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Vauxhall Frontera vs smart #3 comparison

Compare performance (145 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (20,700 £ vs 42,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Vauxhall Frontera or smart #3?

Vauxhall Frontera vs smart #3: Key differences

Vauxhall Frontera

4.2 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • noticeably lighter
  • moderately more trunk space
details

smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • marginally more efficient
  • somewhat more electric range
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Frontera

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Vauxhall Frontera is substantially cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the smart #3 costs 42,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 21,257 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the smart #3 is marginally more efficient: consuming 16.3 kWh/100km compared to 16.7 kWh/100km for the Vauxhall Frontera. That’s a difference of about 0.4 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the smart #3 offers somewhat more range – reaching up to 455 km, about 55 km more than the Vauxhall Frontera.

#3

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the smart #3 offers considerably more power – delivering 272 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 127 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #3 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 5.8 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9.1 s. That’s about 3.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the smart #3 delivers clearly more torque with 384 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 154 Nm more.

Frontera

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Vauxhall Frontera offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Vauxhall Frontera is noticeably lighter – 1,394 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 416 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Vauxhall Frontera offers moderately more boot space – 460 L compared to 370 L. That’s a difference of about 90 L.

When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries noticeably more – 570 kg compared to 450 kg. That’s a difference of about 120 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #3 holds a slight edge in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

£41,991
#3

smart #3

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 272 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 455 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Opel Frontera
Opel Mokka
VS
Comparing the Opel Frontera and the Opel Mokka highlights two very different takes on the SUV idea: the Frontera is a rugged, older off‑road capable SUV, while the Mokka is a modern compact crossover built for city life and efficiency. This short guide will walk through their real‑world strengths …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Opel Frontera
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Choosing between the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Opel Frontera comes down to whether you want a compact, comfort-focused crossover or a more traditionally rugged SUV. The C3 Aircross shines with clever packaging, ride comfort and economy, while the Frontera offers stronger towing, load capacity and …
Vauxhall Frontera
smart #3

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Vauxhall Frontera

The Opel Frontera is a rugged, no-nonsense SUV that balances off-road capability with comfortable everyday driving. It offers straightforward mechanics and a practical cabin, making it a sensible choice for buyers who value durability over flash.

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NewOpelFronteraElectric
NewOpelFronteraElectric (1)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (2)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (3)
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NewOpelFronteraElectric (5)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (7)

Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.2 (8 Reviews)
rate
Overall impressions are mixed: many owners appreciate the Frontera’s practicality, roomy interior, comfortable seats and straightforward controls, while a significant portion criticise perceived cheap build quality and missing or poorly documented features. Typical positives tend to be the generous cargo space, comfortable seating and easy-to-use layout; typical negatives often mention fit-and-finish shortcomings, some absent functions and fuel consumption that can be higher than expected. Because opinions range from satisfied family commuters to strongly negative experiences, there isn’t a clear consensus on refinement or long-term reliability.
Pascal
5 Jun 2026, 04:10:37

A thoroughly bad cheap car. Feels like a C3 Aircross for the poor.

That's a reason to change employers! Terrible car.

It already has a nickname, "Klapperchen"

I think any Dacia is better!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Roch
18 May 2026, 10:12:50

Automatic gearbox and certain features, like the windshield wipers that aren’t optional; the trunk capacity is larger on the 5-seat Frontera.

Wolfgang
6 May 2026, 04:24:52

I just like the Opel better (maybe only because I'm very disappointed in VW and therefore also in its subsidiaries).

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gilbert
14 Apr 2026, 08:19:17

I bought the Opel Frontera GS 145PS after also testing the VW T‑Roc; so far I've driven about 5,800 km in it.

