Well this is interesting and in line with our own research on the matter via Ruppert’s Bangerpedias

Here is what we thought of it a few years ago

Never the most sophisticated off roader, Vauxhall actually put a lot right when they revamped it in 1998, so that it handled better and was more reliable. As a result the Frontera is a low priced, tough, and well packaged 4 x 4 that is ready for work. When it comes to rugged charm the Frontera has that in spades. Huge handling improvements for the Frontera. New steering is responsive, and body roll on corners is kept in check. More refinement on the road and also more accomplished off it. Push button engagement of four wheel drive on the move, combined with a proper low ratio gearbox and separate chassis means excellent ability. Lots of room in the back of both models. A decent sized boot too with good access through the opening rear window.

The 4x4s closest to extinction on UK roads which is based on the rate of decline in UK vehicle registrations (2020 to 2023) here’s a useful chart… 

Vehicle — time of predicted extinction: year (quarter) 

=1. Vauxhall Frontera — predicted extinction: 2025 (Q4) 
=1. Ford Maverick — 2025 (Q4) 
3. Nissan Terrano — 2026 (Q1) 
4. Mitsubishi Challenger — 2026 (Q3) 
5. Lexus RX 300 — 2028 (Q2) 
=6. Suzuki Grand Vitara — 2031 (Q2) 
=6. Subaru Legacy — 2031 (Q2) 
8. Jeep Cherokee — 2031 (Q4) 
9. Mercedes ML Class — 2033 (Q4)  

Explore Adrian Flux’s top 30 vehicles set for extinction here. 

Taking their place are modern luxury SUVs such as Range Rover Evoque, BMW X5 and Audi Q7 — also known as ‘Chelsea Tractors’.  

These models have collectively seen a 5% increase in UK car registrations during the same four-year period where more than 500 vehicles have declined even closer to extinction within the next two decades. 

Gerry Bucke, General Manager at Adrian Flux, comments: “British motorists who fondly remember the emergence of certain rugged 4x4s on UK roads during the 80s’ and 90s’ will be sad to see many of them close to extinction.” 

“As our research indicates, even a model as iconic and influential among SUV design as the Jeep Cherokee is set to disappear by 2031.” 

The extinction of SUVs that are known more for their off-road capabilities in favour of ‘Chelsea Tractors’ is a trend that follows previous research published by the New Weather Institute showing over three quarters of SUVs sold in the UK were registered to urban homes between 2019 and 2020.  

Explore Adrian Flux’s research further at: https://www.adrianflux.co.uk/car-extinction/2035/