Peugeot Boxer Review (2006-present)

The Peugeot Boxer is a large van, offered in an array of configurations, and competes with alternatives like the Volkswagen Crafter, Renault Master, Vauxhall Movano and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

It was introduced in 2006 and marked a significant improvement over the previous generation, offering improved practicality and on-road manners, as well as economical HDi diesel engines. It was also available with an array of then-modern equipment, including electronic stability control and electronic brake assist.

The Boxer isn’t a bespoke Peugeot product, though; it’s the result of a collaboration with Fiat and Citroen. Consequently, it’s basically the same as the Fiat Ducato and Citroen Relay. Like those bigger vans, it offers more storage space and payload capacity than Peugeot’s Partner and Expert vans. New or established Peugeot customers needing improved practicality and capability, as a result, have something to choose from in the company’s range.

Early cars were available with the brand's 2.2-litre and 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engines, while in 2014 a major facelift was carried out. The revisions included new equipment, revised styling and some durability improvements. Cleaner 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel engines were also introduced in September 2016, allowing the Boxer to meet more challenging Euro 5 emissions regulations. Then in 2019 the requirement to make the van compliant for even stricter Euro 6 regulations meant Peugeot changed engines again, this time to an all-new 2.2-litre unit.

At launch, the Boxer was offered in crew cab, chassis cab, window van and panel van configurations. Tipper and dropside variants were later launched as part of a standalone conversion programme. There are three wheelbase options - short, medium and long.

Nowadays, the Boxer range consists of several versions in a range of trim levels. The basic body styles are panel van, crew van and window van, which have payloads ranging from 1,125kg to 1,870kg and load lengths from 2,670mm to 4,070mm. Any of these will prove a capacious and practical choice, while the rear doors open 180 degrees in the panel van to improve access.

A 270-degree opening option is also offered for all variants. For wider loads, the Boxer has one of the biggest spaces between the wheel arches on any van, and a wide side door that will allow pallet loading.

For odds and ends, there are two gloveboxes up front, and the placing of the handbrake on the right of the driver frees up space in the middle. There are also numerous cubby holes for smartphones, pens and wallets, plus enough cupholders to make sure you never go thirsty on a shift. And of course like so many vans there’s room for three up front, with all getting decent leg and shoulder room, plus enough headroom that you could wear a couple of top hats, if that’s your thing.

Power is provided, in current diesel models, by one of two 2.2-litre BlueHDi diesel engine options. The base BlueHDi 120 S&S variant produces 118bhp and 310lb ft of torque, while the higher-performance BlueHDi 140 S&S model outputs 138bhp and 340lb ft. Both come paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, which sends drive to the front wheels.

Even though these latest engines are comparatively modern, and the Peugeot has been upgraded elsewhere over the years, the way the Boxer feels and drives makes its underlying age apparent. Outright performance isn’t a problem but, compared to newer competitors, the rough suspension and lack of handling finesse make it a tiresome driving experience if you spend a long time behind the steering wheel. Older versions also get a 2.2-litre HDi diesel, but it lacks the power and efficiency of the later cars, but its workmanlike delivery and strong torque means it's still a decent option.

It’s not quiet either, which increases fatigue in the driver's seat (and passenger seat, for that matter) on longer drives. That said, the recently launched electric version is much smoother and its cabin isn’t spooled by the intrusive drone of a diesel engine. It’s a punchy performer too, accelerating smartly off the line and feeling brisk up to suburban speeds. However, its relatively short range means this is unlikely to be the first choice for any business that needs long haul transport - it’s better suited to local trips and last-mile deliveries.

On the plus side, all versions are manoeuvrable, with light steering and a good view forward. That, coupled with rear parking sensors or the optional reversing camera, means the Peugeot isn’t a chore to handle in tighter areas. Having said that, rivals such as the newer Volkswagen Crafter are more comfortable and better to drive.

Power is provided, in current diesel models, by one of two 2.2-litre BlueHDi diesel engine options. The base BlueHDi 120 S&S variant produces 118bhp and 310lb ft of torque, while the higher-performance BlueHDi 140 S&S model outputs 138bhp and 340lb ft. Both come paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, which sends drive to the front wheels.

