Peugeot Boxer Panel Van LCV (2014 - 2024) review

It’s the amount of cargo space that the Peugeot Boxer has to offer which will be of most interest to potential buyers and leasing customers. First, the basics - the Boxer is incredibly versatile and available as either a conventional one-box panel van or as a chassis cab that can have bespoke bodywork added to the bare chassis rails. The Panel Van version is available in four lengths and three roof heights, with L1H1, L2H1, L2H2, L3H2, L3H3, L4H2 and L4H3 variants on offer. All versions feature a three-seat cab layout, while access to the cargo area is via twin rear doors that open to 180 degrees (270-degree opening is available as an option) or a single sliding side door; a second sliding door is available as an option with H1 and H2 roof heights (but it’s not something you’ll see a lot of people add). There’s also a Peugeot Boxer Window Van available, which can be had with a second row of seats making room for up to four passengers, plus twin sliding doors and glass all round. The chassis cab comes in L2 and L3 lengths, and three-seater Cab, seven-seater Crew Cab or three-seater Floor Cab models are on offer. The latter features a full-width low-set floor that’s designed for fitting low-loader style bodywork. The panel van comes with a full-height steel bulkhead, while L2 models feature eight tie-down hooks around the floor – the L3 and L4 vans have 10 hooks in total. Cargo volumes start at eight cubic metres for the L1H1 van, while the L2H1 has 10 cubic metres of space thanks to its longer wheelbase. The extra roof height of the L2H2 creates 11.5 cubic metres of space, while the longer L3H2 model offers 13 cubic metres. The L3H3 and L4H2 vans offer the same 15 cubic metres in two different configurations, while the L4H3 is the biggest of all offering a total load volume of 17 cubic metres. Dimensions vary depending on which version you choose, with a load length at the floor ranging from 2.67 metres to 4.07 metres, and cargo area heights from 1.66 to 2.17 metres - making it one of the largest cargo areas on the light commercial vehicle market. There’s a load height ranging from 535 to 565mm, too - which makes sliding cargo in and out of the loadspace incredibly easy. Payloads start from 645kg for the electric e-Boxer in the larger L4H2 body, which is low, but pretty comparable for a large electric van, while weights for the diesels range from 1,380kg to 1,570kg. That’s for versions weighing up to 3.5 tonnes that can be driven on a post-1997 driver’s licence, but there are also heavyweight versions that can carry up to 1,865kg.

The Peugeot Boxer has been around for almost a decade, and its hard-wearing durable cabin is the most obvious place its age is starting to show. All versions come with a three-seater layout, with a driver’s seat that includes height, rake and lumbar adjustment, although taller drivers might find it difficult to find a comfortable seating position that doesn’t make them feel like they’re tipping forward in the seat. The twin passenger seat offers a good amount of space for two occupants, and that it comes as standard is a major plus point. There’s just one trim level offered, but Professional Premium+ has a lot of useful kit as standard, such as twin mirrors with a wide-angle section to boost rearward visibility. Storage includes very deep door bins, while a dashtop clipboard lifts up and forward to let you keep paperwork close to hand. There are the usual dashtop trays, too, although other dashboard storage is on the small side, with only a couple of small shelves for storing loose items. There is more storage under the passenger seat, which is great for hiding a few valuables. All-in-all, the affordability of the Boxer shines through in the cabin - this is designed to be a workhorse, so it makes sense that the cabin reflects that in durability over style.

While there are a wide range of Peugeot Boxer variants available, engine options are limited to either the 120hp electric model, or a 2.2 BlueHDi diesel that’s available in three power outputs: 120hp, 140hp or 165hp. As you might expect, not every engine is available with every body style, with the most powerful unit reserved for the largest panel vans. All of the diesels come with fuel-saving stop-start as standard, and drive is set to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox – there’s no automatic option, but the gearbox is so smooth you won’t miss it. Fuel economy is quoted between 25.3-40.1mpg, and of course what you achieve will depend on how you drive and how heavy a load you have on board. If you can match the 40.1mpg best, then the Boxer’s standard 90-litre fuel tank should provide a range of 750 miles between fills. There’s an emissions-reducing AdBlue tank on board, too, and the Boxer’s trip computer will let you know when the enormous 18.6-litre reservoir will need refilling.

