The first-generation Chevrolet Captiva offered buyers a lot of car for their money. It was a large, seven-seater SUV with powerful diesel engines and decent off-road capability thanks to its four-wheel-drive system. A facelift in 2011 brought revised looks and simplified the engine line-up down to just a single diesel. Two models are available: an entry-level, five-seat, two-wheel-drive version and a high-spec, seven-seat, four-wheel-drive one. Although all Captivas are comfortable and well equipped, they don't lead the class when it comes to efficiency and the range-topping LTZ specification can be quite expensive.
Despite its name, it seemed like the Chevrolet Captiva was merely content as the wallflower of the compact crossover segment. While everyone else boasted head-turning good looks or formidable performance (or both), the Captiva had an available diesel variant and seven seats. Sure, it was enough for a select few to part money for one, but the vast majority of Filipinos passed on it. Well, Chevrolet has finally understood that having a diesel and seven seats maybe good for few, but an updated styling and some spec tweaks are much more important. Enter the 2015 Captiva, a compact crossover that’s now slicker than your average. While it’s not a real fuel miser, at least it handles tidily. Along with the new engine, the 2015 Captiva receives a re-tweaked suspension. Chevy calls it a soft ride suspension, but it feels firmer than the pre-facelifted version. It sharpens the road manners, but the flip side is the ride isn’t as relaxed as it should be for this class. Bumps get easily transmitted into the cabin which isn’t helped by the less than solid feeling body structure. It doesn’t flop or flip through corners, but the overall experience is still very pedestrian. The steering isn’t as quick and feels rather numb, mainly because it still relies on a non-variable ratio hydraulic assist steering, but at least there’s still good grip. Unlike more modern offerings, it doesn’t have stability control to speak of and this causes the front tires to chirp at full throttle. But at least the torque steer is largely controlled.
Pros Comfortable and upscale interior Optional engines offer efficiency and power MyLink user interface is intuitive and easy to use Extensive list of optional safety features
Cons Midrange trims offer fewer standard safety features than competitors Base 1.5-liter is disappointing all around Less cargo space behind the back seat than most competitors Price with options runs higher than average for the class
The 2019 GMC Terrain is another contender for crossover shoppers’ consideration, but its high price and lack of active safety features keep it on the bench for now.
Pros Handsome exterior shape Composed ride Tony Denali trim has luxury bona fides Smooth 9-speed automatic Apple CarPlay compatibility
Cons Part-time all-wheel drive Diesel adds thousands to bottom line No more sliding second row Active safety features cost extra, on all trims
The 2019 GMC Terrain ranked #11 in Compact SUVs. Currently the GMC Terrain has a score of 8.0 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 28 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Upscale interior Spacious seats Smooth ride Excellent fuel economy
Cons Poor rearward visibility Higher starting price than most competitors
