The Peugeot Expert has been a familiar sight on our roads for years, offering tradespeople and businesses a reliable and practical work van.
With a refreshed design, efficient engine and a range of up-to-date features, the new Expert is ready to take on most commercial challenges.
In this review, we'll find out what makes the Peugeot Expert a great choice for van buyers.
Image taken from Peugeot Expert product page
Quick verdict
If you're after a medium van that can handle a variety of jobs without breaking the bank, the Peugeot Expert could be worth a look. With a wide range of body styles, punchy diesel engines, and a surprisingly car-like driving experience, the Expert has a lot going for it.
The spacious load area and impressive payload capacity make it a proper workhorse, while the comfortable cabin and available tech features will keep drivers happy on long shifts.
The quality of the interior might not match some of the more expensive rivals, and the offset driving position can take some getting used to. But, overall, the Expert offers a strong package for drivers and business van drivers looking for a capable work van.
At a glance — pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent payload capacity of over 1,400kg
- Efficient diesel engines with plenty of power
- Comfortable ride and easy to drive
- Range of body sizes and configurations
- Good level of standard equipment
Cons:
- Driving position is compromised by offset pedals
- Only one roof height available
- Interior quality lags behind some competitors
- Load area isn't the biggest in class
- Some of the better safety features are optional extras
Driving experience
Behind the wheel, the Peugeot Expert feels more like a car than a commercial vehicle. The responsive steering and balanced suspension make it easy to manoeuvre in tight spots, while the punchy diesel engines provide ample power for hauling heavy loads.
The 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre BlueHDi engines run smoothly, with the latter offering up to 180PS for those who need a bit more oomph. The 6-speed manual gearbox is slick and precise, although the 8-speed automatic available on higher-powered models is a bit sluggish to respond at times.
Overall, the Expert is a pleasant van to drive, with a comfortable ride and good visibility thanks to the large windows and mirrors.
Interior design
Inside the Expert's cab, you'll find a functional and ergonomic space, albeit one that feels a bit cramped compared to some rivals.
The hard-wearing plastics and durable upholstery are built to withstand daily use, while the supportive seats offer plenty of adjustment to help you find a comfortable driving position. That said, taller drivers may find the limited legroom and offset pedals a bit of a squeeze.
Storage space is decent, with plenty of cubbies and pockets for stashing odds and ends, although the door bins are on the shallow side.
Capacity and practicality
In the back, the Expert's load area is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it offers an impressive payload capacity of over 1,400kg, making it one of the most capable vans in its class. The load length is also generous, especially with the load-through bulkhead and folding passenger seat fitted.
On the other hand, the load volume isn't quite as cavernous as some competitors, and the single roof height may limit your options if you need to carry taller items. Still, with a choice of three body lengths and a range of configurations, including crew van and platform cab variants, there's an Expert to suit most jobs.
Running costs and reliability
When it comes to running costs, the Peugeot Expert shines. The efficient diesel engines sip fuel sparingly, with the most economical models achieving over 44mpg on the combined cycle. That's impressive for a medium-sized van, and should help keep your fuel bills in check.
Servicing and maintenance costs are also reasonable, thanks to Peugeot's extensive dealer network and competitive pricing. The Expert comes with a three-year (100,000-mile) warranty as standard, which is on par with most rivals, although some may offer longer coverage for added peace of mind.
In terms of reliability, the Expert has a solid reputation, with few major issues reported by owners. The diesel engines have proven to be durable and long-lasting, while the robust construction and hard-wearing materials should stand up well to the demands of commercial use.
Of course, as with any vehicle, regular maintenance and servicing will help to keep your Expert in top condition, so be sure to keep up with the recommended schedule.
Safety
The Peugeot Expert offers a decent level of safety kit as standard, including electronic stability control, hill start assist, and a driver's airbag. However, some of the more advanced driver assistance features, such as autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning, are only available as optional extras or on higher trim levels. This is a bit disappointing, especially when some rivals are starting to offer these features as standard across the range. Still, with a full steel bulkhead and plenty of load lashing points, the Expert is a safe and secure place to carry your cargo.
Frequently asked questions
What insurance group is a Peugeot Expert?
Larger and heavier than the popular Peugeot Partner van, the Peugeot Expert usually falls into van insurance groups 29 to 39 (for vans registered from 2016) onwards. It really depends on the specific model and trim level. Generally, the entry-level 'S' models with the smallest engines sit in the lower insurance groups, while the top-spec 'Professional Plus' and 'Asphalt Premium' models with more powerful engines are in the higher groups. Always check with your van insurance provider for an accurate quote based on your specific needs.
Peugeot Expert vs Renault Trafic
The Peugeot Expert and Renault Trafic are closely matched medium-sized panel vans. The Expert has a higher payload capacity (1,400kg vs 1,280kg), while the Trafic offers more load volume (up to 8.6m³ vs 6.6m³). The Expert's engines are slightly more economical, but the Trafic's cab feels more spacious. Ultimately, the choice depends on your own preferences and priorities.
Peugeot Expert vs Mercedes Sprinter
The Peugeot Expert and Mercedes Sprinter are two very different commercial vans. First of all, the Sprinter is larger, offering more load volume and payload capacity than the Expert. It also has a more premium interior and a wider range of engine options, including a powerful V6 diesel. However, the Expert is more affordable to buy and run, with lower fuel and maintenance costs. It's also easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces thanks to its smaller size.
If you need maximum space and robust, high-quality fixtures, the Sprinter is hard to beat. But if you're looking for a cost-effective and efficient medium-sized panel van, the Expert is a strong contender.
Is the Peugeot Expert a good van?
The Peugeot Expert is considered as a good choice for businesses looking for a reliable and versatile medium-sized van. With its impressive payload capacity, efficient engines, and car-like driving experience, the Expert ticks a lot of boxes for van buyers.
What’s the mpg of a Peugeot Expert?
The Peugeot Expert's diesel engines are impressively efficient for a commercial van, with the most economical models achieving over 44 miles per gallon on the combined cycle. This helps keep running costs down while also reducing your carbon footprint.
Is a Peugeot Expert a 3 seater?
Yes, the Peugeot Expert comes with a three-seat bench in the cabin as standard, allowing you to carry a driver and two passengers in the front. The middle seat can also be folded down to create a handy work surface or storage area.
What is the maximum payload of a Peugeot Expert?
The Peugeot Expert boasts an impressive maximum payload capacity of over 1,400kg, making it one of the most capable vans in the medium-sized segment. This allows you to carry heavier loads with confidence.
How wide is a Peugeot Expert?
The standard model Peugeot Expert measures 2,204mm wide, including the door mirrors, which is fairly usual for a medium-sized van. This makes it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces and parking bays.