Renault Grand Scenic
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a seven-seat MPV that puts family needs first? The Renault Grand Scenic might be exactly what you’re looking for. This spacious family hauler combines practicality with French flair, offering genuine seven-seat versatility in a package that’s more stylish than your typical people carrier. It’s designed for families who need the space but don’t want to sacrifice on comfort or modern features.

From first glance, the Grand Scenic stands out from traditional boxy MPVs. Its flowing lines and distinctive LED lighting give it a more car-like appearance that rivals like the Ford S-Max or Volkswagen Touran struggle to match. But the real appeal becomes clear when you open the doors. The interior is genuinely spacious, with clever seating arrangements that make accessing the third row surprisingly easy. You get the sense that Renault has really thought about how families actually use their cars.

Driving the Grand Scenic is a surprisingly refined experience for an MPV. The ride is smooth and comfortable, making long family trips feel effortless. It handles predictably and safely, giving you confidence when carrying precious cargo. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, that’s not its purpose. Its purpose is to transport your family in comfort, safety, and style, and it achieves this with typical French sophistication.

What's the Renault Grand Scenic Like to Drive?

The Renault Grand Scenic offers a range of efficient engines that prioritise comfort over outright performance. The popular 1.5 dCi diesel produces around 110 horsepower and provides excellent fuel economy, making it ideal for family duties and longer journeys. The 1.3 TCe petrol engine offers similar power with smooth delivery that feels refined around town. Both engines provide adequate acceleration for everyday driving, with the diesel offering particularly strong mid-range pull for overtaking.

Where the Grand Scenic excels is in its ride quality and comfort. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, soaking up road imperfections beautifully. This makes it excellent for family trips where passenger comfort is paramount. The steering is light and easy at low speeds, making car parks and tight spaces manageable despite the car’s size. It’s not designed to be exciting, but as a comfortable MPV that gets the family from A to B in relaxed style, it succeeds admirably.

Inside the Renault Grand Scenic: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Grand Scenic and you’re greeted by one of the most thoughtfully designed MPV interiors available. The dashboard features a large touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The materials feel solid and well-assembled, with soft-touch surfaces where you’d expect them. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with the driver’s seat offering plenty of adjustment to find your perfect position.

The real star is the interior space and flexibility. All seven seats are proper sized, not just token additions. The second row slides and tilts to allow easy access to the third row, which is genuinely usable for adults on shorter trips. When you don’t need all seven seats, they fold completely flat to create a vast load area. Storage throughout the cabin is excellent, with numerous cubbies, cup holders, and door pockets. The panoramic sunroof available on higher trims adds to the airy, spacious feeling that makes long journeys pleasant for everyone aboard.

The Renault Grand Scenic succeeds brilliantly at its primary mission: being a practical, comfortable family car. It combines genuine seven-seat capability with thoughtful design, modern technology, and competitive running costs. The ride quality is excellent, the interior is spacious and flexible, and the styling is more attractive than most MPVs manage.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Renault Grand Scenic?

The Grand Scenic’s running costs are competitive for a seven-seat MPV, particularly with the efficient diesel engines. The 1.5 dCi consistently returns over 50 MPG in real-world driving, keeping fuel bills reasonable despite the car’s size. Insurance groups are moderate, typically falling into groups 15-20 depending on the engine and trim level. Road tax is reasonable thanks to relatively low CO2 emissions, especially on diesel models.

Initial purchase prices are competitive compared to rivals, offering good value for the level of equipment and space provided. Depreciation is fairly typical for the class, though Renault’s improved reputation for reliability helps residual values. Servicing costs are reasonable, and the widespread Renault dealer network makes maintenance convenient. With flexible car finance options available, the Grand Scenic represents solid value for families needing genuine seven-seat capability without premium pricing.

Is the Renault Grand Scenic Practical for Everyday Use?

The Grand Scenic is genuinely one of the most practical family cars you can buy. The 596-litre boot with five seats in use is enormous, easily handling the weekly shop, holiday luggage, or sports equipment. With all seven seats up, you still get 233 litres, enough for day-to-day essentials. The rear seats fold completely flat, creating a van-like load area when needed. Clever touches like underfloor storage compartments and numerous hooks and nets help keep everything organised.

What sets the Grand Scenic apart is how usable those seven seats actually are. Unlike some rivals where the third row is strictly for children, adults can genuinely sit in the back seats for reasonable distances. The sliding second row makes access easy, and all seats have proper headrests and safety features. For growing families or those who regularly carry friends and relatives, the Grand Scenic offers more genuine flexibility than most used Renault cars in the range.

The Renault Grand Scenic stands out in the MPV market by offering genuine seven-seat practicality wrapped in attractive, modern styling. It combines excellent interior space with thoughtful design touches that make family life easier. The smooth ride, efficient engines, and comprehensive safety equipment make it an excellent choice for families who prioritise comfort and practicality.

You choose the Grand Scenic because you need the space but don’t want to compromise on comfort or style. It’s perfectly suited for growing families, school runs, and holiday adventures. While it may not be the most engaging car to drive, it excels at everything that matters for family motoring, especially when considering cars under £15,000 on the used market.