Vauxhall

Grandland

The Grandland is Vauxhall’s flagship SUV and is now in its second generation. It is available in generously-equipped trim levels and powered by a choice of hybrid or electric powertrains.

The good

Stylish, robust design and generously equipped

The bad

Fierce competition from rivals

Tech Specs

Price from

£34,700

Combined Fuel up to

51.4mpg (EV driving range 325 miles)

0-62 from

9.0 seconds

max speed up to

126mph

co2 from

124g/km Hybrid (0g/km EV)

Test Drive

Vauxhall Grandland Electric – First Drive (2024)

Discussing the ‘Grandland’s Style’ always causes a slightly stifled chuckle, evoking memories of Ed Balls strutting his stuff on Strictly, but like the former Labour MP, the second-generation Vauxhall Grandland has a very distinctive flair of its own.

As Vauxhall’s flagship five-door SUV, it now features a fully electrified powertrain for the first time, equipped with a 73kWh battery that can deliver up to 325 miles between charges. Initially available as a front-wheel drive with a single motor, a dual-motor version with AWD, a larger 97kWh battery and a 435-mile range will arrive next year.

At launch, customers are offered a hybrid-powered Grandland starting at £34,700, but we focused on the fully electric variant, which begins at £40,995 – once again highlighting that the EV route still comes at quite a price jump.

The next choice for consumers is the trim level with three to select from called Design, GS and Ultimate. We tested the high-end Grandland Ultimate, priced at £45,195, for our drive in and around Frankfurt, Germany.

While Vauxhall models are not exactly known for their ground-breaking design cues, the latest Grandland has bucked that trend with a 3D Visor at the front, complete with an illuminated Vauxhall Griffin emblem – this innovative technology has only just been legalised in Europe and it gives the car real stand-out appeal. The rear design mirrors this flair with illuminated VAUXHALL lettering and the GRANDLAND name embossed on the tailgate.

And despite only driving during daylight hours, we must mention the headlights on the car which feature in excess of 50,000 pixels to deliver best-in-class night visibility.

New Grandland has grown in size too, now 173mm longer and 35mm taller than its predecessor, with a wheelbase of 2,795mm. And that all means extra space for up to five occupants and more storage room, two factors that are always high on the wish-list of SUV owners.

Moving inside, with a nod to sustainability, all interior fabrics are made from recycled materials, including seat and door panel coverings, but it all looks very upmarket. That said; the mock carbon dash decals look a little cheap and the fabric stretching across the dash and doors may be prone to snags if caught be something sharp.

The main focal point is a neat 16-inch touchscreen (10-inch on Design models) that offers access to the generous array of on-board features. These include navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium Focal 10-speaker sound system, plus seat and steering wheel heaters. The powered seats and fully adjustable steering wheel make finding a comfortable driving position easy, while excellent visibility is another plus-point for any family-focused vehicle.

The head-up display and driver information screen keep key details like speed, range and battery levels readily available, but a Pure Mode can be activated and this minimises the amount of information on all three screens for a calmer driving experience.

Performance-wise, the Grandland Electric delivers 213hp and 345Nm of torque, reaching 62mph in 9.0 seconds and onto a top speed of 106mph. While it’s composed and well balanced on twisty roads, it doesn’t really have the same punch as some rivals. However, it excels as a motorway cruiser with barely a sound filtering into the cabin.

In busier town centres, the impressive 10.9-metre turning lock makes the car easy to manoeuvre and there are three levels of regenerative braking, adjusted via steering wheel paddles, to make driving in stop-and-go traffic less stressful.

Amongst other things, the drive modes adjust the power output with Eco delivering 160hp, Normal 180hp, and Sport unleashing the full 213hp. The driving range also varies between the trim levels, with the Ultimate achieving a combined 318 miles, while the GS and Design trims reach 323 and 325 miles, respectively.

The impressive suspension system effectively smooths out any bumps along the way resulting in a comfortable ride, although the roads in Germany were definitely superior to the UK’s network.

