Vauxhall Grandland X Review

The Vauxhall Grandland X isn’t the most exciting family car, but it’s comfortable, practical and good value for money.

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Spacious interior
  • Comfortable
  • Good value prices
  • Not much fun to drive
  • Cabin feels a little cheap
  • Bewildering trim line-up

The Grandland X is Vauxhall’s belated response to ultra successful models such as the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008 and Skoda Karoq.

Known as crossovers, these machines blend the rugged looks and high-set driving position of an SUV with the more manageable dimensions and running costs of a family hatchback. Huge sales for the Nissan in particular have meant that almost every manufacturer is now trying to get in on the act.

Vauxhall was able to fast track the development of the Grandland X by basing it on the Peugeot 3008, although you wouldn’t know from the outside. Apart from similar proportions, the two cars look different, the Vauxhall taking its design cues from other models in the range. It’s not exactly and handsome or distinctive vehicle, but in some of the higher and more expensive trim levels it has a certain upmarket appeal.

Prices previously started around £23,000, however this can crept up to around £27,000 with the introduction of the updated model, which is now known as the Grandland - note the lack of an X. There's a variety of trims and Peugeot-sourced petrol, diesel and hybrid engines, so there should be something for most people.

Much of the success of these types of car is down to their interiors, and in the case of the Grandland X it scores for space and practicality, making it an even more family-friendly option than the Nissan Qashqai. The driver and passenger sit high with a commanding view of the road, while in the back there’s plenty of head and legroom, even for those occupants over six feet tall. The dashboard layout is a little bland and some of the materials - plastics in particular - have a low rent look and feel.

Crucially, the interior is packed with handy storage cubbies, meaning lots of space for the sort of paraphernalia that growing families tend to attract. The 514-litre boot is well-shaped and easily shades the Nissan’s 430-litre effort for capacity, but it trails the Skoda Karoq’s 479-litre effort and the Peugeot 3008’s vast 591-litre affair. On the plus side, Tech Line Nav models and above get a Versatility Pack (optional on the SE and Design Line), which adds a variable-height boot floor and a centre rear armrest for the rear seat that also doubles as a load-through ski hatch.

The Vauxhall Grandland X also gets plenty of useful technology, including the brand’s Intellilink entertainment set-up. On SE and Design Line cars it features an intuitive seven-inch touchscreen and easy Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while all other models get a larger eight-inch screen with built-in sat-nav. Also included is Vauxhall’s excellent OnStar electronic concierge system. Simply press a button and you’re put through to call handler who can look up destinations or local attractions and amenities and send the directions straight to the sat-nav. It can also automatically raise the emergency services in the event of an accident.

Speaking of which, collisions should be easier to avoid in the Grandland X than most. Lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition are standard across the range, while Tech Line Nav and above add autonomous emergency braking, a driver drowsiness alert and blind-spot monitoring. It’s an impressive array of safety kit that you’d normally expect to have to pay extra for, even on some more expensive cars.

Given its focus as a family-friendly runaround, it’s no surprise to find the Vauxhall Grandland X driving experience is geared towards comfort and ease of use. The steering is light while the commanding view from the driver’s seat makes it easy to place the car on the road. The suspension is soft too, allowing the Grandland X to float serenely over the worst road surfaces the UK has to offer. Yes, the Vauxhall gets a bit flummoxed and wobbly when you tear through corners at breakneck speed, but then this is a tall-riding crossover and most owners in their right mind would never have call to drive one in such a deranged manner. Best just to take it easy and relax.

Key facts

Warranty 3 years / 60,000 miles
Boot size 514 litres
Width 1856mm
Length 4477mm
Height 1609mm
Tax (min to max) £170 in first year, £145 thereafter

Best Vauxhall Grandland X for...

Best for Economy – Vauxhall Grandland 1.6 Hybrid-e 225 GS Line

The 13.2kWh battery should provide more than 30 miles of electric-only driving, at which point it's best to top the charge up for the best efficiency. Claimed figures are 192mpg, though this could drop to 40mpg or less if not charged regularly.

