Test Drive Report Opel Grandland: Grown into a Different League

Related Vendors

FAULHABER Drive Systems

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

Plenty of space at a good price: The Opel Grandland relies on classic crossover virtues and is also suitable for long distances. Provided the right engine is chosen.

A bit more estate, a bit less SUV—the elongated proportions and the clean, elegant exterior suit the newly launched second generation of the Opel Grandland well. Visually, it has nothing in common with its somewhat chubby predecessor. At 4.65 meters (approx. 15.3 ft) in length, it surpasses competitors like the VW Tiguan and the Ford Kuga, sometimes significantly, and is around 18 centimeters (approx. 7 inches) longer than its own predecessor. Its height increase of three centimeters is barely noticeable: the new model appears much more elongated and dynamic than the first edition. This impression is supported by the purist and less playful body design with a closed grille and modern LED rear strip. The large Opel SUV has "grown up," one might justifiably say in this case.

This is also true for the interior, which is more understated compared to the more expressively designed technical twin, the Peugeot 3008. The Opel easily matches the quality of materials and workmanship: there's no bare or hard plastic in the cockpit, the airy second row, or the generously carpeted trunk. With all seats in place, there's room for 550 liters, and folding the divided rear seats down allows for 1,641 liters of luggage space. The Grandland is practical in front as well, offering a variety of storage options that accommodate everything from coins to large 1.5-liter plastic bottles. Particularly original is the closed smartphone charging tray with a dark-tinted window, which conceals but does not completely hide the phone—useful for when an incoming call lights up the display.

Stable Stellantis Infotainment System

The central control element in the driver's seat is a large touchscreen featuring the latest version of the Stellantis infotainment system. It now operates quickly and stably, and despite a wide range of functions, operation is generally smooth. The only exception is the seat and steering wheel heating, which, unlike other climate functions, no longer has physical buttons but only variably placed buttons on the display. The fact that these are not always visible in every screen setting is at least a minor drawback in the transitional seasons.

Opel has also not included classic instruments. Instead, there is a narrow screen behind the steering wheel for the essential driving information, flanked by the (optional) head-up display, which also shows speed limits and additional navigation instructions.

Gallery

Gallery with 6 images

Comfortable in the City, Confident on the Highway

In tuning the suspension, Opel has attempted to distinguish itself somewhat from the more comfort-oriented French philosophy. Even though the dampers can sometimes be a bit unresponsive to short irregularities, the Grandland remains balanced overall. It's comfortable in the city, maneuverable in curves, and confident on the highway—in typical use scenarios, it impresses without aiming to set or wanting to set specific accents.

However, its forte remains long-distance—primarily due to its traditionally good seats. These are available in two quality levels—optionally with adjustable side bolsters. But even the basic version without climate control, massage, and electric adjustment is persuasive.

Electric Motor for City Driving

This is also generally true for the drive. The test car featured the most economical option, with 107 kW/145 HP, consisting of a robust 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, along with a small 48-volt electric motor. The latter primarily assists the turbocharged engine during starts and in urban stop-and-go traffic. Remarkably, it frequently handles the drive power all on its own in these situations, while the petrol engine waits quietly in the background, ready to audibly kick in when the battery is empty or there is a higher power demand.

What works well in the city and gives the large SUV a nimble character reaches its limits in rural areas. The front-wheel-drive Opel takes more than ten seconds to reach 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph), necessitating good planning for typical overtaking maneuvers on country roads. Many might expect a little more poise from a car of this size. Here, the driver notices that the crossover, weighing around 1.6 tons, is not exactly a lightweight. Given this, the Opel performs decently in terms of fuel consumption, using about 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (approx. 62 miles) on average. Those who manage to keep the car in electric coasting mode as often as possible, especially in the city and at a steady pace on country roads, can achieve consumption figures starting with a five.

A worthy alternative to the gasoline engine are the more electrified variants. The plug-in hybrid based on the four-cylinder is more refined and significantly more powerful. The electric motor also accelerates faster, is completely silent, and the least harmful to the climate. However, at just over 40,000 euros (45,708 USD) and nearly 47,000 euros (53,706.90 USD), both are also significantly more expensive than the gasoline version.

Fair Price for Mild Hybrid

With a price of 36,400 euros (41,594.28 USD) for the mild hybrid in the base "Edition" trim, the Grandland is fairly priced. Especially when compared to its Peugeot sibling, which is about 4,000 euros (4,570.80 USD) more expensive for the same powertrain. Opel does not skimp on features: with 19-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, and parking assistance, all class standards are already on board. The top "GS" trim adds a few visual upgrades, matrix headlights, and a larger central display (16 instead of 10 inches). Additional equipment items are available in mostly well-packaged and reasonably priced bundles (1,100 to 2,900 euros, approx. 1,256 to 3,313 USD). Opel largely avoids single options beyond wheels and colors for cost and complexity reasons.

The Grandland offers what is required in its class: plenty of space, a modern appearance, and a bearable price level. One must be willing to accept that the base engine is not much more than the average. The Opel becomes more confident with the electric drives, which, however, are more demanding on the budget.

Secure and Compliant Authentication in Laboratories

Secure & Contactless User Authentication at GMP/GLP