The family SUV segment is highly competitive in 2025, with every manufacturer banking on hybrid and electric powertrains to appeal to a public keen to reduce emissions while maintaining a certain driving dynamics. Among them, Peugeot is trying to stand out with its new 5008 Hybrid 136, a model with an attractive offering thanks to its entry-level price and its capacity to accommodate up to 7 passengers. However, this price weapon immediately raises questions: does this small 136-horsepower engine really meet the demands in terms of power, or does it prove insufficient compared to the standards of the category? Does the price drop, which makes it the least expensive family SUV on the market starting at €40,490, hide a compromise in terms of performance? Throughout this article, the different facets of this mild hybrid powertrain will be dissected to shed light on its strengths and limitations. Between fuel efficiency, comfort, and sensations, a precise analysis will be essential to understand whether Peugeot, with this model, has successfully combined intelligence and efficiency, or whether power has suffered. Because in 2025, balancing budget, performance, and ecology remains the ultimate challenge for all players in the automotive market, starting with Peugeot.
The technical background of the Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136: mild hybridization for fuel efficiency
The Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136 is part of the Stellantis Group’s extensive family of vehicles equipped with mild hybrid technology. This system is primarily based on a 1.2-liter, supercharged, 3-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor producing approximately 28 horsepower. The engine thus delivers a combined output of 136 horsepower, hence its name. The unique feature of this engine is that it prioritizes reducing fuel consumption and emissions over pure performance. To achieve this, it incorporates a low-capacity battery, generally around 1 kWh, which allows for light electric driving and compensates for fuel consumption in the city or during deceleration. The electrified dual-clutch transmission adjusts the transmission to optimize hybridization while maintaining significant mechanical simplicity.
This technical choice, shared with other Stellantis models such as the Peugeot 208 and the Opel Astra, aims to provide an affordable offering, particularly in the family SUV market. However, this configuration presents significant limitations once you leave the urban context or relaxed driving. The limited power of the electric motor, combined with the small battery capacity, limits the 5008’s ability to provide effective acceleration under heavy loads. As a result, the vehicle often has to rely on the combustion engine, which must compete with the mechanicals to compensate for the lack of more generous power.
Key technical specifications of the Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total power | 136 horsepower |
| Gasoline engine | 3-cylinder, 1.2 L, supercharged |
| Electric motor | 28 horsepower, 1 kWh battery |
| Maximum torque | 230 Nm |
| Transmission | Electrified dual-clutch automatic transmission |
| Curb weight | approximately 1,780 kg |
The performance of the Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136: an engine that meets expectations?
The raw power figures of the Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136 may seem modest, especially compared to direct competition such as the Renault Espace or the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, which offer engines with more than 150 horsepower. However, the real question concerns the adequacy between this power and the nature of its use. In town, the mild hybrid engine offers a smooth, quiet and economical experience. The ability to drive electrically at low speed, coupled with intelligent management of the combustion engine, makes it possible to avoid excessive consumption when leaving town or during traffic jams. On this point, the small electric motor plays a significant role, offering an immediate response when starting, which is a good point for the city.
On the other hand, as soon as you start driving more dynamically or outside of an urban context, the weakness of this engine block becomes palpable. During our tests, it did not have to be ashamed of the comparison on a city trip, where the torque of 230 Nm ensures correct acceleration. But in highway mode or when crossing mountain passes, the engine clearly lacks the power to restart effectively, particularly with a vehicle loaded with 7 passengers. In these conditions, the engine screams quickly, forcing the systematic use of “Sport” mode to try to obtain a little more punch, which is not always enough.
Key performance figures
- 0-100 km/h recovery: approximately 11 seconds 🕒
- Maximum speed: 195 km/h 🚀
- Combined consumption: approximately 6.5 l/100 km ⛽
- CO2 emitted: 130 g/km ⚠️
- Ecological penalty: €540 in 2025 💶
The limits of the power of the Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136: where are the real constraints?
