Used Vauxhall Grandland X Review (2018-2021) MK1
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Family-friendly
- Comfortable ride
- Good range of kit
- Body rolls through corners
- Looks don't stand out as much as rivals
- Not the most informative steering
What's the Vauxhall Grandland X like?
Vauxhall's largest SUV from 2018 to 2021 was the Grandland X, being replaced by a new model that's more up to date.
But that doesn't mean the X is outdated - far from it. It’s a great family choice with a wide range of trims, so there's something to appeal to all tastes and needs.
When new, buyers could opt for many ways to personalize their car, and of course, used Grandland X buyers will benefit from those choices.
Since the takeover of Vauxhall by Stellantis - formerly Peugeot/Citroën - the Grandland X shares its underpinnings and engines with fine cars like the Peugeot 3008.
Engines
The Vauxhall Grandland X is available with a wide range of power and trim options, including a petrol/electric hybrid as well as pure petrol and diesel.
Perhaps the 1.5-litre or earlier 1.6-litre diesels are the best choice for many, with economy of 65mpg, but of course that comes down to personal preference and whichever you choose, they all offer good performance.
During the production run, there were three diesel engines offered - a 120bhp 1.6-litre, which was replaced by a 130bhp 1.5-litre, and a 2.0-litre with 177bhp. The 1.6-litre is good for 65mpg and takes 11.4 seconds to get from 0 to 60mph.
The 1.5-litre is quicker, taking 10.0 seconds for the sprint, but economy falls to 54mpg, and the 2.0-litre is obviously more thirsty at 47mpg but brings the benchmark acceleration time down to 8.9 seconds.
The single straight petrol offering is the excellent 1.2-litre turbo with 130bhp. It reaches 60mph from rest in 9.5 seconds while managing an excellent 45mpg.
Both petrol and diesel models are available with an automatic gearbox if that's your preference.
And finally, the petrol/electric hybrid - which is only available as an automatic - boasts no less than 225bhp from a 1.6-litre turbo petrol plus an electric motor.
It reaches 60mph in a very good 8.6 seconds, can cover around 34 miles on electric power alone and is rated at 204mpg if you use mainly electric power.
Driving Experience and Practicality
The softer suspension does have a small drawback, however, because there's a fair amount of roll through the corners.
Unlike some other SUVs in the class, the Grandland X also delivers excellent comfort.
The steering seems slightly woolly at first acquaintance, but it firms up as more angle is applied, giving a better feel, but as with so many cars, larger wheels and lower profile tyres can spoil that ride quality.
Peter Hayward
The steering seems slightly woolly at first acquaintance, but it firms up as more angle is applied, giving a better feel, but as with so many cars, larger wheels and lower profile tyres can spoil that ride quality.
Equipment
Mid-range SRi Nav trim has a good range of kit including audio remote, traction control, the luxury of parking sensors, air conditioning, alloys, loads of airbags and an electrically adjusted driver's seat. It also has heated mirrors, an alarm, cruise control, and easy-fold rear seats.
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Find your Vauxhall Grandland X your way with CarStore
With a wide range of engines to choose from and decent levels of equipment as standard, the Vauxhall Grandland X is a mid-sized SUV that's enjoyable to drive. Comfortability and practicality is second to none in the Grandland X, which is why it comes as no surprise that it's so popular amongst busy families.
