Summary
The Peugeot Rifter was a small van-based people carrier. Based on the Peugeot Partner compact van, it was almost identical to the Citroën Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo Life. These combustion-powered Stellantis Group vans were discontinued in early 2022 – the Rifter has been replaced by the e-Rifter in the Peugeot range.
The Rifter was available with either five or seven seats, in either short or long versions. The long model got extra boot space behind the rear seats. The Rifter was pitched as a more flexible vehicle than a conventional car. In five-seat form, it was very similar in length to a family hatchback like the Peugeot 308 but, owing to its van platform, it could carry a lot more kit when you folded the seats down.
The Peugeot Rifter received positive ratings from the UK motoring media. There are not as many reviews available as we would normally see for a family car, but this is more of a niche model. The Rifter was praised for its versatility and practicality, although most reviews point out that its van origins are still evident – particular in terms of overall refinement and interior quality.
- Peugeot e-Rifter (2021 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Peugeot Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Key specifications
Body style: Small MPV
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £23,620 on-road
Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: N/A
Replaced: Spring 2022
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Despite its utilitarian roots, the Peugeot Rifter is not just a van with windows, because it’s more accomplished than that. Admittedly a boxy Peugeot probably won’t get the neighbours’ curtains twitching, but the Rifter appeals with its enormous cabin, low running costs and high comfort levels. Even better, there’s the option of electric power alongside the petrol and diesel versions.” (Richard Dredge)
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Model reviewed: GT Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Peugeot Rifter MPV nails its brief by being as practical as possible and ruthlessly well-focused”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot Rifter MPV is cost-effective, family-friendly transport that masks its van roots well”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Peugeot has worked hard to make the Rifter MPV look more appealing to young families and, to an extent, the design direction has worked. Inside, the cabin has an upmarket ambience compared to its predecessor, and the Rifter is smooth to drive, making it ideal as a family car.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“I am definitely not the target demographic for this car, but the Peugeot Rifter is just so refreshingly honest and just a little bit funky.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel automatic
Score: 7 / 10
“The Peugeot Rifter manages to inject a hint of style into a class that’s usually lacking it, but is still impressively practical and offering all the versatility you would expect from a van-derived MPV.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot Rifter is an unpretentious family workhorse that takes everyday tasks in its stride”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Peugeot Rifter is ideal if you’re looking for a spacious and practical family car but don’t want to pay for an expensive SUV – just don’t expect it to be in any way sophisticated.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual GT-Line
“For those that need maximum space from their car, the Peugeot Rifter is a viable and appealing alternative to either estate cars, mini-MPVs or SUVs.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Despite its van origins, the Peugeot Rifter is packed with modern kit and all versions are available with touchscreen infotainment, blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control and Peugeot’s excellent digital i-Cockpit system.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Practical MPV is a sensible and refreshing SUV alternative”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual Allure
Score: 6 / 10
“Top-notch practicality and versatility, but the Peugeot Rifter often feels as it is – a car based on a van. No bad thing if that’s what you’re after, but the problem is others do it better, for less cash – and without downsides that come with its the faux-SUV ride height.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
“You could pack your entire life into this and disappear. Why, there’s even a mains-voltage socket so you can still have the comforts of home when you’re away off-grid. Which is really the pitch for the Peugeot Rifter as a whole: it’s somewhat the outsider, but it’s not too punishing.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It may not have the class of more mainstream MPVs, but the Peugeot Rifter offers class-leading space, and is surprisingly good to drive.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: October 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 58%
Safety assist: 68%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Peugeot Rifter was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its short production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of May 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Peugeot Rifter to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Rifter, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 36 mpg | D | 35 – 36 mpg | D – D |
Diesel models | 49 mpg | C | 48 – 49 mpg | C – C |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 156 g/km | B | 149 – 166 g/km | B – C |
Diesel models | 150 g/km | B | 137 – 156 g/km | B – B |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 25 | B | 10 – 50 | A – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £158 | A |
Year 2 | £439 | A |
Year 3 | £659 | A |
Year 4 | £890 | A |
Year 5 | £1,233 | A |
Overall | £3,379 | A |
The Peugeot Rifter is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Servicing and maintenance costs are very good, while insurance is also better than average. Fuel consumption from the petrol engine is poor, however.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Peugeot Rifter has received
2020
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best MPV
- Diesel Car & Eco Car Top 50 – Best Utility Vehicle
2019
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best MPV
- Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best MPV
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best MPV
- Parkers Awards – Best Medium Family Car
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Utility Vehicle
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Peugeot Rifter, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën Berlingo | Fiat Doblò Passenger | Ford Tourneo Connect | Vauxhall Combo Life | Volkswagen Caddy Life
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Peugeot Rifter and e-Rifter at The Car Expert
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