Grand: it signifies big, important, the best. Grand plans, grand piano, grand slam. All of which means a car maker must be pretty confident to include the word Grand in the name of a product.
But here we have it, the Vauxhall Grandland (formerly the Grandland X) – a car that, on the surface at least, seems a fair way from being grand.
However, buyers who are looking for the best used car for towing a caravan will be more interested in whether or not it can provide them with a grand day out.
What’s a used Vauxhall Grandland like inside?
Bearing in mind that this is a small- to medium-size SUV tow car, cabin space is a little tighter than you might hope. Front-seat occupants get a reasonable amount of space, but the driver is likely to find that the seat is set rather too high, even on its lowest setting. Apart from that, though, there’s a decent range of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel.
It’s a similar tale in the back, because there’s enough space for three adults, but everyone is going to feel a touch cramped. There’s certainly not enough room to really stretch out.
The cabin feels decently put together from materials designed to last, if not feel exactly luxurious. The dashboard comprised a set of conventional dials up to 2021, when the car was facelifted (the point when X was dropped from the name), and after that, the dials were replaced by a digital display. It all feels a little prosaic, though, with little to make you feel special.
The amount of standard equipment is good, however, which could be a consideration when you’re buying a used car. Entry models have 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors. Moving up the range brings wireless mobile phone charging, front parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
How does a used Vauxhall Grandland drive?
There are petrol, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and diesel versions of the Grandland available. The best option for towing is a diesel powertrain – the 128bhp 1.5-litre turbodiesel, which offers the best balance of torque and economy.
So what about when the car/caravan match? The Vauxhall Grandland has a comparatively low towing limit of 1300kg, which is just 5kg more than the 85% match figure of 1295kg. Nevertheless, it accelerates with purpose if not vigour, and is quite happy to maintain a 60mph cruising speed on motorways.
It also remains pretty stable while travelling past large vehicles on a motorway – you can feel a bow wave of air affecting the car, but not to any great degree. Hill starts are also made easier with the electric parking brake.
As a solo drive, the Grandland is perfectly adequate. The ride feels firm but smooths out on the motorway, and while the steering is light enough, it’s also very reluctant to let you know about what sort of grip the front tyres have.
It will safely get you from here to there, but fun will not be on the agenda. It’s a bit like the used Peugeot Rifter which I took a look at recently – I thought it was a highly practical car, but one that doesn’t offer much excitement.
What will a Vauxhall Grandland tow?
- Kerb weight: 1523kg
- Towing limit: 1300kg
- Nose weight limit: 70kg
- 85% match: 1295kg
What to pay for a used Vauxhall Grandland
- High: Price: £19,999; Model: 1.5 Turbo D Ultimate; Year: 2024; Miles: 4200
- Sweet spot: Price: £15,995; Model: 1.5 Turbo D GS Line; Year: 2023; Miles: 26,200
- Low: Price: £4799; Model: 1.2 Turbo SE; Year: 2018; Miles: 79,000
See our review of the 2022 Vauxhall Grandland 1.5 Turbo D 130PS Ultimate Auto to get an indepth look at what we made of a Grandland.
Running costs
- Insurance grp: 16
- Annual VED: £195
- Average economy: 54.3mpg
- Service: £160
(Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, www.servicingstop.co.uk)
Trouble spots
The Grandland has been back to dealers a few times in its life. DPFs with faults caused around 500 cars to be recalled, and 10,270 cars had to have faulty camchains replaced. Then 7647 cars were affected by loose fuel pipes. A full list of recalls can be found at www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
Verdict
The Vauxhall Grandland is not a tow car that you get out of bed early for. Nor is it a tow car that you’ll walk away from and admire from afar.
However, it is a perfectly acceptable towing machine if you want reasonable space, decent towing ability (within limits) and low running costs. It’s also available for bargain prices. Decent? Yes. Grand? Not so much.
If you could be interested in a new towing vehicle instead, take a look at our latest towing review, where we put the Škoda Enyaq 85x Sportline to the test.
Alternatives to consider
Used Škoda Karoq (2017-present)
If you regularly tow, go for the four-wheel-drive 2.0-litre turbodiesel. The electronic parking brake and all-wheel drive make hill starts easy, and the Karoq feels good on the move, although side winds can sometimes be felt. Driven solo, the Karoq is comfortable and reasonably quiet. Mid-spec SE L cars have adjustable rear seats that can be removed for more space.
Mazda CX-5 (2017-present)
There are few finer mid-sized towing cars than the second-generation Mazda CX-5. The 173bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel has more than enough power and torque to make towing feel easy. It’s great to drive solo, too, with neat handling and a fun feel. There’s good space for five, the interior feels very well put together, and the Sport Nav trim level has all the kit you could need.
Nissan Qashqai (2014-2021)
The second generation of the car that transformed the SUV marketplace was voted Tow car of the Year in 2014. This Mk2 model upped the refinement and luxury, and the diesel engines are more than up to the job of towing a tourer. When towing, it stops quickly and in a straight line. The cabin has sturdy materials in all the right places, and space is
fine for five.
If you decide you could be interested in a towing vehicle with a difference, take a look at our pick of some of the quirkiest cars you can tow with.
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