Vauxhall Grandland
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family SUV that combines practicality with modern style? The Vauxhall Grandland might be the perfect fit for your needs. This mid-sized SUV offers a compelling blend of space, comfort, and technology at a competitive price point. It’s designed for families who want the elevated driving position and versatility of an SUV without breaking the bank.

The Grandland stands out in the crowded family SUV market with its bold exterior design and impressive interior space. Unlike some rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage, the Grandland offers a more distinctive look with Vauxhall’s signature design language. The cabin feels modern and well appointed, with quality materials that punch above the car’s price point.

What makes the Grandland particularly appealing is its focus on real world usability. The ride is comfortable and refined, making it excellent for long family journeys or the daily school run. The boot space is generous, and the rear seats offer plenty of room for passengers. While it may not be the most exciting SUV to drive, it excels in the areas that matter most to families. The combination of practicality, comfort, and competitive pricing makes it a smart choice for anyone seeking a reliable family vehicle.

What's the Vauxhall Grandland Like to Drive?

The Vauxhall Grandland focuses on comfort and efficiency rather than sporty thrills. The range includes a 1.2-litre three cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing around 130 horsepower, which feels adequate for most driving situations. There’s also a mild hybrid version that combines the petrol engine with a small electric motor for improved fuel economy. The 0 to 60 mph time sits at around 10 seconds, which is perfectly reasonable for family duties.

Where the Grandland really impresses is in its refined driving experience. The suspension does an excellent job of smoothing out bumps and road imperfections, making it one of the more comfortable SUVs in its class. The steering is light and easy at low speeds, perfect for navigating supermarket car parks. On the motorway, it feels stable and composed, with good noise insulation keeping wind and road noise to a minimum. It’s not the most engaging drive, but that’s not really the point. This is a car designed to transport families in comfort and safety.

Inside the Vauxhall Grandland: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Grandland and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality on offer. The dashboard features a clean, modern design with an 8 inch touchscreen taking centre stage. The materials feel solid and well chosen, with soft touch plastics on the upper dashboard and door tops. The seats are supportive and comfortable, with good adjustment range to help you find the ideal driving position.

The Grandland excels when it comes to passenger comfort. There’s generous headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, making it genuinely comfortable for five adults on longer journeys. The cabin is impressively quiet, thanks to good sound insulation that keeps road and wind noise at bay. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a decent sound system. Higher specification models add features like heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and premium audio systems that further enhance the premium feel.

The Vauxhall Grandland succeeds in delivering exactly what most families need from an SUV. It offers impressive space, comfort, and refinement at a competitive price point. The interior quality is genuinely impressive, feeling more premium than the price tag suggests. The ride quality is excellent, making it a relaxing choice for long journeys or daily commuting.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Vauxhall Grandland?

The Grandland performs well when it comes to running costs, making it an attractive proposition for budget conscious families. The turbocharged petrol engines deliver impressive fuel economy, with real world figures typically in the high 40s to low 50s MPG range. The mild hybrid version can achieve even better efficiency in stop start city driving. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, typically falling in groups 15 to 20.

The initial purchase price represents good value compared to premium rivals, though it sits slightly higher than some mainstream alternatives. Vauxhall offers competitive warranty coverage and servicing packages that can help keep long term costs predictable. When it comes to car finance options, the Grandland benefits from competitive rates and flexible terms. Depreciation is moderate for the class, helped by strong demand for practical family SUVs. Overall, the Grandland strikes a good balance between initial cost and ongoing expenses, making it an affordable choice for family motoring.

Vauxhall Grandland Practicality & Boot Space

The Grandland truly shines when it comes to practical family use. The 514 litre boot is generous for the class, easily accommodating the weekly shop, holiday luggage, or sports equipment. The rear seats split and fold in a 60:40 configuration, creating a large flat loading area when maximum cargo space is needed. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage compartments for phones, drinks, and other family essentials.

Passenger space is another strong point, with comfortable seating for five adults. The rear seats offer good legroom and headroom, making longer journeys comfortable for all occupants. For families with young children, the wide opening doors and reasonable ride height make installing child seats straightforward. Compared to other used Vauxhall cars, the Grandland represents excellent value for space and versatility. The high driving position gives good visibility, making it easier to spot potential hazards and navigate busy car parks with confidence.

The Vauxhall Grandland stands out in the competitive family SUV market by offering genuine premium quality at a mainstream price. It combines impressive interior space, excellent build quality, and refined driving manners in a package that makes sense for real families. While it may not offer the most exciting driving experience, it excels in the areas that matter most comfort, practicality, and value for money.

You choose the Grandland because it makes family life easier without breaking the bank. The spacious interior, generous boot, and comfortable ride quality make every journey more pleasant. With competitive running costs and strong equipment levels, it represents excellent value in the family SUV sector. For families seeking a reliable, comfortable, and well equipped SUV, the Grandland should be high on your shortlist, especially with no deposit car finance options making it more accessible.