This SUV Looks Like It’s Built for Adventure—But It Stays on the Road
SUVs are designed for rough terrain, but in reality, few drivers venture off-road. In an era where rugged-looking vehicles are popular in urban settings, Opel's newly revealed Frontera Gravel concept car reflects this trend precisely. Although still a concept, its well-developed design and features have sparked discussions about potential mass production.
The Frontera Gravel was created at Opel's Rüsselsheim Design Center in collaboration with a specialist off-road tuning company. While its exterior signals off-road intentions, the model remains a front-wheel drive vehicle. Despite this, it is expected to make a notable impact in the SUV market, targeting competitors like the Dacia Duster and Kia EV3.
Not a True Off-Roader, but Undeniably Stylish
The Frontera Gravel prioritizes rugged aesthetics over true off-road capability. While it isn't built for extreme trails, it presents a confident, adventure-ready appearance suited for everyday use. The concept features an electric winch at the front, roof-mounted LED auxiliary lights, and a Thule Canyon XT roof rack. Side storage boxes, snow tracks on the D-pillars, and BFGoodrich all-terrain tires contribute to its off-road-inspired look.
The exterior features a matte Desert Stone wrap and a black roof, accented with orange details on the mirror caps, roof rack, skid plates, and badges. The interior features microfiber seats with orange stitching, complemented by a black headliner to maintain a cohesive design theme. Overall, the Frontera Gravel prioritizes visual impact and lifestyle appeal over trail-focused performance.
Light off-road capability, but AWD would be welcome
The Frontera Gravel is based on the Opel Frontera Electric model, which features a front-wheel-drive layout. It delivers a maximum output of 156 horsepower (115 kW). While torque figures have not been disclosed, the electric motor's strong low-speed responsiveness makes it suitable for city driving and light off-road use. The vehicle has a 54 kWh battery, with internal estimates indicating a maximum range of up to 400 km (249 miles) on a full charge.
However, all-wheel drive is still not available, even in this concept version. While Stellantis has introduced electric rear-axle modules in models like the Jeep Avenger 4xe to expand its AWD offerings, no such plans have been confirmed for the Frontera. This remains a potential drawback compared to rivals like the Dacia Duster, highlighting a key limitation in its off-road capabilities.
Production Under Consideration
Strong Mass Appeal
The Frontera Gravel will debut on Friday at the XS Carnight event in Austria. While Opel has not officially confirmed its production plans, internal sources indicate that a production version of the Gravel trim is under consideration, pending the public's response. If released, the model could position itself as a lifestyle-oriented SUV, falling between the Suzuki Jimny and the Dacia Duster.
Emotional appeal, balancing everyday practicality with a sense of adventure, has become a key competitive factor in today's SUV market. The Frontera Gravel reflects this trend, responding quickly with a design that resonates with current consumer preferences. Despite its front-wheel-drive layout, the combination of strong visual presence and practical performance suggests that a future production model could gain broad market interest.
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