How reliable is the Peugeot Landtrek?
French Automaker Peugeot tried its hand at a double-cab utility vehicle in the shape of the Landtrek. Locally, this bakkie has become a firm favourite of those seeking a left-field utility option, but how has it fared in the reliability stakes?
In South Africa, the Peugeot Landtrek is viewed as a stylish, comfortable alternative to the big three (Hilux, Ranger, and D-Max). However, its long-term reliability is still being proven. As it is a relatively new entry, launched in late 2021, and shares a platform with the Chinese Changan Kaicene F70, it doesn't yet have the decade-long track record of its Japanese rivals.
Related: Changan Hunter vs. P300 vs. Landtrek vs. Foton G7: The best bakkie under R600k in SA
With plans afoot to produce a Landtrek bakkie locally, this utility vehicle's future looks bright. Still, for those seeking to get into one now, you may be wondering how these vehicles hold up in the tough SA bakkie market.
Everything you need to know about the Peugeot Landtrek
Mechanical & build quality
Engine & Powertrain: It features a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine (110kW/350 Nm). While generally considered tough enough, it is noisier and less refined than the newer engines found in the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux.
Transmission: The 6-speed automatic is reliable, but it can be sluggish or hunt for gears under heavy load.
Interior build: While the cabin is widely praised for being the most SUV-like and premium-looking in its price bracket, some owners have reported interior creaks and a higher use of hard plastics compared to Peugeot’s passenger cars, like the 3008.
Common concerns
Electronic gremlins: Some local testers and owners have flagged issues with the Hill Descent Control (HDC), noting that it can be glitchy or engage inconsistently.
Traction control: There have been isolated, but vocal complaints regarding the Traction Control System (TCS) behaviour on wet or slippery surfaces, with some users feeling the rear end becomes unsettled too easily.
Turbo lag: A noticeable delay in power delivery occurs, which can make pulling into fast-moving traffic a bit nerve-wracking until you become accustomed to the engine's timing.
Ownership support in SA
Service network: This is the Landtrek's biggest hurdle. While Stellantis has expanded the dealer network, Peugeot still has significantly fewer service points than Toyota or Ford, which can be a significant factor if you live in a rural area.
Warranty: It comes with a competitive 5-year/100 000 km warranty and service plan, providing peace of mind for the initial ownership period.
Parts availability: Historically, Peugeot has faced criticism in SA for parts pricing and wait times. However, since the Landtrek is a "global" bakkie meant for emerging markets, parts are intended to be more robust and easier to source than those of their luxury sedans.
Verdict
If you are looking for a lifestyle bakkie for family holidays and light off-roading, the Landtrek is a reliable and high-value choice. However, if you need a hardcore workhorse for heavy-duty farming or extreme overlanding where "fix-it-anywhere" reliability is critical, the established Japanese brands still hold the edge in South Africa.
| Pros | Cons |
| Best-in-class cabin tech and design | Less powerful than 2.4L or 2.8L rivals |
| Massive load bin and 1-ton payload | Resale value is lower than Hilux/Ranger |
| Excellent value for money (cheaper than rivals) | Smaller dealer footprint for repairs |
| Comfortable for long-distance family trips | Engine refinement is "old school" |
If you are looking for a lifestyle bakkie for family holidays and light off-roading, the Landtrek is a reliable and high-value choice. However, if you need a hardcore workhorse for heavy-duty farming or extreme overlanding where "fix-it-anywhere" reliability is critical, the established Japanese brands still hold the edge in South Africa.
