Chevrolet Captiva Crossover full 9 point review

  • Performance

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad Power comes from two versions of the same 2.2-litre turbodiesel engines. The 181bhp version feels reasonably brisk once you put some revs on, but a hesitant turbocharger means it could be more flexible at low revs. We haven’t yet driven the entry-level 161bhp version, which only comes with front-wheel drive.

  • Ride & Handling

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Captiva feels pretty comfortable on most types of road, with the suspension doing a good job of soaking up most bumps. There’s a bit of body lean in bends, and the steering could do with a little more weight and feel. However, the impressive levels of grip mean it always feels secure in corners.

  • Refinement

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Captiva is a very quiet way to travel. The engines are impressively smooth and hushed, even when you rev them hard, and you’re really well isolated from road- and wind noise at motorway speeds. The slightly clunky gearshift is the only real complaint.

  • Buying & Owning

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Captiva may be big and well equipped, but it doesn’t have the bargain price tag that you normally associate with Chevrolet. A Hyundai Santa Fe costs thousands, rather than hundreds, less to buy. Resale values won’t be great, either, but at least the fuel consumption and CO2 figures are on a par with the Hyundai’s.

  • Quality & Reliability

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Considering the money you pay, the Captiva’s cabin has a slightly low-rent feel – some of the panels and switches feel a bit flimsy and some materials are a bit short on class. That said, the Captiva comes with five years of free servicing, breakdown cover and warranty, which should give you peace of mind.

  • Safety & Security

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Whichever Captiva you go for, the standard safety kit includes stability control and six airbags. However, the curtain airbags cover only the front two rows of seating, not the third. On the security front, you’re provided with an alarm and immobiliser to keep thieves at bay.

  • Behind The Wheel

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin There’s plenty of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel, but whatever you do with the adjustment, you get the high driving position that 4x4 buyers love. That means visibility isn’t bad at the front of the car, but the thick window pillars at the back mean the view to the rear isn’t as clear as it could be. The cluttered dashboard is a little confusing, too.

  • Space & Practicality

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Entry-level Captivas have five seats, with bags of space for five adults and a massive boot. Stepping up the range brings you two more seats that pull up from the boot floor, and they don’t do too badly for head- and legroom, either. The middle row is split 50/50, as in the Orlando MPV, and drops down to leave a totally flat floor.

  • Equipment

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Even entry-level LS cars come with the essentials – alloys, air-con, Bluetooth, remote locking and four powered windows are all provided. LT cars add an extra pair of seats and four-wheel drive, as well as climate control, part-leather trim, cruise control, parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers. The LTZ range-topper gets full leather, sat-nav and a reversing camera.

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