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What car replaced the Holden Captiva?

The Holden Equinox replaced the Holden Captiva in Holden’s Australian lineup, with the switch rolled out around 2017–2018 as General Motors shifted its SUV portfolio toward newer, globally sourced models.


Background: The Captiva’s role in Holden’s SUV lineup


The Captiva arrived in Holden showrooms in 2006 as a family-friendly SUV shared across GM brands. Over two generations, it served as Holden’s mainstay in the mid-size SUV segment, but aging design and rising competition eventually prompted a modernization of Holden’s SUV range.


Replacement and market impact


In Australia, Holden introduced the Equinox as the modern replacement for the Captiva. The Equinox offered updated styling, improved safety and technology, and a more contemporary driving experience, with sales beginning in late 2017 to 2018. This shift reflected GM’s strategy to consolidate its SUV lineup around newer, globally aligned models rather than continuing to push aging Captiva variants.


Key milestones in the transition:



  • 2006: Holden launches the Captiva in Australia, establishing its family SUV presence.

  • 2017–2018: The Equinox debuts in Australia, effectively replacing the Captiva in Holden’s lineup.

  • 2020: Holden brand reduces operations in Australia as GM restructures its regional business model.


The move to the Equinox signaled GM’s broader push to modernize Holden’s product range and align it with global SUV offerings, even as the Holden brand itself faced a broader transition in the region.


Summary


Answer: The Holden Equinox replaced the Holden Captiva in Australia. The transition began with the Equinox’s introduction in 2017–2018 as Holden moved toward newer, globally integrated SUVs, ahead of the broader changes to the Holden brand in the following years.

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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.