Best for Families – Vauxhall Grandland X Tech Line Nav 130 1.2 Turbo

Tech Line trim is the cheapest that gets useful Versatility Pack that adds folding rear armrest and variable height boot floor. Best for performance

Best for Performance – Vauxhall Grandland 1.6 Hybrid-e 225 GS Line

0-62mph in 8.9 isn't particularly quick, especially given the punchy 225hp available. It's just as quick as the discontinued 2.0-litre diesel engine, but offers the scope for reduced fill bills. Any trim will do, though Ultimate adds more than £3,000 to the price.

One to Avoid – Vauxhall Grandland X SE

No particular engine to avoid here, but SE trim manages to be more expensive but less well equipped that Tech Line Nav.

History

May 2017 Vauxhall Grandland X revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Jan 2018 Vauxhall Grandland X goes on sale in the UK

Mar 2018 Intelligrip off-road pack added as an option

Apr 2018 1.6-litre diesel is replaced by more powerful and efficient 1.5-litre

Apr 2021 Griffin Edition added with 18-inch alloys, powered tailgate and contrasting roof and mirrors

Jul 2021 Replacement Grandland announced with plug-in hybrid option

Understanding Vauxhall Grandland X names

Trim Tech Line Nav

Vauxhall regularly changes its trim levels, introducing new ones and restructuring existing ones. The Grandland X was mostly available in SE, Design Line, Tech Line Nav, Sport Nav, Elite Nav and Ultimate. The updated Grandland has a more focused approach, offering just three trims: Design, GS Line and Ultimate.

Engine 1.5 Turbo D 130

The Grandland X used to be available with a more powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine, however this was removed and just the 1.5-litre remains. There's also a 130hp petrol engine, and a 225hp plug-in hybrid.

Gearbox 6-speed auto

6-speed auto denotes the automatic gearbox, plus there’s also a six-speed manual. More recently, Vauxhall has been using the 'AT8' 8-speed automatic transmission.

S/S Blueinjection Fuel saving technology

Blueinjection is fitted to all diesel models and is a system designed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. S/S refers to the start/stop technology that automatically switches off the engine when your stationary for more than a few seconds, such as at traffic lights.

Vauxhall Grandland X Engines

Petrol: 1.2 Turbo 130
Diesel: 1.5 Turbo D 130, 2.0 Turbo D 177
Hybrid: 1.6 Hybrid-e 225

The Vauxhall Grandland X keeps it fairly simple when it comes to the engine line-up, with just one petrol and two diesels to choose from. There’s the option of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox on lower powered models, while the 2.0-litre diesel is available exclusively with an eight-speed auto.

For most people most of the time the 1.2-litre petrol will be all they need. Not only is the three-cylinder engine smooth and refined, it has a turbocharger to help deliver performance that’s at odds with its small size. With 130hp and a useful 230Nm of torque it’s a willing performer, even with five occupants on board and a bootful of luggage, pulling strongly on the motorway yet proving nippy and responsive around town. It’s reasonably frugal too, easily hitting 40mpg if driven sensibly. Unless you do a lot of urban driving then we’d steer clear of the slightly sluggish six-speed auto and stick with standard and fairly slick and precise six-speed manual.

If you plan on racking up the miles then it might be worth considering the 1.5-litre diesel - although you’ll need to do your sums as its efficiency advantage over the petrol isn’t conclusive. Either way it’s a gutsy performer, using its 300Nm torque to deliver reasonably effortless and efficient progress. It’s also a quieter unit than the less powerful 1.6-litre it replaced, its only real diesel trait being a distant clatter at idle. As with the petrol we’d recommend the six-speed manual gearbox to make the most of the performance on offer.

