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Vauxhall Frontera vs Volvo EX30 comparison

Compare performance (145 HP vs 428 HP), boot space and price (20,700 £ vs 30,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Vauxhall Frontera or Volvo EX30?

Vauxhall Frontera vs Volvo EX30: Key differences

Vauxhall Frontera

4.1 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • marginally more efficient
  • noticeably lighter
  • noticeably more trunk space
details

Volvo EX30

3.6 (9 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • a bit more electric range
  • considerably 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.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Frontera

In the ever-evolving world of automobiles, the introduction of new models sparks the interest of car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Today, we take a closer look at two intriguing contenders in the off-roader and compact SUV segments: the Opel Frontera and the Volvo EX30. While both vehicles represent the latest advancements in automotive engineering, they cater to different audiences and driving experiences. Let’s dive into the details.

EX30

Design and Dimensions

The Opel Frontera is designed as a rugged off-roader with a body type that emphasizes durability and practicality. It measures 4385 mm in length, 1795 mm in width, and stands tall at 1635 mm. This gives it a commanding presence on and off the road.

On the other hand, the Volvo EX30, which is classified as a compact SUV, boasts a slightly smaller stature at 4233 mm in length, 1837 mm in width, and a height ranging from 1549 mm to 1567 mm, depending on the variant. Despite its smaller dimensions, the EX30 offers a sleek and modern design, true to Volvo’s aesthetic.

Frontera

Powertrains and Performance

Under the hood, the Opel Frontera offers an array of engine options, including petrol MHEV and electric variants with a maximum power output ranging from 100 to 136 HP. The Frontera features a dual-clutch automatic transmission and a reduction gearbox, which can provide a unique driving experience in various terrains. With a torque range of 205 Nm up to 230 Nm, drivers can enjoy solid performance, especially during off-road adventures.

In contrast, the Volvo EX30 is purely electric, offering a higher power range of up to 428 HP across its models and torque figures that reach up to 543 Nm, ensuring rapid acceleration and a thrilling drive. With a standard 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.6 seconds in its most powerful variant, the EX30 firmly positions itself as a high-performance SUV. It also employs an automatic transmission with a reduction gearbox for a smooth driving experience.

EX30

Range and Efficiency

Fuel efficiency remains a critical consideration for potential buyers. The Opel Frontera has a consumption rate of 5.5 L/100 km for petrol variants and 18.2 kWh/100 km for its electric configuration, boasting an impressive electric range of 305 km.

The Volvo EX30 shines in this department with its electric range options, varying from 425 km to a staggering 476 km, depending on battery capacity (ranging from 49 kWh to 65 kWh). Its consumption rates stand at approximately 17 to 18.7 kWh/100 km, marking it as a more eco-friendly choice with zero tailpipe emissions.

Frontera

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Opel Frontera accommodates either five or seven passengers, offering ample trunk capacity of 460 L, which is ideal for outdoor adventures. It includes modern technology features, although specifics are less detailed when compared to its rival.

The Volvo EX30, seating five, emphasizes a modern interior with a minimalist Scandinavian design. However, it falls behind in trunk capacity, providing only 318 L. Despite this limitation, it compensates with advanced tech features, combining safety innovations such as collision avoidance systems and an intuitive infotainment setup.

EX30

Safety and Environmental Impact

Both vehicles boast impressive safety ratings, but Volvo has a longstanding reputation for safety. The EX30 maintains this tradition with a CO2 efficiency class of A, highlighting its environmentally friendly credentials. In contrast, the Frontera features CO2 ratings ranging from D to A depending on the specific engine variant.

Frontera

Conclusion: Choosing Your Champion

When comparing the Opel Frontera and the Volvo EX30, the choice ultimately depends on the driver’s needs. If off-roading capability and versatility with seating space are priorities, the Frontera appeals to adventure seekers. However, for those who value performance, efficiency, and a cutting-edge electric driving experience, the EX30 is hard to beat.

Both models represent significant advancements in their respective categories, making them worthy contenders in today’s automotive landscape. Whether you crave the ruggedness of the Frontera or the sleek modernity of the EX30, both vehicles are sure to deliver an engaging driving experience.

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 …
Volvo EX30
Kia EV2
VS
The Volvo EX30 and Kia EV2 are compact electric crossovers that balance urban-friendly size with modern tech, safety systems, and strong value propositions. This comparison focuses on range, performance, interior quality, and ownership costs to help you decide which suits your priorities.

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

Frontera

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Vauxhall Frontera is considerably cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the Volvo EX30 costs 30,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,257 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Vauxhall Frontera is marginally more efficient: consuming 16.7 kWh/100km compared to 17 kWh/100km for the Volvo EX30. That’s a difference of about 0.3 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Volvo EX30 offers a bit more range – reaching up to 475 km, about 75 km more than the Vauxhall Frontera.

