While most SUV owners wouldn’t dare leave the pavement, the desire to look like they might has never been stronger. To keep up with the trend, Stellantis’ Opel division has unveiled the Frontera Gravel concept, a rugged-looking spin on its family-friendly SUV that hints at a more adventurous trim level down the line.

Developed at Opel’s Russelsheim design center, the one-off concept was created with input from the “enthusiast community” and assembled in collaboration with motorsport tuning specialists BlackFish and XS.

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The Frontera Gravel immediately sets itself apart with a lineup of off-road-inspired accessories: a Thule Canyon XT roof rack, additional LED lights on the hood and roof, a front-mounted winch, a side storage box, and even snow tracks attached to the D-pillars. It also rides on 16-inch Borbet CWE wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, helping it at least look the part, even if it never leaves the campsite parking lot.

The body is finished in a matte Desert Stone wrap, contrasted by a black hood and roof. Orange accents show up on the skid plates, mirror caps, roof rack, and badging, while custom stickers complete the package. Inside, the microfibre seats get matching orange detailing, and a black headliner adds to the rugged vibe.

Electric, Front-Wheel Drive, and… Soft-Road Capable?

Opel

Opel confirmed that the Frontera Gravel is based on the production Frontera Electric, which comes only with front-wheel drive. While not exactly off-road royalty, Opel insists the concept can handle “soft-roading adventures” thanks to its low center of gravity and healthy torque output.

The most powerful version of the Frontera Electric packs a single 154 hp (156 PS / 115 kW) motor and a 54 kWh battery, delivering a range of up to 400 km (249 miles). It’s not exactly overland-ready, but it should be enough for a spirited weekend getaway, assuming your idea of rugged terrain includes gravel trails and not much else.

All-Wheel Drive Remains Off the Table

Unfortunately, Opel doesn’t seem to be interested in an AWD Frontera, something that could happen with the addition of an electrified rear axle to the mild-hybrid version. This solution has already been applied to the Jeep Avenger 4Xe and the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4, and will soon find its way into the upcoming Fiat Grande Panda 4×4.

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The Frontera Gravel will make its public debut on May 30 at the XS Carnight event in Wörthersee, Austria. Although it’s officially a concept, a production version seems like a real possibility. Opel could use it to compete with similarly rugged trims like the upcoming Dakar-inspired Dacia Duster variant.

Rebecca Reinermann, Opel and Vauxhall’s Vice President of Marketing, stated: “The new Opel Frontera is already standout. It is rugged, practical, and perfect for families and everyday adventures. But with the Frontera GRAVEL show car, we’ve pushed the limits, imagining a tougher, more daring, trailblazing version. This concept is built to fire up our fanbase and test the demand for a bolder, more rugged Frontera in the future. It’s all about freedom, adventure, excitement and pushing boundaries.”

Opel has given its GSE performance sub-brand for electric vehicles a fresh update, and before the first production model hits the streets, they’ve already rolled out a rally car. Named the Mokka GSE Rally, it’s a more rugged, performance-focused version of the compact SUV, featuring an electric powertrain and a suite of chassis upgrades.

Visually, the rally-ready Mokka stands out with a special livery featuring black, gray, and yellow graphics. It rolls on large alloy wheels with yellow brake calipers, and the sporty front and rear bumpers, along with a roof-mounted intake, set it apart from the standard Mokka Electric.

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Some of these features, like the more aggressive body kit, will likely carry over to the roadgoing Opel Mokka GSE. This performance version of the electric SUV is expected to debut in late 2025, likely sharing specs with its mechanically similar counterparts, the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce.

Back to the rally car, it is compatible with the FIA’s new eRally5 regulations and will eventually replace the Opel Corsa Electric Rally that has been around since 2019. The SUV is fitted with a single electric motor delivering 278 hp (207 kW / 280 PS) and 345 Nm (255 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a multi-plate limited-slip differential and a racing transmission.

The 54 kWh battery pack is carried over from the Mokka Electric but gets added protection with a special encapsulation and underride guard. Chassis upgrades include a rally-spec suspension from Bilstein, with reinforced McPherson struts in the front and modified springs and dampers on the rigid rear axle. Additionally, the ABS, ESP, and traction control systems have been removed, giving drivers full freedom to push the Mokka to its limits across various terrains.

