The Frontera name conjures up memories of Vauxhall and Opel’s boxy SUVs of the 1990s, but the new generation has nothing to do with muddy off-road adventures. The new Opel Frontera – sold in the UK as the Vauxhall Frontera – is built around one idea: a lot of car for not much money, with a choice of mild hybrid or fully electric power at nearly the same price. In Germany the electric version starts at €28,990 and the hybrid at €24,190. Add an optional third row and you have one of the most rational family cars of 2026.

Design and cabin: pragmatism with personality

The Frontera measures 4,385mm long with a 2,670mm wheelbase and stands 1,559mm tall – compact on the outside, but its upright stance and chunky wheel arches give it more presence than the numbers suggest. Up front is the signature Opel Vizor with the new Blitz badge and Intelli-LED headlights with automatic high beam. The roof can carry up to 240kg – enough for the rooftop tent Opel offers as an accessory.

Inside, Opel uses twin 10-inch screens, while the entry model relies on a ‘Smartphone Station’ – a cradle that turns your phone into the infotainment system. The Intelli-Seats with their patented central recess come from the brand’s pricier models, and there are up to five USB-C ports. Boot space is 460 litres, rising to around 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded. A seven-seat package costs €800 in Germany – a rarity at this size and price.

Opel Frontera Electric exterior — Photo: Opel (Stellantis Media)

Powertrains: hybrid or electric, your call

The Frontera Hybrid uses a 1.2-litre turbo petrol with a 48-volt hybrid system and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Current versions deliver 81kW (110hp) or 107kW (145hp) of system output. At launch, Opel quoted combined consumption of around 5.2–5.5 l/100km for the hybrid (figures for the original power outputs).

The Frontera Electric uses an 83kW (113hp) motor. The standard 44kWh battery is good for up to 305km WLTP, while the Extended Range version with 54kWh stretches that to 408km – roughly 100km more. Rapid charging at up to 100kW takes the battery from 20 to 80% in around 30 minutes, and the onboard AC charger is rated at 11kW. The power output is modest, but for a family crossover at this price it is par for the course.

Prices and who it’s for

The German price list (February 2026) starts at €24,190 for the 110hp Hybrid Edition, with the 145hp hybrid from €25,990. The Frontera Electric Edition costs €28,990, and the big-battery version €31,190. GS and Ultimate trims top out just under €35,000. In Germany, the electric version also comes with the ‘Electric All In’ package, which includes a home wallbox.

The Frontera is for families who want space and seven seats without paying for badge prestige. The small price gap between hybrid and EV also makes it a sensible stepping stone for buyers still undecided about going electric. On paper, the weaknesses are modest power and average range from the base battery; the strengths are price, flexibility and practicality.

Length / wheelbase: 4,385mm / 2,670mm
Seats: 5 or 7 (€800 option in Germany)
Boot: 460 litres, up to around 1,600 litres
Hybrid: 1.2 turbo 48V, 81kW (110hp) or 107kW (145hp), six-speed dual-clutch automatic
Electric: 83kW (113hp), 44kWh – up to 305km; 54kWh – up to 408km (WLTP)
Charging: DC up to 100kW (20–80% in ~30 min), AC 11kW
Price (Germany): Hybrid from €24,190, Electric from €28,990

Sources: Stellantis Media – Opel Frontera press kit, Stellantis Media – world premiere, Stellantis Media – Frontera Electric Extended Range, Opel Germany price list (PDF)

Photos: Opel (Stellantis Media)