2025 Frontera Review: Why This €24k SUV Could Be Europe's Best Value Electric Car
After 22 years away from European roads, the Opel Frontera makes a triumphant return with a clear mission: proving that electric family transport doesn't have to break the bank. We've spent extensive time testing both the hybrid and electric versions of this compact SUV, and the results might surprise you. Starting at just €24,000 for the hybrid and €29,000 for the electric version, the Frontera positions itself as one of the most affordable ways to enter the electrified SUV market.
The original Frontera helped kickstart the SUV revolution in Europe back in 1991, and this 2025 iteration aims to do something equally revolutionary – making electric mobility accessible to mainstream families. But can a budget-focused SUV deliver the quality and capability that Dutch families demand?
First Impressions: Bold Design Meets Practical Functionality
The new Frontera immediately catches attention with its boxy, upright styling that prioritizes substance over flashy design elements. Measuring 4,380mm in length, it slots perfectly between the Mokka and Grandland in Opel's lineup, offering a Goldilocks approach to SUV sizing for European roads.
The front end showcases Opel's distinctive Vizor design language, featuring a bold black panel that integrates the headlights and grille into one cohesive unit. While some might find it polarizing, we appreciate how it gives the Frontera a confident, modern appearance that stands out from increasingly similar SUV designs.
What really impresses us is the ground clearance and commanding driving position. Despite its compact footprint, the Frontera feels substantial and offers excellent visibility – something increasingly rare in modern SUVs where style often compromises practicality.
Interior Space: Where the Frontera Truly Shines
Step inside, and you'll understand why we're genuinely excited about this vehicle. The 2,672mm wheelbase creates genuinely impressive interior space that puts many larger SUVs to shame. During our testing, we consistently found ourselves amazed by the rear legroom – even with the driver's seat adjusted for a 6'2" driver, rear passengers enjoyed comfortable space.
The Intelli-Seats deserve special mention. While their unique design with a central gap in the backrest might look unusual, they provide remarkable comfort during longer journeys. The gap relieves pressure on the spine, and we noticed significantly less fatigue during extended drives compared to conventional seats.
Storage solutions throughout the cabin demonstrate thoughtful design. The stretchy door pockets accommodate large water bottles, multiple USB-C charging points keep devices powered, and the wireless charging pad (though it can get warm) adds modern convenience. The floating shelf above the glovebox provides perfect phone storage, while the central console offers adequate space for daily essentials.
Technology That Actually Works
The Pure Panel digital cockpit combines two 10-inch screens that deliver clear information without overwhelming complexity. We particularly appreciate the physical climate controls – a refreshing approach that allows blind operation while driving. The infotainment system proves surprisingly capable, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto working seamlessly.
One standout feature is the navigation system. Unlike many budget implementations, this actually provides useful junction-specific guidance, telling you exactly which motorway junction to take rather than generic "take the next exit" instructions. It's these practical touches that demonstrate Opel's focus on real-world usability.
Powertrain Options: Electric vs Hybrid Reality Check
We've extensively tested both powertrain options, and each serves distinctly different needs. The hybrid versions offer two power outputs: 100hp and 136hp, both utilizing a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. The 136hp variant proves our clear preference, delivering adequate performance with 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds while maintaining reasonable efficiency at approximately 5.0L/100km.
The electric version presents a more nuanced proposition. With 113hp and a 44kWh LFP battery, it offers 300km WLTP range and 100kW fast charging capability. While the 12.1-second 0-100km/h time might seem modest, the instant torque delivery makes urban driving feel more responsive than the numbers suggest.
However, we must be honest about the electric version's limitations. The extra weight (just over 1,500kg) noticeably affects handling dynamics, body roll, and brake feel compared to the lighter hybrid variants. For comprehensive analysis of all technical specifications and detailed comparisons, our complete testing documentation provides extensive insights into real-world performance metrics.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort Over Sport
The Frontera prioritizes comfort and stability over sporty handling, and we think that's the right approach for its target audience. The suspension setup effectively manages the tall body's natural tendencies while providing good ride quality over typical Dutch road surfaces.
Steering feel impresses us, offering more weight and feedback than expected in this price segment. The system provides confidence-inspiring control without becoming tiresome during urban maneuvering. Road noise remains well-controlled, though some wind noise becomes noticeable at highway speeds, particularly around the A-pillars.
The hybrid powertrain operates smoothly, though you'll occasionally notice the three-cylinder engine's character under acceleration. The system's ability to run in electric mode up to 135km/h (albeit briefly) helps with urban efficiency and refinement.
Practicality: The Seven-Seat Surprise
One of the Frontera's most compelling features is the available seven-seat configuration – but only on hybrid models. While the third row suits children rather than adults, this capability adds significant versatility for growing families. The 460L boot capacity expands to 1,600L with seats folded, providing excellent cargo flexibility.
The adjustable boot floor creates either a flat loading area or deeper storage space, while the 60/40 split-folding rear seats add load-carrying versatility. Wide-opening doors make child seat installation particularly straightforward – a feature busy parents will genuinely appreciate.
Value Proposition: Beating the Competition
Compared to the Dacia Duster, the Frontera offers superior refinement, better road manners, and enhanced safety equipment while maintaining competitive pricing. The Duster retains advantages in genuine off-road capability and mechanical simplicity, but for road-focused use, the Frontera provides a more sophisticated experience.
Against mainstream competitors like the Peugeot 3008 or Volkswagen T-Roc, the Frontera trades some premium features for significantly better value. The pricing strategy makes it one of the most affordable routes into electrified SUV ownership while still delivering modern features and safety equipment.
Real-World Efficiency and Range
During our testing, the hybrid variants achieved close to claimed efficiency figures, with the 136hp version averaging around 5.5L/100km in mixed driving. The electric version delivered approximately 300km real-world range in moderate conditions, though this drops noticeably during highway driving or cold weather.
The 100kW charging capability allows 20-80% charging in about 26 minutes – competitive for the price point, though not class-leading. For most urban and suburban use cases, the range proves adequate, but longer journeys require charging planning.
The Negatives: Honest Assessment
We must highlight some limitations. The electric version feels noticeably heavier through corners, with increased body roll and less precise handling than hybrid variants. Interior materials, while acceptable, lean toward harder plastics in many areas. The absence of a powered tailgate even on higher trims might disappoint some buyers.
Wind noise at highway speeds becomes noticeable, and the three-cylinder engine in hybrid variants occasionally sounds rough under hard acceleration. The wireless charging pad lacks ventilation, potentially causing phone overheating during extended charging.
Conclusion: A Genuine Game-Changer
The 2025 Opel Frontera succeeds in its primary mission: making practical, electrified family transport genuinely affordable. While it won't win performance awards or luxury comparisons, it delivers honest value, impressive space efficiency, and modern features at prices that make electric mobility accessible to mainstream buyers.
For Dutch families seeking their first electric SUV or a practical hybrid alternative, the Frontera presents a compelling case. The €24,000 hybrid starting price and €29,000 electric version represent genuine value in today's market, especially considering the space, features, and seven-seat capability on offer.
We recommend the 136hp hybrid for most buyers, offering the best balance of performance, efficiency, and value. The electric version suits urban-focused users with home charging capability and daily driving under 200km. Either way, the Frontera marks Opel's successful return to the value-focused family SUV segment.
