A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
3.8/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.2
Comfort & Interior
4.2
Running Costs
4
Practicality
4.6
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a practical family MPV that won’t break the bank? The Chevrolet Orlando offers seven seat versatility at an affordable price point. This compact MPV was designed with families in mind, providing flexible seating arrangements and decent interior space without the bulk of larger people carriers. The Orlando stands out in the budget MPV market with its practical sliding rear doors and configurable seating layout that can adapt to your changing needs. While it may not have the premium feel of rivals like the Ford S-MAX or Vauxhall Zafira, it compensates with competitive pricing and generous warranty coverage. The Orlando’s appeal lies in its no nonsense approach to family transport, offering essential features without unnecessary complexity. Whether you’re managing the school run or planning weekend getaways, this MPV delivers the space and practicality that growing families require. For buyers seeking maximum passenger capacity on a modest budget, the Orlando represents solid value in the used car market.
What's the Chevrolet Orlando Like to Drive?
The Chevrolet Orlando was never designed to be exciting, and that shows in its engine lineup. Most models came with a 1.8 liter petrol engine producing around 141 horsepower, which provides adequate but unspectacular performance. The 0 to 60 mph sprint takes about 10.5 seconds, making it slower than many modern family cars but perfectly acceptable for everyday driving. There was also a 2.0 liter diesel option that offered better fuel economy and more pulling power for highway driving.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.8L 4-cylinder petrol / 2.0L diesel
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Power Output
141 - 163 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.5 - 9.8 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 50 mpg
- Boot Space
- 162 - 1,498 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Chevrolet Orlando?
Step inside the Orlando and you’ll find a cabin that prioritizes function over form. The dashboard design is straightforward and unpretentious, with clearly marked controls and a logical layout. Material quality is adequate rather than impressive, with hard plastics dominating most surfaces. However, the build quality feels solid enough, and everything operates with reassuring precision. The driving position is high and commanding, giving you excellent visibility in all directions.
A surprisingly spacious and practical family MPV, the Orlando offers a good blend of affordability and functionality, though the driving experience is less engaging.
Is the Chevrolet Orlando Expensive to Run?
One of the Orlando’s strongest selling points is its affordable running costs. The petrol engine returns around 35 to 38 mpg in real world driving, which is reasonable for such a large vehicle. The diesel version is notably more economical, achieving 45 to 50 mpg on longer trips. Insurance groups are relatively low for such a practical family car, helping keep annual premiums manageable.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Chevrolet Orlando
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Volkswagen Touran
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Ford S-Max
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £8,000 | £15,000 | £12,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.8L petrol 141hp | 1.4L TSI 150hp | 2.0L EcoBoost 160hp |
| Power | 141 bhp | 150 bhp | 160 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 seconds | 9.1 seconds | 9.0 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 38 mpg | 42 mpg | 35 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 162 litres | 137 litres | 285 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Seven seats, Low price, Spacious cabin | Premium interior, Sliding doors, German quality | Sporty handling, Premium feel, Advanced tech |
Chevrolet Orlando Practicality & Boot Space
For pure practicality, the Orlando is hard to beat in its price range. The 162 litre boot with all seats up isn’t huge, but fold the third row and you get 432 litres of space. Fold all rear seats and the Orlando transforms into a van like cargo hauler with 1,498 litres of capacity. The rear seats fold easily and create a flat load floor, making furniture collection or tip runs straightforward.
Bought our Orlando three years ago when we needed seven seats on a budget. It’s not glamorous but it’s been absolutely brilliant for our family. The space is incredible and it’s never let us down.
The Chevrolet Orlando represents excellent value in the used seven seater market. While it may not offer the refinement or badge appeal of German alternatives, it delivers where it matters most: space, reliability, and affordability. The practical interior layout and generous passenger accommodation make every family journey more comfortable, while the low purchase and running costs keep finances in check.
