Renault Kadjar Review 2024

If you need an affordable and spacious SUV for a burgeoning family, the Renault Kadjar could be a perfect fit.

While the Nissan Qashqai has become the default choice in this sector, not everyone wants to follow the herd. The Kadjar takes some of the best bits of the Nissan, and adds extra space and practicality to the package. Standard equipment levels for the Renault are generous, too.

Throw in the benefits of economical engines and interesting exterior styling, and it should hold appeal for those who need versatile transportation. 

Ultimately, the Renault Kadjar is a family-friendly SUV, making it well suited to daily life. It will not be the most exciting or engaging vehicle to park on your driveway, but that isn’t what it was made for.

The family SUV market continues to snowball, meaning there are numerous competitors to the Kadjar.  Nissan’s Qashqai, which shares a platform and engines with the Renault, is the most obvious rival. It has a higher-quality cabin, but less interior space.

Other affordable options include the SEAT Ateca and Peugeot 3008, both of which have bigger boots than the Kadjar. The Ford Kuga, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan add to the growing cluster of rivals. Alternatively, the Renault Megane Sport Tourer offers a bigger boot than the Kadjar, but in an estate car package.

At first glance, the interior of the Renault Kadjar looks like it is made from high-quality materials and prime components. However, digging around reveals that corners have been cut in places to keep costs low. 

In particular, the plastics used on the dashboard around the multimedia screen feel cheap and scratchy, as do those used for the internal door handle surrounds. The 2018 facelift did a lot to remedy this, replacing these items with higher-quality materials. 

On the move, there can be squeaks and rattles from the cabin, although this is primarily an issue for Kadjars with the larger 19-inch alloy wheels. The stiffer ride seems to result in extra stresses being placed on trim pieces. Aside from this, the interior should be robust in the long run, and stand up to abuse from children. 

Cloth seats are standard on lower-specification Kadjars, with mid-range models having a combination of artificial leather and cloth trim. This works better than it sounds, but you will need a range-topping Renault Kadjar Signature S Nav or GT Line to gain full (genuine) leather upholstery. Moving up the range changes little in terms of trim details, with grey and black plastic the order of the day. 

Whether it is navigating your way to a new holiday destination, or enduring traffic on the school run, infotainment is important in SUVs like the Kadjar. 

Sidestep the Renault Kadjar Expression+ on the pre-facelift car, as this comes with a basic DAB radio set-up with limited functionality. Instead, go for at least the Kadjar Dynamique Nav, which brings the R-Link 2 multimedia system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen. 

Incorporated into this system is satellite navigation with maps by TomTom, plus DAB radio, Bluetooth music streaming and voice commands for certain functions. Controlling this is mostly done via the touchscreen itself, along with audio controls on the steering column. 

‘Functional’ is the best way to describe the R-Link 2 system. It is not the most attractive media system to look at, and can frustrate with how long it takes to load different menus. The 2018 facelift introduced a new flush-mounted screen, but like earlier models it remains relatively low down on the dashboard, and only 7.0 inches in size. 

However, the 2018 facelift did make Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity standard across the range, meaning how R-Link 2 looks becomes less of an issue. 

Top-spec Renault Kadjar models get an uprated Bose sound system, with seven speakers and a boot-mounted subwoofer. It sounds good, but the sub removes any chance of carrying a spare wheel.

A family SUV like the Renault Kadjar lives and dies on practicality and, fortunately, this is one area where the car really delivers. 

What helps the Kadjar from the off is that it’s bigger than the Nissan Qashqai it shares a platform with. The Renault Kadjar measures 4489mm in length, 2058mm wide (including door mirrors) and 1607mm high. That translates into more cabin space, along with extra room for luggage in the boot compared with its closest rival.

Those in the front of the Renault Kadjar should feel well accommodated, aided by a cabin that feels wide. It means there should be no bashing elbows with the front-seat passenger on the centre armrest, while the manually adjustable seats offer a decent amount of legroom. 

The centre console houses a spacious storage cubby and the door bins are also a useful size. There are also two cupholders on the centre console, but they can make reaching the electronic parking brake a pain when carrying cups.

Room in the back is considerable, with the rear bench able to easily accommodate two adults in comfort. Alternatively, carrying three children could see the central fifth seat used, with a transmission tunnel not affecting legroom. The optional panoramic sunroof does eat into headroom, but this should only affect the very tallest passengers.

Compared with the Qashqai, the Kadjar’s boot is 40 litres larger, with a maximum capacity of 472 litres. This is still smaller than a Peugeot 3008, but is enough for family use. 

On higher trim levels, the Kadjar benefits from a pair of handy features. The first is a clever adjustable boot floor that creates additional storage space that is hidden away. It can also be used as a boot divider, keeping items in place and stopping them from rolling around. Top models also have rear seats that can be folded by pulling a lever just inside the boot opening. 

With the rear seats dropped, total storage space increases to 1478 litres. The rear bench splits 60:40 on all models, making it easy to carry bigger items.  

All of these measurements are based upon models without a spare wheel. Renault supplied a tyre inflation kit as standard, with a spare offered as an option on some earlier models. 

Renault changed the Kadjar’s engine range since launch, but the formula follows a relatively set pattern. Launch petrol options were limited to the 1.2-litre TCe four-cylinder producing 130PS. A manual gearbox was standard, with a six-speed EDC dual-clutch manual on the options list. It was joined by a more powerful 165PS 1.6-litre petrol engine in 2017. 

The 2018 update replaced the previous petrol engines with a new 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo. Offered with 140PS and 160PS, the new motor is more modern and refined. A seven-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic gearbox was available as an option.

