Summary
The Renault Captur is a small crossover vehicle, based on the same platform as the latest Renault Clio and Nissan Juke. The current model is the second-generation Captur, which was launched at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show and arrived on UK roads in early 2020.
The initial reviews for the Captur have been generally positive, and it is considered to be a significant improvement over the original model. As of January 2023, its has an Expert Rating of 64%, which puts it in the top half of a very large and competitive sector, although still several points behind the class-leading Ford Puma.
Unlike many cars in the small SUV/crossover class, the Captur is still available with a diesel engine in addition to the more popular petrol engines. A plug-in hybrid option also joined the range in Winter 2020/21, while a regular hybrid arrived in 2021.
The Renault Captur has received praise for its practicality, stylish interior and competitive pricing. However, it has been criticised for an underwhelming driving experience, underperforming engines and interior build quality.
Captur highlights
- Five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating
- Low running costs
- Refined, roomy and comfy interior
- Attractive exterior looks
- Competitively priced
Captur lowlights
- Fiddly infotainment
- Too much wind noise
- Rather bland performance
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £17,995 on-road
Launched: Winter 2019/20
Last updated: Winter 2020/21
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.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: Range overview
“It’s rare for a car to absolutely nail its brief, but the Renault Captur manages it and feels far more well-rounded than just about all of its rivals.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Renault hasn’t disappointed with the latest Captur – performance is fine, running costs are sound, and the level of standard equipment is strong, so the Captur looks like a great choice. Buyers in this class demand style, flexibility and value for money, and the new model has undergone a complete overhaul to help it stand out in an increasingly competitive crowd of rivals.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid E-Tech
Score: 7 / 10
“The Renault Captur remains our favourite small SUV, but as a private buyer, unless you’re committed to taking your first steps towards full electrification, we’d stick with the marginally better to live with and much cheaper petrol version.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Captur is one of the most popular small SUVs on the market, and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the most practical cars of its type, making it a good choice for buyers with a small family, while its exemplary comfort and impressive cabin quality also mark it out against rivals.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic E-Tech
Score: 8 / 10
“The electrified Renault Captur E-Tech hybrid offers usable electric-only range and significant tax advantages without the range anxiety of a full EV.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic E-Tech
Score: 7 / 10
“The Renault Captur pairs its comfortable, well-appointed interior with cheap running costs and ease of use. Just don’t expect it to deviate wildly from this formula in offering flashes of driver engagement or segment-leading rolling refinement.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Renault has done a lot right with this second-generation Captur. It’s a much more complete product than its predecessor, with a roomier and richer cabin, significantly better on-board technology and a more secure handling character.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic E-Tech Launch Edition
Score: 7 / 10
“The Renault Captur is a very easy model to like, thanks to its sophisticated interior style and impressive quality. Complete with digitised instrumentation, stylish, floating gear-shifter centre console, and neatly arranged piano key switches, it delivers a very impressive cabin ambience.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“If you want a small crossover, the Renault Captur should be right near the top of your list.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The crossover market is rather crowded already, and there’s only a place for the best to succeed, and the Renault Captur appears to be one of them. Thanks to improved interior space, better engines and a much more stylish cabin, the Captur is certainly a far more compelling option than before.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Renault Captur is one of the crossovers to beat, thanks to low running costs and plenty of style.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Captur looks great, has a spacious, high-quality cabin and a big boot. Its infotainment is frustrating, though, and there are more comfortable small SUVs around town.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid E-Tech 160 Launch Edition
“Will make good sense for company car drivers – as long as it is properly plugged in and charged as much as possible.”
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Model reviewed: 1.3-litre automatic Iconic
“Auto gearbox aside, the Renault Captur is an appealing car with classy looks inside and out, great levels of tech and is easy to use. The increased practicality from the larger boot just makes the car even easier to recommend.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol manual Iconic
Score: 6 / 10
“Compact SUV gets bigger and better.”
