2021 Chevrolet Captiva Review: Performance, Features, and Comparison

The car you see is the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Captiva, a car that might look a little familiar due to its multiple identities worldwide. In China, it is sold as the Baojun 530, in India it is marketed as the MG Hector, and here in the Middle East, it is known as the Chevrolet Captiva. With that little introduction out of the way, let us dive into the review and see what sets the Captiva apart from its segment competitors, namely the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, and Toyota RAV4.

Drive

With Chevrolet on a product expansion spree, they have introduced many new SUVs such as the Blazer, Traverse, and Equinox over the past few years. This raises the question: where does the Captiva fit into Chevrolet’s lineup? Essentially, it fits between the smaller Trax and the larger Equinox. While it does not resemble either of the two, Chevrolet has worked hard to make the Captiva feel distinctly like a Chevrolet.

Powering this compact crossover is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 149 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque. This power is transmitted through a CVT gearbox that simulates an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, it is important to note that the Captiva is only available in a Front Wheel Drive layout. Therefore, if you enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path or the soft sand at the beach, you’d be better off with the All-Wheel Drive options like the CR-V, X-Trail, or RAV4.

In terms of fuel economy, the small engine of the Captiva works in its favor, achieving up to 12 kilometers per liter. Ride comfort is better than expected, with the suspension effectively absorbing bumps and uneven patches. However, one aspect of the driving experience that feels somewhat off is the steering wheel, which is oversized for a car of this size.

Interior

In terms of design, the Captiva's interior seems inspired by the Mazda CX-5, evident in the shape of the central A/C vents and the overall dashboard flow. While there are patches of beige leather and silver trim enhancing the cabin, there is noticeably more hard plastic compared to its rivals.

To appeal to younger buyers, the designers have incorporated fighter jet-like switches for the central locking system, parking sensors, etc., along with a flat-bottom steering wheel. Additionally, the Captiva features a unique customizable instrument cluster that displays information relevant to the driver.

The second row is crucial in family SUVs, and in the Captiva, it slides forward and backward and reclines. While legroom is good, headroom is tighter than expected, even for shorter individuals. Thankfully, A/C vents and a USB charging outlet are available.

Many compact crossovers offering 7 seats do so just for the sake of it, and the Captiva is no exception. Oddly, the designers provided the last row with cupholders and a USB charging outlet but omitted A/C vents, which are essential.

Features

The Premiere model, the full-option version sold in the UAE, comes well-equipped with features like:

• Sunroof
• 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay
• Rearview camera with front and back sensors
• Electric parking brake with auto hold
• Cruise control

Although the screen has good resolution, it tends to lag, taking 3-4 seconds to respond to inputs. Furthermore, it lacks Android Auto, a feature standard in all its rivals, and automatic headlights.

Exterior

In terms of design, the Captiva is undoubtedly attractive, especially in Glaze Red Metallic. Its bodywork features sharp lines and edges, and like the Nissan Juke, it includes LED Daytime Running Lights positioned atop halogen headlamps. The side profile boasts 17-inch alloys wrapped around Continental tires and a distinctive floating roof design.

At the rear, the Captiva features a roof-mounted spoiler, wraparound taillamps, and a chrome exhaust emerging from a sporty diffuser. With all three rows of seats in use, cargo space is limited. However, folding the seats provides up to 1,051 liters of storage, which is substantial but not as ample as its competitors.

Verdict

With a starting price of just 64,900 Dirhams and a fully optioned price of 79,000 Dirhams in the UAE, the Chevrolet Captiva is significantly more affordable than its Japanese rivals. While its lower price means it may not match them in quality, features, or driving experiences, affordability often reigns supreme in today's market. If you're looking for the best car insurance quotes that will save you time and money, check out InsuranceMarket.ae™.