Vauxhall Grandland X (2018 – 2021) Review

Vauxhall Grandland X (2018 – 2021) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Vauxhall Grandland X’s dowdy styling and boring interior make it the plain Jane of the SUV world. Look beyond that, though, and you’ll find a car that’s spacious, practical, comfortable and surprisingly nice to drive. The PureTech petrol engine is a gem being cheap to run and nippy, while the plug-in hybrids are expensive to buy and tax, but could make sense if you do lots of town driving.

+Spacious family SUV. Shares its platform with the excellent Peugeot 3008.

-Interior lacks any kind of flair. List prices are expensive. Plug-in hybrid only makes sense for business users.

New prices start from £24,430
Insurance Groups are between 14–18
On average it achieves 69% of the official MPG figure

The Vauxhall Grandland X is a practical family car with space for four adults and a boot that's spacious. Its PureTech petrol engine is smooth and nippy enough, but also good on fuel. You can also choose from a diesel that's excellent on the motorway and plug-in hybrids that make a lot of sense in town. The Vauxhall's problem is its uninspiring styling and boring cabin, which means it struggles to stand out in a class filled with cars that are more distinctive and just as practical.

The Grandland X is Vauxhall's largest SUV, rivalling the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq. It's closely related to the Peugeot 3008, Citroen C5 Aircross and DS 7 Crossback, but undercuts them all on price.

The engine line-up mirrors that of the Peugeot 3008, with buyers given a choice of petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid power. Most buyers will find the entry-level 1.2-litre petrol sufficient for their needs, while the 1.5-litre diesel is an excellent choice for those covering high miles or looking to tow (up to 1960kg).

While the headline figures of 300PS and 204mpg are impressive, the plug-in hybrid Grandland X (badged the Hybrid4) will only make sense if you're a company car driver chasing tax benefits. It's very expensive and, thanks to its heavy weight, is very thirsty unless you can charge it regularly.

Most SUV buyers want a high seating position, and the Grandland X ticks that box. It's comfortable, while all the instruments and buttons are logically laid out. It does feel a bit dated, though - you'd be forgiven for thinking it's a 10-year-old car. It's not bad, it's just a bit disappointing compared to the tech-heavy Peugeot 3008's cabin.

That said, there's plenty of space. Adults will be comfortable in the front, and a flat floor in the rear means it feels quite roomy back there. It's got a reasonably spacious boot, too - not the biggest in its class, but there's enough space for golf clubs or a pushchair. 

SUV buyers have a wide range of cars to choose from and the Grandland X doesn't stand out in any particular area. That said, it's a sensible choice, and there are some good deals available. Just don't buy one before you give the Skoda Karoq or Peugeot 3008 a look.

If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Vauxhall Grandland review.

Ask Honest John

Can you help me decide which car to go for on PCP?

"I'm buying a vehicle on PCP with a choice of a Lexus UX with premium and tech safety pack or a Vauxhall Grandland X Ultimate - which is £100 cheaper per month. Servicing on the Lexus is 10,000 or one year, while it's 16,000 or one year with Vauxhall. Insurance wise they're similar but I'm not sure which one to go for."
The Lexus is a much more premium choice. If you're happy to spend an extra £100 a month, it's where my money would go. I'd also look at the Volvo XC40 or Volkswagen Tiguan.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What's the best car for someone with back pain?

"What should I look when selecting a new car taking into consideration that I commute 60 miles per day (good quality road) and I have some issues with back pain? I am between the new Honda Civic (where driving seat is very low though), Nissan Qashqai or Vauxhall Grandland X. "
What is essential is to find a car the seats of which have long squabs that are angled slightly upwards at the front (not flat) and the backrests of which provide good lumbar support, whether that is adjustable or not. You need to set the seat back slightly reclined so the back of the seat takes some of the weight of your torso rather than upright when the entire weight of your torso will be concentrated into your coccyx. A Renault Kadjar rather than a Qashqai has good seats and is easy to get in and out of. A Peugeot 3008 is better than a Vauxhall Grandland. A Peugeot 2008 isn't bad either.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

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