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Jade Credentino
1 Year Ago
The Renault Koleos is a Japanese-engineered SUV built in Korea and sold by a French brand. Think of it as a more stylish Nissan X-Trail because, under the skin, that's essentially what this is.
Configuration | Price From* |
---|---|
2.5L, Automatic Unleaded FWD 5d Suv | $42,500 |
2.5L, Automatic Unleaded 4x4 5d Suv | $45,000 |
Configuration | Price From* |
---|---|
2.5L, Automatic Unleaded FWD 5d Suv | $47,000 |
2.5L, Automatic Unleaded 4x4 5d Suv | $49,500 |
Configuration | Price From* |
---|---|
2.5L, Automatic Unleaded FWD 5d Suv | $37,000 |
Configuration | Price From* |
---|---|
2.5L, Automatic Unleaded FWD 5d Suv | $46,000 |
2.5L, Automatic Unleaded 4x4 5d Suv | $48,500 |
See our comprehensive details for the Renault Koleos
The dimensions shown above are for the base model.
See all 2023 Renault Koleos DimensionsThere's 458L of boot space, expanding to 1690L with the rear seats folded. The second-row doesn't quite fold completely flat.
All models have a 17-inch steel spare under the boot floor.
CarExpert High Resolution Photos of the Renault Koleos
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The Koleos' styling ties in nicely with other models in the Renault range like the Megane and Arkana, wearing distinctive lighting elements front and rear and gently curvaceous sheetmetal.
The Life rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Zen upgrading to 18s and the Intens using 19s.
Alas, while all models have LED daytime running lights, only the Intens features LED headlights.
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The Koleos’ interior is vastly different to that of its X-Trail platform-mate, and has a strong familial resemblance to that of the Renault Megane. Material quality is quite good and there's a rather stylish European flair to the cabin.
There’s a handsome, upright centre stack with either a 7.0-inch touchscreen (Life, Zen) or a portrait-oriented 8.7-inch screen (Intens).
The infotainment system is neatly presented, though it's not the last word in sophistication – it can be quite slow to react and will at times just ignore button pushes, with key items buried in obscure menus. There are also touch-capacitive shortcut "buttons" that lack haptic feedback. Overall, the setup is fairly attractive but also rather clunky.
Climate functions are controllable via buttons and knobs below the touchscreen. These knobs are perhaps the only overtly cheap-feeling items in the interior.
The base of the centre stack is bracketed by two leatherette-wrapped grab handles, which lend an upscale touch.
The instrument cluster is neatly presented, and we appreciate the ability to configure the design and colour of the information screen and its digital speedometer, critical vehicle warnings. and trip computer information.
The Intens' colour-adjustable lighting also adds some visual drama to the interior. Changing the colour will also change the colour used on the gauge cluster and infotainment screen.
There are some strange French quirks to the interior. For example, cruise control buttons are split between the steering wheel and the centre console. Controls for volume and media are found not on the steering wheel, but rather on a stubby bar behind the steering wheel. It takes some getting used to, but you'll get there.
The front cupholders are quirky without being insufferable. The recess is split into four segments: two for normal-sized cups and bottles and two smaller ones for perhaps Yakults.
Step into the back and there's ample legroom and knee room, though headroom suffers in the Intens due to its panoramic sunroof.
You'll find three top-tether and two Isofix anchor points for child seats. The Life and Zen have a 12V outlet, while the Intens instead features two rear USB charging ports.
View 6 images
The Renault Koleos has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2017.
It received an adult occupant protection score of 84 per cent, child occupant protection score of 79 per cent, vulnerable road user protection score of 62 per cent, and a safety assist score of 52 per cent.
All 2023 Renault Koleos models come with the following standard safety features:
The Koleos consumes 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle in front-wheel drive variants and 8.3L/100km combined on the Intens AWD.
It requires 91RON regular unleaded fuel.
Renault Koleos | Fuel Type | Combined |
---|---|---|
2.5L, Automatic Unleaded FWD 5d Suv | Unleaded | 8.1 L/100km |
2.5L, Automatic Unleaded 4x4 5d Suv | Unleaded | 8.3 L/100km |
What are the running and servicing costs of a Renault Koleos?
The Koleos requires servicing every 12 months or 30,000km, whichever comes first. The mileage interval is surprisingly long for this segment, considering most rivals require servicing every 12 months or 10-15,000km.
In addition to a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, Renault offers five years of capped price servicing. Each service is capped at $429 except the 120,000km service, which costs $999.
Our expert take on Renault Koleos drivability.
While its 126kW/226Nm outputs aren't exceptional for the class, the continuously-variable transmission (CVT) does a decent job keeping the car within its peak torque and power band. Push it too hard, though, and it can get a bit noisy, though it's not the worst-sounding engine in its class.
There’s a manual shift mode with artificially-stepped gears but you’ll have to move the gearshift as there are no paddle shifters.
The ride is comfortable, even in the Intens with its 19-inch wheels. It never feels flustered or brittle over poor surfaces and is just as happy when rural road conditions jump from smooth bitumen to goat track.
On the highway there isn’t a great deal of road noise, but you will begin to notice noise in the cabin from the tyres on coarse chip country roads and poorly-finished surfaces.
Visibility out of the front and sides is good with generously sized wing mirrors and a blind spot monitor, but we found visibility out the rear to be a little compromised due to the narrow window envelope.
The Koleos’ steering is feather-light. While that might appear a good thing for some drivers, it has the unintended consequence of making the Koleos feel somewhat vague and cumbersome to drive.
This mid-sized SUV can feel hard to place, and there’s also no way to at least add some artificial weight to the steering via a selectable drive mode as in some rivals.
Handling is on par with most rivals. There's a touch of body roll in corners, but otherwise it's safe and predictable, especially with the Intens' optional all-wheel drive.
What colours are available for the Renault Koleos
The Koleos range is available in just four colours: Millesim Red, Metallic White, Metallic Grey and Metallic Black. Unusually, the red is a no-cost option, while the monochromatic shades are an extra $800.
Is this the right car for you? Out experts buy or not guide.
The Renault Koleos is an often overlooked mid-sized SUV. It's showing its age in some respects, particularly in its limited list of active safety and driver assist features, but it's pleasant to drive and has a more premium look inside and out than the dated X-Trail.
We wouldn't put it at the very top of our shortlist, but it's worth considering.
The cheapest Renault Koleos is the LIFE (4x2) that starts from $34,300.
The most expensive Renault Koleos is the ICONIC EDITION (4x4) that starts from $41,000.
The best towing capacity of a Renault Koleos is 2000 kg offered by the following variants: LIFE (4x2), INTENS (4x2), ZEN (4x2), INTENS (4x4), ICONIC EDITION (4x2), ZEN (4x4) and ICONIC EDITION (4x4).
The largest Renault Koleos is the LIFE (4x2) which measures 1843mm wide, 4673mm in length and sits 1667mm tall.
The most powerful Renault Koleos is the LIFE (4x2) which has 126kW of power from its 2.5L MULTI POINT F/INJ engine.
The Renault Koleos is built in France and shipped to Australia.
The heaviest Renault Koleos is the INTENS (4x4) which weighs 2200 kg (kerb weight).
The Renault Koleos uses Unleaded Petrol.