And while it may not be the most engaging to drive, many buyers in this segment will value practicality over blistering pace and performance. And practicality is an area where the Grandland excels. The boot, accessed via a powered tailgate, can swallow 550 litres of luggage, increasing to 1,645 litres with the 40:20:40 rear seats folded. We should also point out that these dimensions have been measured in dry litres using small blocks, while some rivals use wet litres so may appear numerically larger, while physically offering less space.

Additional storage includes a glovebox, chilled centre compartment, cup holders, door bins, seat back nets, a sunglasses holder and a Pixel Box, featuring an illuminated transparent cover over the wireless charging pad to help you remember your phone when leaving the car.

Charging the Grandland’s 73kWh battery takes 26 minutes at a 160kW charger or just under seven hours via a 7kW home wallbox. And there are a number of incentives for customers, including £500 off a wallbox or some charging credit.

Vauxhall promised its entire car and van line-up would have an electric variant by the end of 2024 and the new Grandland completes that mission. Despite its £45k price-tag and lacking a little firepower, it ticks all the right boxes for active families seeking space without sacrificing style or performance along the way.

Test Drive

Vauxhall Grandland GS Line Plug-In Hybrid-E Turbo (2022)

Vauxhall has given its largest SUV – the Grandland – a fresh new look and it boasts an imposing road presence, along with a wide choice of trim levels as well as the option of plug-in hybrid technology.

Formally known as the Grandland X, the latest version ditches the ‘X’ but gains a fresh, smarter design, a wealth of upgraded technology, improved driving dynamics and more powertrain choices.

We opted for the 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid model that sees a 180PS petrol engine working alongside a 110PS electric motor to deliver a combined 225PS and 300Nm of torque. And that translates into some interesting performance figures with a 0-60mph sprint time of just 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 140mph.

Our mid-trim GS Line model, with eight-speed automatic transmission, cost £33,820 although two-coat metallic paintwork bumped up the price by an extra £600.

With the car starting in EV mode as its default, the acceleration out the starting blocks is instant and it can reach speeds of up to 84mph in electric-only mode. Hybrid and Sport modes are available to sharpen up the responses and there are steering wheel-mounted paddles to change gears manually for added driver engagement.

While the official WLTP-tested fuel efficiency figure of 192mpg would only be achievable if the Grandland was driven a large percentage of the time in EV mode and then recharged regularly, the low carbon emissions figure of 31g/km does bring with it attractive tax savings, especially for business drivers.

There’s no denying the new Grandland is a looker and the GS Line version adds lots of gloss black trim to the mix to give it quite a menacing appearance. There is a black roof with gloss black roof rails, gloss black detailing and badging, along with gloss black front and rear skid plates. Sweeping LED light clusters, dark tinted rear windows and 18-inch alloys – also in gloss black – complete the styling.

Moving inside, the interior is more upmarket than its predecessor with a simplistic, yet feature-rich cockpit. High-end tech includes a 10-inch infotainment screen, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, sat nav, full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker sound system, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth.

There is a chunky gear lever, flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone climate control with pre-conditioning and plenty more besides.

Comfort levels are exceptionally good up front and the driver benefits from clear all-round visibility thanks to the elevated seating position.

There is ample room in the back for a couple adults to stretch out in style – or three at a bit of a squeeze. And being an SUV, the boot is well-sized too with a limit of 390 litres, increasing to 1,598 litres with the split-folding rear seats dropped flat. This is a slightly less than the petrol or diesel-powered versions due to the hybrid technology eating into storage space.

When it comes to performance, the new Grandland PHEV model is nicely composed on motorways with very little wind, road surface or engine noise filtering into the cabin at 70mph.

It is balanced on twisting country lanes with decent grip into tighter bends, although you will notice a little body movement if curves are attacked too eagerly.

Then in busier city centres, the vehicle is deceptively agile to manoeuvre. There is a B mode on the gear lever that increases the levels of regenerative braking and that makes single pedal driving possible when there is lots of stop and start traffic.