Pre-2018 facelift diesels consisted of the 1.5-litre dCi four-cylinder with 110PS and a 1.6-litre dCi four-cylinder with 130PS. Only the 1.5-litre unit could be ordered with the EDC automatic (this time a six-speeder), while the 1.6-litre could be had with a CVT Continuously Variable automatic Transmission. The 1.6 diesel had the option of four-wheel drive, while all other Kadjars were front-wheel drive.

After 2018, the diesel range underwent an overhaul, seeing the 1.6 replaced with a new 1.7 dCi four-cylinder engine. As its name suggests, the Blue dCi 150 has a power output of 150PS, along with a useful amount of torque. It is offered with two- or four-wheel drive, and only with a six-speed manual gearbox. 

The smaller 1.5-litre diesel was also modified, with power increased from 110PS to 115PS. It still retains the option of the EDC dual-clutch automatic, but now with seven speeds.

Performance across the range is respectable, rather than rapid. Strangely, the 1.2-litre TCe 140PS is quickest, accelerating from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds with the EDC transmission.

Manage your expectations and the Renault Kadjar will deliver reasonable levels of refinement behind the wheel. At an affordable price, it clearly will not have a cabin as quiet as a Rolls-Royce, but the Kadjar should not cause any major complaints, either. 

Wind noise in the Kadjar is generally well muffled, but it does become more noticeable as you pick up the pace. Road noise from the tyres is a bigger concern, especially with the spacious cabin acting as an echo chamber on the move. 

Models fitted with the larger 19-inch alloy wheels are the worst culprits, but fashion usually demands some form of sacrifice. At least the engines fitted to the Kadjar present little issue when it comes to refinement. The petrol engines are notably quiet, only making themselves heard if you really rev them hard. Keep the revs low, make use of the plentiful torque, and things will be fine. 

Compared with the related Nissan Qashqai, the 1.5-litre diesel feels a little noisier when installed in the Kadjar. It won’t be loud enough to put buyers off, but is coarser than the larger diesels. The 1.6-litre diesel, and later 1.7 unit, transmit fewer vibrations back to the cabin under load. 

Renault has a reputation for safety, becoming one of the first companies with multiple vehicles carrying the maximum five-star rating from Euro NCAP. The Kadjar does not let the side down, as it was also awarded five stars when crash-tested. Do be aware, though, that the testing standards and thresholds have become a lot tougher than in 2015 when the Kadjar was tested, so it wouldn't still be a five-star car if it were tested today, but it was good by he standards of the time..

All versions come with six airbags, including full-length curtain airbags. The front-seat passenger airbag can also be deactivated, should you want to fit a rear-facing child seat there. Alternatively, the two outer rear seats come with Isofix child seat anchor points on all versions. 

ABS braking with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist is standard, along with stability control and traction control. The Kadjar also features Understeer Logic Control, which aims to stop drivers running wide on corners. However, the Kadjar predates the legal obligation to provide automatic emergency braking.

Cruise control with a speed limiter function can be found on all Kadjars, but there is no radar cruise control option – as found on key rivals. At least all models have LED daytime running lights fitted, with full LED headlights available on top trim levels. 

Front- and rear parking sensors are fitted to all Kadjars beyond the base Expression+ or Play models. Before the 2018 facelift, a reversing camera could only be found on the range-topping Signature S Nav version. However, the newer models have this feature on Iconic trim and up. Given the chunky rear pillars, it’s a real boon for visibility. 

A space-saver spare wheel could be added to early Kadjars as an option, but Renault supplies a tyre inflation kit as standard. All versions come with tyre pressure monitoring. 

Renault doesn't have the best reliability record, while the Nissan Qashqai (on which the Kadjar is based) isn't the most well-built SUV on the market.

Common issues include electrical gremlins (particularly with the infotainment system), while the EDC automatic transmission isn't the most robust. It should be more dependable than the Qashqai's CVT gearbox, though.

As a family-friendly SUV, the Renault Kadjar manages to be relatively affordable when it comes to insurance. It may be a little large for novice drivers, but most should have no problem finding reasonable premiums. 

The 1.5 dCi diesel-powered Kadjar in Expression+, Dynamique Nav or Dynamique Nav S trim is rated in insurance group 14 (out of 50). At the other end of the scale, the GT Line Kadjar with the 1.5 dCi 150 diesel engine and four-wheel drive is group 25.

The Renault Kadjar crosses different VED (road tax) regimes, meaning the same model can incur different fees based on when it was first registered. 

This is demonstrated by the 1.5-litre dCi diesel Kadjar in Expression+ or Dynamique Nav trim. For examples registered before April 2017, it costs nothing to tax each year. However, the same model hitting the road after April 2017 will be charged £190 per annum. 

The trim levels for the Kadjar are relatively easy to understand, but were rebranded as part of the 2018 update. 

Pre-facelift models begin with the basic Expression+ trim. These cars come with 16-inch steel wheels, manual air conditioning, tinted windows and a DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity. 

The Renault Kadjar Dynamique Nav adds 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation. Dynamique S Nav goes further, with fancy 19-inch wheels, front- and rear parking sensors, and part-synthetic-leather seats. 

The Kadjar Signature Nav includes LED headlights and a panoramic sunroof, while Signature S Nav adds full-leather seats and a rear parking camera. 

After the 2018 update, the Renault Kadjar Play became the base model with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and touchscreen satellite navigation. 

The Kadjar Iconic takes this and adds bigger 19-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera and part-synthetic-leather seats. S Edition upgrades things with LED headlights and a fixed panoramic sunroof.

Topping the facelifted range is the Renault Kadjar GT Line, with heated full-leather seats, a Bose sound system and a front grille with added chrome trim. All models above Expression+ offer a decent range of kit, with Dynamique S Nav a sweet spot for pre-2018 Kadjars.