Opel Frontera Gravel Concept: Rugged Electric SUV Ready for Off-Road Adventure

Opel’s decision to bring back the ‘Frontera’ name for its latest mid-size SUV feels perfectly timed. Much like iconic off-road names such as Maverick, Patrol, Explorer, Expedition, and Discovery, ‘Frontera’ evokes that rugged, adventurous spirit — ideal for a family-friendly 4x4. Even though it’s not an actual word, the name carries a nostalgic nod to the ’90s, making it surprising this revival hasn’t happened sooner.

However, the current SUV market is flooded with options the size of the Frontera, unlike three decades ago when the original first launched. Opel’s new electrified Frontera, available in the UK with hybrid and fully electric powertrains starting at £23,995, might have slipped under many buyers’ radars. To shake things up, Opel has unveiled the Frontera Gravel — a bold overlanding concept that adds serious lifestyle credentials for 2025. Think lightbars, roof racks, and chunky all-terrain tyres, all telling a story of off-road readiness and weekend adventure.

Developed in collaboration with BlackFish and XS, the Frontera Gravel will make its public debut at the upcoming XS Carnight event held at Wörthersee, a location famous for massive Volkswagen meetups. Opel describes this concept as “rougher, tougher, and built for life off the beaten path.” Built on the all-electric Frontera platform, the Gravel benefits from instant torque and a low centre of gravity, making it well-suited for light off-roading and soft terrain excursions. While it’s no electric Defender rival, it promises a boost in capability beyond the standard SUV.

The concept rolls on 16-inch Borbet wheels, a name synonymous with Vauxhall tuning back in the day, now paired with BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres. These tyres not only enhance grip on challenging surfaces but also add to the Gravel’s rugged aesthetic. The body is wrapped in a unique ‘Desert Stone’ matte foil, complemented by bright orange highlights on the bumper, mirror caps, and logos. These accents aren’t just for show—they improve visibility during off-road excursions, a clever touch for real-world utility.

Under the skin, the Frontera Gravel is equipped with genuine off-road gear. It sports a winch (details on capacity remain undisclosed), a robust Thule Canyon XT roof rack securely mounted to the bonnet, and twin light bars. The rooftop light bar is familiar territory for adventure vehicles, but the additional bonnet-mounted light bar brings a rally-inspired edge, offering outstanding illumination for night driving over rugged terrain.

Though the Frontera Gravel remains a concept for now, alongside projects like the Mokka GSe, it demonstrates Opel’s playful approach to electrified SUVs. Injecting character and excitement into the EV segment is a breath of fresh air in a market often dominated by conservative designs.

Rebecca Reinermann, Opel and Vauxhall’s VP of Marketing, commented on the Frontera Gravel: “The new Opel Frontera is already a standout — rugged, practical, and perfect for families and everyday adventures. But with the Frontera GRAVEL show car, we’ve pushed boundaries to envision a tougher, more daring version. This concept is designed to ignite our fan base’s passion and explore the demand for a bolder, off-road-ready Frontera in the future. It’s all about freedom, adventure, excitement, and breaking new ground.”

If this concept paves the way for a production-ready, rugged Frontera variant, family road trips and weekend getaways could take on a whole new level of adventure.