Despite its qualities in the city, the 136 horsepower engine raises questions when it comes to taking advantage of the full capacity of this family SUV. The main barrier lies in the physics of the vehicle, whose weight reaches almost 1,780 kg empty, which considerably lengthens reaction times and limits recovery. The power of the electric motor, as efficient as it is, must cope with this mass, which limits its effectiveness during heavy loads or demanding climbs. On secondary roads or when overtaking, you must anticipate and often reduce your speed to avoid choking the engine.
Using “Sport” mode is not a miraculous solution, since it increases consumption and does not fully compensate for this intrinsic weakness. Some more demanding drivers, accustomed to the power of a Renault Kadjar or a Ford Kuga, could then feel a certain frustration with use, detrimental to driving pleasure.
Highlights of performance criticism
- Low acceleration for a family SUV 🐢
- Limited revving when overtaking 🚧
- Consumption which increases quickly under heavy demand 📈
- Feeling of lack of punch especially with 7 passengers 👥
- Star of the compromise between price and power, but not a real racing car 🏎️
A comparative analysis: how the Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136 positions itself against its competitors
In a wide range of 7-seater SUVs, the 5008 mild hybrid isn’t just about its entry-level price. Compared to models like the Skoda Kodiaq, Kia Sorento, or Nissan X-Trail, it showcases its main asset: modern, accessible hybrid technology suited to urban driving. However, power often remains a weak point. Most of its competitors offer more powerful engines with output already exceeding 150 horsepower, or even more.
The Peugeot’s advantages lie in its price positioning, its revised interior comfort, and its modularity. However, it can’t compete in terms of dynamic pleasure or acceleration speed. Peugeot’s strategy therefore seems more focused on eco-responsibility and budget than on pure performance. The main differences between Peugeot and its rivals
Model
| Power | Starting price | Seater capacity: 7 | Special features | Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 136 hp | €40,490 | Standard | Mild hybrid, affordable first range | Skoda Kodiaq |
| 150+ hp | €44,000 | Option / Pack | More powerful, all-wheel drive possible | Kia Sorento |
| 190+ hp | €45,000 | Standard | Plug-in hybrid, more efficient | Nissan X-Trail |
| 150 hp | €42,000 | Option | User-friendly, good power/price balance | Renault Espace |
| 160+ hp | €43,990 | Option | Spacious and comfortable, more powerful engines | The outlook and challenges for the Peugeot 5008’s power in the future |
As the trend towards lower fuel consumption and emissions continues, it is It is clear that low-power engines, such as the Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136, will have to evolve. Peugeot could increase the power of its hybrids or offer more muscular versions, in particular to meet the expectations of drivers looking for a little more dynamism without compromising on economy.
The challenge for Peugeot remains to maintain its price and comfort advantages while improving engine responsiveness and driving pleasure. The increase in power could also be accompanied by larger batteries or plug-in hybrid architectures, making the model more efficient and less frustrating when it leaves the factory. The question remains: is the market ready to accept a 7-seater SUV with even less power, or should it evolve towards a new generation that’s more muscular and, above all, more responsive? Upcoming innovations to optimize the power of PSA hybrids
Improved batteries for greater electric range 🔋
Integration of more powerful electric motors ⚡
- Optimized engine management software for greater responsiveness 🚗
- Development of more efficient plug-in hybrid architectures 🔌
- Lighter vehicle weight to reduce mass and increase the power-to-weight ratio 🏋️♂️
- Frequently asked questions about the Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136: everything you need to know about power
- Is the Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136 sufficient for family use?
Yes, its power is adequate for city driving or short trips. However, for major roads or hills, it may lack punch.
- Can the power of the 136 horsepower engine be increased? No, the engine locks this power. Only more powerful versions or conventional gasoline/diesel engines offer more power.
- Which direct competitors are more powerful? The Renault Espace, Kia Sorento, and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace all offer engines with more than 150 horsepower, providing more power.
- Does this lack of power impact fuel consumption? Yes, under increased load, fuel consumption can quickly increase, especially with overloading or long climbs.
- Will the Peugeot 5008 Hybrid 136 be able to upgrade in power in the future? Probably, with the development of new generations of plug-in or electric hybrids, Peugeot could offer more muscular versions, but this will also depend on regulations and market trends.