Review of the Vauxhall Grandland

Launched in 2017 as the Grandland X, the Vauxhall Grandland has always been somewhat overlooked in the competitive mid-sized family SUV segment. However, the latest generation model attempts to shake things up thanks to its refreshed styling, improved cabin, and economic engine range. 

Facelifted for 2021, the new Grandland sees the X dropped from the end of the Grandland's title and brings the SUV into line with the rest of Vauxhall's range. The result is a more appealing prospect against better-rounded competitors, including the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, and Skoda Karoq.

Our Vauxhall Grandland review covers:

• Fresh exterior style with Vauxhall's Vizor grille and 'IntelliLux' front lights
• Reworked interior with Pure Panel twin-screen digital cockpit
• 514-litre boot, which expands to 1,652 litres with the rear seats folded
• Range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines. 
• Four trim levels, including SE, SRi, Elite and Ultimate

In addition to its new name, the new Grandland gains a fresh face to compete with rival brands. Its styling has been reworked around Vauxhall's new Vizor grille, as seen on the Corsa, Mokka and Astra, which sees Vauxhall's logo flanked by slim LED headlamps and more muscular bumpers.

The new front-end design also introduces Vauxhall's 'IntelliLux' front lights, which comprise of 84 LEDs in each headlight to provide dynamic high beam lighting that doesn't dazzle. 

Further design enhancements include new bumpers, a contrasting gloss black roof, two-tone paint finish, body-coloured wheel arch cladding, and side skirts on SRi versions.

Step inside, and the Grandland's much-improved cabin offers a reasonable amount of rear passenger space and enough room for a family of four. Access to the rear seats is easy due to the wide-opening doors. There's also lots of storage inside for all your odds and ends, including large door bins, a useful cubby ahead of the gear lever, two cupholders on the centre console and a decent sized glove compartment. 

At the rear, the Grandland's 514-litre boot, which expands to a maximum of 1,652 litres with the rear seats folded, offers adequate room for luggage. Boot capacity, however, falls to 390-litres with the hybrid versions due to the car's 13.2kWh battery, which is located under the boot floor. 

Inside, the Grandland's interior has been extensively reworked. The dashboard has been built around Vauxhall's twin-screen Pure Panel digital cockpit, which includes a digital instrument display and 10-inch infotainment screen. The layout – and technology - is easy-to-use and straightforward, and the physical controls for the cabin temperature make for a more intuitive drive while you're on the move.

A simplified trim level means just four models are now available, including SE, SRi, Elite and Ultimate.

Entry-level SE versions get the Pure Panel digital cockpit with two seven-inch displays, DAB audio system, Bluetooth, cruise control, an electric parking brake, front and rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Sportier Sri models include a 12-inch Pure Panel driver display with a 10-inch central touchscreen, 180-degree rear-view camera, a high gloss black colour-coded roof, roof rails, dark tinted windows and 18-inch gloss black alloys. 

Elite variants add additional technology like Vauxhall's new LED Matrix automatic front lighting, wireless phone charging, advanced park assist, keyless entry, a power tailgate and 19-inch Bi-Colour alloy wheels. 

The range-topping Ultimate models include Alcantara upholstery and a 360-degree camera.

Under the bonnet, the new Grandland is available with a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines. 

The 1.2-litre 130PS three-cylinder petrol engine is expected to be the most popular option and is available either in manual or automatic form. The alternative is a 1.5-litre 130PS diesel engine which is only available with a manual transmission.  

A single plug-in hybrid engine is also available. This combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a maximum output of 222bhp and up to 34 miles on electric-only power. Vauxhall claims the PHEV is capable of 192mpg (WLTP) and emits just 31g/km of CO2, making it a popular choice with company car drivers. 

Out on the road, the Vauxhall Grandland combines comfort with efficient performance. While it lags behind the Citroen C5 Aircross for bump absorption, it handles well and offers a relaxing drive. It's also relatively quiet and easy to manoeuvre, particularly around town, where its light steering helps you easily negotiate busy city streets or tight parking spaces.  

Prices for the new Vauxhall Grandland start from £28,410.00 OTR* or to lease from £288.76 per month.

If you're in the market for the new Vauxhall Grandland, car leasing may be a cheaper alternative to buying a car outright with a bank loan or dealer finance. Leasing offers many benefits, including fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay, no depreciation worries and the option to change your car every two, three or four years, depending on your contract length. 

To learn more about car leasing, view our handy Leasing vs Buying guide for more information on how car leasing works and the pros/cons versus buying. 

* 'On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.