Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020) Review

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
A spacious cabin gives the Renault Koleos plenty of appeal, but the fact that the big SUV is only available as a five-seater will put off many potential used buyers.

+Big and comfortable. Plenty of kit. Strong diesel engines.

-Feels a but cumbersome to drive. No alternative power to the diesels.

Insurance Groups are between 22–27
On average it achieves 76% of the official MPG figure

The Renault Koleos followed a bold path when it arrived in 2017. First off, it was strictly a five-seater in a world that preferred seven-seat SUVs. And secondly, there were only diesel engines when others were already looking to petrol and hybrid power. Still, the French model is roomy, well equipped and comfortable to take on the SEAT Ateca, sharp-handling Ford Kuga and good-value Skoda Kodiaq. Read on for our full Renault Koleos review.

Based on the the Nissan X-Trail, the Renault Koleos is a big, family-friendly SUV with lots of interior space and plenty of standard equipment.

But a limited variety of trim levels and engines, along with sometimes poor ride quality on 19-inch wheels, restricts its appeal to used buyers.

The Renault Koleos only comes with five seats, but on the upside the back seat is 1300mm wide and there is plenty of rear legroom for older kids or teens.

The boot is big, wide and flat with lots of space for the weekly shop or bulky stuff such as pushchairs.

Up front is where the Renault Koleos impresses most, with plush, sturdy materials and plenty of technology.

R-Link real-time navigation, a digital instrument display, dual-zone climate control, lane departure warning, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are all standard – but you’d hope for as much since there are only two trim levels. Top models gain luxuries including leather seats and a power tailgate.

The engine range is diesel only, with a 130PS 1.6-litre dCi and a 175PS 2.0-litre dCi. The Renault Koleos is front-wheel drive as standard but, if you need extra traction, the 2.0 dCi is available with all wheel drive and either a six-speed manual or an X-Tronic CVT automatic transmission.

Neither diesel engine requires the addition of AdBlue.

Performance is adequate if not spectacular, and engine noise is minimal. As in the Renault Kadjar, acceleration off the line of the 1.6 cCi 130 is a bit slow, with the 175PS 2.0 a better bet. On the road, the slow steering makes the car feel far from agile in city driving.

The diesel-only engine range restricts the appeal of the Renault Koleos. A Skoda Kodiaq has more seats and is more comfortable, while a Ford Kuga is better to drive.

Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar's Renault Koleos review.

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020) handling and engines

Driving Rating
Comfort takes precedence over driving pleasure in the Renault Koleos, while the more powerful diesel is the superior engine choice.

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020): Handling and ride quality

Over rough surfaces, the Renault Koleos never really feels settled, with the suspension jiggling the cabin. The wheels thump over potholes, too. 

The Renault Koleos is a large car, and there are a few blind spots caused by the big pillars, so it needs care when parking or changing lane. The slow steering doesn’t help in cut-and-thrust traffic either.

On the plus side, if you need to squeeze into a tight spot there was an optional hands-free parking system, which takes care of the steering when it finds a suitable parking space.

If you go for the smooth, quiet automatic X-Tronic model, then you'll get standard all-wheel drive. While not really meant for heavy off-road use, it’s good enough for a gravel track or a wintry road.

It’s an automated system that detects slip and compensates for it, but you can press a button to lock the differential for slower, more slippery terrain such as damp fields or mud.

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020): Engines

The Renault Koleos was only offered with diesel engines. The basic 1.6-litre dCi has 130PS and produces 320Nm of torque, with official fuel economy of 57.6mpg.

We’d sacrifice a few mpg for the extra flexibility of the 175PS/380Nm 2.0-litre dCi, though, which is punchier and quieter. It’s also available with a smooth and relaxed X-Tronic CVT auto and all-wheel drive.

Regardless of which engine is under the bonnet, noise is subdued for the most part, with only the odd whir from the turbocharger and some grumbling when accelerating hard.

The performance of the 1.6dCi isn’t blistering from a standing start, but on the go there’s enough punch for joining motorways, while long-distance cruising is generally a quiet experience.

The 175PS 2.0dCi is much better, with plenty of acceleration from standstill and gutsy on-road performance.

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020): Safety

A reversing camera, blind-spot warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking and hill start assist are all standard.

On the downside, there isn’t an adaptive cruise control system, and it wasn’t even an option.

Even so, the Renault Koleos earned a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP in its crash tests.