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Discover EV
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
“If you want to be more responsible, ecological and economical, the Renault Captur E-Tech plug-in hybrid is a good choice and will hopefully warm you up to the idea of owning an EV further down the line.”
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Fleetworld
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Trailblazing B-SUV adds clever technology, and a forthcoming hybrid version to make sure business users take note.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Renault Captur is a feel-good small SUV with a bright cabin and plenty of customisation options. Like its predecessor, it might not be the most fun car to drive, but it’s comfortable, good value for money and cheap to run.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“In a bid to appeal to a youthful market, the 2020 Renault Captur is offered in as many as 90 different colour combinations, with buyers able to choose from different colours for the bodywork, roof, door mirrors and skid plates.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
“But now on to the ‘All-New’ Capture, improved in every respect and brought bang up to date with optional Autonomous Level 2 self-driving features in top models.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Renault’s popular crossover has matured”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
“The Captur is a handsome all-rounder but it won’t rock your world. No one will ever walk into a pub and say, ‘F***ing hell, lads. Look what I’ve just bought. A Renault Captur’.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol manual S Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“Not quite the most rounded small SUV, but a very competent one nevertheless.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid E-Tech Launch Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Captur E-Tech really is an enjoyable and compromise-free entry to electric motoring for swathes of the UK’s motorists – company car users and retail buyers alike.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual TCe 100 Iconic
Score: 8 / 10
“A litany of niggles stop it from being a great car, but the new Renault Captur is still a good one, and most importantly, it’s talented in areas that are important in a small SUV like this one. If you’re planning to buy one as a family hauler, though, you might like to upgrade to an engine with more poke.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol manual S Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mk2 Renault Captur is a solid attempt to address the shortcomings of the first generation, so it feels stiffer and stronger, the ride is more comfortable and the interior is genuinely top class. None of this makes the Captur a clear market leader, but it’s there or thereabouts in every aspect.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Jumped-up Renault Clio is miles less tinny than the old one. Breaks no rules, but it’s good-looking, refined and comfy”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“While we can see the appeal of the Renault Captur’s funky looks and affordable pricing, its engines are rather weak and it doesn’t ride or handle particularly well. Interior quality is good on top-spec versions, but all are rather cramped in the back.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid E-Tech
“As a plug-in hybrid, the Renault Captur E-Tech is aimed at drivers looking for low running costs without resorting to diesel, and who aren’t yet ready to make the leap to a full battery-electric vehicle. It’s easy to drive but has less boot space than the non-hybrid Captur.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Like the recently updated Renault Clio, it may take a second to spot the exterior differences between the new and old Captur models, but a short stint behind the wheel is all that’s needed to be convinced it’s been comprehensively improved.”
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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%
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.3-litre petrol manual 130hp
Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: November 2020
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.3 / 10
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 19
Average repair cost: £534.87
Last updated: January 2023
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Renault Captur has a reliability score that’s better than average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation Captur and the original (pre-2019) version.
Be aware of engine problems – they are expensive with an average repair bill of more than £1,500.
If you’re looking at a used Renault Captur, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Renault Captur has received
2022
- DrivingElectric Awards – Best Small Hybrid Car
2021
- Auto Express Awards – Best Small SUV
- Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Car for City Drivers
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Family Car
- Fleet World Awards – Best Fleet Small SUV
2020
- Auto Express Awards – Best Small SUV
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Family Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Renault Captur, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 Aircross | Dacia Duster | Fiat 500X | Ford EcoSport | Ford Puma | Honda HR-V | Hyundai Bayon | Hyundai Kona | Jeep Renegade | Kia Stonic | Mazda CX-3 | MG ZS | Mitsubishi ASX | Nissan Juke | Peugeot 2008 | SEAT Arona | Skoda Kamiq | SsangYong Tivoli | Suzuki Vitara | Toyota Yaris Cross | Vauxhall Crossland | Vauxhall Mokka | Volkswagen T-Cross | Volkswagen T-Roc
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Renault Captur at The Car Expert
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