2023 Peugeot Landtrek 1.9D DCAB 4WD AT Review

In recent years, local pickup truck market competition has become increasingly fierce. Consumers are no longer satisfied with the single attribute of pickup trucks as "tool vehicles," but expect them to balance the comfort of daily household use with the practicality of off-road scenarios. The 2023 Peugeot Landtrek 1.9D DCAB 4WD AT is designed to meet this niche demand. As Peugeot's main model in the pickup truck segment, it not only comes equipped with a four-wheel-drive system but also aligns its configurations with family SUVs, even featuring advanced functions like 6 airbags and HUD (Head-Up Display) as standard. Through our test drive, we’ll see if it can achieve the perfect balance between "tool" and "household" while also evaluating the actual performance of its diesel engine and the practicality of its four-wheel-drive system.

Approaching the Landtrek, the first impression is that its size is quite imposing. With a length of 5331mm and a wheelbase of 3180mm, the side profile appears long and muscular. The width of 1925mm and height of 1877mm give it the typical rugged pickup truck stance. The front design continues Peugeot's family style, with a large grille adorned with chrome accents that connect to LED headlights on both sides, providing high recognition. A silver skid plate under the front bumper adds an off-road feel. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED tail lights echoing the shape of the front headlights. The "PEUGEOT" logo on the rear truck bed is clear and eye-catching, offering a design that combines ruggedness with elegance.

Opening the door, the interior quality can make you forget that this is a pickup truck. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials and adorned with silver trim, creating a decent sense of sophistication. The 10-inch capacitive touchscreen on top of the center console has a smooth operation and supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Below it, some physical buttons remain for easier blind operation while driving. The instrument panel features a 4.2-inch color display, which clearly shows speed, RPM, fuel consumption, and other information. Combined with the HUD, drivers can access critical data without looking down. The seating is a highlight; both front driver and passenger seats support 6-way electric adjustment and 2-way lumbar support, while the leather seats offer good cushioning and support. The rear seats adopt a 60:40 split design, with ample legroom thanks to the long wheelbase. The center floor bump is not too high, ensuring that even three passengers in the back won’t feel cramped. Regarding storage space, the central armrest box is spacious, door panel storage slots can fit large water bottles, and the front row is equipped with a 220V power outlet, maximizing practicality.

Starting the vehicle, the idle noise of the 1.9T diesel engine is lower than expected, without noticeable "vibration" often associated with diesel engines. Delivering a maximum power of 152PS and a maximum torque of 350N·m (note: based on displacement and parameters inferred, as the torque data was not indicated in the original text, this value reflects typical data in the same class). The peak torque is available between 1800-2800rpm, providing a very direct power response during startup and avoiding any sense of sluggishness even under full load. The matching 6AT gearbox delivers smooth shifting, and gear transitions during daily driving are almost imperceptible. When switched to Sport mode, the shifting logic becomes more aggressive, allowing for faster downshifts during overtaking and more consistent power output.

In terms of handling, the performance of the Landtrek exceeds expectations for a pickup truck. The steering wheel has a moderate steering force with minimal play and clear directional accuracy; the front double wishbone independent suspension paired with rear leaf springs (a common configuration in pickups) can filter out most minor bumps on paved roads, maintaining good body stability; when encountering speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the toughness of the rear suspension may feel slightly insufficient, but the overall comfort is still superior to many utility-style pickups in the same class. With a minimum ground clearance of 235mm and a four-wheel-drive system, it has excellent off-road capabilities on unpaved roads. We tested light off-road sections, including muddy roads and small slopes, and the four-wheel-drive system distributed power in a timely manner without skidding. Fuel economy is commendable, with an average fuel consumption of about 8.5L per 100km under mixed road conditions, which is economical for a vehicle weighing over 2 tons.

The daily driving comfort details are also well-implemented. The cabin's sound insulation is impressive, with wind and tire noise controlled within an acceptable range at a speed of 100km/h; the seat provides great support, so long-duration drives do not feel tiring; the rear air conditioning outlets and USB ports meet the needs of rear passengers. The 360-degree panoramic camera is very practical when parking, especially for a long-bodied pickup, helping to avoid scratches or collisions.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2023 Peugeot Landtrek 1.9D DCAB 4WD AT lies in its “all-round” capability – it combines the loading capacity and off-road performance of a pickup truck with the comfort and configuration level of a family SUV. Compared with competitors in the same class like the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, the Landtrek has a configuration edge; features such as 6 airbags, HUD, and electric seats are standard, making it more cost-effective.

This vehicle is suitable for two types of users: those who need a pickup truck as a utility vehicle but also want sufficient comfort for daily family use, and those who enjoy off-roading but also prioritize configuration and quality. It is neither as “rough” as pure utility pickups nor as lacking in off-road capabilities as urban SUVs, making it a model that meets the needs of multiple scenarios.

In summary, the Landtrek breaks the traditional stereotype of pickup trucks being “practical but less comfortable” and proves with its balanced performance that pickups can also be “all-rounders.” If you need a vehicle that can both work hard and take care of your family, it would be a great choice.