The Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 is the hybrid version of the Grandland X, a compact crossover than the German firm introduced in 2017 as a replacement for the Antara. It's also the firm's first hybrid vehicle. The Grandland X Hybrid4 features a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors. The total output almost hits 300 horsepower.

One of the first models launched by Opel following the takeover by the PSA Group, the Grandland X shares many underpinnings with the Peugeot 3008, which also features a hybrid variant. Not only a big departure from the Antara and Zafira as far as technology goes, the Grandland X also pushes the German brand into the hybrid market for the very first time. Better late than never, right? Let's find out more about this SUV in the review below.

2020 Opel Grandland X Hybrid4

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2020 Opel Grandland X Hybrid4
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 296
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

- Identical to standard model - Hybrid4 badge on the tailgate - Cool two-tone finish - Still looks fresh - Compact and sporty - Extra "fuel" cap - Needs more extra features

Like most hybrid vehicles based on existing models, the Grandland X Hybrid4 is virtually identical to the regular crossover. This isn't necessarily bad news though, as the Grandland X is a modern-looking SUV spiced up by swoop-y character lines and some sporty touches.

The big, almost trapezoidal front grille is flanked by slim headlamps that are wider toward the sides and thinner toward the inner edges. This combination gives the Grandland X a slightly mean appearance, a welcomed break from the utilitarian looks of other SUVs in this segment. The side outlets in the bumper add a sporty touch as well, but the fact that the grille isn't perforated reveals the true affordable identity of this vehicle.

The profile is somewhat standard for compact crossovers, but the protruding beltline and the scalloped area above the side skirts set it apart from the norm. The hybrid model retains the black cladding around the wheel arches and on the side skirts, so this version looks just as off-road-capable as its standard siblings.

The rear end also remains unchanged, and it's pretty much a more utilitarian Astra hatchback on stilts. This is actually a good thing, as the latest Opel Astra looks quite appealing. The slim taillights, the clean tailgate, and the sturdy black bumper round off the Grandland X's rear fascia.

As for features that set the hybrid model apart, the tailgate sports a small "HYBRID4" emblem on the lower right side. Opel also unveiled this SUV in a cool two-tone finish with a red body and black engine hood, pillars, and roof. Of course, this SUV features an additional socket that hides the plug-in charger.

Interior

- Identical to standard model - Looks kind of dull - Comfortable seats - Passenger space remains the same - Needs more trunk space - Luggage room behind first-row is competitive

The interior of the Hybrid4 is obviously identical to the standard Grandland X. Not much can be said about it to be honest. In our review of the regular model, we felt that the Grandland X's cabin lacks personality, especially when compared to its platform sibling, the Peugeot 3008. Everything looks clean and simple, and that's not bad, but you won't find any design cues that stand out.

Like in most affordable vehicles designed under conservative corporate rules, the infotainment display sits high in the center stack and is flanked by A/C vents. A handful of buttons that operate various functions are arranged in a thin line just below. The lower center stack is also clean, but the center console is rather cluttered.

The seats offer good support in every trim, but you can opt for special seats approved by the AGR, a group of German back specialists. As far as tech goes, the Grandland X comes with all the good stuff, including the OnStar connectivity system with Wi-Fi hotspot. The base model also comes with an intelligent speed limited, blindspot monitoring, electric parking brake, electric mirrors, and a heated windscreen. Opt for the SRi Nav trim and you get DAB radio, front-mounted child seat fixings, and automatic emergency braking. The more expensive trims add extra driver assistance system and interior equipment.

Opel didn't say whether the electric motors and battery impacts the SUV's cargo room, but it's safe to say that it remains the same. This means that the Hybrid4 can swallow up to 18.1 cubic feet of luggage with the rear seats in position. That's 3.5 cubic feet more than the Crossland X.

However, the Grandland X falls behind its main hybrid competitor, the Toyota RAV4, which offers 37.5 cubic feet of luggage room with the rear seats up. It also suffers when compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which benefits from 30.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the second row and overall capacity jumps to 58.3 cubic feet. While it may sound impressive compared to what you get behind the second-row seats, it's also notably inferior to the competition. While the Toyota RAV4 offers 69.8 cubic feet, the Mitsubishi Outlander comes with 66.6 cubic feet.

Drivetrain

- Hybrid drivetrain - 1.6-liter gasoline engine - Two electric motors - 296 horsepower in total - More oomph than the competition - 36 miles on electric power - No total mileage estimates yet

Powered by three- or four-cylinder engines in standard trim, the Grandland X remains faithful to small-displacement units in hybrid form. The German automaker selected the turbocharged, 1.6-liter four-pot for this model and paired it to two electric motors. The front-mounted electric motor is mated to the electrified eight-speed automatic transmission, while the second electric motor is integrated into the rear axle alongside the inverter and the differential.

