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
3.5
Comfort & Interior
4
Running Costs
3.2
Practicality
4.5
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 SUV that won’t break the bank? The Chevrolet Captiva could be exactly what you need. This seven seater SUV offers generous space for growing families while keeping running costs reasonable. The Captiva stands out in the competitive family SUV market by providing good value for money and impressive practicality. You get three rows of seating, a decent sized boot, and reliable performance that makes it perfect for school runs and family holidays. While it may not have the premium feel of rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage, it more than makes up for this with its spacious interior and affordable pricing. The Captiva is particularly appealing to families who need genuine seven seat capability without the premium price tag. Whether you’re looking for your first family car or upgrading from a smaller vehicle, the Captiva delivers the space and versatility that busy families demand. With competitive finance options available, it represents excellent value in the used SUV market.
What's the Chevrolet Captiva Like to Drive?
The Chevrolet Captiva was available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, all designed for relaxed family driving rather than sporty performance. The most popular choice was the 2.2-litre diesel engine producing around 184 horsepower, which provides adequate power for this substantial SUV. The diesel feels refined and offers reasonable acceleration, taking about 9.5 seconds to reach 60mph. There’s also a smaller 2.0-litre diesel option with 150 horsepower that’s more economical but feels a bit sluggish when fully loaded.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder diesel / 2.2L 4-cylinder diesel
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Power Output
150 - 184 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.5 - 9.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 42 mpg
- Boot Space
- 495 litres (7 seats up)
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Chevrolet Captiva: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Captiva and you’re greeted by a spacious and practical cabin that clearly prioritises function over form. The dashboard layout is straightforward and easy to understand, with large buttons and clear displays. Materials quality is adequate rather than premium, but everything feels solidly built and designed to withstand family life. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment range to help most drivers find a suitable position.
The Chevrolet Captiva is a solid family SUV prioritising practicality over performance. Its three-row layout and spacious boot cater to growing families, while refined diesel engines offer smooth, economical cruising. Though not sporty, the 2.2-litre diesel delivers adequate power for daily use. Comfortable interiors and reasonable running costs make it a no-frills, value-driven choice for everyday driving.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Chevrolet Captiva?
As a larger SUV, the Captiva’s running costs reflect its size and weight. The diesel engines are reasonably efficient, with the smaller 2.0-litre unit achieving up to 42mpg in combined driving, while the more powerful 2.2-litre manages around 38mpg in real world conditions. Insurance groups are moderate for the class, typically falling between groups 15-20 depending on the specific model and trim level.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Chevrolet Captiva
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Kia Sportage
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Volkswagen Tiguan
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £8,000 | £12,000 | £15,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.2L Diesel 184hp | 1.6L Diesel 136hp | 2.0L Diesel 150hp |
| Power | 184 bhp | 136 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 seconds | 10.8 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 38 mpg | 47 mpg | 45 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 495 litres | 503 litres | 520 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Seven seats standard, Spacious interior, Great value | Excellent warranty, Refined drive, Good economy | Premium feel, Advanced tech, Strong build quality |
Chevrolet Captiva Practicality & Boot Space
The Chevrolet Captiva excels in the practicality department, which is exactly what most families are looking for in this class. The 495-litre boot with all seven seats in place is generous, easily accommodating the weekly shopping or sports equipment. Fold the third row down and you get a massive 930 litres of space, while using it as a five seater opens up an enormous 1565 litres. The boot opening is wide and the loading lip is relatively low, making it easy to load heavy items.
We bought our Captiva three years ago and it’s been brilliant for our family of six. The space is incredible and it’s been really reliable. The kids love the extra seats and we can fit everything in for holidays. Not the most exciting car but perfect for what we need.
The Chevrolet Captiva stands out in the used SUV market by offering exceptional space and practicality at competitive prices. It delivers genuine seven-seat capability, comfortable ride quality, and generous equipment levels in a package that represents excellent value for money. While it may not have the badge appeal or refined dynamics of some European competitors, it excels in the areas that matter most to families.
