The Peugeot Traveller is a van/MPV that shares its entire platform which quite a few other Stellantis-owned models such as the Citroen SpaceTourer, the Vauxhall Vivaro, and even the Toyota ProAce Verso. With so many models using the same platform, you’d expect it to be really good, but is Peugeot Traveller a good car?
In reality, the Peugeot Traveller is a really good car, but there are a few things that are far from being good. For starters, Peugeot isn’t particularly quick to replace the current model with a new one. Secondly, it is far from being reliable which is why it was recalled as much as 40 times already. Understandably, this is more than most cars, but it isn’t all that uncommon when this happens.
The engine palette with the Traveller is extensive and consists of diesel and fully electric engines. The looks are okay, but there are no attractive-looking vans in general. The interior of the Traveller is a bit more exciting as it looks as good as pretty much any other modern-day Peugeot model.
The driving experience is nothing particularly special while the values of used examples have come down by quite some margin. The Traveller can fit up to nine people aboard while the trunk space is also more than adequate. The reliability aspect isn’t the best, but if maintained correctly, the Traveller should be able to last a fairly long time.
Peugeot Traveller – The Powertrain
The diesel engine palette kicks off with the 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that pushes out either 95hp or 116hp while the mid-spec gasoline engine is the 1.6L 4-cylinder that pushes out 100hp or 120hp. The top-spec engine is the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine which comes in various states of tune starting from 140hp, 150hp, 177hp, or 180hp.
There are no gasoline engines with the Traveller which is sure to change soon as Peugeot said that they are dropping all diesel engines for new models starting from 2023. However, the Traveller does come in two electric variants which hope to replace gasoline engine models completely.
You can get the e-Traveller with either a 50kWh or a 75kWh battery. These batteries are tied to a single electric motor that pushes out 136hp. The 75kWh model is rated for 205 miles, but it can actually do closer to 180 miles. The 50kWh model can do an estimated 140 miles, but the real-world numbers are closer to 110 miles. Both of these models offer lackluster mileage to be fully honest which is why many people complained about that.
Peugeot Traveller – Design and Driving
The design language of the Traveller isn’t anything that particularly special, but that is the case with virtually all cars from this segment. These cars are designed to be used, not looked at. The interior is a bit better as it offers lots of space and is in line with other contemporary Peugeot interiors.
Driving-wise, the Traveller is equally uninspiring, but that is also to be expected. It’s not to say that it isn’t adequately comfortable, but more about the fact that it isn’t dynamic or exciting per se. As such, it is more of a tool and that is how most of these are being used.
Peugeot Traveller – Reliability and Common Issues
When it comes to reliability, things are a whole load more complex as the Traveller simply isn’t all that reliable overall. Newer model years do seem to be much better than initial ones but are still prone to a decent number of problems. With more than 40 different recalls, the Traveller has been through a lot which is why proper maintenance is a must.
The most common problems include issues with the brakes failing, issues with the electrics, issues with the car not wanting to start up, and issues with the heater system.
Peugeot Traveller – Value and Practicality
The Traveller was always on the cheaper side, at least compared to something like a Mercedes V-Class which does offer a similar experience. Used examples have depreciated quite a bit over the years and are really popular with small and larger businesses in Europe as fleet cars.
Practicality is this van’s strong suit as it can sit up to nine people at a time. There are two variants of the Traveller, a standard-size Traveller or a large Traveller. Both offer good visibility, and lots of interior storage space, and are really good for family use.
FAQ Section
Is the Peugeot e-Traveller better than the diesel Traveller?
In today’s day and age, comparing a diesel to an electric is not all that popular as most people will automatically assume that the electric variant is better. However, the reality is that the diesel variant is much better as it offers hundreds upon hundreds of miles on a full tank while refueling takes 5 minutes.
This means that long-distance journeys with the electric model take way longer which is why many businesses stay clear of these. Peugeot did say that the next-gen e-Traveller is going to offer a better-estimated range, but we will have to wait and see.
Is the Peugeot Traveller better than the Citroen SpaceTourer, the Vauxhall Vivaro, or the Toyota ProAce Verso?
The differences between these vans are relatively negligible which is why most people buy them due to getting a good deal or due to badge loyalty. I’d say that the Peugeot looks best while all others except for the SpaceTourer look fairly underwhelming.
The Vivaro is the cheapest while the Peugeot is the most expensive one, but the differences here are also rather slim.
Should I buy the Peugeot Traveller?
If you want a really spacious, relatively affordable, and decently comfortable van that can be used for both family and business purposes, the Peugeot Traveller is a good choice. It may not be the champion in reliability, but it does offer class-leading safety ratings and isn’t too expensive to maintain either.
The Mercedes Benz V Class is more expensive while the other three Stellantis-owned counterparts are really similar. All in all, if you like the Peugeot badge and you don’t mind having/owning a van for personal use, you are likely going to enjoy the Traveller if you maintain it well enough.