How powerful is this SUV? Well, the 1.6-liter PureTech gasoline engine, which is borrowed from the PSA Group, generates 196 horsepower. The two electric motors, powered by a 13.2-kWh lithium-ion battery, crank out 108 horsepower each. Total system output is rated at 296 horsepower, which is more than enough to give the competition a run for its money.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, for instance, has a 117-horsepower gas engine, two 81-horsepower electric motors, and a total system output of 190 horsepower. That's a 106-horsepower deficit. The Toyota RAV4 combines a 2.5-liter gasoline engine rated at 203 horsepower and an electric motor good for 118 horses for a total system output of 219 horsepower. The Grandland X Hybrid4 thus benefits from an extra 77 horses.

Yes, I know that many of the figures above don't add up, but that's because these models feature different types of electric motors that combine output with the gas engine in different way. Automakers also use different calculation methods for total output. And that's pretty much why a 100-horsepower gas engine and a 100-horsepower electric motor do not generate a total output of 200 horses.

There aren't many performance figures available, but Opel says that the Grandland X Hybrid4 can cover 36.6 miles on electric power alone. That's notably more than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, rated at 22 miles.

You can drive the Grandland X Hybrid4 in four pre-set driving modes. The Hybrid mode will automatically put the vehicle in its most efficient method of propulsion. For instance, it will switch to Electric mode when reaching a city center. There's also a Sport mode that enables more dynamic driving combining both the gas engine and the electric motors. However, this mode won't be as efficient as Electric or Hybrid. Finally, there's an AWD mode that activates the electrified rear axle for maximum traction.

Pricing

Pricing for the Grandland X Hybrid4 starts from £35,590 in the United Kingdom. That's a £11,740 premium over the standard, non-hybrid Grandland X SUV. It's worth mentioning that the base hybrid model comes in Business Edition Nav Premium trim, which sits above the SE and Business Edition Nav versions. The base model offers a saving of £145 over the diesel-powered Elite.

Upgrade to the SRi Nav trim, which adds a DAB radio, front-mounted child seat fixings, and automatic emergency braking, and pricing jumps £40,300. The Elite Nav and Ultimate Nav versions, which add extra driver assistance systems and interior equipment, come in at £42,200 and £45,450, respectively.

Since it won't be offered in the United States, we can't really compare the Grandland X Hybrid4 with its competitors pricing-wise. However, a quick look over what's available in the UK reveals that the British SUV is notably more expensive that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which starts from £29,940. The Outlander PHEV, on the other hand, has a similar starting price at £35,455.

Competitors

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Unveiled for the 2019 model year, the current RAV4 Hybrid looks more aggressive than before. Now sporting a boxy design with sharp lines and deep creases, the RAV4 feels utilitarian but it also boasts a sporty vibe front and rear. Its interior is not as boring as the Grandland X's and it comes with loads of tech (although most of the really cool stuff is optional).

Speaking of options, you can order a really big moonroof that stretches over both rows of seats. The RAV4 Hybrid draws juice from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and what Toyota calls a "multi-electric motor assist." The engine delivers 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while the motor cranks out 118 horses and 149 pound-feet. Total system output comes in at 219 horsepower. Toyota claims that the compact crossover returns 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 40 mpg combined. Pricing starts from $29,650 in the U.S., but it can go as high as $35,850.

Read our full story on the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Although Mitsubishi is not a very popular carmaker in Europe or the United States right now, the Outlander PHEV is actually the best-selling plug-in vehicle in the United Kingdom. Updated for the 2019 model year, the Outlander PHEV remained familiar, but Mitsubishi managed to put together a more appealing face. However, the rear SUV continues to boast a utilitarian appearance, unlike the competitors listed in this review. The Japanese crossover brings together a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 117 horsepower and 137 pound-feet and two electric motors that generate 81 horsepower and up to 144 pound-feet each. Total system output comes in at 190 horsepower, which makes the Outlander PHEV the least powerful SUV in this comparison. Pricing for the Outlander PHEV starts from $35,795.

Read our full review of the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Final Thoughts

The Grandland X Hybrid4 is a big step forward for Opel, simply because it's the company's first hybrid. Opel also made two wise decisions here. This plug-in crossover is based on an already familiar vehicle and it delivers more power than the competition. It's quite the big achievement to debut on the hybrid vehicle market with an SUV that cranks out almost 300 horsepower. It also has a better all-electric range than the competition, but it remains to be seen if these feats make up for the notably smaller trunk.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Opel Grandland X.