Skip advert
Advertisement

Chevrolet Orlando

Characterful new MPV plays the value card

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Chevrolet Orlando
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

The Orlando represents the first step in Chevrolet’s ambitious expansion plan, and it’s a roomy, honest MPV with a sense of personality so often missing in this sector. It also continues the brand’s tradition of offering fine value, undercutting similarly specced rivals by well over £1,000. This 2.0 diesel is the pick of the range, but it may struggle to tempt customers away from competitors.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Meet the car that’s bringing a slice of Orlando magic to the UK! Chevrolet’s fresh seven-seater is the first of six new models poised for launch next year – and we got behind the wheel to see if it can compete with heavy hitters such as the Renault Scenic and new Ford C-MAX.

First impressions are good: the squared-off shape mostly works well, even if the high-sided boxy rear won’t suit all tastes. Still, the chunky Orlando should have no trouble standing out against its conservative competition.

Inside, the good news continues. The classy cabin is one of Chevrolet’s best yet, with chrome details and gloss black inserts helping to lift the overall ambience. Build quality is sturdy, yet some areas still fall short of the class leaders. For example, the hidden storage bin behind the stereo for valuables such as iPods is a nice idea, but it feels too flimsy. Likewise, the plastics on the instrument cluster and gearstick fail to impress.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

52,849 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £10,900
View Qashqai
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

46,225 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £18,506
View 5008
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

67,042 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,506
View Puma
EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC

Space is by far the Orlando’s biggest asset, and something it delivers in spades. The boot area expands from 89 to 1,487 litres – depending on the seating configuration – and the load space is flat, if a touch shallow. There’s room for adults in all seven seats, too, with the only issue being limited headroom for those at the back. But the seats all fold flat, or roll out of the way with a pull of a lever. Moving them around the cabin is satisfyingly simple, too – a real bonus when you’ve got only one hand spare.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The new 2.0-litre diesel is surprisingly quiet and refined, and even our 128bhp version has enough grunt to ensure the car rarely feels slow. The 1.8-litre petrol is best avoided, though: it’s underpowered for a model of this size, and becomes noisy and strained on the motorway. A smaller turbo will join the range later on this year. Thanks to the Orlando’s 16-inch alloys the ride is relatively composed, but the suspension can’t deal with large imperfections, which send 

shudders through the cabin.

This firmer set-up means the Chevrolet handles relatively well, with good body control and not much roll in corners, although the vague steering doesn’t encourage spirited driving. It’s clear that this is an MPV which is more at home quietly cruising than nipping in and out of traffic – it feels wide and bulky. The Orlando is a well priced first attempt by Chevrolet in this competitive segment, but it lacks the polish of established rivals, and might struggle to attract new buyers to the brand.

 
Rival: Citroen C4 Grand Picasso
Citroen seven-seater can’t match the Orlando’s impressive cabin space or easy-to-use seats, but it does offer a classy interior, relaxing driving experience and plenty of style, justifying its slightly higher price.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £16,700
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025