped 5008 family SUV, and after a brief test drive, it's easy to see why. The third-generation 5008 boasts a surprisingly spirited and composed driving experience, setting it apart in a crowded market. After a decade, this is a complete overhaul, and Stellantis Korea clearly hopes to capitalize on the ever-growing SUV craze by positioning this three-row vehicle as a key strategic model this year.

Peugeot's 5008 Hybrid: Can This SUV REALLY Save Th...

Peugeot seems to have found a sweet spot, combining the necessities of a large family SUV – adaptable seating, practicality, and decent fuel economy – with a dash of sophistication and, dare I say, a bit of actual driving enjoyment. It's not just another boxy people-mover; there's a certain je ne sais quoi about it.

During my roughly 60-kilometer round trip between Gimpo and Incheon, the 5008 defied my expectations. I fully anticipated a vehicle of this size to feel, well, sluggish compared to a smaller sedan. Instead, it consistently delivered a breezy driving feel, thanks in large part to its nicely tuned hybrid system. It actually felt…fun. I wouldn't have expected that from a three-row SUV.

The 5008 SUV features a 1.2-liter PureTech gasoline engine paired with a 48-volt hybrid system. This clever setup allows the SUV to operate in electric-only mode for about half the time during typical city driving. The integration between the electric assist and the gasoline engine is impressively smooth, providing responsive acceleration suitable for most road conditions here in Korea. It's not a rocket ship, by any means, but it certainly gets the job done.

Drivers who appreciate an engaging daily drive will likely find this balanced performance appealing. However, those craving rapid acceleration or a more traditionally "powerful" driving experience might find the 5008's 1.2-liter hybrid engine a bit wanting. It's not designed for outright performance, and it shows. Still, it's a trade-off I think many families will be willing to make for the fuel efficiency and smoother driving experience.

Interior flexibility is a real standout. Let's be honest, the third row in most seven-seat SUVs is practically torture for anyone over the age of ten. The 5008, however, offers a surprisingly spacious third row – comfortable even for adults of average build. I was genuinely impressed. It actually makes the "seven-seater" claim feel legitimate.

On the tech front, Peugeot has packed the 5008 with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including active safety braking and forward collision warning to proactively detect potential hazards. Lane keeping assist and lane departure warning are also included. It's all the usual suspects, and it's good to see Peugeot keeping up with the competition in this regard.

Stellantis Korea CEO Bang Sil is optimistic that the new vehicle will significantly boost Peugeot's sales this year. "Our target is for the 5008 SUV to account for more than 30 percent of Peugeot's total sales here in 2026," Bang told reporters during a media event on Monday, prior to the test drive. Last year, Peugeot sold 979 vehicles in Korea, a 3.4 percent increase... Can the 5008 deliver on this ambitious goal? Only time will tell, but based on my initial impressions, Peugeot might just have a winner on their hands.