Curious name, Rifter. A rift tends to be a gulf, a rupture, a falling out, and a rifter would appear to be something that encourages that.
However, nothing could be further from the truth, because the Peugeot Rifter is a car that’s all about getting people together, taking them wherever they want. So, how does it shape up as a used car for towing a caravan with?
What’s a used Peugeot Rifter like inside?
The good news is that the Rifter is based on a Peugeot van, so it has masses of interior space. Better still, it also features some of the clever touches that make the best MPVs so easy to live with, which is good news if you’re thinking of buying a used car.
For a start, there’s a huge range of storage areas, including large door pockets, a tray hidden under the driver’s seat, and even underfloor space in the rear of the cabin. And that’s not counting the vast storage box between the front seats. And if you find a GT Line model, it’ll have a roof-mounted locker, similar to those in an aircraft.
The boot’s huge, too: the standard-wheelbase car has a 775-litre capacity, which increases to 3000 litres with the rear seats folded. The long-wheelbase XL model offers 1050 litres, and 3500 litres with the rear seats down, giving you some good space for loading those essential caravan accessories when you’re heading off on tour.
There’s a decent amount of space up front, and finding a comfortable driving position is pretty easy. However, once on the move, you’ll find that the seats aren’t that supportive.
There’s plenty of headroom for those behind, although legroom is on the tight side. If you go for an XL model, you can have it as a seven seater car, but space for those at the very back is snug.
All models come with air-conditioning, cruise control and a suite of systems to help you avoid a crash, but mid-spec Allure models add smartphone mirroring, rear parking sensors and lumbar support for the front seats. GT Line cars add dual-zone climate control and sat nav.
Don’t forget your towing mirrors when you’re hitched up either – and if you need some guidance in getting them positioned appropriately, we can help as we talk you through how to adjust towing mirrors.
How does a Peugeot Rifter drive?
The Rifter came with a range of petrol and diesel engines (it became electric only in 2022), but if you tow regularly the 1.5-litre Blue HDI 130 turbodiesel should be your engine of choice.
It offers 129bhp and 221 lb ft of torque, which means that there’s enough grunt to make towing a caravan possible, but progress is always going to be on the leisurely side. You’ll also need to keep the gear lever moving if you’re to avoid the engine revs falling out of the sweet spot in the rev range.
The steering is reasonably sharp and the body well controlled, but the ride can feel firm, especially on cars with the larger 17-inch alloy wheels fitted.
Despite the slow pace, the Rifter makes a fair towing option. It remains stable on twisty roads, and can easily keep up with traffic on the motorway, although crosswinds can cause the unsettling feeling of the caravan moving around a little.
There is also a little too much wind and road noise at speed, but the engine does keep itself to itself at all times.
See our favourite towing gadgets too – the right accessories can help to take the strain out of your experience on the road.
What to pay for a used Peugeot Rifter
- High: Price: £22,000; Model: 1.5 BlueHDI 130; Year: 2022; Miles: 21,900
- Sweet spot: Price: £11,000; Model: 1.5 BlueHDI 130; Year: 2020; Miles: 39,000
- Low: Price: £6500; Model: 1.5 BlueHDI 130; Year: 2018; Miles: 127,000
Technical spec
What will a Peugeot Rifter tow?
When it comes to matching the car to a caravan, a Peugeot Rifter has the following spec:
- Kerb weight: 1505kg
- Towing limit: 1500kg
- Nose weight limit: 74kg
- 85% match: 1279kg
Running costs
- Insurance group: 14
- Annual VED: £195
- Average economy: 50.1mpg
- Service: £160
(Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, www.servicingstop.co.uk)
Trouble spots with the Peugeot Rifter
The Peugeot Rifter has had the odd recall, but hasn’t had to return to dealers too often. The first recall concerned the outer middle-row seatbelts, which may not have been to specification.
Then 1727 cars were recalled because the engine undertray could become a trap for material. Faulty handbrakes forced 89 examples back to dealers, and out-of-spec steering columns resulted in a recall of 62 cars.
A full list of recalls can be found at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk
Verdict
The Peugeot Rifter is a tremendously practical machine that will easily fit into your life, although you’d be unwise to expect any excitement from it.
It’s also reasonable at towing, but can be a bit fidgety in high winds.
Take a look at what I had to say about another pre-owned option recently too, a used BMW iX.
Peugeot Rifter alternatives
If you want a different car from the manufacturer, you could consider a used Peugeot 2008 Mk1 – it’s a more compact SUV which is worth a look, so long as you’re not towing a heavyweight. Or you could consider these:
Dacia Jogger (2022-)
The Dacia Jogger is the cheapest seven-seater tow car in the UK, and that means used examples are a bargain. It offers good space for seven occupants, and if you simply want to carry a load of stuff, you can remove the two rearmost seats. Indeed, the load area is a full one-metre wide and two metres long. You get LED lights, cruise control and keyless entry.
Ford Galaxy (2015-2023)
The Ford Galaxy offers transport for seven people or a whole load of stuff. There’s a good range of engines, although we’d choose one of the more powerful diesels, which are strong and smooth. There’s even a four-wheel-drive version, which will make manoeuvring on slippery campsites easier. All are well equipped, and low resale values mean there are bargains around.
Citroën SpaceTourer (2017-)
The SpaceTourer is another van-based MPV, a larger van than the Rifter. This means it has seating for up to eight people. It’s also a strong and stable towing machine, and is comfortable(ish) on a run. You’re always aware of its large dimensions though, and these can be slightly intimidating both on a narrow country road or when driving in town.
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