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The interior of the rally car has been stripped out, and features a FIA-certified roll cage, as well as a pair of bucket seats with six-point harnesses. For safety, the 400-volt system will automatically shut down in the event of a collision, while the fire extinguishing system features an electrically non-conductive extinguishing agent.

Opel plans to offer the Mokka GSE Rally to private customers and teams starting in the 2026 rally season, but before that, you’ll get a chance to see the prototype in action at the ELE Rally Eindhoven in the Netherlands, set for May 23-24. This event is part of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, which will feature the Corsa Rally Electric, another electrified rally contender.

Opel has announced that its GSE sub-brand for performance models will go fully electric, abandoning its previous route of plug-in hybrid powertrains. The first model of this new era will be the Mokka GSE, which is expected to debut later this year.

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Introduced in 2022, Opel and Vauxhall’s GSE performance sub-brand initially included electrified models with plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Astra hatchback, Astra Sports Tourer estate, and Grandland SUV all received GSE versions, featuring a sharper chassis setup and more dynamic performance. However, starting this year, the GSE name will be rebranded with a fresh logo and applied exclusively to fully electric vehicles.

What Does GSE Really Stand For?

According to Opel, G stands for Grand, German engineering, goosebumps, great grip and G-forces, S stands for Sport, speed, sweat and sliding through S-curves, while E stands for Electric, excitement, exhilaration and euphoria. German humor at its finest.

The GSE models will sport a more aggressive look and feature an upgraded chassis setup that aims to “directly integrate the driver” and offer “exciting driving pleasure.” According to the company, these performance EVs are designed to be “stable when braking, cornering, and at high speeds on the Autobahn.” So, don’t expect any track-focused beasts, it’s more about sharp handling on real-world roads.

Details about the electric powertrains haven’t been shared yet, so it’s unclear whether there will be significant improvements in that area.

The Mokka GSE: A Sneak Peek

The Mokka will be the first model to wear the GSE badge, with a market launch scheduled for 2025. The small SUV is expected to follow a similar performance path as the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, producing up to 278 horsepower (207 kW / 280 PS) from a single electric motor mounted on the front axle.

A teaser image shows the Mokka GSE will likely feature special decals, along with redesigned bumpers, larger alloy wheels, and brake calipers finished in a striking yellow. Note that the current generation Mokka was introduced in 2020 and received a mild facelift in 2024.

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Judging from recent spy shots, the Grandland is also expected to gain the GSE moniker, with similar styling and chassis upgrades.

Opel has also launched an “OMG! GSE” campaign, designed to communicate the feeling of driving one of their new electric performance models for the first time. CEO Florian Huettl stated: “The GSE sub-brand stands for particularly dynamic, exhilarating, and emotional Opel models. In 2025, we will take the next important step. The new GSE models will be fully electric. This demonstrates how powerful, exciting, and inspiring battery-electric mobility can be.”

Stellantis isn’t just a car company; it’s a continent-spanning brand collective with a habit of churning out crossovers like a bakery pumps out croissants. With names from Italy, France, Germany, and the US under its belt, it’s no surprise that many of its mainstream models share bones beneath the surface. That includes its latest crop of compact SUVs, which use common underpinnings while each clings to its own visual identity in a crowded, hyper-competitive segment.

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Among these mechanically-linked cousins, Jeep, Citroen, Opel, and Peugeot each toss their hat into the ring with subtly different flavors, all aiming for the same buyers and the same wallets. On paper, they have more in common than not, but visually there’s enough variation to make a side-by-side design comparison worthwhile.

Thus, we lined them up and now it’s your turn to tell us which one you’d actually want in your driveway. Even if it’s theoretical since most of you won’t get the chance, as Europe is the only region where all of them are currently on sale.

The Compact Contenders

The contenders include the newly revealed Jeep Compass, Citroen C5 Aircross, Opel Grandland, and the Peugeot 3008 and 5008. In the future, they should be joined by the DS No7, which will replace the current DS7. While earlier generations of the European models rode on the PSA-era EMP2 platform, the Jeep is the newcomer to this shared architecture, having recently moved from its old FCA roots to the STLA Medium platform.

