Vauxhall Grandland X review

The Vauxhall Grandland X is the firm’s largest (and best) SUV. It is the first all-new Vauxhall to come out of the recent PSA Peugeot Citroen buyout, and shares its platform with the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUVs. It offers a comfortable and composed drive, with bags of space and loads of kit.

It isn’t the most characterful crossover, yet those after something sensible and well built should definitely add it to their list. We’d avoid the priciest diesel models as they don’t represent particularly good value – but opt for one of the cheaper entry-level petrol cars and you’ll have yourself a capable and well-rounded family SUV. 

The Vauxhall Grandland X launched in 2017 as the firm’s third SUV – joining the smaller Crossland X and Mokka X models in the brand’s expansive range. It was the first car to launch following PSA Peugeot Citroen’s big Opel-Vauxhall takeover – sharing its platform with the big-selling Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUVs.

There’s just one bodystyle to choose from, with no seven-seat option available. There are a wide range of trims and engines, with top-spec models costing as much as some Audis, BMWs or Land Rovers. Rivals in this crowded market span everything from the Nissan Qashqai, to the SEAT Ateca and Jeep Compass, as well as plenty more in between.

22

Things kick off with the entry-level Grandland X SE Premium, which comes loaded with most of the kit a family might need. All cars get 18-inch alloys, a colour touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, climate control, cruise control and front and rear parking sensors.

Next up is Business Edition Nav trim, adding sat-nav and a host of safety kit including a driver drowsiness warning, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane assist and a blind spot alert system.

SRi Nav cars add stylish touches such as a black roof and door mirrors, along with privacy glass for the rear windows. Griffin-badged versions feature keyless entry and start, and a power-operated tailgate with a foot sensor.

At the top of the range, there's Elite Nav and Elite Nav Premium which keep the equipment from the Griffin trim, while adding heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, 19-inch silver alloy wheels and a panoramic glass roof.

The Grandland X engine range is simpler. There’s a choice of either a 1.2-litre 128bhp petrol, or an identically-powered 1.5-litre diesel unit. Vauxhall has also introduced the Grandland X Hybrid and Hybrid4 plug-in models, available as a 222bhp front-wheel drive version or a 296bhp all-wheel drive variant. Vauxhall claims an electric-only range for the hybrid model of up to 35 miles.

All cars are available with either a six-speed manual gearbox, or an eight-speed auto, although the Hybrid and Hybrid4 are only offered with the latter transmission.