Opel Frontera (2025) Review: Rugged, Affordable, and All-New for a New Generation

Opel is rewriting its SUV playbook with the all-new Opel Frontera (2025), a bold, blocky, and electrified entry into the compact SUV segment. Replacing the now-defunct Crossland, the new Frontera revives a nameplate from Opel’s past but brings a fresh design, dual powertrains, and an unmistakably outdoorsy character aimed at young families and adventure-seekers.

Built on the Stellantis Smart Car platform, which also underpins the new Citroën ë-C3, the Frontera marks Opel’s commitment to accessible electrification—offering both an all-electric and a 48-volt mild-hybrid gasoline option. With room for five, clever packaging, and rugged styling, it lands in the sweet spot between urban practicality and weekend-ready resilience.

Quick Specs

• Powertrains:
  • 1.2L turbocharged mild-hybrid (48V)
  • 100% electric with ~300 km (186 miles) WLTP range
• Platform: Stellantis Smart Car
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume: Up to 1,600 liters with rear seats folded
• Market Launch: Europe – Summer 2025

Pricing

🇪🇺 Europe:

• Starting Price (Gas Mild-Hybrid): €24,000
• Starting Price (Electric): €28,000

🇺🇸 U.S. (Estimated, Not Confirmed):

While Opel does not sell vehicles directly in the U.S., its Stellantis cousin, Dodge or Chrysler, might rebadge the Frontera platform for the North American market. If it were to launch stateside, expect:

• Gas version equivalent: ~$25,500
• Electric version equivalent: ~$29,800

Design: A Confident Return to Boxy

The Frontera’s design is a clear departure from the soft, curvy look of past Opel crossovers. Instead, you get squared-off wheel arches, roof rails, chunky black plastic cladding, and Opel’s bold Vizor grille up front. The “floating” roof effect, geometric LED headlights, and a rugged stance give it personality in a segment that often plays it safe.

Sitting on 17- or 18-inch wheels, it’s a crossover that doesn’t try to look like a sedan with a lift kit—it’s upright, purposeful, and refreshingly honest. Despite the blocky styling, aerodynamics haven’t been completely ignored: a spoiler and sculpted lower panels help maintain efficiency, especially on the EV model.

Powertrain Options: Hybrid or Electric

Electric Version

• Battery: 44 kWh
• Range: ~300 km (186 miles) WLTP
• Charging:
  • DC Fast Charging (100 kW): ~26 minutes from 20% to 80%
  • AC Charging: 11 kW onboard charger standard
• Power Output: ~113 hp (85 kW)
• Top Speed: ~135 km/h (84 mph)

Gas Mild-Hybrid Version

• Engine: 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo + 48V mild-hybrid system
• Output: 100–136 hp (depending on trim)
• Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
• Fuel Economy (est.): 5.2–5.6 L/100km (42–45 mpg combined)

Both versions are front-wheel drive, though Stellantis hasn’t ruled out an all-wheel drive electric variant down the line.

Interior: Simple, Smart, and Surprisingly Spacious

Step inside the Frontera and you’re greeted by a clean, digital-first dashboard. Opel’s new “Pure Panel” layout combines a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen into a single cohesive unit. Physical climate controls are retained for ease of use—a smart move in a class increasingly obsessed with touch-only interfaces.

The materials are sensible and durable, with recycled fabrics available and easy-to-clean surfaces, ideal for families or those with active lifestyles. The seats are ergonomically supportive and offer optional AGR-certified comfort upgrades.

The Frontera offers up to 1,600 liters of cargo space when you fold the rear seats flat. Rear-seat passengers enjoy ample legroom and headroom, thanks to the boxy roofline and long wheelbase.

Tech & Features

• Standard across most trims:
  • 10” infotainment screen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
  • Digital instrument cluster
  • Rear-view camera
  • Wireless phone charging
  • LED headlights
  • Dual-zone climate control
• Optional:
  • Heated seats and steering wheel
  • IntelliLux LED matrix headlights
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Keyless entry and start

The infotainment system has been significantly overhauled for speed and responsiveness, using Stellantis’ latest architecture. OTA updates will be available for both the EV and hybrid variants.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Frontera will come with Opel’s latest Intelli-Drive suite, including:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Optional Level 2 semi-autonomous driving on select trims

Driving Impressions: Urban Cruiser, Off-Road Ready

While full road tests are still pending ahead of the summer 2025 launch, Opel promises a composed ride that balances urban agility with light off-road chops. The EV’s instant torque and low center of gravity make it well-suited for quick city driving, while the hybrid version offers enough low-end grunt for highway merges and mild trail use.

The high seating position and wide visibility give drivers confidence, while the suspension has been tuned for comfort over rougher surfaces—gravel roads, cobblestones, and potholes are absorbed without drama.

Don’t expect serious rock-crawling capability, but it’ll happily tackle dirt tracks and snow-covered roads, especially with all-season tires.

Trims & Customization

• Frontera (base)
• Frontera GS (mid-trim, sportier touches)
• Frontera Ultimate (top-tier, premium features)

Customization options include two-tone roof colors, roof racks, skid plates, and colorful interior accent packs aimed at younger buyers.

Here’s a detailed specification table for the Opel Frontera (2025)

This table breaks down the key specs for both the Electric and Mild-Hybrid versions of the Opel Frontera (2025). It shows the distinctions in performance, range, and price between the two models, which cater to different customer needs, whether it’s the full electric driving experience or the extended range and convenience of a mild-hybrid powertrain.

✅ Pros

✔️ Unique rugged design in a sea of soft crossovers
✔️ Choice of hybrid or electric
✔️ Spacious cargo and rear seating
✔️ Affordable price point
✔️ Solid standard tech and safety

❌ Cons

❌ No all-wheel drive (for now)
❌ Modest electric range compared to rivals
❌ Not available in North America (at least not yet)

Verdict: The Right Crossover for the Right Time

The Opel Frontera (2025) is more than just a name revival—it’s a strategic product for a new era. Opel is smartly targeting families, first-time buyers, and outdoorsy types with a practical, well-equipped, and stylish crossover that doesn’t break the bank.

By offering both a mild-hybrid and full-electric version from day one, it accommodates buyers across the electrification spectrum. It may not be the flashiest SUV on the market, but with its bold design, modern tech, and usable space, it hits the sweet spot for many European consumers.

In short: the Frontera isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—it’s trying to be exactly what most people actually need.

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