Vauxhall Frontera review - MPG, running costs & CO2 emissions

The Vauxhall Frontera is one of the first cars to be offered in hybrid and electric guises at the same price, so the choice really comes down to personal preference and whether you feel you could fit a fully-electric model into your life. If your living arrangements mean you’re able to install a home wallbox charger to keep an EV charged up on a cheaper electricity tariff, it’s definitely worth considering the electric version to keep running costs down.

The electric Frontera is capable of up to 186 miles, though, which is hardly impressive, and that figure will be lower in real world conditions. There’s no heat pump as standard, so that means the battery isn’t kept at optimal operating temperatures in the winter, which means range suffers as a result. The electric model, therefore, is probably only worth considering if you’re keeping to shorter trips closer to home and rarely drive on the motorway further afield.

For added versatility, the hybrid version is still very economical and it’s likely to be easier to live with for most buyers – especially those with on-street parking. Vauxhall’s official figures are identical for both the 99bhp and 134bhp versions, so the choice here will likely come down to outright cost and preferred performance.

How efficient is the Vauxhall Frontera in the real world?

The electric Vauxhall Frontera achieved a range figure of just 130 miles when we tested it, but our driving style was rather spirited compared to how most buyers will use it. With a lighter foot and more economical driving style, this would no doubt increase slightly. 

It’s a similar story with the hybrid model, which returned 39.7mpg while we tested it, again under heavy acceleration and braking. In reality this figure is likely to be closer to the high 40s for regular driving.

How much will the Vauxhall Frontera cost in tax?

While the Vauxhall Frontera in electric guise is exempt from VED (road tax), this is set to change from April 2025, when all cars will have to pay. The Hybrid version is also currently eligible for a £10 discount on the standard rate of tax given its status as an ‘alternative fuel vehicle’, but that’s also set to change in April 2025 when it will be charged at the standard rate.

What will the Vauxhall Frontera cost to insure?

The Vauxhall Frontera is yet to receive confirmed insurance groupings, but it’s likely the electric model will be slightly more expensive to cover.