Even though these latest engines are comparatively modern, and the Peugeot has been upgraded elsewhere over the years, the way the Boxer feels and drives makes its underlying age apparent. Outright performance isn’t a problem but, compared to newer competitors, the rough suspension and lack of handling finesse make it a tiresome driving experience if you spend a long time behind the steering wheel. Older versions also get a 2.2-litre HDi diesel, but it lacks the power and efficiency of the later cars, but its workmanlike delivery and strong torque means it's still a decent option.

It’s not quiet either, which increases fatigue in the driver's seat (and passenger seat, for that matter) on longer drives. That said, the recently launched electric version is much smoother and its cabin isn’t spooled by the intrusive drone of a diesel engine. It’s a punchy performer too, accelerating smartly off the line and feeling brisk up to suburban speeds. However, its relatively short range means this is unlikely to be the first choice for any business that needs long haul transport - it’s better suited to local trips and last-mile deliveries.

On the plus side, all versions are manoeuvrable, with light steering and a good view forward. That, coupled with rear parking sensors or the optional reversing camera, means the Peugeot isn’t a chore to handle in tighter areas. Having said that, rivals such as the newer Volkswagen Crafter are more comfortable and better to drive.

If you’re not looking to go down the all-electric route, the good news is that you don’t have to think too hard about new Peugeot Boxer running costs. All of the engine options average roughly the same, on paper at least, regardless of the body style or dimensions.

A BlueHDi 120 L1H1 Boxer 330 panel van, for example, averages 26.6-34.9mpg. An L4H2 Boxer 440 BlueHDi 140, on the other hand, clocks in at 25.5-36.0mpg. Their Euro 6.2-compliant CO2 emissions are also similar, at 279-222g/km and 291-221g/km, respectively.

All versions, e-Boxer aside, have a 90-litre fuel tank, granting good range. Average 25mpg in your Boxer and it should cover some 495 miles on a single tank of diesel. The BlueHDi engines also feature a stop-and-start system that will help boost fuel economy and reduce emissions in traffic.

Costs and economy will vary significantly depending on your particular payload, driving conditions and driving style. And, in turn, increased demands will lower the service intervals and associated costs. Some variants also have timing belts, so you need to ensure that the relevant servicing has been carried out when required.

To help keep your expenditure controllable and predictable, Peugeot offers an array of service plans. They can last up to five years, with a selection of mileage options, and prices are fixed for the duration of the plan. For 10,000 miles a year, Peugeot quotes a cost of £10 a month for 36 months and a total of 30,000 miles. These plans can be purchased up to 12 months after the van has been bought, too, so there’s no need to jump in immediately.

A new Boxer being used in a normal fashion will only have to visit a dealer every two years or 32,000 miles, which will help keep downtime to a minimum. Those enduring heavy-duty use, however, will need to visit a dealer more frequently.

The Boxer is a comparatively straightforward van, and has been since launch, and many of its components are well proven. However, bear in mind that the earliest examples are now 16-years old and so are likely to have led a very hard life.

Peugeot has also improved the durability and strength of the Boxer over the years, which should help keep problems to a minimum. The facelifted version introduced in 2014, for example, got a stronger body, improved door mechanisms, bigger brakes and upgraded damper brackets.

On older used models, though, you’ll want to keep an eye on the gearbox and gear linkages, as both can suffer from issues. There have also been reports of issues with the airbag ECU, indicated by the airbag warning light not going out, so keep an eye out for that on any test drive.

All new Boxers also come with a three-year, 100,000-mile warranty. If you’re looking at an e-Boxer, its battery is guaranteed for eight years and 100,000 miles, to 70 per cent of its capacity. Peugeot also includes a breakdown assistance service for the first year of Boxer ownership, which includes European cover and roadside assistance. This can be extended for 12 or 24 months, if desired.

The three-year warranty matches that offered by Volkswagen on its Crafter, although companies such as Mercedes offer a better three-year warranty with no mileage limit. If you’re going to be racking up the miles, especially given that the Sprinter is more modern and comfortable, it may be worth considering. Peugeot’s warranty is at least unlimited for the first two years, which could be of use to some.

If you’re looking at used Boxers, you’ll want to check out the government’s recalls checker website. The Boxer has been the subject of several recalls over the years, so it’s important to check which apply to any potential used purchase and to ascertain if the applicable issues have been rectified. An early 2006 model, for example, should have been recalled for issues relating to the steering, parking brake mechanism, braking system and indicators.