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As mentioned, none of these SUVs are currently sold in the US. The Compass might eventually cross the Atlantic, but Jeep is still “assessing the situation,” which is just a polite way of saying “we’re waiting to see how messy the trade tariffs get” as the company has paused work at the Canadian plant it was supposed to build the North American version.

As mentioned, none of these SUVs are currently offered in the US. The Compass has the best shot at making the jump, but Jeep is still “assessing the situation” – which is the polite way of saying they’re waiting to see just how messy the trade tariffs get. In the meantime, the company has paused work at the Canadian plant that was originally set to build the North American version.

Same Platform, Different Personalities

All five SUVs ride on the same platform but feature different bodywork. The Peugeot 3008 and 5008 are the only ones that look like twins from the front, while the others keep their sheet metal to themselves. That gave designers enough freedom to inject some brand DNA, even if the proportions are dictated by the shared architecture.

Front-end design is where the Jeep leans hard into its off-road roots, with a squared-up face, seven-slot grille, and thick plastic cladding. The Citroen goes the other way, aiming for futuristic with split headlights and decorative intakes that do more looking than actually breathing.

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Peugeot’s models take the sporty route, wearing slim headlights and sharp LED “claws” that stretch into the grille. Opel’s Grandland plays it conservative, wearing the brand’s “Vizor” face that’s more subtle, though definitely modern.

Side profiles offer more variety. Jeep stays on-brand with boxy fenders and trapezoidal arches, giving it the most “adventure-ready” stance. Peugeot gives the 3008 a coupe-style roofline, making it the swoopier of the bunch, while the 5008 keeps it upright for max cargo space. The Citroen C5 Aircross adds curves and quirky details, staying true to its contrarian reputation, while Opel again plays it safe. The Grandland’s shark-fin D-pillar is its one standout flourish.

Size Matters (Kind Of)

When it comes to dimensions, the Peugeot 5008 is the big boy of this comparison, measuring 4,791 mm (188.6 inches), placing it in Europe’s (mid-size) D-SUV territory with rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota RAV4.

Citroen’s C5 Aircross and the Opel Grandland are nearly the same length, at around 4,652 mm (183.1 inches), which positions them squarely in the upper end of the C-SUV segment, roomy enough for families but still city-friendly. Bringing up the rear in length are the Compass and 3008, clocking in at 4,550 mm (179.1 inches) and 4,540 mm (178.7 inches) respectively. They’re compact, but not cramped.

Rear Design and Cabin Differences

From the back, the Citroen arguably stands out the most, thanks to LED taillights that jut out like sci-fi fins. The Peugeot 3008, again, plays the sporty card with a sloping roof and spoiler, and it shares its sharp taillights with the taller, boxier 5008.

Interestingly, the Grandland’s rear design is arguably its strongest angle, as was the case with the previous generation. And Jeep? The latest Compass finally brings something modern to the table, improving significantly on its outdated predecessor.

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That brings us to the interior design, where things get surprisingly varied. Each SUV takes a different approach to the digital cockpit, offering its own interpretation of modern tech. The most distinctive setup belongs to Peugeot’s iCockpit, featuring a curved display, a compact steering wheel, and center console details that lean into a light sci-fi aesthetic.

Citroen claims the title for largest screen in any Stellantis vehicle, with a 13-inch portrait touchscreen perched on the dash, flanked by their signature plush “Advanced Comfort” seats. Opel’s cabin is similarly spacious, though the design is more reserved. Jeep adds some flair with metallic trim and unique textures, but keeps the layout simple and user-friendly.

Under the Hood: Shared DNA

All five SUVs share the same foundation, so there’s no need to dig too deep. They’re all built on the STLA Medium architecture and offer a range of powertrains for European buyers, including mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric options.

Entry-level versions come with a mild-hybrid setup built around a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. The plug-in hybrids step things up with a larger 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, paired with a more powerful electric motor and a bigger battery pack. Fully electric models offer either single- or dual-motor configurations, along with two battery choices depending on range and performance needs.

Your Move, Stellantis Fans

So which one does it best? Which compact SUV nails the styling, and which one should actually make the jump across the Atlantic? Cast your vote and let us know what you think.

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