Drive with us: Vauxhall Crossland Review

Join us as we take a closer look at the Vauxhall Crossland, the compact SUV that punches well above its compact proportions

Back in 2021, we got our hands on the Vauxhall Crossland — a compact SUV that went up against some of the segment's biggest names: the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, SEAT Arona and Peugeot 2008.

A refresh of the Crossland X, it arrived with a new look, more cabin space and a more considered interior. Tight competition, but it had a lot going for it.

The Crossland was discontinued in 2024, though it lives on in the used market, and Vauxhall's Grandland and Frontera have since picked up the baton in the compact SUV space.

So, how did it hold up? Let's get into it.

What we drove:

Model: Vauxhall Crossland Elite Nav Turbo

Body style: SUV

Power: Petrol (1.2-litre turbo, 130hp)

Transmission: Manual

Emissions standard: Euro 6

Specifications correct at the time of publication.

Bold enough to stand out, sensible enough to blend in

The Crossland we got our hands on was a refresh of the Crossland X — a meaningful visual upgrade that finally brought it in line with the rest of its class.

The Vizor grille was the standout feature, tying together the grille, badge and LED headlights in one clean horizontal line. It gave the front end a cohesive, purposeful look that the Crossland X never quite had.

Despite being an SUV, it sat more like a raised hatchback in terms of height, which actually worked in its favour. It felt much more manageable and less imposing on the road.

The contrasting white roof added a touch of personality, while the geometric alloy wheels filled the arches well and gave the lower body some much-needed visual substance. Skid plate-style trim on the front and rear bumpers added a subtle rugged edge. Just enough, without overdoing it.

Around the back, it was clean and unfussy: Slim taillights, a modest spoiler lip and the Crossland nameplate across the tailgate.

Not overtly sporty, but there was enough character here to hold its own in a segment where plenty of rivals looked remarkably similar.

A cabin worth settling into

Step inside, and the Crossland makes a strong first impression.

The cabin was well designed and spaciously laid out. Vauxhall was thoughtful about the positioning of the dials and touchscreen, creating a flowing, welcoming space that felt more considered than you might expect at the price point. The contrasting colour scheme carried through from the exterior too, enhancing the airy feel throughout.

Comfort levels were competitive, and the detailing improved as you moved up through the range. Top-spec models came with Alcantara seat trim inserts, giving the interior a premium edge without the premium price tag.

Space was generous for a compact SUV, with impressive head and legroom in the rear.

Even passengers in the six-foot-and-over club were well catered for, which was more than could be said for some rivals.

The 410-litre boot fell marginally short of the Juke (422 litres) and Peugeot 2008 (434 litres), but with the rear seats folded down, you had a whopping 1,255 litres to work with.

Factor in the superior rear passenger space, and the overall package was hard to argue with.

A hatchback in SUV clothing

Put your foot down and the Crossland felt far more like a hatchback than an SUV — nimble, natural and more agile than its size suggested.

The steering was responsive and the whole experience was more spirited than you might expect from a family-focused compact SUV. Yet despite that hatchback-like feel, the commanding driving position remained, giving you the visibility and confidence that SUV drivers know and love.

It was easy to park, easy to manoeuvre, and responded well to different driving environments. Exactly what you want from a family car.

What's good, and what's not

It earned its place in a competitive segment — and here's why:

The good bits:

• Easy, nimble drive that feels more like a hatchback
• Commanding driving position with great visibility
• Generous rear head and legroom — accommodates passengers above six foot
• Competitively priced against rivals

The not-so-good bits:

• Boot space (410L) marginally behind the Juke and Peugeot 2008
• Handbrake button placement — oddly positioned on top of lever rather than the end
• Not as sporty as something like the Ford Kuga

What’s the verdict?

The Vauxhall Crossland made a strong case for itself.

A compact SUV that drove like a hatchback in all the best ways, while keeping everything that makes an SUV worth choosing — as a family car, it was hard to find fault.

The rear space alone meant that even as your kids grew bigger and taller, they’d have plenty of room to remain comfortable.

The generous standard kit across the range meant you didn't have to push the budget to get a great experience either.

Sadly, the Crossland was discontinued in 2024, meaning a brand new one is off the table. But if you're open to the used market, there's still a very good car to be found here.

Top 5 reasons to consider the Vauxhall Crossland

1. Drives like a hatchback but with all the perks of an SUV
2. Generous rear head and legroom — even passengers above six foot were well catered for
3. Competitive standard kit across the range — Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a touchscreen as standard even on entry-level models
4. Modern, cohesive exterior design that held its own in a competitive segment
5. Comfortable, welcoming cabin that improved further as you moved up through the trims

Would we recommend leasing a Vauxhall Crossland?

Here's the thing, you can't. Not anymore.

The Crossland was discontinued in 2024, and as we only offer lease deals on brand new cars, it's no longer available to lease through Carparison.

But if the Crossland ticked your boxes, Vauxhall hasn't left you without options. The Grandland and the newer Frontera have since picked up the baton in the compact SUV space — and both make a compelling case for your next lease.