Buying Used: Opel Grandland X (2018-2021)

The Opel Grandland X arrived in South Africa in 2018, but is it a good choice in SA’s used car market? We explore this European crossover/SUV as a used buy. 

opel grandland x

Image: CAR

The Opel Grandland X launched in South Africa in 2018. As part of the Stellantis (formerly PSA) family, it shares its platform with the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross, bringing European flair, modern tech, and versatile space to the local market. The first-generation Grandland X, produced from 2017 to 2021, provides an affordable entry into the premium crossover segment on the used market. However, like many European vehicles, it requires diligent maintenance to avoid costly surprises. Depreciation makes it accessible, but potential issues with electronics and parts availability in South Africa warrant careful inspection.

Opel re-entered the South African market in 2018 after a hiatus, with the Grandland X as one of its flagship models going up against established players like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota RAV4. In our 2019 report on the Grandland X, we noted:

“The Grandland X is the vanilla flavour of SUVs. It’s the safe choice for individuals who need honest family transport while blending in with the general car park. It has enough creature comforts to lift the cabin towards the premium segment and is easy to drive. It lacks a unique selling point, though, and some would say that life is too short to eat only vanilla ice-cream. For others, the security of a safe choice will be enough to clinch the deal.”

opel grandland x

Image: CAR

A Rundown on the Opel Grandland X

Introduced globally in 2017 and arriving in South Africa in 2018, the first-generation Grandland X brought fresh, athletic styling with sharp lines, a floating roof design, and Opel’s signature Vizor grille (pre-facelift). It was positioned as Opel’s largest SUV at the time, offering ample space for five passengers and a 514-litre boot that’s expandable to 1 652 litres.

The engine lineup in South Africa was straightforward, focusing on a single petrol option: the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (121 kW/240 N.m), paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This setup provided peppy performance for highway merging and city driving. No all-wheel-drive options were offered locally.

Inside, the Grandland X impressed with a driver-focused cockpit, quality materials, and features like the firm’s IntelliLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and optional extras such as a panoramic sunroof and wireless charging. Safety kit included six airbags, ABS, ESP, and available driver aids like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. A 2021 facelift, which arrived in SA in 2023, dropped the “X” suffix and introduced mild styling tweaks, but for this guide, we focus on the pre-facelift (2018-2021) models.

opel grandland x

Image: CAR

What to Look Out for When Buying a Used Opel Grandland X

As a used European crossover in South Africa, the Grandland X can be rewarding, but it demands thorough checks to avoid hidden expenses. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Service History: Regular servicing is crucial for the turbocharged engine and electronics. Insist on a full history from an Opel dealer or approved specialist. Skipped maintenance can lead to turbo failures or timing chain issues on the 1.6T engine.
  • Electronic Gremlins: The Grandland X’s tech features, like the infotainment and sensors, can develop faults. Test the touchscreen, climate controls, and warning lights – electrical issues, including battery drain or faulty door sensors, are common complaints.
  • Transmission: The six-speed automatic is smooth but may exhibit jerky shifts or hesitation if fluid hasn’t been changed (recommended every 60 000 km). Test for seamless gear changes and no unusual noises during a drive.
  • Engine and Turbo Health: The 1.6T petrol engine is responsive, but prone to oil leaks or turbo lag if neglected. Look for smoke on startup, sluggish performance, or “check engine” lights. High-mileage examples may have carbon buildup, so be sure to have the SUV inspected for any hidden issues.
opel grandland x

Image: CAR

Which One to Get?

The ideal secondhand Grandland X depends on your priorities, but with a uniform engine lineup, it’s best to focus on trim levels: base, Enjoy (mid), and Cosmo (top). For most South African buyers, the 1.6T Enjoy strikes the best balance. Its 121 kW turbopetrol delivers adequate performance (0-100 km/h in about 9 seconds) and efficiency, suitable for daily commutes and family trips. It comes well-equipped with essentials like cruise control, rear parking sensors, and alloy wheels. If you want more luxury, opt for the Cosmo trim, which adds leather seats, advanced infotainment, and safety features like blind-spot monitoring. We’d suggest avoiding the base model if possible, as it lacks desirable features, and steer clear of high-mileage examples without history, given potential electrical woes.

Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!

The post Buying Used: Opel Grandland X (2018-2021) appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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