The electric driving range of 39 miles does drop fairly rapidly if driven hard, but that’s when it’s best to switch across to one of the other drive modes to maximise efficiency or save the EV charge for when it might be needed such as a Congestion Charge zone.

Charging the battery is a simple process with the 13.2kWh battery boosted in one hour, 45 minutes via a 7.4kW home wallbox charger.

There is also an app so you can view the state of charge and driving range from your phone, and the remote pre-conditioning means owners can warm or cool the car before leaving home.

When you factor in the impressive list of safety features that are standard on the Grandland, it is quite the complete package. These include high beam assist, forward collision alert, speed sign recognition, driver drowsiness alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, six airbags and lots more besides.

All in all, the latest facelifted Grandland is quite a step up from the model it replaces, and the plug-in hybrid technology works efficiently in the background, making it a wise choice for anyone who can make the most of those EV miles.

Test Drive

Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid4 – first drive (2020)

VAUXHALL is embracing the prospect of cleaner driving with the launch of the new Grandland X Hybrid4 – the company’s first ever plug-in hybrid model to date.

And since Vauxhall was recently taken over by the PSA group, with all its experience in this field, we can expect to see lots more of this proven technology introduced across the range.

As the original Grandland X model was actually based on a PSA platform it comes as little surprise that the full-sized, five-door SUV is the first Vauxhall to incorporate the cleaner powertrain set-up – and it does it all rather well.

The vehicle features a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that works in tandem with two electric motors delivering a combined output of 300hp. It has all-wheel drive capabilities and can sprint to 60mph from a standing start in just 5.9 seconds, maxing out at 146mph while delivering a combined 204mpg (WLTP) with carbon emissions of just 34g/km.

Buyers can choose from four richly-equipped trim levels called Business Edition Nav, SRi Nav, Elite Nav and Ultimate Nav with prices starting from £36,790 and rising to £46,650.

Measuring 4.5 metres in length, the Grandland X Hybrid4 is a good looking family car with muscular styling and lots of eye-catching design cues, including a bold upright profile, signature double blade LED lights, a distinctive crease in the bonnet, chunky wheel mouldings and a large front grille where the company’s Griffin badge is supported by two chrome wings.

Move inside and the interior is ultra-modern and neatly designed with a wealth of on-board technology to explore. Depending upon trim level selected, expect to see the likes of a smart eight-inch infotainment system full sat nav with European mapping, heated front seats, advanced park assist, smartphone integration, Bluetooth, dual zone climate control and lots more besides.

All the hybrid-specific information, such as charging levels and power distribution, can be accessed and viewed at a glance and there is a very handy e-Save function that allows the driver to reserve energy to ensure it can be driven in EV-only mode when travelling through a zero-emissions zone. It is possible to save six or 12 miles, or reserve all the battery energy.

The vehicle features an electrified eight-speed transmission and four drive modes – Electric, Hybrid, AWD and Sport. In pure EV mode it can travel up to 35 miles, then switch across to Hybrid and the car automatically selects the most efficient driving method so will, for example, go into all-electric when travelling at lower speeds.

Sport mode combines the power of the combustion engine and the electric motor for a more dynamic performance and All-Wheel Drive mode is there to offer extra traction and reassurance when travelling in more adverse driving and weather conditions.

We put the all-new Grandland X Hybrid4 in Ultimate Nav grade through its paces on a variety of road routes and even ventured away from the comforts of the Tarmac. And in fairness, the car didn’t disappoint.

It starts up and pulls away in the absolute silence of EV-mode. Then out on the faster-moving country lanes and B roads, the acceleration through the automatic gearbox proved smooth and responsive with a constant stream of power on tap to make light work of overtaking at short notice. The road holding was super-grippy and, provided sharper and longer bends were given a certain degree of respect, body roll was kept to a minimum too.

In busy villages and town centres, the upright driving position resulted in excellent all-round visibility and parking the largest SUV in Vauxhall’s line-up was made easier thanks to the reversing camera and sensors.

