Renault Kadjar review

Interior

Dashboard & tech

The interior of the Renault Kadjar is all about functionality and ease of use. The dashboard is cleanly and simply laid out, with all the main controls exactly where you’d expect to find them. It might not have the futuristic flair of a Peugeot 3008, but some will prefer its straightforward and logical design.

Higher-spec models get Renault’s seven-inch R-Link 2 touchscreen infotainment system, which includes satellite navigation, a DAB radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system works well enough, it’s not the slickest or most modern you’ll find. The quality is generally good, but there are some harder plastics that remind you it’s built to a budget.

Comfort

The Kadjar is a very pleasant car to drive, with a focus on comfort and refinement. It’s a great long-distance cruiser, feeling quiet and settled on the motorway. The driving position is good, with plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel to help you get comfortable.

The only real complaint is that the ride can feel a little jarring at low speeds, especially on models fitted with larger alloy wheels. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be aware of. Overall, it’s a relaxing car to spend time in, whether you’re on the school run or heading off on a family holiday.

Quality

The quality of the Kadjar’s cabin is perfectly acceptable for the price, but it doesn’t feel as premium as some of its rivals. Everything feels solid and well put together, but the extensive use of hard, scratchy plastics means it can’t match the upmarket feel of a Skoda Karoq or Volkswagen Tiguan.

Renault’s reliability record has been a bit mixed over the years, and some owners have reported issues with electrics and build quality. That said, the engines and many of the parts are well-proven across the Renault-Nissan alliance.

Practicality & boot space

Interior space

For a mid-size SUV, the Kadjar is very roomy inside. There’s plenty of space up front for the driver and passenger to get comfortable, and you’ll find a good number of useful storage cubbies for your phone, keys, and drinks.

The back seats are also spacious, with excellent legroom that means even tall adults will have plenty of space to stretch out. Headroom is good too, making it a comfortable car for carrying the whole family. It’s a very practical choice that’s easy to live with every day.

Boot space

The Kadjar has a really big and practical boot. At 472 litres, it’s larger than the one in its sibling, the Nissan Qashqai, and is one of the most generous in its class. The boot opening is large and the floor is a good shape, making it easy to load bulky items. It will easily swallow a pushchair, the weekly shop, or luggage for a family holiday. The rear seats also fold down easily to open up a much larger load area when you need to carry bigger items.

Driving

Driving experience

The Renault Kadjar is one of the better-driving cars in the family SUV class. It’s not a sports car, but it feels composed and secure on the road, with steering that is light and accurate. It handles corners with confidence and generally feels very pleasant to drive.

It strikes a good balance between comfort and control, making it a great all-rounder for family duties. It’s an easy and relaxing car to drive, whether you’re navigating tight city streets or cruising along the motorway. You can even get four-wheel-drive versions, which provide extra grip and confidence in slippery conditions.

Performance

The Kadjar is available with a great range of efficient petrol and diesel engines. Following the 2018 facelift, the most common petrol engine is an excellent 1.3-litre turbocharged unit, available with either 138bhp or 158bhp. Both versions are punchy and smooth, with the more powerful option offering the best performance.

For high-mileage drivers, the 1.5-litre diesel engine is a brilliant choice. It’s not particularly quick, but it’s incredibly economical and surprisingly smooth. A more powerful 1.7-litre diesel is also available, which is great for towing.

Running costs

Fuel economy & CO2 emissions

This is a real strength of the Kadjar. The diesel engines are incredibly frugal, with the 1.5-litre version capable of returning over 60mpg in official tests. This makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to keep their fuel bills as low as possible.

The 1.3-litre petrol engines are also very efficient for this type of car, capable of achieving fuel economy in the mid-40s mpg. Low CO2 emissions across the range also mean that road tax is affordable.

Value for money

The Kadjar offers fantastic value for money. From new, it was competitively priced against its main rivals, and it came with a good level of standard equipment. It tends to lose its value quite quickly, which is bad news for the first owner but makes it an absolute bargain on the used market. You can pick up a well-cared-for, low-mileage example for a very attractive price.

Reliability & Warranty

As mentioned, Renault’s reliability record is not the best in the business. Some owners have reported faults, most commonly with the car’s non-engine electrics. However, the mechanical parts are shared with many other Renault and Nissan models and are generally considered to be robust. From new, all Renaults come with a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty, which is one of the best around and provides great peace of mind when buying a nearly-new model.

Safety

Safety features

The Renault Kadjar is a very safe car. It was awarded the maximum five-star rating when it was crash-tested by the safety experts at Euro NCAP, with high scores for protecting both adult and child occupants. All models come with a good level of safety kit, including multiple airbags and cruise control. Higher-spec models add more advanced active safety features like lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition.

Trims & Engines

Trim levels

Following Renault’s ‘EasyLife’ policy, the Kadjar range is simple and easy to understand.

Play: The entry-level model is well-equipped, with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, cruise control, and automatic lights and wipers.

Iconic: This popular trim adds the seven-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, and roof bars.

S Edition: This version adds stylish upgrades like larger 19-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, and a panoramic glass sunroof.

GT Line: The top-of-the-range model gets a sporty body kit, a different wheel design, full leather upholstery, and heated front seats.

Engines

There’s a focused range of efficient petrol and diesel engines.

1.3 TCE Petrol: This turbocharged petrol engine comes with either 138bhp or 158bhp. It's smooth, lively, and a great all-rounder.1.5 Blue dCi Diesel: This 113bhp engine is the most economical choice in the range, perfect for high-mileage drivers who want to minimise their fuel bills.1.7 Blue dCi Diesel: A more powerful 148bhp diesel engine that offers stronger performance and is available with four-wheel drive.

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