CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 80
Average Price: Around £3,900

Vauxhall Antara (2007-2015) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Cheap as a used buy	Drab interior
Lots of standard equipment	Many rivals are more practical
Later diesel engines were punchy	Not that great on the road

Quick Summary

The Vauxhall Antara (2007-2015) is an affordable five-seat SUV that prioritises value over driving dynamics. Launched at under £20,000, it offered exceptional equipment levels even on entry-level E models, including stability control, four-wheel drive, hill descent control, air-conditioning, and roof rails. The 2007 facelift introduced a more prominent grille and improved interior finishes, whilst the 2010 update brought more powerful 2.2-litre diesel engines with 161bhp or 181bhp, delivering stronger mid-range performance than the original 2.0 CDTi.

However, the Antara struggles in several key areas. The interior feels low-rent, boot space is modest at 420 litres (1,420 folded), and rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 offer superior practicality. Running costs are middling, with the petrol engine particularly thirsty at around 25mpg in real-world driving, whilst the later 2.2 diesels achieve closer to 36mpg. Most significantly, the Antara is bland to drive, with wobbly handling that suspension revisions only partially addressed. Reliability concerns further diminish its appeal against more dependable competitors.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking an affordable SUV with generous standard equipment and those downsizing from larger vehicles.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising driving enjoyment, practicality, reliability, or fuel economy, or those wanting a premium interior feel.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Antara if: You're seeking an affordable SUV with generous standard equipment and are willing to compromise on driving dynamics and practicality.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise driving enjoyment, superior practicality, reliability, fuel economy, or a quality interior finish.

Competitive Position: The Vauxhall Antara (2007-2015) occupies the budget end of the compact SUV market, offering exceptional value and equipment levels. However, it is outclassed by rivals in nearly every meaningful way. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 deliver superior practicality, reliability, and driving refinement, whilst the Ford Kuga provides a more engaging driving experience. Whilst the Antara's low purchase price and generous standard kit appeal to budget-conscious buyers, the compromises in build quality, handling, and dependability make it a risky choice. For a modest premium, you can buy a significantly better SUV that will prove more rewarding and dependable in the long term.

Read our full Vauxhall Antara Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.