Skip advert
Advertisement

Compact SUV clash

Renault is venturing into new territory with its first compact SUV, the Koleos. We find out if it can hit the heights as we pitch it head-to-head with the excellent Ford Kuga.

cover 1

You won’t find the latest generation of compact off-roaders up to their axles in mud very often. Modern 4x4s spend most of their time in the urban jungle or on motorways, rather than in the rough stuff.

Renault is the latest manufacturer to enter the compact SUV fray, with the Koleos. The company has a limited history in off-roaders, so it borrows much of its technology from sister firm Nissan’s X-Trail. However, when it comes to road-biased 4x4s, the Ford Kuga towers over the compact SUV landscape. Fresh from a great showing in its first group test (Issue 1,016), the Kuga has proved it has more mud-plugging ability than most buyers will ever need, and it reigns supreme on the open road. So does Renault’s newcomer face an uphill struggle?

Verdict

This was never going to be an easy challenge for the Renault Koleos – the Kuga has already seen off talented rivals such as the Honda CR-V and VW Tiguan. The incredible handling and desirable looks make it a class act.

The Renault offers generous equipment, a practical interior and more off-road ability, but that’s not enough. Few of these cars will venture far beyond a muddy car park, so they need to excel on tarmac – and that’s where the Koleos falters.

Its drab looks and soft suspension mean it trails the Ford, and the Privilège model costs £1,000 more than the Kuga Titanium. Lesser trims are more competitively priced and arguably make greater financial sense.

Even so, the Renault brings nothing new to the compact SUV party – so the Kuga chalks up another resounding victory.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,450 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,527 off RRP*Used from £11,590
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £13,417
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”
Citroen C3 Mk2 - front tracking

Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”

A ‘Stop-drive’ order has been issued by Citroen following a fatality that may have been caused by a faulty Takata airbag
News
20 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX - front static

Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price

GTX Plus gives some extra punch to an already excellent electric saloon. It’s our Deal of the Day for 20 June.
News
20 Jun 2025
New Skoda L&K 130 shows us what a Superb pick-up truck looks like
Skoda L&K 130 - front static

New Skoda L&K 130 shows us what a Superb pick-up truck looks like

Skoda’s 10th ‘Student Car’ is a plug-in hybrid that would be an ideal support vehicle for the Tour de France
News
20 Jun 2025