At the top of the range is the 177hp 2.0-litre diesel, which is only available with the admittedly smooth operating eight-speed gearbox. Yet while the biggest engine has an on paper performance advantage it doesn’t feel much swifter on the road than its smaller counterpart. Or more refined for that matter. Factor in the price premium over the other engines and it doesn’t really make much sense. Unless you want the flagship Grandland X Ultimate trim, in which case it’s the only engine choice.

Drivers looking to cut the costs of motoring may want to consider the 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid option. Don't be fooled by the high 225hp on offer, as its performance is a little underwhelming. Still, nearly 40 miles on electricity is an achievement, and the prospect of nearly 200mpg isn't to be sniffed at either. It's more than £5,000 pricier than a petrol version of the equivalent spec, so be sure to calculate your savings carefully. 

 

Fuel

Fuel economy

Power

Acceleration (0-62mph)

Top speed

1.2 Turbo 130

Petrol

43.5mpg

130hp

9.5-10.3s

117 - 122mph

1.5 Turbo D 130

Diesel

54.3mpg

130hp

9.9-12.3s

119mph

2.0 Turbo D 177

Diesel

46.3mpg

177hp

8.9s

131mph

1.6 Hybrid-e 225

Petrol plug-in hybrid

192mpg

225hp

8.9s

140mph (80mph electric only)

Vauxhall Grandland X Trims

SE, Design Line, Tech Line Nav, Sport Nav, Elite Nav, Ultimate

This is where things get a little confusing, because the Vauxhall Grandland X line-up isn’t quite as straightforward as it seems. You see, while SE is nominally the entry point to the range it’s actually fractionally more expensive - to the tune of £370 - than the better equipped Tech Line Nav.

Strange but true. In fact, it’s down to the fact that the Tech Line Nav is aimed not at retail customers, but company car drivers, so its lower price is intended to give it a lower benefit-in-kind tax rating. It also means it’s not normally available with the same new car finance deals as other models in the line-up - a hassle if you’re buying new, but not if you’re purchasing used.

Anyway, even as the most basic version the SE is very well equipped, offering touchscreen entertainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, automatic headlamp operation, rear parking sensors and lane departure warning, among a whole host of safety features

Move up to the Design Line and you get the same equipment, plus the addition of larger alloy wheels front parking sensors and the Versatility Pack that adds a moveable height boot floor and rear seat centre armrest with ski hatch. It also gets some brushed aluminium effect exterior trim and rear privacy glass.

Next up is the Tech Line Nav, which is arguably the sweet spot in the range. Not only does it feature the larger entertainment screen complete with built in sat-nav, it also gets Vauxhall’s superbly comfortable and multi-way adjustable ergonomic front seats and a Safety Pack that comprises autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and a driver drowsiness detector.

Sport Nav provides all this plus some visual changes aimed at delivering a more sporty look, while Elite Nav takes a more luxurious approach with its standard leather trim, heated seats and Panoramic roof.

Sitting at the top of the range is the appropriately named Ultimate, which gets all this kit and more, including heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, a powered tailgate and LED headlamps.

In terms of options the Ultimate is available with very few, with the only worthwhile addition being the Off Road pack that adds a switchable traction control for different surfaces (mud, snow, gravel and sand) plus grippy mud and snow tyres. For the other models, there are neatly bundled options packs for the most popular uprades. Of these the most desirable are the Park and Go packs that deliver various levels of sensors, cameras and autonomous parking, plus the winter packs that add heating for the front and rear seats, windscreen and even steering wheel.

 

Vauxhall Grandland X Reliability and warranty

The Vauxhall Grandland X is still too new to feature in Auto Express’ Driver Power satisfaction poll, but potential owners should take heart that the closely related (Peugeot now owns the Vauxhall brand) Peugeot 3008 finished an excellent seventh overall in the 2019 survey, which bodes well for the Grandland X.

As with most manufacturers Vauxhall offers a standard three years and 60,000 miles warranty for the Grandland X.