Renault Kadjar
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a practical family SUV that won’t break the bank? The Renault Kadjar could be exactly what you need. This mid-size crossover SUV delivers impressive space and comfort without the premium price tag of German rivals. It’s designed for families who need versatility and practicality above flashy performance.

From the outside, the Kadjar strikes a confident stance with its bold front grille and muscular wheel arches. It looks substantial without being too bulky, making it ideal for both city driving and family road trips. Inside, you’ll find one of the most spacious cabins in its class, with excellent headroom and legroom throughout. The dashboard is clean and functional, though it lacks the premium materials you’d find in competitors like the Nissan Qashqai or VW Tiguan.

On the road, the Kadjar prioritises comfort over sportiness. The suspension soaks up bumps effectively, making it a relaxing companion on longer journeys. While it may not be the most exciting SUV to drive, it excels at the things that matter to families. The engines are efficient, running costs are reasonable, and there’s plenty of space for people and luggage. For buyers seeking a reliable, spacious, and affordable family SUV, the Kadjar represents excellent value for money.

What's the Renault Kadjar Like to Drive?

The Renault Kadjar offers a sensible range of engines focused on efficiency rather than excitement. The 1.2 TCe petrol engine with 130 horsepower provides adequate performance for most situations, delivering smooth acceleration around town and enough power for confident motorway driving. The 1.5 dCi diesel is the pick of the range if you cover higher mileages, offering excellent fuel economy with reasonable performance. All engines are paired with either a six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.

Where the Kadjar truly excels is in ride comfort and refinement. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections with ease and keeping passengers comfortable on longer journeys. The steering is light and easy at low speeds, making parking straightforward, though it lacks the precision of sportier rivals. Wind and road noise are well controlled, creating a serene cabin environment. This compact SUV feels secure and stable on the motorway, making it an ideal choice for family holidays and daily commuting alike.

Inside the Renault Kadjar: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Kadjar and you’ll immediately notice the generous space on offer. The cabin feels airy and open, with excellent headroom in both front and rear seats. The dashboard design is clean and functional, featuring Renault’s R-Link infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen as standard. While the materials aren’t quite premium quality, they feel solid and well-assembled. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment range for drivers of different heights.

The rear seats are a real highlight, offering excellent legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The bench can slide forward and back to balance passenger space with boot capacity. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB charging points. Higher specification models add features like satellite navigation, climate control, and a panoramic sunroof that enhances the already spacious feel. The cabin remains impressively quiet at cruising speeds, making conversation easy and reducing driver fatigue on longer trips.

The Renault Kadjar succeeds by focusing on the fundamentals that matter most to family buyers. Its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and competitive running costs make it an excellent all-rounder. The diesel engine in particular offers outstanding fuel economy, while the generous interior space puts many rivals to shame. It may not have the most exciting driving dynamics or premium interior materials, but it delivers exactly what most buyers actually need.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Renault Kadjar?

The Kadjar’s running costs are one of its strongest selling points, particularly if you choose the diesel engine. The 1.5 dCi can achieve over 60 mpg in real-world driving, making it extremely economical for families covering higher mileages. Even the petrol 1.2 TCe returns respectable fuel economy of around 40-45 mpg. Insurance groups are reasonable, typically falling between groups 12-18 depending on the specification chosen.

Purchase prices are competitive, with used examples offering excellent value compared to premium rivals. Renault’s warranty coverage is comprehensive, and the brand has improved its reliability reputation in recent years. Servicing costs are moderate for the class, though using specialist independent garages can help reduce expenses. car finance options are widely available, making the Kadjar accessible to a broad range of buyers. While depreciation is fairly typical for the segment, the strong initial value proposition means running costs remain attractive throughout ownership.

Is the Renault Kadjar Practical for Everyday Use?

The Kadjar excels in practical matters, offering one of the most spacious interiors in its class. The 472-litre boot is generous and well-shaped, easily accommodating the weekly shopping or holiday luggage for a family of four. The rear seats fold down to create an impressive 1,478 litres of load space when needed. Clever touches include sliding rear seats that allow you to prioritise either passenger legroom or boot space depending on your needs.

Inside the cabin, storage solutions are thoughtfully designed with plenty of door bins, cup holders, and cubby holes for family essentials. The rear doors open wide for easy child seat access, and the boot opening is generous for loading bulky items. For families or couples who value space and practicality above all else, the Kadjar delivers in spades. While it may not have the premium appeal of some used Renault cars, its focus on real-world usability makes it an excellent choice for practical buyers seeking maximum space for their money.

The Renault Kadjar stands out in the crowded family SUV market by offering exceptional practicality and value for money. It combines generous interior space, comfortable ride quality, and efficient engines into a package that makes perfect sense for family buyers. While it may not win any awards for driving excitement or interior luxury, it excels in the areas that actually matter for day-to-day family life.

You choose the Kadjar because you want a sensible, spacious, and reliable family car that won’t cost a fortune to buy or run. Its impressive fuel economy, particularly with the diesel engine, makes it ideal for families covering higher mileages. The spacious cabin and large boot ensure everyone and everything fits comfortably. If you’re looking for honest family transport that delivers on its promises, the Kadjar should definitely be on your shortlist, especially with cars under £10,000 offering excellent value in the used market.