EX30

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 Volvo EX30 offers clearly more power – delivering 428 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 283 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EX30 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.6 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9.1 s. That’s about 5.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EX30 delivers considerably more torque with 543 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 313 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 1,840 kg. The difference is around 446 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Vauxhall Frontera offers noticeably more boot space – 460 L compared to 318 L. That’s a difference of about 142 L.

When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries markedly more – 570 kg compared to 390 kg. That’s a difference of about 180 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX30 is far ahead overall 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.

from £30,000
EX30

Volvo EX30

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 428 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 17 - 18.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 339 - 475 km
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Vauxhall Frontera
Volvo EX30

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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Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.1 (7 Reviews)
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 is a compact all-electric crossover that mixes Volvo's strong safety focus with clean Scandinavian design for a really city-friendly package. It feels lively and easy to live with, pairing a premium-feeling interior and modern connectivity with a practical footprint for urban driving.

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Reviews Volvo EX30

3.6 (9 Reviews)
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Burkhard Noltmann
28 Jun 2026, 22:00:46

Much cheaper and, as the twin, completely sufficient compared with the Ultra. The cockpit is a bit of an acquired taste.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
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V
8 Jun 2026, 10:03:34

Very disappointing overall for a car that comes to €57,500 with options.
After 27,000 km in it over 2 years — so many disappointments...
Despite Volvo’s updates, many “small” problems that ruin daily life:

Mirrors that desynchronize and reset when you open the car.
With the keyless option the car sometimes unlocks when you’re at a distance but won’t open when you try the door.
Intrusive driver aids that become dangerous: they slam the brakes when detecting phantom vehicles while reversing (with a wall behind) or detect vehicles in the lane to our left as a “vehicle coming from the left” (same in roundabouts).
Same issue when overtaking: it lets you pass without problem but then abruptly pushes you back into oncoming traffic when you cross the line to move over.
Screen that stays black or frozen for several tens of seconds at startup.
Performance drops sharply once battery falls below 60%.

Handling is rather mixed: very good when it was new, after two years it develops body roll, tends to overreact in corners (it bounces), and loses grip at the front in roundabouts (for a rear-wheel-drive…).

The engine is overall pleasant and powerful, but the chassis does not at all match the 272 hp.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
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Maes Ivo
13 May 2026, 21:43:53

Volvo EX30 twin performance is een super handige compacte auto die vast op de weg ligt . Is pijlsnel en je zit iets hoger. Interieur went snel . Ik heb er zelf eentje en ben er verliefd op . Heb BMW G30 gehad . Fantastische auto , maar groot en onhandig . Geef mij maar de Volvo en we zijn maar met 2 .

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
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Michael
10 Feb 2026, 21:18:58

...the best electric car we've driven so far. Trouble-free, safe, tidy and easy to use.

The German predecessors (the Wolfsburg group) can be completely forgotten!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
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Julien B.
10 Feb 2026, 15:47:03

A car that could have been brilliant, ruined by technological dogmatism. Ninety‑five percent of this car’s problems are between the windshield and the steering wheel. The positives are undone by a botched implantation of technology at all costs. Basic functions are hard to access, buried in menus, and the constant, useless warnings and alerts make the experience frustrating and wreck the overall ergonomics. Add recurring issues with the door‑locking system that the dealer can’t fix after several visits, a range far below what’s promised, and a collision‑avoidance system that randomly takes dangerous initiatives, and I can say this is the worst car I’ve ever bought. After several months, I deeply regret this purchase.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
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Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3 Aircross
Opel Frontera
VS
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 …
Opel Frontera
Opel Grandland
VS
The Frontera feels like a bruiser from the analogue era — raw, rugged and surprisingly capable off-road, ideal if you crave adventure and don't mind a bit of mechanical charm. The Grandland, by contrast, is a slick, family-friendly crossover loaded with modern tech, efficient engines and a …
Opel Frontera
Peugeot 2008
VS
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 …
Volvo EX30
CUPRA Raval
VS
The Volvo EX30 and CUPRA Raval are compact premium electric crossovers that take very different approaches to design, tech and driving character. Choosing between them comes down to whether you value Volvo’s safety-focused simplicity and efficient range or CUPRA’s sportier styling and …
Ford Puma
Opel Frontera
VS
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 …
Volvo EX30
Volvo EX40
VS
Comparing the Volvo EX30 and Volvo EX40 helps buyers choose between a compact, city-focused electric crossover and a slightly larger, more practical electric SUV. The EX30 prioritises agility, lower cost and urban ease, while the EX40 offers more interior space, range and family-friendly …
Dacia Duster
Opel Frontera
VS
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 …
Nissan Qashqai
Opel Frontera
VS
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
Volvo EX30

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Price
30,000 - 47,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
17 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
308 - 400 km
Electric Range
339 - 475 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
1,840 - 1,960 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
318 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,838 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
436 - 570 kg
Payload
370 - 390 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, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Power HP
150 - 428 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Torque
343 - 543 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Power kW
110 - 315 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Vauxhall
Brand
Volvo
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.