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020): Towing

There was no figure quoted for a towing capacity with an unbraked trailer, but the Renault Koleos can pull a braked trailer with a maximum weight of 2000kg.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.6 dCi 58 mpg 11.4 s 128 g/km
1.7 dCi Xtronic - - 143 g/km
2.0 dCi 175 Xtronic 46 mpg 9.9 s 163 g/km
2.0 dCi 175 Xtronic 4WD 44 mpg 10.2 s 168 g/km
2.0 dCi 190 Xtronic 4WD - - 150 g/km
2.0 dCi 4WD 50 mpg 10.7 s 148 g/km
2.0 dCi Xtronic 4WD 48 mpg 9.5 s 156 g/km

Real MPG average for the Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

76%

Real MPG

25–50 mpg

MPGs submitted

39

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020) interior

Interior Rating
There’s no denying the amount of space on offer in the Renault Koleos, but the lack of a seven-seat option is a definite missed opportunity.
Dimensions
Length 4672 mm
Width 2063 mm
Height 1678 mm
Wheelbase 2705 mm

Full specifications

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020): Practicality

The Renault Koleos is only available as a five-seater, which is a shame if you have a big family. But it is advantageous if you’ve got older children or teens, since rear legroom is very generous. 

Renault fitted an opening panoramic roof as standard, and it reduces rear headroom somewhat, although only taller passengers will find things tight.

Accompanying the roof is a clever castellated wind deflector that sends the air right over the opening, so there is no buffeting inside. It’s one of the best sunroofs we’ve tried.

The boot is spacious at 458 litres, which means there is plenty of room for pushchairs, supermarket runs or trips to a garden centre. Pick the top model, and it has a power tailgate with a hands-free operation.

If you do need more space, it’s very easy to fold the rear seats down with one-touch levers located in the boot. With the back seats down, the load area is long and has a large maximum volume of 1690 litres.

But there is a little step in the middle where the seats fold, which might get in the way when pushing in a heavy object like a flatpack box. The Renault Koleos was envisaged as a luxurious, comfortable car rather than a utility vehicle, so those big folded seats waste a lot of space and leave a high load deck when folded.

Up front the layout is neat and classy, with good quality, soft-touch materials. The instrument binnacle is fully digital and easy to understand.

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020): Quality and finish

The cabin of the Renault Koleos is its strongest asset. It’s spacious and well made, plus it comes with a good level of equipment and advanced tech.

It’s sturdily screwed together, plus it has some nice flourishes such as illuminated door inlays and wood detailing.

The simple, two grade trim structure means there isn’t much on the options list. But there are a few luxury extras, including a Bose 13-speaker audio system and a climate pack, which features heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020): Infotainment

The infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, meaning you can access smartphone features including music and Google Maps navigation within the car’s touchscreen system.

There’s also Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio and a pair USB of ports, plus an aux input if you want to hook up music the old-fashioned way.

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020) value for money

Value for Money Rating
Heavy depreciation means that prices for used Renault Koleos models are keen, while the diesel engines offer respectable fuel economy.

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020): Prices

The Renault Koleos may have plenty of kit and look classy, but that hasn’t stopped depreciation from hitting it hard. This has long been a curse of many large French cars.

Even a three-year-old example with low miles and in top spec can be yours for £20,000. You would expect to pay noticeably more for several rivals of a similar age.

Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020): Running Costs

The keen prices of the Renault Koleos in the used market are good news when buying, but mean you’ll lose out when it comes to selling.

It’s just as well, then, that the Renault Koleos offers reasonable running costs for the duration of ownership.

Its diesel engines claimed anything from 44.1mpg to 57.6mpg depending on the motor and trim you chose. Our Real MPG data shows this translates to between 32 and 49mpg in normal driving, which is on a par with most rivals.

Almost every Renault Koleos will have its road tax based on the flat rate of £180 that applies to cars registered from 1 April 2017 onwards. Those that were put on the road before this date will pay much the same for the annual tax.

Servicing a Renault Koleos should be no more expensive than rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq or Ford Kuga, while insurance sits between groups 22 and 27. This means the Renault is a bit cheaper to get cover for than some of the competition.

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Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020) models and specs

The Renault Koleos Dynamique S came with rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, auto lights, auto wipers, traffic sign recognition with speeding alert, auto-dimming rear view mirror, hill start assist and auto emergency braking.

It also had a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, part leather upholstery, ventilated cup holders, two USB sockets, Aux socket, 60:40 rear seat folding, auto dual-zone climate control, TFT instrument display, keyless entry and start, seven-inch touchscreen system, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and DAB radio.

