A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.3
Running Costs
4
Practicality
4.6
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a capable family SUV that won’t break the bank? The Renault Koleos delivers impressive space and practicality in the competitive mid size SUV market. This French offering stands out with its generous interior dimensions and comfortable ride quality, making it an appealing choice for families who need versatility without premium price tags. The Koleos competes directly with popular models like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, offering similar practicality but often at a more attractive price point. What sets the Koleos apart is its focus on comfort over sportiness, with a refined driving experience that prioritises passenger comfort on long journeys. The spacious cabin and large boot make it particularly suitable for families or those who regularly carry passengers and luggage. While it may not have the premium badge appeal of German rivals, the Koleos offers excellent value for money with a comprehensive warranty and lower running costs. Whether you’re looking for a reliable family hauler or need the elevated driving position and space of an SUV, the Koleos provides a compelling package that’s well worth considering in today’s crowded SUV marketplace.
What's the Renault Koleos Like to Drive?
The Renault Koleos focuses on smooth, comfortable progress rather than sporty thrills. The main engine is a 1.7-litre diesel unit producing around 150 horsepower, which provides adequate performance for family duties. The 0-60 mph time of around 10.5 seconds won’t set your pulse racing, but it feels perfectly adequate for real-world driving. The engine delivers good torque low down, making overtaking and motorway merging feel confident and stress-free.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.7L 4-cylinder diesel
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Power Output
150 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
45-50 mpg
- Boot Space
- 458 litres (7 seats up)
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Renault Koleos: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Koleos and you’ll immediately appreciate the spacious, airy cabin. The dashboard design is clean and modern, featuring Renault’s latest infotainment system with a clear, responsive touchscreen. The materials used throughout feel solid and well-chosen, with soft-touch plastics on key areas and attractive trim details. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment range to help drivers of all sizes find their ideal position.
A surprisingly polished SUV. The Koleos blends a comfortable ride, practical interior space, and understated style, making it a compelling, if slightly unflashy, family choice.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Renault Koleos?
The Koleos offers impressive running costs for such a spacious family SUV. The efficient diesel engine delivers real-world fuel economy of around 45-50 MPG, which helps keep fuel bills manageable despite the car’s size. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, typically falling in the mid-range categories. Service intervals are sensibly spaced, and Renault’s dealer network provides good coverage across the UK for maintenance and repairs.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Renault Koleos
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Nissan Qashqai
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Kia Sportage
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £28,000 | £26,000 | £27,500 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.7L diesel 150hp | 1.3L petrol 140hp | 1.6L diesel 136hp |
| Power | 150 bhp | 140 bhp | 136 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 seconds | 9.8 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 48 mpg | 44 mpg | 47 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 458 litres | 504 litres | 491 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Seven seats, spacious cabin, comfortable ride | Stylish design, good tech, reliable reputation | Long warranty, quality interior, efficient engines |
Renault Koleos Practicality & Boot Space
The Koleos truly shines when it comes to everyday practicality. The 458-litre boot with all seats in place is generous, easily accommodating the weekly shopping or holiday luggage for the whole family. With the third row folded down, cargo space expands significantly, while folding the second row creates a genuinely cavernous load area. The wide opening tailgate and low loading lip make it easy to slide heavy items in and out.
The Renault Koleos carves out a successful niche in the competitive SUV market by prioritising space and practicality above all else. It delivers genuine seven-seat capability in a well-built, comfortable package that represents excellent value for money. The efficient engines, spacious interior, and comprehensive equipment list make it an ideal choice for growing families who need maximum space without premium pricing.