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VW T-Cross vs Vauxhall Frontera comparison

Compare performance (150 HP vs 145 HP), boot space and price (21,400 £ vs 20,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW T-Cross or Vauxhall Frontera?

VW T-Cross vs Vauxhall Frontera: Key differences

VW T-Cross

3.9 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly more power
  • marginally quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit lighter
details

Vauxhall Frontera

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • very slightly more efficient
  • only slightly 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

T-Cross

When it comes to choosing the perfect small SUV or off-roader, buyers often find themselves overwhelmed by the plethora of options available. Two contenders worth considering are the Opel Frontera and the VW T-Cross, both of which offer unique features and innovations to make them stand out in this competitive segment. This article delves into a detailed comparison of these two vehicles, focusing on technical aspects and innovations that set them apart.

Frontera

Body Types and Dimensions

The Opel Frontera is designed as an off-roader, boasting a robust construction that caters to adventure enthusiasts. With a length of 4385 mm, a width of 1795 mm, and a height of 1635 mm, it offers ample interior space, comfortably seating up to seven passengers. Its impressive trunk capacity of 460 liters ensures that there is enough room for both passengers and cargo.

In contrast, the VW T-Cross is classified as a compact SUV, measuring 4127 mm in length, 1784 mm in width, and 1573 mm in height. Despite its slightly smaller dimensions, the T-Cross can still accommodate five passengers and features a trunk capacity of 455 liters, making it practical for everyday use.

T-Cross

Power and Performance

Under the hood, the Opel Frontera showcases a variety of engine options. It comes equipped with petrol MHEV and electric variants, with power outputs ranging from 100 HP to 136 HP. The car is versatile, offering both automatic and dual-clutch automatic transmissions, as well as a reduction gearbox for off-road enthusiasts. The Frontera can go from 0-100 km/h in as little as 9 seconds and has a top speed of 190 km/h, which is quite remarkable for an off-roader.

The T-Cross, on the other hand, is powered by petrol engines with outputs from 95 HP to 150 HP. It provides both manual and automatic transmission options, including a dual-clutch automatic option for smoother driving. The T-Cross achieves 0-100 km/h in as quickly as 8.4 seconds, with a maximum speed of 200 km/h for the more powerful variants, making it a more dynamic choice for urban driving.

Frontera

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Fuel efficiency is a vital consideration for many buyers. The Opel Frontera impresses with a fuel consumption of 5.5 L/100km for its petrol variant, while the electric version can achieve an impressive range of 305 km with a consumption of 18.2 kWh/100km. Furthermore, its CO2 emissions range from 122 g/km to 126 g/km, placing it in a reasonable efficiency class.

The VW T-Cross slightly trails in this aspect, with fuel consumption figures ranging from 5.6 L/100km to 6.0 L/100km depending on engine selection. The CO2 emissions for the T-Cross are also slightly higher, ranging from 127 g/km to 135 g/km. However, its efficiency class remains competitive.

T-Cross

Innovations and Technology

Both models come equipped with various innovations aimed at enhancing the driving experience. The Opel Frontera features modern infotainment systems and advanced driver assistance technologies, ensuring safety and convenience on both urban and off-road adventures. The reduction gearbox allows for better terrain handling, indicating its focus on delivering thrilling off-road capabilities.

In comparison, the VW T-Cross is loaded with innovative technology, including a digital cockpit and an advanced infotainment system that integrates seamlessly with smartphones. It’s designed to cater to tech-savvy drivers who appreciate connectivity and a modern interface.

Frontera

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the Opel Frontera and VW T-Cross will depend on individual preferences and lifestyle needs. The Frontera is ideal for those seeking adventure and off-road capabilities, while the T-Cross offers a more urban-friendly experience with modern technology and better acceleration. Both vehicles exhibit commendable engineering and represent solid choices in their respective categories, making them worthy contenders in the compact SUV and off-roader markets.

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Citroen C3 Aircross
Opel Frontera
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

T-Cross

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 marginally cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the VW T-Cross costs 21,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 660 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Vauxhall Frontera uses 5.2 L/100km and is very slightly more efficient than the VW T-Cross with 5.4 L/100km. The difference is about 0.2 L/100km.

Frontera

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the VW T-Cross offers only slightly more power – delivering 150 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 5 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW T-Cross is marginally quicker – completing the sprint in 8.4 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9.1 s. That’s about 0.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW T-Cross delivers very slightly more torque with 250 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 20 Nm more.

T-Cross

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

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

In terms of curb weight, VW T-Cross is a bit lighter – 1,267 kg compared to 1,394 kg. The difference is around 127 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Vauxhall Frontera offers only slightly more boot space – 460 L compared to 455 L. That’s a difference of about 5 L.

When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries a bit more – 570 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 90 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Vauxhall Frontera 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 £20,700
Frontera

Vauxhall Frontera

  • Engine Type : Electric, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 110 - 145 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.2 - 5.3 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.8 - 18.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 308 - 408 km
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VW T-Cross
Vauxhall Frontera

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

VW T-Cross

The VW T-Cross turns everyday practicality into a style statement, offering a roomy-feeling cabin, clever storage and playful design that suits town life and family duties alike. On the road it's composed and relaxed, rewarding buyers who want the raised seating and confident presence of an SUV without the weighty compromises.

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Reviews VW T-Cross

3.9 (4 Reviews)
rate
Monika
12 Feb 2026, 07:34:19

I chose the T‑Cross — more comfortable and roomier inside, especially for adult passengers; bought on the model‑year clearance — running costs work out cheaper even taking into account fuel savings from the Toyota hybrid (planned over five years); I like the space and the VW suited me better — I prefer the view through the front windshield.

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
Erasmo Paone
21 Oct 2025, 21:49:59

Very practical, interior space is excellent. Lacks charm, fuel consumption is a bit high.

Vauxhall Frontera

The Opel Frontera wears its rugged, go-anywhere intentions proudly, serving up a simple, no-nonsense package that feels as comfortable off the beaten track as it does at the supermarket. It won’t set hearts racing with glamour, but its honest practicality and rugged charm make it a smart pick for buyers who prefer substance over style.

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Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
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

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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 …
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VW Taigo
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Meet the VW T‑Cross and VW Taigo: two compact crossovers from Volkswagen chasing the same urban buyers but with very different personalities — the practical, upright T‑Cross versus the swoopy, style-first Taigo. Read on to see which one earns a place in your driveway, whether you prize family …
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VW T-Cross
Vauxhall Frontera

Costs and Consumption
Price
21,400 - 32,000 £
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Consumption L/100km
5.4 - 6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 5.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
308 - 408 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
124 - 136 g/km
co2
0 - 119 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5 - 7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,267 - 1,338 kg
Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
Trunk capacity
455 L
Trunk capacity
460 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,784 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
463 - 480 kg
Payload
436 - 570 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
95 - 150 HP
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.4 - 11.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
175 - 250 Nm
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
70 - 110 kW
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1,498 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
Brand
VW
Brand
Vauxhall
What drivetrain options does the VW T-Cross have?

The VW T-Cross 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.