The Renault Koleos Signature S added 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment, power tailgate with hands-free operation, plus a larger 8.7-inch touchscreen system.

From September 2019, the trims on offer changed.

The Renault Koleos Iconic came with 18-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch screen with satellite navigation and smartphone replication, front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera, hands free keycard, automatic dual zone climate control, full ‘Pure Vision’ LED headlights, cruise control and speed limiter, automatic lights and wipers, heated/cooled cup holders and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The Renault Koleos GT Line added a powered tailgate, leather upholstery with heated, electrically adjustable front seats, and an 8.7-inch portrait infotainment screen.

 

Dimensions
Length 4672 mm
Width 2063 mm
Height 1678 mm
Wheelbase 2705 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1540–1780 kg
Boot Space -
Warranty 3 years / 100000 miles
Servicing 18000 miles
Costs
List Price £27,495–£37,030
Insurance Groups 22–27
Road Tax Bands D–H
Official MPG 44.1–57.6 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

On sale until September 2022

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.7 Blue dCi 150 GT Line X-Trc 2WD 5dr - - -
1.7 Blue dCi 150 Iconic X-Trc 2WD 5dr - - -
2.0 Blue dCi 190 GT Line X-Trc 4Drive 5dr - - -
2.0 Blue dCi 190 Iconic X-Trc 4Drive 5dr - - -

On sale until January 2020

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.6 dCi 130 Dynamique S Nav 5dr £28,045 57.6 mpg 11.4 s
1.6 dCi 130 Signature Nav 5dr £30,345 57.6 mpg 11.4 s
2.0 dCi 175 Dynamique S Nav 4WD 5dr £31,215 50.4 mpg 10.7 s
2.0 dCi 175 Dynamique S Nav Xtronic 4WD 5dr £32,730 47.9 mpg 9.5 s
2.0 dCi 175 Gt-Line X-Tronic 2WD 5dr £29,495 45.5 mpg 9.9 s
2.0 dCi 175 Gt-Line X-Tronic 4WD 5dr £31,495 44.1 mpg 10.2 s
2.0 dCi 175 Iconic X-Tronic 2WD 5dr £27,495 45.5 mpg 9.9 s
2.0 dCi 175 Iconic X-Tronic 4WD 5dr £29,495 44.1 mpg 10.2 s
2.0 dCi 175 Initiale Paris Xtronic 4WD 5dr £37,030 47.9 mpg 9.5 s
2.0 dCi 175 Signature Nav 4WD 5dr £33,515 50.4 mpg 10.7 s
2.0 dCi 175 Signature Nav Xtronic 4WD 5dr £35,030 47.9 mpg 9.5 s

Model History

April 2016

Renault Koleos launched

Engines are the familiar 1.6 dCi 130PS, 1.6 dCi 175PS and the 1.6 TCe 163PS as already available in the Qashqai and X-Trail.

Transmission is a 6-speed manual or X-Tronic CVT and, like the X-Trail, the Koleos is available with 2WD or 4WD. A ground clearance or 213mm and approach and departure angles of 19 and 26 degrees make it reasonably capable off road.

4,670mm long x 1,840mm wide x 1,710 high on a 2,705mm wheelbase. 37mm longer than X-Trail.

624 litre loadspace seats up. 1,982 litres seats down. 11 litre glovebox. 289mm rear legroom.

Standard wheel and tyre sizes are 17-inch with 225/65 R17 tyres or 18-inch with 225/60 R18 tyres.

Signature models come on 19-inch wheels with 225/55 R19 fronts and 235/55 R19 rears.

A key feature of the new Koleos interior and also key to travelling comfort is R-LINK 2. The system serves as a connected control centre to coordinate functions like infotainment, navigation, hands-free telephony, radio and driver aids. Key features are:

May 2017

Prices for Koleos announced

The All-New Koleos is offered in a six version high-end line-up based on two trim levels that will be familiar to Renault owners – Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav. Both trim levels provide a truly comprehensive standard specification.