We also took the car off the beaten track and the AWD mode offered ample grip as the car powered through a boggy course in all-electric mode.

Comfort levels within the car are impressive with ample space for a couple of adults to stretch out – add a third and it gets a little cosy but is still acceptable.

The boot is well sized and can accommodate 390 litres of kit – a limit that increases to 1,528 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. There are also a number of practical storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin, although the glovebox is tiny so don’t plan on putting too much in there.

When it comes to charging, the Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid4 is supplied with a small 3.7kW on-board charger with the option of buying a more powerful 7.4kW version which would result in full charging in less than two hours.

In addition, you can pre-programme the vehicle for delayed charging so if it is plugged in overnight you can time it just right to benefit from lower electricity costs.

The Grandland X Hybrid4 boasts a range of safety kit to protect occupants and pedestrians as well as preventing accidents happening in the first place. Specifications, dependant once again on trim level, include forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness detection, high beam assist and plenty more besides.

With the latest plug-in Hybrid model available in either two or four-wheel drive guise, there is ample choice for customers and Vauxhall continues to offer the Grandland X with petrol or diesel powertrains too.

So, Vauxhall’s first venture into plug-in hybrid technology is definitely a successful one and there is lots more to come with plans in the pipeline for a fully electric Corsa, Mokka X, Vivaro Life and a Vivaro van.

Test Drive

Vauxhall Grandland X Business Edition Nav 1.5 Turbo D (2020)

Vauxhall’s largest SUV, the Grandland X ticks all the right boxes for anyone looking for a practical, comfortable and affordable family-sized car and it’s also very easy on the eye.

With a spacious cabin, it can easily transport a trio of youngsters in the back or adults if they don’t mind rubbing shoulders, and there is plenty of room for luggage too. It is also fitted with all the modern day connectivity options so there will be no complaints about staying online whilst on the move.

Our Grandland X Business Edition Nav model, costing £25,475 (£26,505 with options), was powered by a 1.5-litre, 130PS, turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It could reach from 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds, maxed out at 119mph and delivered combined fuel efficiency of up to 54.3mpg with carbon emissions of 101g/km.

Without being over-flashy, the five-door Grandland X looks good from any angle with its muscular styling complemented by lots of chrome trim, front fog lights, alloy-effect door sill covers, LED headlights and 18-inch silver alloys.

Move inside and the interior of the car is clutter-free and neatly designed with a wealth of techno treats at your disposal. Features include the likes of an eight-inch colour touchscreen, full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, Bluetooth, fully integrated European sat nav and dual-zone climate control.

The driver benefits from a high seated position which results in great all-round visibility and it’s quick and easy to get comfy with ample seat and steering wheel adjustment.

When it comes to performance, the Grandland X proved itself to be nicely accomplished – once again without being too flashy. The acceleration through the gears is steady although there was a slight lag between third and fourth at times, but that was my only gripe.

The road-holding was confident with plenty of grip and the cabin remained fairly well insulated against road surface, engine or wind noise unless the car is driven a little too enthusiastically. In addition, any jolts from bumpy road surfaces are softened by the effective suspension system.

The Grandland X was agile around town and, with front and rear parking sensors, it’s easy to squeeze into a tight space. But this is a vehicle that is at its best packed with a family and all their kit and heading off for an adventure in the country. The boot can accommodate 514 litres of luggage and this limit increases to a very respectable 1,652 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped down.

In addition, there are lots of practical storage compartments scattered throughout the car, including door pockets, a central cubby box, cup holders and a rather compact glovebox.

The car features an extensive range of safety specifications which helped it gain a maximum five stars when tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating. These include forward collision alert, driver drowsiness warning, blind spot alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition and six airbags.

All in all, with its styling, handling, running costs and versatility, the Grandland X is the complete all-round package for any family that is looking for a vehicle to fit in with their active lifestyle.

Test Drive

Vauxhall Grandland X Ultimate (2018) – first drive

Vauxhall has launched a new range-topping Ultimate edition into its sporty Grandland X line-up and it looks most impressive.

