2025 Vauxhall Frontera Long Range to sit below £30k mark

The Vauxhall Frontera has returned in hybrid and all-electric guise as a new C-segment SUV to sit below the new Grandland and Mokka. While the Frontera electric was initially revealed with a 44kWh battery, a larger-battery alternative will join the ranks in 2025, and is expected to cost from less than £30,000. 

That would mean the premium between the small-battery Frontera (which starts at the same price as the hybrid at £23,495) and the bigger battery ‘Long Range’ could be around £6,500. The current all-electric Frontera with its 44kWh battery is able to travel 186 miles on a single charge, next year’s Frontera Long Range will be able to provide up to 248 miles of range. Vauxhall’s new SUV in electric form comes with a 111bhp front-mounted motor, although no specifications have been given for the larger-battery model. We do know the Long Range model won’t feature the same 54kWh battery as the latest Mokka Electric though. 

The new Frontera is a value-driven option that sits on the Stellantis ‘Smart Car’ platform shared with the Citroen C3 and e-C3, plus the C3 Aircross. While Vauxhall has described it has ‘the new Zafira’ thanks to the option of seven-seat capability in the hybrid, the Frontera directly replaces the ageing Vauxhall Crossland with a slightly larger body and more rugged style in the process. 

The Frontera’s trim structure is similar to those of Vauxhall’s other SUVs, with an entry-level Design and a higher-spec GS. There’s currently an ‘Ultimate Pack’ rather than a range-topping ‘Ultimate’ trim level, although we’ve been told by Vauxhall to expect trim level changes in future to mirror the rest of Vauxhall’s Design, GS and Ultimate range.

Despite the close connection to other Stelliantis models, Vauxhall’s design team has done a great job giving the new Frontera a distinct exterior design full of details derived from its other models. This includes the aforementioned ‘Vizor’ light and grille arrangement, with a new split tail-light design giving some further critical distinction between it and its French counterparts. 

Inside, the Frontera will come with a dual-screen layout inspired by the car’s ‘Vizor’ front end design. The dashboard design retains some physical controls for the heating and ventilation system, which Vauxhall describes as a “clean, detoxed user experience”. There’s plenty of storage for small items ahead of the small gear shifter with an elastic band wrapping around the cupholders, plus a place for wireless phone charging. 

Being 4,380mm long (168mm longer than the Crossland), it’s no surprise the Vauxhall Frontera has a larger boot than its predecessor at 460 litres (compared to 410 litres). Put the back seats down and the Frontera has a 1,594-litre load bay, which is more than an Astra Sport Tourer Electric can offer. 

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Vauxhall Frontera rivals

The cars the Frontera has to beat in the small SUV class...

Dacia Duster

Recently revised and packing more style and sophistication than ever, the Dacia Duster is the car to beat in the competitive affordable SUV space. It goes on sale soon and will be available with petrol and hybrid powertrains.

Ford Puma

The Ford Puma is one of the UK’s biggest-selling models and is a touch smaller than the Frontera, but it’s more sophisticated and leads on a brilliant driving experience. The recently updated Puma will also pack more tech, and eventually have an EV option.

Citroen C3 Aircross 

The next-generation Citroen C3 Aircross will transform from a bubbly SUV into a larger and more value-driven model than before. It’ll share its platform with the new Frontera, and be offered with seven seats.

MG ZS EV

The extremely popular Chinese-built MG ZS EV appeals thanks to an affordable price point, Range is on par with the Vauxhall, but the MG’s on-road dynamics and build quality aren’t brilliant.

Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona was our 2023 Car of the Year for good reason, but you’ll pay for the privilege. The Kona Electric starts at around £35k, but is likely to remain our top pick due to its high quality engineering and strong efficiency.

Would you pick the new Vauxhall Frontera over its rivals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...