Summary
‘Coupe-style’ SUVs are popular among upmarket brands, but the Renault Arkana is one of only a few of these sleeker crossovers made by mainstream manufacturers.
Launched in 2019, the Arkana is based on the French brand’s Captur SUV, but with a lower and more raked roofline, with additional length also offering more legroom for rear passengers.
The Arkana is available with two electrified petrol engines. You can either choose a hybrid unit, combining a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors to give 145hp, or a mild hybrid option that provides a boost to a 140hp petrol engine but can’t drive under electrical power alone.
The Renault Arkana has received a rather mixed set of reviews from the UK media, reviewers generally coming to the conclusion that the Arkana may be a capable machine but that there are better alternatives, even within the Renault SUV range.
Auto Express explained, “The Arkana misses the mark when you consider that a smaller SUV like the Captur is better value, while the larger Renault Kadjar is more comfortable.”
Carbuyer finds issues with both the ride comfort and engine performance, concluding that, “With a firm ride and slightly dull powertrains, the Arkana isn’t as appealing for drivers as it first looks”, although the reviewer admits that the Arkana’s “fuel efficiency and practicality are more impressive, and Renault’s five-year warranty adds some lustre to the ownership experience.”
The Renault Arkana has also received praise for its decent value for money, its smart infotainment system, and its spacious interior and large boot, but it is clear to see that the coupe-SUV has failed to win over the majority of UK media outlets, Top Gear wrapping up their review by declaring “there’s absolutely nothing here that pegs it as a must-buy.”
As of August 2023, the Renault Arkana currently holds an Expert Rating of 57% from 16 reviews.
Arkana highlights
- Roomy inside despite styling
- Competent handling
- Efficient full hybrid system
- Looks – better than most SUVs
Arkana lowlights
- Unimpressive petrol engine
- Harsh low-speed ride
- Aggressively sharp steering
- Looks, full of unneccesary details
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol hybrid, petrol mild-hybrid
Price: From £26,795 on-road
Launched: Summer 2021
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Renault Arkana succeeds in many ways within its small niche as a coupe-SUV without a premium price tag.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Renault Arkana is a stylish-looking coupe-SUV, but the French manufacturer’s other SUVs outshine it.”
Read review
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s plenty to like about the Renault Arkana. The eye-catching coupe-SUV body style – until now only really a premium brand offering – still offers space, while true to recent Renault form the Arkana boasts a well-finished cabin, a smart infotainment system and strong equipment levels, all for a competitive price.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Renault Arkana is a stylish, coupe-inspired twist on the crossover norm with style aplenty and a choice of hybrid engines.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre mild hybrid
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s a struggle to see past the engine and chassis foibles. A car that’s better to look at than to drive.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid RS Line
Score: 7 / 10
“The Arkana is a pleasant enough place to while away the miles, although given the E-Tech powertrain’s foibles, the lower-powered and cheaper 140TCe version may turn out to be the sweeter driving model.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“For the here and now, this is a smart, practical, enjoyable and decent-value new car.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Renault Arkana is a stylish hybrid-only coupe SUV that’s practical and well-equipped.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid RS Line
Score: 7 / 10
“Renault’s full-hybrid coupe-SUV may not have the performance to match its sporty styling, but it’s well equipped and has fuel economy to rival the best diesels.”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Renault Arkana isn’t entirely style over substance. The hybrid model is rather efficient, while it’s more spacious inside than alternatives like the Toyota C-HR. It’s just a shame it feels out of its depth on the motorway, while list prices are surprisingly expensive.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“A stylish alternative to Renault Kadjar. Very efficient with a long warranty. However, it has a firm ride, and the hybrid engine is a bit slow.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“A well-priced and good-to-drive coupe-SUV crossover.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Arkana steers fairly keenly, brakes progressively and has a decently supple ride too. So it’s a pleasant enough drive in town or country.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid RS Line
Score: 6 / 10
“The Arkana isn’t Renault’s finest design work in the sector, but it drives reasonably and the hybrid system, while different from anything else, is quite fun and economical. You’re not going to love it, but in its way this car is quite likeable.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol mild hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s absolutely nothing here that pegs it as a must-buy – this hybrid set-up makes for a good stop-gap solution, and if the styling really tickles your pickle make sure and take one out for a test drive before you sign on the dotted line.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s not particularly brisk and the ride is on the firm side, but to make up for that it’s very keenly priced and promises respectable running costs relative to other petrol coupé SUVs.”
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Renault Arkana is an intriguing proposition, offering decent space and equipment and a mature, satisfying driving experience. It’s not as exciting or dynamic as some small SUVs, but its rakish styling does at least make it stand out from the crowd.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 83%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 74%
Notes on safety rating
The Renault Arkana is structurally very similar to its sibling, the Captur SUV which was tested by Euro NCAP on its launch in 2019, and so both cars share the same five-star rating. The testers praised the car in all areas, including the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking which includes pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Renault Arkana has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of August 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Renault Arkana to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Arkana, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 48 mpg | C | 48 – 49 mpg | C – C |
| Hybrid models | 60 mpg | A | 59 – 60 mpg | A – A |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 131 g/km | A | 130 – 132 g/km | A – A |
| Hybrid models | 106 g/km | A | 105 – 108 g/km | A – A |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 16 | A | 14 – 19 | A – A |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £185 | A |
| Year 2 | £487 | A |
| Year 3 | £793 | A |
| Year 4 | £960 | A |
| Year 5 | £1,307 | A |
| Overall | £3,732 | A |
The running costs for the Renault Arkana are excellent, according to data exclusively provided by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data.
The fuel economy of the now-discontinued petrol mild-hybrid model is rather average when compared to the rest of the market, while the hybrid is markedly more efficient. Insurance costs are low, as are service and maintenance costs over five years of ownership.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Renault Arkana has received
2022
- Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Hybrid Car
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Crossover
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Renault Arkana, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW X2 | Citroën C4 | Ford Puma | Mazda CX-30 | Mini Countryman | Nissan Juke | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Captur | Toyota C-HR | Toyota Yaris Cross | Vauxhall Mokka | Volkswagen T-Roc
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Renault Arkana at The Car Expert
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