Opel Crossland

Opel Crossland at a glance

Launch and the PSA connection

Opel unveiled the Crossland X to the media in January 2017 and showed it at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Sales began in the summer of 2017, and in the UK the car was sold as the Vauxhall Crossland X. By March 2018 Opel had more than 100,000 orders.

Under the skin, the Crossland X uses a modified PF1 platform, the base of the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Peugeot 2008 of the time. It also replaced the Opel Meriva small MPV, which ended production at the same time. The Crossland therefore took over the role of a practical family car with a raised seating position, while the Opel Mokka stayed the brand's more stylish small SUV.

Crossland petrol, diesel and LPG engines

The base petrol engine has port injection and no turbocharger; the two stronger petrol units are turbocharged with direct injection. In May 2018 the 1.6 diesel was replaced by a slightly smaller 1.5-litre unit with 75, 81 or 88 kW (102, 110 or 120 PS). The old version of this page quoted 0–100 km/h times of 9.1 to 14 seconds and top speeds of 170–206 km/h across the range; we keep those figures as an indication from the old text.

By our calculation the 96 kW petrol engine gives about 80 kW per litre. With a kerb weight of 1,163–1,319 kg across the range, the strongest version carries roughly 12–14 kg per kW. Our power-to-weight calculator compares that figure with other small crossovers.

Cabin, boot and practicality

The Crossland's strength is space for its 4.2-metre length. The rear bench slides by up to 150 mm, according to the old version of this page, and the boot grows from 410 to 520 litres when the bench is pushed forward. With the seats folded, it holds 1,255 litres. Those figures put it in the same class as the Meriva it replaced, in a shorter body than many compact SUVs.

The raised driving position and upright body make it easy to get in and out, which suited older drivers and families with child seats. All versions are front-wheel drive, so the Crossland is a crossover in looks and seating rather than an off-road vehicle. Our garage-fit tool checks whether its 4,212 mm length suits your parking space.

Safety: five Euro NCAP stars

Euro NCAP gave the Crossland X five stars in November 2017, with maximum points in the side-barrier tests for adults and children. Opel's press office also reported that Euro NCAP named it best in its class for 2017.

Driver drowsiness alert and lane departure warning were standard. Forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, full LED headlights, a 180-degree rear camera and side blind-spot alert were available.

The 2020 facelift: Crossland without the X

The facelift of 2020 dropped the "X" from the name. The car got Opel's new "Vizor" front with LED headlights and a black panel carrying the badge. A sportier GS Line version had a black grille and roof, specific trim and 17-inch wheels. The old version of this page also described the optional IntelliGrip system: it adjusts traction control for normal, mud, sand and snow modes, but does not add four-wheel drive. The cabin was changed only slightly.

Crossland registrations year by year

By our calculation Europe took about 420,000 Crosslands in its first five years, with 2019 as the best year. Production ended in July 2024, after roughly 600,000 cars, and the Opel Frontera took its place.

What to check on a used Crossland

A used Crossland is a simple car, but a few points deserve attention before you buy:

1. Timing belt on the 1.2 Turbo. The turbocharged three-cylinder uses a timing belt that runs in oil. Ask for proof that it has been inspected or replaced on the manufacturer's schedule, and that the correct oil grade has been used.
2. Gearbox. Check that the automatic shifts smoothly from cold, and that the clutch on manual cars bites at a normal height.
3. LPG versions. On cars with the factory LPG system, ask for the gas-system inspection records required in your country.
4. Pre-facelift or facelift. Cars from 2020 onwards have the newer front, LED headlights as standard and, where fitted, IntelliGrip. They usually cost more but feel more modern.

Our cost of ownership calculator helps compare a petrol, diesel or LPG Crossland over several years.