About the Vauxhall Grandland
AI-generatedThe Vauxhall Grandland (later Grandland X) is a mid-size family SUV that arrived in 2017 as part of Vauxhall's push into the popular crossover market. Built on the PSA Group's EMP2 platform, it shares its underpinnings with the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross. The Grandland offers a spacious cabin, elevated driving position, and a good balance of practicality and comfort, making it an appealing choice for families seeking an affordable SUV alternative to more premium German rivals. Available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, plus a plug-in hybrid variant from 2020, the Grandland provides decent equipment levels across its trim range. While it doesn't excel in any particular area, it's a competent all-rounder with a comfortable ride, generous boot space (514 litres), and reasonable running costs. The interior quality improved following Vauxhall's integration into the Stellantis group, though it still lags behind some competitors in terms of perceived premium feel and driver engagement.
Known Issues
Known Issues
First Generation (2017-2024)
2017-2024
- Infotainment system can be slow to respond or occasionally freeze, requiring restart
- Some early models experienced issues with the stop-start system failing or becoming unreliable
- Reports of premature wear on front brake discs and pads, particularly on heavier hybrid models
- Electric parking brake faults reported, with warning lights illuminating intermittently
- AdBlue system issues on diesel models, including sensor faults and injector problems
- Some owners report excessive tyre wear on the front axle
- Cabin rattles and squeaks from dashboard and door trim panels on higher mileage examples
- Plug-in hybrid models can experience 12V battery drain if not driven regularly
Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels
Running Costs
Running Costs
Annual Fuel
£1,400-£1,800
Insurance Group
14-22
Average Service
£280-£350
Cost Calculator
Typical Prices
£22,000 - £28,000
£16,000 - £22,000
£13,000 - £17,000
£10,000 - £13,500
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Spacious and practical interior with large boot
- Comfortable ride quality suitable for long journeys
- Good range of efficient engines including plug-in hybrid option
- Generous standard equipment across most trim levels
- Elevated driving position with good visibility
- Competitive pricing compared to premium rivals
Cons
- Interior materials feel less premium than some competitors
Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels
Best & Worst Years
Best & Worst Years
Best Years
- 2021 - Facelift model with updated styling, improved infotainment system, and better interior materials. Most early teething problems resolved by this point.
- 2020 - Introduction of the plug-in hybrid variant offering excellent company car tax benefits and improved efficiency, plus later production means better build quality.
Worst Years
- 2018 - Early production models suffered most from infotainment glitches, stop-start system issues, and general software bugs that were later rectified through updates.
Buying Checklist
Engine5 items
- Check for smooth idle and no warning lights on dashboard
- Test stop-start system functions correctly without hesitation
- On diesels, verify AdBlue system works and check for error messages
- Inspect for oil leaks around engine bay, particularly rocker cover
- On hybrids, confirm electric mode engages smoothly and battery charges properly
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
The Grandland X was Vauxhall's first model to feature the 'X' suffix, which was later dropped in 2021 when the model was simply called Grandland
It shares the same platform as the award-winning Peugeot 3008, which was European Car of the Year in 2017
The plug-in hybrid version can travel up to 34 miles on electric power alone and qualifies for reduced company car tax
Despite being a Vauxhall, the Grandland is actually built in Germany at the Opel factory in Eisenach
Alternatives to Consider
Peugeot 3008
7/10Shares the same platform but offers more distinctive styling, better interior design, and typically better resale values
Nissan Qashqai
7/10Class-leading reliability, similar pricing, and slightly better resale values, though less spacious
Kia Sportage
7/10Superior 7-year warranty, comparable space and equipment, with proven reliability
Owner Tips
- 1Keep infotainment software updated at service intervals to minimize freezing issues
- 2Check AdBlue levels regularly on diesel models and use quality AdBlue to avoid injector problems
- 3If buying a plug-in hybrid, ensure it's been driven regularly to prevent 12V battery drain issues
- 4Inspect front brakes carefully when buying used, as premature wear is common
- 5Service the stop-start system battery according to schedule to maintain reliability
- 6Consider extended warranty for models over 5 years old to cover potential electrical issues
- 7Check all electrical functions thoroughly during test drives, including parking brake and infotainment
Check a specific Vauxhall Grandland
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