Chevrolet Captiva

How much is the Chevrolet Captiva’s price? 

Prices for the Captiva begin from SAR 76,300 and go all the way up to SAR 88,200. 

How many variants are there in the Chevrolet Captiva?

The Chevrolet Captiva is on sale in 3 variants: LS, LT, and Premier. LS costs SAR 76,300, while LT costs SAR 81,000. And finally, Premier is on sale for SAR 88,200. 

Which is the most value-for-money variant? 

We think the Premier variant, which costs SAR 88,200, deserves your extra money over the other 2 variants. For just almost SAR 12,000 over the LS variant, you get a panoramic sunroof, adjustable seats, climate control, and a lot more. So if you don’t have major budget constraints, the extra money is money well spent, in our opinion. 

That said, even the mid-spec LT variant makes for a good, value-for-money buy if you are on a strict budget. 

What features does the Chevrolet Captiva get? 

The Chevrolet Captiva LS comes loaded with essential connectivity and entertainment features to keep passengers engaged during their travels. USB connectivity is available, allowing users to easily charge devices or play media directly from their gadgets. A built-in CD player caters to those who still prefer their music on discs, while Bluetooth capability ensures seamless wireless pairing with smartphones for both calls and audio streaming. 

The MP3 functionality enables you to play music in widely accepted formats, and the AUX input offers another means to connect external devices to the car's audio system. Speaking of audio, the Captiva is equipped with a 4-speaker setup that delivers decent sound throughout the cabin. Additionally, the vehicle comes with a radio, as well as support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which enables smartphone integration for navigation, apps, and media control directly from the infotainment system. 

How spacious is it? 

The interior of the Chevrolet Captiva LS is well constructed for functionality and comfort, a good family car SUV, meant for passengers and cargo. In the cabin, an information display is provided, from which one can monitor fuel consumption and trip information, while a remote would make it easier to open the door without fumbling for keys. 

The seats are upholstered in hard-wearing cloth, which could be very comforting on a long drive. It is also designed with rear air conditioning vents so that all passengers can feel comfortable; it especially ensures rear seat occupants stay cool in warmer climates. 

A trip computer supplies useful information regarding distance traveled, fuel economy, and trip time. The front air conditioning is an optional feature whereby controls are manually chosen to fine-tune the interior temperature within the preferences of the driver and front passenger. Steering wheel audio controls enable the driver to adjust the volume and track advance without having to remove their hands from the wheel. Front airbags and ABS brakes protect the driver in case of emergencies. 

What powertrain options are available?

For under the bonnet, the Chevrolet Captiva dons the courage of a sporty exterior design. A twin-cam, 16-valve unit with a high-pressure 1,800-bar fuel injection system gives precise control over combustion, and can therefore boost performance and efficiency. The compression ratio has been lowered to meet the stringent emission standards, therefore reducing more harmful exhaust gases.

However, while power delivery from the engine is excellent, transmission is a different case.

The clutch is very heavy and driving in stop-and-go traffic becomes tricky. A double mass flywheel does not help deliver the smooth engagement that one has the right to expect, especially out of a vehicle of this type. The gearshift is no better: moving through the gears with some effort, where it is not required, and feeling something of an exercise in urban driving. 

This is partially offset by the six-speed gearbox fitted to the Captiva, but well-judged ratios mean that the additional torque can be deployed without constantly blipping the accelerator. 

What’s the mileage of the Chevrolet Captiva?

You can expect a combined mileage of about 14 kmpl on your Captiva. When touring the highways, the number can go up to around 16 kmpl, while the number can drop down to around 11 kmpl in the city. 

How safe is the Chevrolet Captiva?

This is Chevrolet's Captiva LS, in which she has brought comprehensive safety technologies. Stability control ensures the vehicle is stable, especially in times of sharp maneuvers or slippery conditions. The ABS prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking and ensures that steering control in emergencies is maintained. EBD accompanies ABS by distributing brake force across each wheel according to load, providing more stabilized braking.

How many color options are there?

The Chevrolet Captiva is on sale in 6 colors, all of which look quite interesting. There is the Tiger Blue, Glaze Red Metallic, Tungsten Grey, Polar White, Aurora Silver Metallic, and Star Twinkle Black Metallic. Of these, we think the Polar White looks quite nice since the all-white color gives the Captiva a uniform and clean look, an effect that looks very nice on such big SUVs. 

Should you buy the Chevrolet Captiva?

While the new Chevrolet Captiva comes with its share of improvements over previous models, it still struggles to make a strong case for itself when stacked against competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe or the pricier but more refined Nissan X-Trail. While it boasts a solid list of features and a robust engine, the lackluster transmission and clunky gear shift can detract from the overall driving experience. 

The Captiva offers good value for money, especially considering the space and safety features, but in a market teeming with well-rounded options, it may not be the first choice for buyers looking for a seamless blend of comfort, performance, and refinement.

What are my alternatives? 

If the Captiva still doesn’t ‘captivate’ your attention, here are a couple of other cars you can think of. First is the Jeep Compass and Meridian. Given Jeep’s history, both handle off-roads better and have much better interiors. 

Then there is the Volkswagen Tiguan, a car with a much more exciting engine. You can even think about the Kia Seltos, which has a lot more features. And finally, there is also the Hyundai Tucson which has a much better road presence and is a bit more comfortable than the Chevrolet Captiva.