Version

MPG (NEDC)

CO 2 (g/km)

BIK

(band %)

VED (Year 1)

Ins. group

Price

Dynamique S Nav dCi 130

57.6

128

27

£160

TBC

£27,500

Dynamique S Nav dCi 175

50.4

148

31

£200

TBC

£30,400

Dynamique S Nav dCi 175 Auto X-Tronic

47.9

156

33

£500

TBC

£31,900

Signature Nav dCi 130

57.6

128

27

£160

TBC

£29,800

Signature Nav dCi 175

50.4

148

31

£200

TBC

£32,700

Signature Nav dCi 175 Auto X-Tronic

47.9

156

33

£500

TBC

£34,200

The dCi 130 engine is available on both trim levels with a six-speed manual transmission and two-wheel drive.

The dCi 175 engine is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed Auto X-Tronic transmission – both with ALL-MODE 4x4-i four-wheel drive.

Load space is 458-litres (VDA) with all seats in place and 1690-litres (VDA) with rear seats down. (Differs from originally quoted 624 litre loadspace seats up. 1,982 litres seats down.) One-Touch easy folding rear seats fold (individually or all at once) via a button in the boot.

The Signature Nav comes with a Powered Automatic Tailgate that can open or close the rear boot by a press on the keycard or, conveniently if carrying luggage, by waving a foot under the rear bumper. It has a kerb weight of 1650kg and a towing capability of 2000kg (braked) and 750kg (unbraked).

Dynamique S features an opening panoramic sunroof. Part-black leather upholstery with extra tinted rear windows, ambient lighting, cup holders able to heat and cool drinks for front passengers and a central armrest with in-built cup holders in the rear, maintain a comfortable yet practical feel to the All-New Koleos. Automatic Dual-zone climate control, a Hands Free Keycard and automatic lights and wipers are also standard.

Four USB and two AUX ports are provided. The Arkamys 3D Sound 4x35W DAB radio with seven-inch touchscreen R-LINK2 multimedia system includes satellite navigation with TomTom LIVE traffic updates, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone replications, Western European mapping, Bluetooth audio streaming and Handsfree connectivity.

The Koleos Dynamique S sports 18-inch ‘Agapi’ two-tone alloy wheels and electrically- adjustable heated and folding door mirrors. Longitudinal roof bars provide a hint at the rugged off-road capabilities of the SUV.

Signature Nav adds to this specification with 19-inch ‘Galiki’ two-tone alloy wheels and full LED ‘Pure Vision’ headlights to the exterior.

January 2018

Koleos Initiale Paris introduced

The Initiale Paris gets two-tone Nappa leather and Hands Free Parking. An Amethyst body colour is an exclusive option. It is available to order, priced at £36,700.

The Koleos Initiale Paris has heated and ventilated front seats, an opening panoramic sunroof, powered automatic tailgate, full LED ‘Pure Vision’ headlights ambient lighting, heated and cooling front cup holders. Automatic Dual-Zone climate control, a Handsfree Keycard and automatic lights and wipers are also standard.

The portrait 8.7-inch touchscreen R-LINK2 multimedia system includes satellite navigation with TomTom LIVE traffic updates, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone replications, Western European mapping, Bluetooth audio streaming and Handsfree connectivity.

February 2018

Renault reduces warranty from four years to three years

Renault models ordered and registered from 1 February 2018 are covered by a warranty package for up to three years from date of first registration. The first two years unlimited mileage, followed by a further one year limited to a total mileage of 60,000 (100,000 miles for Koleos, Zoe and LCV vehicles).

Models registered up to and including 31 January 2018 are still covered by a four-year warranty package. The first two years unlimited mileage and the third and fourth years are limited to 100,000 miles.

June 2019

Renault Koleos revamped for 2019.

Only available as X-Tronic CVT automatic, now with same chain-cam, manifold in head 1,749cc 150PS/340Nm diesel engine as Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail (developed from Renault 1.6DCi) and improved 1,995cc chain cam diesel with 190PS/380Nm.

Refreshed exterior design, plus new alloy wheels and additional colour options. Upgraded R-LINK 2 infotainment with full screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Enhanced interior with new high-grade materials for increased premium feel. Full suite of advanced safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control. Intelligent All Mode 4x4 i four-wheel drive and excellent ground clearance.

Standard 'Pure Vision' LED headlamps that offer 20 percent more light than traditional lights. Renault EasyLife line-up of Iconic and GT-Line models.

Infotainment uses Renault’s R-LINK 2 multimedia system, which has full-screen compatibility with Apple CarPlay. Featuring a 7-inch landscape touchscreen on Iconic models and an 8.7-inch portrait layout on GT-Line, this feature allows for both easier reading of the display and quicker, safer access to functions.

