Renault Captur vs Vauxhall Mokka: which used small SUV is better value?
The Renault Captur and Vauxhall Mokka sit right at the heart of the UK's small SUV segment, and both have carved out genuine popularity through sensible pricing and practical packaging rather than any single standout feature. Choosing between them used to be a coin toss. It's less so now, since Renault's hybrid E-Tech powertrain gives the Captur a genuine efficiency advantage that the Mokka's petrol-led range doesn't fully match.
Here's where each one pulls ahead, and where the gap is closer than you'd expect.
Powertrains: Captur's hybrid edge
The Captur's E-Tech full hybrid, badged eTech 160 in current form, doesn't need plugging in and delivers genuinely impressive fuel economy for a small SUV, often exceeding 55mpg in real-world mixed driving. It achieves this without the compromises that came with earlier hybrid systems, feeling smooth and responsive around town.
The Mokka counters with a broader powertrain spread including efficient petrol, a hybrid option, and a fully electric version, but the standard petrol range doesn't match the Captur hybrid's efficiency. If low running costs are the priority, the Captur hybrid deserves serious consideration over an equivalent petrol Mokka.
1 / 2
1 / 2Side by side
- boot_space422-536 litres
- fuel_economyUp to 56mpg (hybrid)
- insurance_groupGroup 12-22
- ✓E-Tech hybrid offers genuinely strong fuel economy
- ✓Distinctive, upmarket-feeling exterior design
- ✓Comfortable, well-cushioned ride
- −Boot space trails the Mokka slightly
- −Some interior plastics feel budget in lower trims
- −Infotainment can lag on older software versions
- boot_space350-1105 litres
- fuel_economyUp to 47mpg (petrol)
- insurance_groupGroup 12-21
- ✓
Check which powertrain you're actually comparing
Both cars are sold with multiple engine options. Make sure you're comparing like for like, since a petrol Captur and hybrid Mokka tell a very different story to the reverse pairing.
Practicality and everyday living
The Mokka's boot is more flexible thanks to its sliding rear bench in most trims, giving you the choice of maximising legroom or luggage space depending on the day. The Captur offers a similar sliding bench arrangement, and the two are closely matched on rear seat space, though the Mokka's boot capacity numbers edge ahead with the seats folded flat.
Both are comfortable for a small family, though neither is quite as spacious as a compact SUV one class up. If you're finding either feels tight for your needs, our roundup of covers larger alternatives worth cross-shopping.
The verdict
If fuel economy is your priority, the Captur's E-Tech hybrid is the clear winner and doesn't ask you to compromise on comfort or refinement to get there. If you want the widest choice of powertrains, including a fully electric option, or slightly more outright boot space, the Mokka is the more flexible pick.
Whichever you choose, check the carefully, and if you're trading in your current car, our guide on will help you negotiate a fairer deal on both sides of the transaction.
Frequently asked questions
The Captur's E-Tech full hybrid delivers noticeably better fuel economy, often exceeding 55mpg, compared to the Mokka's standard petrol range at around 47mpg.
The Mokka offers a wider spread including efficient petrol, hybrid, and a fully electric version, giving buyers more flexibility than the Captur's petrol and hybrid-only range.
The Mokka's boot capacity is slightly larger with the rear seats folded flat, though the two are closely matched with seats up thanks to similar sliding rear bench designs.
Both are priced similarly on the used market, generally within £1,000 of each other for equivalent age, mileage and trim.
Choose the Captur hybrid for the best fuel economy. Choose the Mokka for wider powertrain choice, including electric, or slightly more outright boot space.