Name: Renault Kadjar Review
Item: Renault Kadjar
Author: Gumtree.com

The introduction of the Kadjar in 2015 was part of Renault’s three-pronged step into the crossover market, slotting neatly between the smaller Captur and the larger Koleos. It’s a practical vehicle that offers generous creature comforts to a growing family, as well as the security you might expect from an SUV, all neatly arranged in an affordable package. The Kadjar borrows performance elements from an alliance with Nissan, so the engine, chassis and suspension are not only reliable but technically more advanced than some of the carmaker’s older models. A wide array of optional extras offers the opportunity to customise the car to your needs.

Visit our Renault Kadjar model page to explore available specs and learn more.

What we think about the Renault Kadjar

A dynamic family SUV, built for on-roading rather than off, the Kadjar balances luxury and practicality with ease.

Pros

Very spacious interior for all family needs

Excellent suspension for a smooth ride

Powerful and economic engine range

Cons

–

Touchscreen infotainment system could be more user-friendly

–

Lacks the advanced safety systems of many modern cars

–

Depreciates faster than some rivals

The Kadjar made its debut in 2015 and got a mid-lifecycle refresh in 2019. The facelift brought LEDs in place of halogen lights for the higher-end trims, along with an R-Link infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. The trim options start with the entry-level Play. Stepping up to Iconic adds automatic high-beam adjustment, heated door mirrors and 19-inch wheels. The S Edition features a glass panoramic sunroof and USB sockets in the rear, while the GT Line brings systems to boost safety and help you park. A second-generation Kadjar is slated for launch in the second half of 2021.

Driving performance of the Renault Kadjar

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

The Kadjar’s latest update offers a quite unique mid-size SUV driving experience. Thanks to its adjustable seating position, you can enjoy excellent visibility through your front windshield. Despite the larger wheels, road noise is surprisingly low inside the cabin. The handling takes a little getting used to, but that’s because it’s even lighter than Renault’s previous featherweight steering. This makes the Kadjar simple to manoeuvre in tight spaces, and parking feels like a breeze on narrow city streets. The Kadjar is an on-road family SUV, so don’t expect a huge towing capacity with this model.

Safety and reliability of the Renault Kadjar

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

Renault prides itself on its advanced safety measures, and the experts at Euro NCAP’s crash-testing facility clearly agree, having awarded the Kadjar a full five-star rating when it launched in 2015. At the core of the car you’ve got a strong, rigid body that doesn’t weigh a huge amount. Standard safety features include anti-lock braking, stability and traction control systems for a smoother journey, and hill-start assist to prevent you from rolling backwards on steep inclines. As you move up through the specs, you can add systems such as lane-departure warning, which lets you know if you’re drifting from your line of traffic. The Kadjar enjoys a good reputation for reliability and outdoes many of its rivals in this respect.

Under the bonnet of the Renault Kadjar

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

The performance of the Kadjar is a real treat, and Renault’s diverse engine options strike the right balance between roaring horsepower and smooth transmission. The entry level 115 bhp 1.5-litre Blue dCi diesel is one of the more popular options, as is the 160 bhp 1.3-litre TCe petrol. All-wheel drive and automatic transmission are optional extras on selected models, so check the specs before you decide. The pick of the range is the 140 bhp petrol engine, which almost matches the 160 bhp engine for power, acceleration and fuel economy.

What you'll find in the Renault Kadjar

Our Design Rating7 / 10

Design has always been a selling point for Renault, and you can see this in the Kadjar. Compared with some of the family SUVs on the market, it might seem kind of sensible looking. But in place of attitude, it has smoothly sculpted lines and curvy wheel arches, with smart chrome and black trim that helps give it a distinct identity. Renault’s signature sculpted light fittings add a stylish touch, particularly with the blue-tinged LEDs in the top-spec model.

Comfort and interiors in the Renault Kadjar

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

In terms of practicality, the Kadjar’s interior ticks a lot of boxes. There’s the spacious cabin with legroom, headroom and storage space that would seem respectable in SUVs of a larger class. There’s the wide and height-adjustable driver’s seat, with variable lumbar support on the higher-spec models. Add that to the highly adjustable steering wheel and the cushioned centre armrest and you can see this is a car you can make yourself comfortable in. The finish comes with plenty of nice touches too, with the flush touchscreen and ambient lighting helping create a more upmarket feel than the rival Nissan Qashqai.

What features you'll find in the Renault Kadjar

Our Features Rating7 / 10

All trim levels of the Kadjar come with a decent range of kit, including a seven-inch multimedia touchscreen, seven-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors. Stepping up through the trim levels, you can add leather to the seats and steering wheel, one-touch folding rear seats and keyless entry. The range-topping GT Line comes with a raft of tech that will read road signs for you and park the car completely hands-free. It also boasts a BOSE seven-speaker sound system with subwoofer.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Renault Kadjar

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

The most efficient option in the range is the Blue dCi 115 diesel engine with an automatic gearbox, which can deliver up to 57.7 mpg. Even the most powerful petrol engine on offer is pretty economical, with Renault quoting 42.6-44.1mpg. The least frugal Kadjar is actually the less powerful EDC-equipped TCe 140 petrol engine, returning 41.5-43.5mpg.

Running costs of the Renault Kadjar

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

The Kadjar stacks up well against rival SUV crossovers in terms of price and fuel economy. Sitting in insurance groups from 14 to 20, it won’t break the bank here either. New Kadjars come with a five-year warranty, with unlimited mileage for the first two years, beating most rivals but losing out to packages from Kia and Hyundai. Depreciation is slightly faster than some competitors, but not by enough to bother most buyers.

Our verdict of the Renault Kadjar

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Kadjar is a great all-rounder that gamely takes on its rivals in the family SUV market. It's reliable, spacious and cheap to run, with a dash of style to boot.

Renault Kadjar Review