The automotive world is buzzing with excitement as Opel unveils its latest creation, the Frontera Gravel, a rugged concept SUV designed to capture the hearts of adventure-seeking, middle-aged American men. Revealed at the XS Carnight tuning event in Wörthersee, Austria, on May 30, 2025, this bold show car is a beefed-up version of the recently introduced Opel Frontera, a vehicle that’s already making waves as a practical and family-friendly SUV. But the Frontera Gravel takes things to a whole new level, blending tough, off-road-ready styling with the promise of electrified performance. While it’s currently a one-off concept, this SUV hints at a future where Opel could challenge budget off-road competitors like Dacia’s rugged offerings. Here’s a deep dive into what makes the Frontera Gravel a potential game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts.
Image credit: Opel
The Opel Frontera itself is a revival of a nameplate from the 1990s, when it was known as a true SUV rather than a crossover. Launched a year ago as the successor to the Opel Crossland, the new Frontera ditched the van-like qualities of its predecessor for a more robust, traditional SUV design. Available in both fully electric and hybrid versions, it’s built to appeal to practical buyers who want affordability, modern tech, and a spacious interior. But the Frontera Gravel concept pushes the envelope further, transforming the standard model into a machine that screams adventure and rugged exploration.
Designed at Opel’s Rüsselsheim design center in Germany, the Frontera Gravel was crafted with input from the enthusiast community and built in collaboration with motorsport tuning specialists BlackFish and XS. The result is a vehicle that looks ready to tackle the great outdoors, even if it’s primarily a showpiece for now. Opel’s marketing team describes it as “rougher, tougher, made for life beyond the asphalt,” and the design choices back up that claim. The SUV sports a striking Desert Stone matte wrap, contrasted by a matte black hood and roof. Vibrant orange accents pop on the skid plates, exterior mirror caps, roof rack, and badging, giving it a bold, eye-catching look that’s sure to turn heads at any campsite or trailhead.
Image credit: Opel
What sets the Frontera Gravel apart from its standard counterpart is its array of off-road-inspired accessories. A Thule Canyon XT roof rack adds serious cargo-carrying potential, perfect for hauling gear on weekend getaways. Additional LED lights mounted on the hood and roof ensure visibility during nighttime adventures, while a front-mounted winch and a tow hook signal this SUV is ready for tough situations. Side storage boxes at the rear provide extra space for tools or supplies, and snow tracks attached to the D-pillars hint at its ability to handle wintery conditions. The Gravel rolls on 16-inch Borbet CWE wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, giving it the grip and stance needed to look the part, even if it’s not crawling over boulders just yet. Custom stickers add a final touch of personality, making this concept feel like a love letter to off-road enthusiasts.
Inside, the Frontera Gravel keeps the rugged vibe going. The microfibre seats feature orange detailing that matches the exterior accents, and a black headliner creates a darker, more purposeful cabin atmosphere. While the interior retains much of the standard Frontera’s practical layout, these tweaks give it a distinct edge, appealing to guys who want a vehicle that feels as tough as it looks.
Image credit: Opel
Under the hood—or rather, under the floor—the Frontera Gravel is based on the electric version of the standard Frontera. It’s powered by a single 154-horsepower motor and a 54 kWh battery, offering a respectable range of up to 249 miles. While that’s plenty for a weekend trip to the mountains or a day at the lake, the catch is that it remains front-wheel drive, a limitation that might disappoint hardcore off-roaders dreaming of a true 4x4. Opel insists the Gravel is capable of “soft-roading adventures” thanks to its low center of gravity and healthy torque, which should handle gravel trails, dirt paths, or light off-road conditions just fine. However, don’t expect it to compete with heavy-duty off-roaders like a Jeep Wrangler without an all-wheel-drive system.
This lack of all-wheel drive is a notable drawback, especially when competitors like the Jeep Avenger 4Xe and the upcoming Fiat Grande Panda 4x4 have embraced electrified AWD systems. Opel could potentially add an electrified rear axle to the hybrid version of the Frontera, but for now, the Gravel remains a front-wheel-drive concept. Still, for most middle-aged guys looking to hit the trails for a weekend of camping or fishing, the Gravel’s setup should be more than adequate for light off-road fun.
Image credit: Opel
Opel’s Vice President of Marketing, Rebecca Reinermann, emphasized the Gravel’s purpose: “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.” Her words suggest Opel is seriously considering a production version of the Gravel, especially if it generates enough buzz at XS Carnight.
The Frontera Gravel’s debut comes at a time when rugged, budget-friendly SUVs are gaining traction. With its off-road styling and electrified powertrain, it’s positioned as a potential rival to vehicles like the Dacia Duster’s upcoming Dakar-inspired variant. For American men who love the idea of a versatile SUV that can handle both the daily commute and weekend adventures without breaking the bank, the Gravel concept is an exciting proposition. While it’s not confirmed for production, the enthusiasm surrounding its reveal suggests Opel is testing the waters for a more adventurous trim level down the road.
For now, the Frontera Gravel remains a tantalizing glimpse at what could be. It combines the practicality of the standard Frontera with a rugged aesthetic that appeals to guys who dream of hitting the open road, exploring new trails, and embracing the freedom of the outdoors. Whether it’s parked at a campsite or cruising through the suburbs, this concept SUV is designed to make a statement. If Opel decides to bring this vision to life, it could carve out a unique space in the competitive SUV market, offering middle-aged American men a budget-friendly, electrified option for their next adventure.
