Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you

Verdict – is the Vauxhall Frontera a good car?

The Vauxhall Frontera is impressive in that the entry-level hybrid and Frontera Electric actually cost the same price, so the choice is really up to you. It’s a very spacious car for the class and will cater to those who need seven seats, but be aware that option is limited to the hybrid models. It’s comfortable for the most part over pothole-filled roads, but keen drivers better look elsewhere as it’s not particularly inspiring from behind the wheel. There are more refined cars out there with better quality interiors, but the Vauxhall Frontera is a great budget-friendly family car.

Vauxhall Frontera models, specs and alternatives

The Vauxhall Frontera isn’t a new name on the market, but one that used to belong to a small SUV in the brand’s lineup in the 1990s. Vauxhall has resurrected the Frontera SUV for 2024, but this time it’s much more advanced and available as an electric or hybrid petrol model.

The interesting thing about the Frontera is that it’s one of the first cars to cost the same whether you choose the hybrid or the electric model. Aside from the upgrade in powertrains compared to the original Frontera, the new car is actually refreshingly simple, with a focus on just what’s necessary to buyers. In terms of price, the Frontera costs from £23,495, which puts it below the Vauxhall Mokka in the brand’s lineup, despite being slightly bigger than that car.

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The hybrid version of the Frontera makes use of a familiar 1.2-litre petrol engine combined with a small electric motor and can be had in one of two power outputs: 99bhp or 134bhp. The electric version sits between the two hybrid options in terms of its power figure, producing 111bhp. As we mentioned before, the entry-level hybrid (99bhp) costs the same as the electric version, but perhaps even stranger is the fact that the more powerful hybrid (134bhp) is the most expensive of the three, costing £1,500 more than both.

The Frontera lineup is simple as it can be had in just one of two trim levels: Design and GS. Design gets 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic air con, a 10-inch driver display and infotainment screen of the same size with wireless Apply CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear-view camera and rear sensors, so you’d hardly call it spartan. The GS throws in larger 17-inch wheels, a contrast black roof, power folding wing mirrors and the option of seven seats in the hybrid, making it incredibly versatile.

Vauxhall Frontera alternatives

The Vauxhall Frontera has a few rivals, including the closely-related Citroen C3 Aircross and electric e-C3 Aircross. Other seven-seat alternatives include the Dacia Jogger, while if it’s merely a small five-seater SUV you’re after, you’re frankly spoilt for choice with the current car market

• Citroen C3 Aircross
• Citroen e-C3 Aircross
• Dacia Jogger
• Dacia Duster
• Skoda Kamiq
• MG ZS
• Kia Niro
• Kia Niro EV
• Hyundai Kona
• Hyundai Kona Electric

Should you buy a Vauxhall Frontera?

The Vauxhall Frontera is a great option for families looking for a budget-friendly model that can cater to the need for seven seats if you go for one of the hybrids, and if you only need five seats you get the option between hybrid and fully-electric power for the same price, so the decision revolves solely around which you feel will best suit your needs.

The downside of the Frontera is that it’s not particularly fun to drive and there’s evidence of its budget-friendliness on the inside with cheaper-feeling materials. It’s also not the most refined car, with lots of wind and road noise at speed. It is practical, though, and we were impressed with how well it coped with poor-quality roads.

What is the Carbuyer pick of the Vauxhall Frontera range?

We don’t think the extra cost warrants going for the GS model over the Design car, but if you want the seven-seat option you’ll have to go for the higher-spec variant. It’s hard to recommend either the hybrid or the electric model given they cost the same and suit different lifestyles. Not everyone will be satisfied with the meagre electric range, but it’s fine if you plan to stick to shorter trips closer to home. The hybrid has the ability to go further without the necessity for charging stops if you plan to do the occasional trip further afield.

How we tested the Vauxhall Frontera

We tested the Hybrid 136 and Fronter Electric in Design and GS trims in Mallorca, Spain.