Peugeot Rifter
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family car that puts practicality first without breaking the bank? The Peugeot Rifter might be exactly what you need. This van-based MPV offers something increasingly rare in today’s market: genuine space and versatility at an affordable price. It’s designed for families who need maximum room for people and luggage without wanting to pay premium SUV prices.

The Rifter stands apart from conventional family cars with its boxy, upright design and huge glass area. While many family cars focus on style, the Rifter prioritises function. Step inside and you’ll discover a cabin that feels more spacious than many cars twice the price. The high seating position gives you a commanding view of the road, while the sliding rear doors make loading children and cargo incredibly easy.

What makes the Rifter special is how it combines van-like practicality with car-like comfort. The ride is surprisingly smooth for something based on a commercial vehicle. Three engine options, including a fully electric e-Rifter variant, mean you can choose the powertrain that best suits your needs. While it won’t win beauty contests, the Rifter excels where it matters most: giving families the space they need at a price they can afford.

What's the Peugeot Rifter Like to Drive?

The Peugeot Rifter prioritises efficiency and comfort over outright performance, which suits its family-focused mission perfectly. The range starts with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 110bhp, offering adequate power for urban driving and light motorway use. The more popular choice is the 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel with either 100bhp or 130bhp, delivering strong pulling power and excellent fuel economy. For zero-emission driving, the e-Rifter electric version provides 136bhp and instant torque, perfect for quiet family journeys.

On the road, the Rifter feels composed and stable despite its tall, boxy shape. The steering is light and accurate, making parking surprisingly easy for such a large vehicle. The suspension does an excellent job of smoothing out bumps and potholes, creating a comfortable ride for all passengers. While it’s not sporty like a conventional hatchback, the Rifter’s relaxed driving experience suits family life perfectly. The high driving position gives you excellent visibility, making you feel confident and secure behind the wheel.

Inside the Peugeot Rifter: Comfort & Features

Open the door and the Rifter immediately impresses with its airy, spacious cabin. The dashboard design is clean and functional, featuring Peugeot’s latest touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The materials feel robust rather than luxurious, but everything is well put together and designed to withstand family life. The instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, with helpful trip computer information displayed prominently.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable, with good adjustment range to suit different driver sizes. Where the Rifter truly excels is passenger accommodation. The rear seats are genuinely spacious with excellent legroom and headroom for adults. The optional third row of seats makes this a genuine seven seater, though the rearmost seats are best suited to children. Climate control keeps everyone comfortable, while the abundance of windows creates a bright, welcoming atmosphere that passengers of all ages will appreciate.

The Peugeot Rifter succeeds brilliantly at its intended mission: providing maximum family space at an affordable price. Its van-based origins deliver genuine practicality that conventional cars simply cannot match. The sliding doors, configurable seating, and enormous cargo capacity make family life easier in countless ways. The comfortable ride, efficient engines, and comprehensive equipment list add further appeal.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Peugeot Rifter?

The Rifter delivers impressive running costs that make it an attractive family car proposition. The diesel engines are the stars here, with the 1.5 BlueHDi capable of achieving over 60mpg in real world driving. This translates to fewer fuel stops and lower monthly running costs. The petrol engine offers decent economy too, while the e-Rifter eliminates fuel costs entirely, running on cheap overnight electricity. Insurance groups are reasonable for such a large vehicle, typically falling between groups 15-20.

Initial purchase prices are competitive, especially when you consider the amount of space you’re getting. The Rifter undercuts many premium SUVs while offering more practical space. Servicing costs are reasonable through Peugeot’s dealer network, and the three year warranty provides peace of mind. With flexible car finance options available, the Rifter becomes an affordable way to get maximum family space. Depreciation is steady rather than steep, helping to protect your investment over time.

Peugeot Rifter Practicality & Boot Space

The Rifter’s practicality credentials are outstanding, making it ideal for growing families or anyone needing maximum space. The 775-litre boot easily accommodates a week’s shopping, holiday luggage, or sports equipment for multiple children. With the rear seats folded, cargo space expands to a massive 4000 litres, rivaling small vans. The flat loading floor and low lip make heavy items easy to load, while the sliding side doors are perfect for tight parking spaces.

Inside, the Rifter offers genuine flexibility with its configurable seating. The standard five-seat layout provides ample room for passengers and luggage. The optional seven-seat configuration adds two extra seats, though these are best for children or short journeys. Storage throughout the cabin is excellent, with numerous cup holders, door pockets, and cubbyholes for family essentials. Compared to conventional used Peugeot cars, the Rifter offers unmatched versatility, making it perfect for active families who need to carry passengers and equipment with equal ease.

The Peugeot Rifter stands out by offering genuine family practicality at an affordable price point. It combines van-derived space and versatility with car-like comfort and efficiency. The sliding doors, flexible seating arrangements, and huge cargo capacity make it exceptionally practical for real family life. Strong fuel economy and reasonable running costs add further appeal for budget-conscious buyers.

You choose the Rifter when you prioritise space and functionality over style and prestige. It excels at carrying people and luggage with equal ease, making it perfect for growing families or active lifestyles. The electric e-Rifter variant adds zero-emission capability without compromising practicality. For families seeking maximum space without premium prices, the Rifter represents excellent value, especially when considering cars under £10,000 on the used market.