Vauxhall Antara
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a solid family SUV that won’t break the bank? The Vauxhall Antara might be worth a closer look. This mid-sized crossover was designed to offer families practical space and elevated driving position without the premium price tag of German rivals. It’s the car for buyers who want SUV practicality with straightforward, no-nonsense motoring.

The Antara carved out its own niche in the competitive family SUV market during its production run from 2007 to 2018. While it never quite achieved the popularity of rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Ford Kuga, it offered something different. The styling is distinctive and purposeful, with bold wheel arches and a commanding presence that makes it look more expensive than it actually is. Inside, you’ll find a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five adults and plenty of storage space.

What sets the Antara apart is its value proposition. You get a lot of car for your money, with generous standard equipment levels and that important SUV practicality. The ride is comfortable and composed, making it ideal for family duties and longer journeys. While it may not be the most refined or economical choice in its class, the Antara delivers honest, dependable transport with room for the whole family and their luggage.

What's the Vauxhall Antara Like to Drive?

The Vauxhall Antara was offered with a range of diesel engines, with the most popular being the 2.2-litre CDTi unit producing around 163 horsepower. This engine provides adequate performance for a vehicle of this size, with enough torque for comfortable motorway cruising and overtaking. The 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds feels reasonable rather than exciting, but that’s not really the point of this family focused SUV. For those wanting more efficiency, the 2.0-litre CDTi offers similar performance with slightly better fuel economy.

Where the Antara impresses is in its ride quality and refinement. The suspension does an excellent job of soaking up bumps and road imperfections, making it a comfortable companion on longer journeys. The steering is light and easy around town, though it lacks the precision you might find in a Volkswagen Tiguan. The optional four-wheel-drive system adds confidence in slippery conditions, though this is more about security than serious off-road ability. It’s a composed and predictable drive that prioritises comfort over excitement.

Inside the Vauxhall Antara: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Antara and you’ll find a spacious, well laid out cabin that feels more premium than the price suggests. The dashboard design is clean and functional, with clearly marked controls and a logical layout. Materials quality is decent for the class, with soft touch plastics on key contact points and sturdy construction throughout. The driving position is excellent, with good visibility in all directions and plenty of adjustment in the seats to find your ideal position.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable, easily handling longer journeys without causing fatigue. There’s generous space for passengers in all positions, with adults able to sit comfortably in the rear seats. The cabin is reasonably quiet at cruising speeds, though some wind and road noise does filter through. Standard equipment levels are generous, with air conditioning, electric windows, and a decent sound system included even on basic models. Higher specification versions add features like climate control, leather seats, and satellite navigation.

The Vauxhall Antara is an honest, unpretentious SUV that gets the basics right. It offers generous space, comfortable seating, and a smooth ride quality that makes it genuinely pleasant to drive and live with daily. The value proposition is compelling, particularly in the used market where depreciation has made it an affordable entry into SUV ownership. It’s not the most exciting or economical choice, but it delivers solid, dependable family transport.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Vauxhall Antara?

As a larger SUV with diesel engines, the Antara’s running costs are moderate rather than exceptional. Real world fuel economy typically ranges from the high 30s to low 40s MPG, depending on your driving style and whether you opt for the four-wheel-drive system. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, sitting in the middle ranges that won’t shock you with high premiums. The diesel engines are generally reliable, though they do require regular maintenance to keep running smoothly.

The main attraction is the initial purchase price. Used Antaras represent excellent value in the second hand market, offering a lot of space and equipment for relatively little money. Depreciation has already done its work, meaning you can pick up a well specified example without the premium associated with more fashionable rivals. Maintenance costs are reasonable, with widely available parts and good dealer support. While car finance options make newer SUVs more accessible, the Antara offers a cash-friendly route into family SUV ownership.

Is the Vauxhall Antara Practical for Everyday Use?

For a family SUV, the Antara delivers impressive practicality. The 420 litre boot is a decent size for the weekly shop or holiday luggage, and the rear seats fold down to create a large, flat loading area when you need to carry bigger items. The high driving position makes it easy to see over traffic, while the wide opening doors make loading children and car seats straightforward. Interior storage is well thought out, with plenty of cupholders, door bins, and cubby holes for family life essentials.

Where the Antara really shines is passenger space. There’s genuinely comfortable room for five adults, making it ideal for growing families or those who regularly carry passengers. The rear seat space is particularly generous, with good legroom and headroom even for taller passengers. Compared to other used Vauxhall cars, the Antara offers exceptional space and versatility. Its practical focus makes everyday tasks like shopping trips and school runs effortless, while the robust build quality suggests it can handle family life’s demands.

The Vauxhall Antara stands out in today’s used SUV market by offering exceptional value and space. While it may lack the refinement of German competitors or the fuel economy of newer models, it delivers what matters most to many families: reliable, comfortable transport with room for everyone and everything. The generous standard equipment levels and robust build quality add to its appeal.

You choose the Antara because you want maximum space and comfort for minimum outlay. It’s ideally suited to families who need a practical, dependable SUV without paying premium prices. The comfortable ride and spacious interior make every journey more pleasant, whether you’re tackling the school run or heading off on holiday. For buyers seeking cars under £10,000 with serious family credentials, the Antara deserves serious consideration.