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Vauxhall Frontera vs VW Passat comparison

Compare performance (145 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (20,700 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Vauxhall Frontera or VW Passat?

Vauxhall Frontera vs VW Passat: Key differences

Vauxhall Frontera

4.1 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • substantially more electric range
  • a bit lighter
details

VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
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

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

Frontera

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Vauxhall Frontera is considerably cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the VW Passat costs 36,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 15,728 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Vauxhall Frontera with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 4 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Vauxhall Frontera offers substantially more range – reaching up to 400 km, about 265 km more than the VW Passat.

Passat

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 VW Passat offers significantly 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 VW Passat is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.1 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9.1 s. That’s about 2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Passat delivers significantly more torque with 400 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 170 Nm more.

Frontera

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

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

In terms of curb weight, Vauxhall Frontera is a bit lighter – 1,394 kg compared to 1,573 kg. The difference is around 179 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Passat offers clearly more boot space – 690 L compared to 460 L. That’s a difference of about 230 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Passat carries only slightly more – 577 kg compared to 570 kg. That’s a difference of about 7 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Passat holds a decisive overall lead 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 £36,500
Passat

VW Passat

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
  • Electric Range 124 - 135 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
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 …
Vauxhall Frontera
VW Passat

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 (3)
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NewOpelFronteraElectric (5)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (7)

Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.1 (7 Reviews)
rate
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

VW Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

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Reviews VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
Voller
28 May 2026, 16:12:12

That's just a Passat. Too expensive in my opinion, but it's up to each person to decide whether to throw their money into VW's maw. The car itself is somehow a legend.

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
Sjaak
5 Dec 2025, 19:42:23

Spacious car that drives nicely and keeps its value for a long time.

Jack
5 Dec 2025, 15:24:16

Pleasant to drive, roomy and solid. The hybrid version is also very economical.

Frequently compared as well

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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
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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 …
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 …
VW Tiguan
VW Passat
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Deciding between the VW Tiguan and the VW Passat comes down to whether you value SUV versatility or traditional sedan refinement: the Tiguan gives a higher driving position, greater cargo flexibility and mild off-road capability, while the Passat delivers a quieter, more aerodynamic ride with roomy …
Opel Frontera
Fiat Grande Panda
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Comparing the Opel Frontera and the Fiat Panda (commonly just the Panda) brings together a rugged, SUV-style contender and a frugal city car—two very different sets of strengths. This quick comparison will help you decide whether you need the Frontera’s space and off-road capability or the Panda’s …
Opel Frontera
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 …
Opel Frontera
Toyota Yaris Cross
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In the crossover segment, the Vauxhall Frontera and the Toyota Yaris Cross offer distinct experiences for drivers seeking versatility and style. The Vauxhall Frontera, with its robust off-road capabilities and rugged design, appeals to adventurers and those who appreciate a more traditional SUV …
Ford Kuga
Opel Frontera
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Ford Kuga and Opel Frontera go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Ford Kuga or the Opel …
Vauxhall Frontera
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
308 - 400 km
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 118 g/km
co2
28 - 153 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
Curb weight
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
436 - 570 kg
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B
Brand
Vauxhall
Brand
VW
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.