The Grandland X Ultimate, priced from £34,040, is powered by a 2.0-litre 177PS diesel engine mated to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox which can deliver combined fuel economy of 57.6mpg with carbon emissions 128g/km.

The athletic, yet muscular design of the Grandland X is guaranteed to turn heads and the Ultimate model tested boasted 19-inch diamond cut alloys, a black roof and door mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, sculpted wheel arches, LED daytime running lights, dark tinted rear windows, the signature Vauxhall crease in the bonnet, a bold grille housing the Vauxhall Griffin and premium quality lights.

Although the higher-end Grandland X models are already generously equipped with the likes of wireless mobile phone charging, a Denon premium sound system and adaptive cruise control, the Ultimate versions introduce luxurious touches such as a 360-degree Panoramic Camera, heated rear seats, leather upholstery, heated sports seats, a heated steering wheel and the premium LED adaptive forward lighting pack with projector headlights.

When it comes to driving dynamics and performance, the Grandland X is a competent all-rounder and can sprint to 60mph from a standing start in 9.1 seconds before maxing out at 133mph. The acceleration through the automatic gearbox is smooth and responsive and there is a constant supply of power on tap which helps to make light work of overtaking at short notice.

In congested town centres, the elevated driving position is a plus factor with cars and pedestrians darting out from all angles and the advanced park assist will make you look the complete expert when squeezing into a tight parking space. Then out on faster motorways and country lanes, the Grandland X is also accomplished. It can easily hold its own alongside fast-moving traffic and the road-holding is confident and assured for an SUV-styled vehicle. There is a little body sway if bends are attacked too enthusiastically and noise levels within the cabin increase at higher speeds with additional engine, road surface and wind sounds filtering through.

Comfort levels are good with powered seats and lots of steering wheel adjustment available to find the ideal driving position. And there is ample room for three passengers to stretch out in the back of the car with plenty of leg, head and shoulder space. Being an SUV, the Grandland X needs to be practical and it is. The boot, complete with a powered tailgate, has a capacity ranging from 514 litres to 1,652 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. Elsewhere there are a number of convenient storage options scattered throughout the car including deep cup holders, a glovebox, door pockets and a central bin where the wireless phone charger can be found.

Safety features are comprehensive too and include anti-lock brakes, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, traction control with hill start assist, tyre monitoring and six airbags. It’s also worth noting that the Grandland X achieved the maximum five stars when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating.

Unfortunately, due to the unique wheel design on the Ultimate model, it cannot be fitted with Vauxhall’s rather clever IntelliGrip traction control system that offers extra grip in a range of challenging terrains such as snow, mud and sand.

But it is available with Vauxhall’s excellent OnStar service which connects the driver to a ‘real’ person at Luton who is like your personal assistant offering all sorts of advice and tips. If, for example, you want to find a restaurant, hotel supermarket or petrol station, you simply call them up, have a chat and they will download the directions straight to the vehicle’s sat nav system. In addition, they are there to offer assistance if the vehicle is stolen, breaks down or is involved in an accident whereby your GPS location can be sent to the emergency services.

All in all, the Grandland X Ultimate is another contender for sales in the fiercely competitive and pretty crowded SUV sector. Yes, there are more dynamic options out there and more refined models too, but the Vauxhall is an attractive all-round package and certainly worth a look.

Test Drive

Vauxhall Grandland X – first drive (2017)

Vauxhall has introduced a completely new model into the SUV sector and it is hoping the vehicle will prove it’s got the X factor.

That’s because the Grandland X completes the company’s trio of SUV cars joining the Mokka X and recently launched Crossland X, but as its name suggests, the Grandland is the daddy of the line-up.

At almost 4.5 metres in length, it features a striking, robust, upright design with flowing body lines, chunky wheel mouldings, a central crease in the bonnet, smart alloys, signature double blade LED lights and a large grille where the Griffin badge is supported by two neat chrome wings. A smart contrasting black-coloured roof can be selected as a £320 option.