In addition, R-LINK 2 provides access to a wide variety of apps, including the Waze navigation system. Plus are two USB plugs, which for easier access are now located under the centre console at the base of the gear lever. As a further safety boost, the sat nav, telephone, app, email and radio functions can be accessed using voice control by simply pressing a button on the steering wheel.

September 2019

Updated Renault Koleos priced from £28,195

The new Renault Koleos is now available to order, with prices starting from £28,195 and customer deliveries commencing in November.

A pair of new Blue dCi diesel engines are more powerful and efficient than the units they replace, says Renault. The new 1.7-litre Blue dCi 150 engine is available in front-wheel drive only, while the larger 2.0-litre Blue dCi 190 is matched to Renault’s intelligent All Mode 4x4-i system.

Both are paired with Renault’s CVT transmission and have been tuned to deliver maximum torque at only 1,750rpm, the Blue dCi 150 producing 340Nm and the Blue dCi 190 developing 380Nm. As a result, the updated Koleos is more comfortable and usable than its predecessor, with notable improvements in real-world acceleration. All versions now also benefit from hands-free parking.

Subtle styling changes include pure Vision LED headlamps, which are now standard across the range, as part of a new front-end design that also includes a more prominent grille with chrome detailing, new bumper design, and a larger, more purposeful skid plate. At the back, there’s a bigger skid plate, additional chrome trim, new lower rear bumper and a larger high-level brake light that complements the 3D effect edge light tail lamps.

Exterior revisions are completed with the availability of new ‘Red Vintage’ metallic paint, extra side trim and new, two tone alloy wheel designs for all versions.

Inside, the updated Koleos features soft-touch materials and revised satin trim inserts. Rear seat passenger comfort is also improved, with a two-stage reclining seat back now standard on all models.

The introduction of a pedestrian detection function for the Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) completes the revisions, heightening safety for occupants of New Koleos and other road users. Other advanced safety systems fitted as standard include Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and over speed prevention with traffic sign recognition.

Following the launch of the Koleos EasyLife range in October 2018, the revised Koleos features just two trim lines – Iconic and GT Line. Both trim lines can be specified with either of the new Blue dCi engines.

Standard equipment across the range includes a 7-inch screen with satellite navigation and smartphone replication, front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera, hands free keycard, automatic dual zone climate control, full ‘Pure Vision’ LED headlights, cruise control and speed limiter, automatic lights and wipers, heated/cooled cup holders and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The Iconic features new 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, while new 19-inch versions are standard on the GT Line. The GT Line also adds a powered tailgate, leather upholstery with heated, electrically-adjustable front seats and an 8.7-inch portrait infotainment screen.

CO2

VED Year one

BiK

Insurance
grouping

Price OTR

ICONIC dCi 150 2WD Auto X-Tronic

143g/km

£530

36%

20E

£28,195

ICONIC dCi 190 4WD Auto X-Tronic

150g/km

£530

37%

23E

£31,195

GT LINE dCi 150 2WD Auto X-Tronic

143g/km

£530

36%

20E

£30,195

GT LINE dCi 190 4WD Auto X-Tronic

150g/km

£530

37%

23E

£33,195

Power (hp)

Torque (Nm)

0-62mph

Top speed (mph)

MPG (WLTP)

ICONIC dCi 150 2WD Auto X-Tronic

150@3,500rpm

340@1,750rpm

11.8

118

46.3

ICONIC dCi 190 4WD Auto X-Tronic

190@3,500rpm

380Nm@1,750rpm

10.1

123

40.9

GT LINE dCi 150 2WD Auto X-Tronic

150@3,500rpm

340Nm@1,750rpm

11.8

118

45.5

GT LINE dCi 190 4WD Auto X-Tronic

190@3,500rpm

380Nm@1,750rpm

10.1

123

40.3

December 2019

5-Year 100,000 mile factory warranty announced on all new Renault The warranty applies to all new Renault cars registered from 18 December 2019 both retail and fleet cars and features an unlimited mileage limit during the first two years and up to 100,000 miles up to 5 years old.

The new five-year warranty covers all Renault passenger vehicles, from All-New Clio supermini through to the New Koleos SUV. Also included are Renault’s all-electric Z.E. vehicles: New ZOE and Twizy.

As before, all new Renault models will be backed by a three-year roadside assistance package with a 100,000 mile limit for Z.E. vehicles and New Koleos, and a 60,000 mile limit for all other models.

What does the Renault Koleos (2017 – 2020) cost?