Owner reviews for the Vauxhall Antara
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4/5The Vauxhall Antara is a practical SUV with robust styling and a high driving position.
Tonbridge
Tonbridge
Rochester
Buntingford
Leigh-On-Sea
Hitchin
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4/5A roomy cabin and strong standard kit list mean it shines as a sturdy family choice that offers space, comfort and good value. The Antara is a no-nonsense family SUV that puts practicality above all else, favored by UK drivers for its high-up view of the road, spacious interior, useful boot space, and comfort features. It was launched in 2007 and facelifted in 2011 with improved interior materials and updated engines. The most popular models feature the 2.2 CDTi diesel, available in two-wheel or four-wheel drive, suitable for towing or hilly terrain. While it struggles to match rivals like the Ford Kuga or Volkswagen Tiguan on performance, refinement, and efficiency, its low used prices and ample standard equipment appeal to value-conscious buyers.
Every Vauxhall Antara comes with six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, hill-descent control and hill-start assist. Four-wheel-drive versions also include trailer-stability control – especially useful if you tow regularly. Though the Antara was not directly tested by Euro NCAP, the closely related Chevrolet Captiva scored four stars for adult safety.
Earlier Antaras offer a 2.4-litre petrol or 2.0-litre CDTi diesel, both four-cylinder engines. From 2011 onwards, the focus is mainly on the 2.2-litre CDTi diesel, available in 161bhp or 182bhp versions and capable of 0-60mph in under seconds. Gearboxes are either six-speed manual or automatic, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Depending on the model, Antaras can tow up to 2,000kg.
Standard features include air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear electric windows, heated front seats and alloy wheels. Higher-spec SE Nav versions bring in satnav, rain-sensing wipers, Xenon headlights and larger alloys. The cabin includes practical storage spots and clear controls, though infotainment is basic compared to newer rivals.
Fuel economy depends on age and engine spec. The 2.2-litre CDTi diesel two-wheel drive can achieve up to 44mpg, while four-wheel drive or automatic models are thirstier, dipping closer to 35mpg. The 2.4-litre petrol returns about 32mpg but is much less common. Real-world figures are often lower as they're influenced by driving style and conditions.
It’s wise to check the service history to make sure recall maintenance has been completed, especially relating to diesel particulate filters, electricals and gearbox issues. Make sure airbags are functional and test that all electrical features work correctly on a test drive. To get an expert evaluation, book The AA Vehicle Inspection.
The Antara offers a sturdy build, but reliability can be mixed. Earlier models faced issues with electrics, diesel filters and suspension components. Owner surveys reflect this patchiness, with just over half recommending the car. Later models improved but, overall, reliability is average for the class. Ongoing care makes all the difference.