2025 Opel Frontera Photos, engines & full specs

Opel dug deep into its parts bin and extracted an old nameplate that stirred emotions among customers in the late ‘80s, and installed it on a fresh vehicle in 2024: the Frontera.

Unveiled in Istanbul in late spring of 2024, the third generation of the Frontera was a far cry from what it used to be. While the original 1989 SUV shared its underpinnings with the Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo and Honda Passport, the 2024 model year was created under the Stellantis group. It had the same platform, known as the Smart Car Platform, as the Citroen C3 and tried to convince customers that it was worthy, albeit it was available as an exclusively front-wheel drive affair. On the other hand, its predecessors boasted part-time 4x4 systems and even a low-range gearing for the transfer box. However, the crossover targeted customers who were willing to have a vehicle that was better suited to the urban environment rather than the wild. While some considered that Opel ruined the once-famous nameplate, others considered that Opel finally adapted the product to the market’s demands.

Opel introduced a new signature-design front fascia for its entire lineup when it launched the refreshed Grandland in 2021. From there on, all its new models sported that, and the 2024 Frontera had it as well. Its black masque stretched from side to side, and the carmaker’s “Blitz” badge took center stage. Since the vehicle relied on an entirely new platform, it came fitted as standard with LED headlights that sported the L-shaped daytime running lights. In the bumper, the automaker placed a narrow but broad gap needed to cool the engine for vehicles fitted with an internal combustion engine. Lower, the automaker placed a black, unpainted apron that resembled the one from the Frontera’s second generation (1998 – 2004). In addition, it flanked it with a set of thin vertical scoops.

The compact-sized 2024 Opel Frontera was smaller than its predecessor, but it had similar proportions. Its profile revealed a flat hood slightly ascending towards the tilted windshield. Its contrasting-color roof was extended towards the back of the vehicle, which ended in a vertical drop for the tailgate. Unlike the previous two generations of the Frontera, the 2024 model year came without a spare wheel attached to the back. The car’s profile also revealed slightly enlarged fenders, like the original model, with black trims around the wheel arches. Thanks to the black side sills and the sculptured door panels, the car looked more rugged, even though it wasn’t a vehicle meant to tackle anything more than a dry, unpaved road.

Inside, the five-seat vehicle provided enough comfort and room for five adult-sized occupants. At the front, the seats carried over from the Grandland family were supportive and featured a unique design with a sculptured center line to ease the pressure over the occupants’ spines. On the dashboard, the automaker placed a pair of ten-inch displays. One was fronting the driver and featured the instrument panel, while the other was atop the center stack for the infotainment system. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the center console, the automaker put a wireless charger. In the back, the split-folding bench seat was wide enough for three occupants sitting abreast, while the flat floor allowed more legroom for the middle-seated one. Behind them, the 460-liter (16.2 cu-ft) could expand to 1,600 liters (56.5 cu-ft).

Opel built the car based on Stellanti’s Smart Car Platform, which it shared with the Citroen C3. It was available as a front-wheel drive affair only, and the automaker offered it with either a mild-hybrid, hybrid, or full-electric drivetrain.