Skip advert
Advertisement

Chevrolet Captiva

Entry-level diesel-powered SUV offers 4x4 looks and versatility at family car prices.

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Chevrolet Captiva
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

If rugged SUV styling and a low price are your priorities on a new car, then the Captiva is well worth considering. The off-roader looks good, comes packed with kit as standard and features an excellent oil-burning powerplant that offers a fine mix of pace and economy. Sadly, the cheap cabin materials and poor body control count against the Chevy. But if you can live with these, it offers a blend of space, comfort and value that few rivals can match.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While Saab prepares to take on the prestige brands with its luxurious new 9-4X SUV, sister company Chevrolet is pitching its latest Captiva at the value-for-money end of the off-roader market.

The firm’s compact SUV debutant made its UK bow less than a year ago, but this is the first time the entry-level LS version has been offered with a diesel engine – the torquey 148bhp 2.0-litre powerplant which has already been seen in the pricier LT.

For buyers on a budget, the newcomer certainly seems attractive on paper. Priced at £18,295, it undercuts Hyundai’s oil-burning Sante Fe base model by more than £3,500.

And in the metal, initial impressions are equally positive. Despite the brand’s US heritage, the Captiva has been designed with Europe in mind.

Sharing much of its bodywork with its near-identical twin, the Vauxhall Antara, the Chevy benefits from tall, chunky styling. Neat touches include tough-looking plastic cladding for the wheelarches and sills, together with metal-finish roof rails.

Sadly, the cabin is less impressive. There’s lots of space, but the quality of materials, particularly the hard and scratchy plastics, isn’t up to class standards. The cheap-feeling dashboard cubby is especially unpleasant.

There’s plenty of kit, though. Air-conditioning, electric windows and an MP3 connection are all fitted as standard. Hit a button on the driver’s door armrest and the tailgate glass pops open, allowing you to drop items into the luggage bay without lifting the bootlid. However, if you want seven seats you will need to spend another £2,845 on the range-topping LT.

On the move, the Captiva proves a mixed bag. The smooth and punchy 2.0-litre turbodiesel it shares with the Antara gives decent urge and returns 38.7mpg economy. Motorway refinement and comfort impress as well.

Turn into a corner, though, and the Chevrolet is much less accomplished. Lifeless steering, excessive body roll and an occasionally crashy ride really let it down. Don’t expect the car to redeem itself off-road, either.

Despite its rugged looks, the Captiva is two-wheel drive, making it a tarmac-only SUV. All-wheel traction is available only further up the range.

Rival: Nissan X-Trail
The cheapest diesel version of the X-Trail costs £2,100 more than the Captiva, at £20,395. But for that you get excellent road manners, four-wheel drive and a cabin that’s well thought-out and solidly put together.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,172
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,591
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,969
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025