With a decade of production under its belt and no-nonsense construction at its heart, the Peugeot Boxer should prove to be a reliable machine. The introduction of an uprated 2.2-litre diesel in 2016 to meet the latest emissions legislation should help it to be more reliable than past models, although its electrics can be a cause for concern (but you’d be hard pushed to find any competing large vans in the affordable marketplace that don’t have an achilles heel somewhere). Peugeot’s warranty cover is typical for a new van, with three years of cover for a distance of up to 100,000 miles. There’s 12 months of breakdown cover on offer, too, and Peugeot offers service plans that last from 3 to 5 years for a monthly fee.

The entry-level version of the Peugeot Boxer with the 120hp BlueHDi diesel is only really suitable for lower-speed work, and if you load it up the van will struggle with a heavy payload (although it will be a rare occurance to fully load a van to its maximum rated payload). This is why it’s only offered in the L1H1 body style – I’d recommend the similarly powerful and far smoother electric e-Boxer over the BlueHDi 120, if you can live with its shorter driving range. A far better diesel option is the 140hp version, which can easily cope with heavier loads. If you’re planning on doing longer distances, then the 165hp diesel makes light work of motorway runs, although this engine is only offered in the largest L4H2 panel van body and can only be driven with an appropriate licence.

The Peugeot Boxer makes no bones about being anything other than a cargo-carrying workhorse. The front-wheel drive set-up maximises rear space, while the rear leaf spring suspension is designed to cope with heavy payloads, and as a result the Boxer will bounce around when the cargo space is empty (a common quirk of most vans no matter how large they are). The Boxer is certainly smoother when there’s a payload on board, and this is emphasised in the electric e-Boxer, which has a heavy battery pack that helps to tie the vehicle down on bumpy roads.

It’s an older van design, so the Peugeot Boxer has the essential safety kit on board, but not a lot else. There’s a driver’s airbag, but a passenger airbag is a cost option, while the rest of the safety kit comprises ABS with emergency braking assistance and brake force distribution, electronic stability control and a trio of three-point seatbelts in the panel van. Electronic assistance includes cruise control with a speed limiter, and there’s a Thatcham-approved alarm and immobiliser, too (not something you see on every van). Heavy versions of the Boxer over 3.5 tonnes come with a Tachograph and 56mph speed limiter as standard. Peugeot offers a Safety Pack as an option, which adds auto lights and wipers, speed limit detection, active braking and lane departure warning, auto main beam headlights and a distance alert system - which is well worth the investment for your added peace of mind.

With so many panel van and conversion options available, Peugeot keeps things simple with the Boxer’s trim levels, with just one option offered. It’s called Professional Premium+ and it includes air conditioning, rear parking sensors, daytime running lights, electric windows, cruise control with speed limiter, a driver’s seat with height, rake, reach and lumbar adjustment and driver’s seat armrest, a twin passenger seat, steel wheels, 180-degree opening rear doors and a single sliding side door. There’s also a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which comes with navigation, a DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, a USB socket and steering wheel controls. On top of that, the Window Van version adds glazing for the rear doors and sides, and adds a second sliding door, too. As you can see, despite the temptation to call it a budget van, the Boxer actually comes with a lot of modern options and connectivity.

If you need a van that can carry a lot of cargo without any fuss, then the Peugeot Boxer is worth taking a look at. It’s far from the most advanced large van for sale, but it’s hard wearing and should be able to cope with high mileages with ease. With so many body sizes on offer – as well as conversion options that are available – then there should be a large van available to suit virtually every need. However, rival vans are more comfortable and more relaxing over longer distances - but with a Boxer you’ll get exactly what you need and a few added bonuses in equipment. Being a part of the Stellantis family of large vans (which includes the Citroen Relay, Vauxhall Movano and Fiat Ducato) gives the Boxer an edge over the competition in the amount of shared parts available and the company’s excellent warranty coverage. So, if you’re after a reliable, affordable large van, you’d be hard pushed to find a better example of those attributes than the Boxer. If it ticks your boxes, I think you’ll enjoy your time with it.