The interior is also impressive in its design and layout with ample room for five adults to sit comfortably with plenty of leg, head and shoulder space in the back seats. The boot is generously sized too with a capacity of 514 litres increased to 1,652 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat and there are numerous storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin. Don’t expect to store too much in the glovebox as it’s tiny, but there are other places to tuck bits and bobs away out of sight.

The Grandland X is available in two-wheel drive only with prices starting from £22,310 and rising to £28,035 (an automatic gearbox adds £1,500 to these costs). There are four trim levels to choose from called SE, Tech Line Nav, Sport Nav and Elite Nav, and all are generously equipped with either a seven or eight-inch colour touchscreen, a sat nav system with European mapping, dual zone climate control, ambient lighting, Bluetooth connectivity and plenty more besides. Upper trim levels see the addition of an eight-speaker Denon premium sound system, wireless charging and a powered tailgate with kick-gesture or key fob opening function.

At launch the choice of engines to drive the Grandland X is limited to a 1.2-litre 130PS petrol powertrain or a 1.6-litre 120PS diesel option with either six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, but it’s worth noting that Vauxhall has announced extra engines will be added to the range.

Safety features, either standard or optional, are comprehensive and include the likes of a forward collision alert system with pedestrian detection and autonomous emergency braking. There is adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, a driver drowsiness alert system, traffic sign recognition and lots more.

The car also introduces Vauxhall’s innovative IntelliGrip traction control system, whereby the optional electronic system ensures optimum road grip in diverse driving situations with different modes to cope with changing conditions. These are called Normal, Snow, Mud, Sand and ESP off.

And, like all new Vauxhall models these days, it offers the OnStar service which connects a driver to a real person at Luton who is like your personal assistant and can offer guidance tips about the location along with directions that can be downloaded directly to your sat nav system. In addition, they are there to advise if the vehicle is stolen, breaks down or is involved in an accident.

We tested out the Grandland X on a lengthy road route that incorporated busy town centres, motorways and country lanes.

We chose the all-singing, all-dancing Grandland X 1.6-litre 120PS Turbo diesel model in range-topping Elite Nav spec. This car was priced at £28,035 (£29,360 with options). It could sprint from 0 to 60mph in 11.8 seconds, topped out at 117mph and, according to official figures, delivers combined fuel efficiency of 65.7mpg with carbon emissions of 111g/km.

The Grandland X certainly looks the business and the interior has a truly premium feel to it with a soft-touch dashboard and a neat, clutter-free layout. The dashboard has a layered effect with the upper section housing the infotainment system, the middle section is for the climate control and the lower section is the driving controls and vehicle set-up functions.

It’s very simple to get a good driving position thanks to generous seat and steering wheel adjustment and all the controls are perfectly positioned for driver usability. The elevated driving position means good all-round visibility which is vital on a family car that is likely to put in regular appearances on the school run.

Vauxhall has been clever with the finer touches too such as a ledge to rest your hand on when using the touchscreen. It can be difficult to change a radio station or programme an address into the sat nav whilst on the move and a steady hand makes this process a lot simpler.

The test car featured a six-speed manual gearbox which proved both smooth and responsive and the Grandland X easily cruised at motorway speeds. It also showed its agile side with good manoeuvrability as it weaved its way through busy town centres.

We did find the car was a tad bouncy and there was a certain degree of body roll if pushed too enthusiastically into tight bends, but it was noted that the 19-inch wheels might be a little too big for the car and that was reflected in the ride quality. In fact, we drove the same powered car on 18-inch wheels a little later and the road-holding and general handling seemed more confident and assured.

Another slight gripe is the gear stick. Whilst the chunky grab handle-style gear knob looks fabulous and is great as you shift up through the gears and back down again, finding reverse means adjusting your hand position completely and it was quite difficult at times.

All in all though, the Grandland X is another great challenger in the SUV segment and Vauxhall is hoping to attract buyers away from models such as the Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage.