đź•‘4 min read
Stellantis continues to roll out more affordable vehicles across Europe. Here in North America, however, we are still waiting for cheaper options to reach showrooms.Â
Opel is the latest Stellantis brand to introduce a more affordable option. Its newest model, the Frontera Start, is a simple and practical crossover with a gasoline engine and enough technology to be useful without going overboard. It offers decent space and, even better, a starting price that keeps it within reach for the average buyer.
In Germany, the Frontera Start begins at €21,990, including an added value tax. With the current exchange rate, that is about $25,645 USD. Of course, you can’t compare European and American prices dollar for dollar. Taxes, regulations, equipment, and market conditions are different. Even so, that price gets your attention.
Opel Frontera Start. (Opel).
A Simple and Affordable Family SUV
The Frontera Start lowers the SUV’s previous entry price by €2,750 (or about $3,200). Despite the lower price, Opel hasn’t turned it into a bare bones vehicle.
But just because it’s cheaper doesn’t mean it lacks air conditioning, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, a 6-way-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 10-inch digital gauge cluster. Instead of adding an expensive infotainment system, Opel added a smartphone station to the center console. Owners can simply use their phones for music, navigation, and other functions. We recently saw Stellantis do this on the Fiat Grande Panda Pop.Â
The Start keeps things basic on the outside with black mirror caps, black bumpers, lower protective trim, and 16-inch steel wheels with black covers. It isn’t trying to impress anyone with flashy wheels or a long list of luxury features. The point is to give families an affordable SUV with the equipment they actually need.
It also offers enough interior room for most buyers’ everyday tasks. The Frontera features 460 liters (16.2 cubic feet) of cargo space with the rear seats in place. Folding the 60/40-split rear seat increases that figure to approximately 1,600 liters (56.5 cubic feet).
Opel Frontera Start. (Opel).
Gasoline, Hybrid, Or Electric
The Frontera Start also introduces a new entry-level engine. Its turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine produces 100 horsepower and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The same powertrain is in the gas-powered Jeep® Avenger models over there.Â
That is not much power by North American standards, but this version of the Frontera was designed around affordability and fuel economy rather than performance. Opel estimates fuel economy at 5.9 to 6.1 liters per 100 kilometers. In the U.S., that is roughly 38.6 to 39.9 MPG.Â
Opel also offers a 48-volt hybrid Start model producing 110 horsepower. It uses a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. An all-electric Frontera Start is available with 113 horsepower and a 44-kWh battery (43 kWh usable).
Opel Frontera Start. (Opel).
America Is Still Waiting
Right now, the 2026 Jeep Compass Latitude 4Ă—4 is the cheapest Stellantis vehicle you can buy in the U.S. Although its MSRP starts at $29,550, Jeep adds a $1,995 destination charge, bringing the price to $31,545 before taxes, title, registration, and any other fees.
Of course, the Compass is slightly larger and more powerful than the Frontera, comes standard with 4×4, and targets a different type of buyer. Even so, the fact that Stellantis’ least expensive vehicle starts at more than $31,000 shows just how far the company has moved away from entry-level buyers in North America over the past decade.
More affordable options are coming, but buyers will have to wait a little longer.
Chrysler Arrow and Arrow Cross Teaser. (Chrysler)
Chrysler has announced the Arrow and Arrow Cross, two smaller C-segment crossover vehicles intended to bring more affordable choices back to showrooms. Both are expected to share much of their basic design and engineering with the upcoming FIAT Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback.
Stellantis has indicated that the pair will compete below $30,000. That could make them some of the company’s most important North American products, especially for younger buyers and families who cannot justify spending $40,000 or more on a new vehicle.
The problem is that the Arrow and Arrow Cross are still a while away from reaching showrooms. Buyers who need an affordable new vehicle today cannot purchase a future Chrysler.
The Frontera Start proves Stellantis still knows how to build straightforward vehicles at a reasonable price. North America will eventually get more affordable choices, but until the Arrow twins arrive, American buyers will have to wait.
Robert S. Miller