Despite having everything the contemporary family needs, the underrated Renault Koleos is one of the lesser-spotted SUVs on our roads. Here's why it deserves more attention and better sales.
The lightly refreshed Renault Koleos (read Chad’s 2023 review here) is most certainly a good choice for adventurous families who need lots of space for bicycles, diving equipment, or even shopping trips with the girls. Here are five reasons why:
1. It’s massive
If you need oodles of space, the Koleos is your car. From the front to the back as well as in the boot, there’s so much room on row two for stretching out, or if you fold the second row flat, to transport a couple of surfboards. The second row easily seats three adults side by side. Fitting child seats to the outer rear seats is an easy affair, thanks to exposed (but well-hidden) Isofix child seat anchors, and the fact that the rear doors’ aperture is 77 degrees wide when fully open.
(Buying used? Read Everything you need to know about the (2021) Renault Koleos)
The 464-litre boot features a removable floor, positioned at the same height as the sill, to form a flat surface. Underneath, you’ll find a full-size spare wheel.
“The Koleos has 35 litres of additional storage around the cabin, including an 11-litre glove box and 7-litre cubby in the centre console topped with an adjustable armrest”, says Renault.
2. Value for money
The Koleos offers major bang for your buck. Considering its size, onboard tech, and features, the Koleos’ price tag is highly competitive. For families who want more for less, the Koleos is an excellent value proposition. Plus, the flagship Koleos 2.5 Dynamique 4WD (R646 999) has selectable four-wheel-drive with mud, dirt/sand mode, as well as 4WD LOCK for more challenging conditions.
Fuel consumption from the 2.5-litre petrol engine (with 126 kW and 233 Nm) is an impressive 7.8 litres per 100 km on the highway, while driving in traffic returned a decent 9.3 litres per 100 km, considering the car’s size. On the combined cycle, expect around 8.1 litres per 100km (figures based on the front-wheel-drive model). The Koleos is available only with a CVT (ie. self-shifting) gearbox, but it’s one of the best (and quietest) in the business, without any doubt.
3. Connectivity for everybody
With two USB ports in front and two in the rear, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, everyone can take part in their favourite online activities, whether it’s listening to music or playing Minecraft on a tablet. Not all manufacturers are equally generous with their USB ports, but Renault certainly knows the challenges of modern parenting and the kids’ constant need for on-screen entertainment/music streaming on road trips.
4. It has a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating
Moms and Dads may prefer cars with plentiful safety features but are often willing to overlook this in favour of a more attractive price tag. In this case, there is no compromise needed. The Koleos is fitted to the hilt with safety equipment, including traction and stability control, brake assist, hill-start assist, and 6 airbags. EuroNCAP is the leader in crash-test safety, so five stars from this institution is a big deal.
5. A competitive warranty and aftersales service
Consumers who are keen on a worry-free ownership experience will be happy to hear that the Renault Koleos is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, plus a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan and a 6-year anticorrosion warranty, with service intervals at 15 000 km.
Current pricing is as follows:
Koleos Dynamique 2.5 CVT 4×2 R 596 999
Koleos Dynamique 2.5 CVT 4×4 R 646 999
*Pricing was correct at the time this article was published, but is subject to change without notice. Please consult the Renault Koleos microsite for the latest prices.
Keyword: Is the Renault Koleos good for families?