My purchase decision was based on the following criteria:
- modern design that stands out from the crowd
- low fuel consumption
- very good seats and plenty of space front and rear
- large, practical boot
- good performance characteristics
- very easy to get into
- simple controls, partly with physical buttons
- clear, well‑laid‑out cockpit

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
H. P.
19 Dec 2025, 13:27:19

Opel has clearly skimped here. Misaligned panel gaps, no position/parking light, patchy workmanship and ill‑fitting parts — for example the partition between the passenger footwell and the engine bay — the owner's manual is inadequate and at times reads like a fairy tale; many of the functions it describes are nowhere to be found. They simply don't exist. And the claimed fuel consumption? Even with normal driving — that is, without acceleration orgies — it's unattainable.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

smart #3

The Smart #3 turns the brand's cheeky city-car attitude into a grown-up compact SUV, pairing sleek styling with a surprisingly roomy, well-made interior. It's a brilliant pick for buyers who want electric ease without dullness — practical enough for daily life, but still lively enough to make parking and grocery runs feel a little fun.

details
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smart-hashtag3-brabus-photon-orange-exterior-mallorca13
smart-hashtag3-brabus-photon-orange-exterior-mallorca21
smart-hashtag3-brabus-photon-orange-interior-mallorca10
smart-hashtag3-brabus-photon-orange-interior-mallorca3
smart-hashtag3-premium-ceramic-cream-interior-mallorca7

Reviews smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Ronny
16 Oct 2025, 13:10:59

Handsome design, packed with advanced driver‑assist technology and stellar performance — all at an attractive price. Highly recommended, this car!

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Ford Puma
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The Ford Puma feels like a sprightly urban fox — compact, efficient and packed with modern tech, perfect if you want lively handling and low running costs for daily driving. The Opel Frontera is all rugged charm and chunky presence, built for dirt tracks and weekend hauls rather than tight city …
Dacia Duster
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The Dacia Duster is the sensible new-school pick — affordable, economical and surprisingly well packaged with modern safety and infotainment for the money; the Opel Frontera, meanwhile, is a proper old-school body-on-frame bruiser that still appeals to buyers who prize simple, rugged off-road …
MG ZS
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The MG ZS and Opel Frontera make very different promises: the ZS is a modern, budget-friendly compact SUV focused on efficiency and daily comfort, while the Frontera is a more traditional, rugged SUV aimed at tougher terrain and towing. Below I’ll compare them across space, driving dynamics, …
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Suzuki Vitara
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The Opel Frontera and Suzuki Vitara are both compact SUVs that appeal to buyers who want a capable, practical vehicle, but they take different approaches — the Frontera leans toward a sturdier, more spacious package while the Vitara focuses on light off-road ability, efficiency and city-friendly …
Kia Sportage
Opel Frontera
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The Kia Sportage and Vauxhall Frontera take very different approaches to the SUV market — the Sportage emphasizes everyday practicality, refinement and value, while the Frontera leans toward rugged capability and simple, go-anywhere robustness. In this head-to-head we’ll compare driving feel, …
Opel Frontera
Peugeot 2008
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If you want unashamedly rugged, the Opel Frontera still wears its rough‑and‑ready off‑road badge with chunky looks and simple, go‑anywhere mechanics, whereas the Peugeot 2008 plays the smarter, city‑first crossover with sleek styling and the tech you actually use every day. Pick the Frontera for …
Nissan Qashqai
Opel Frontera
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The Nissan Qashqai is the smart, urban-friendly crossover that blends a polished ride, modern safety kit and frugal engines, while the Opel Frontera answers with old-school toughness and off-road chops rather than plush refinement. Buy the Qashqai for daily comfort, low running costs and gadgetry; …
Vauxhall Frontera
smart #3

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Price
42,000 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
308 - 400 km
Electric Range
455 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 118 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
Curb weight
1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
370 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,844 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
436 - 570 kg
Payload
450 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Power HP
272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Torque
384 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Power kW
200 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Vauxhall
Brand
smart
What drivetrain options does the Vauxhall Frontera have?

The Vauxhall Frontera is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.