Skip advert
Advertisement

4x4 (weighing over 1,800kg): Chevrolet Captiva

Big loads prove no obstacle for this large seven-seater SUV

As with our sub-1,800kg 4x4s, there wasn’t an especially large field in this category, with only four models vying for honours in the 1,800kg-plus class. Yet our judges had a very mixed bag of cars to choose from here.

The Mercedes ML350 was the most expensive car on test this year, at nearly £50,000, but had already won one class award and looked in good shape to pick up another. However, it was edged out in this category by the Chevrolet Captiva.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The seven-seater Chevy SUV comfortably hauled Bailey’s largest caravan – the mammoth Pegasus Bologna – around all of our test routes. The six-speed manual transmission proved a perfect match for the 181bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine, and although cabin quality was no match for that of the big Mercedes, the part-leather seats were comfortable and supportive.

Plus, the Captiva made up for any disappointment over the fit and finish with an impressive list of equipment: climate and cruise control, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity and all-round electric windows made its £28,780 price look like decent value for money.

So family buyers in the market for a seven-seater tow car should put this big Chevrolet on their shortlist.

Our finalists

Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 LT 7-seat £28,780Ford Ranger Wildtrak £31,723Isuzu D-Max Eiger 2.5 £21,275*Mercedes ML350 BlueTEC Sport £49,440

* On-the-road price without towing extras.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini’s potential return
Ford Fiesta exclusive image

New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini’s potential return

The Ford Fiesta could be coming back as an electric car, and here’s everything we know so far
News
20 May 2025
Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution
Connecting charger to Hyundai Tucson PHEV

Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution

Half a million extra PHEVs could reach UK roads by 2030 in place of cleaner EVs due to changes surrounding the ZEV Mandate
News
19 May 2025
Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales
Luxury car tax

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales

Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers?
News
22 May 2025