Name: Renault Kadjar (2015 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Renault Kadjar
Rating: 68.0

Summary

The Renault Kadjar was a medium-sized SUV/crossover that shared its platform with the Nissan Qashqai. It was launched in 2015 and received an update in late 2018. In late 2022, the Kadjar was taken off sale, replaced by the new Renault Austral SUV.

The Kadjar received generally good reviews from UK media sources. Although sharing a platform with the Nissan Qashqai, the Kadjar was generally considered to be more stylishly designed. It also received praise for its practicality and good equipment levels compared to some more expensive rivals.

As of May 2024, the Renault Kadjar has a Used Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 68%. It scores top marks for its reliability record, and its running costs and CO₂ emissions are also good. But its media review scores were only average and its safety rating has now expired.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £24,695 on-road

Launched: Summer 2015
Last updated: Winter 2018/19
Replaced: Late 2022

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

“While other SUVs may get the job done with a little more style and flair, the Renault Kadjar – particularly when you consider its price – is still well worth considering.”
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Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Kadjar takes the Nissan Qashqai’s talents and wraps them in a more stylish package.”
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Auto Trader+

Score: 7 / 10
“It doesn’t have the interior quality of some rivals and the safety roster could be more generous, but nevertheless, it’s still well worth your consideration.”
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Autocar+

Score: 7 / 10
“The Kadjar makes the money VW wants for a decently-specced Tiguan look a bit rich. Admittedly, the Kadjar lacks that car’s more complete driving experience and air of class but, as an SUV to ferry the family about, you can do a lot worse.”
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Car+

Score: 8 / 10
“The Kadjar isn’t the most exciting car out there, but the changes made for its mid-life update ensure it’s still a practical family offering among the vast swathes of crossover competition.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Kadjar isn’t the most comfortable car in its class, but this car has plenty going for it. Not least its generous standard equipment levels, spaciousness and low starting prices. These three reasons alone are enough to warrant the Kadjar appearing on your new car shortlist.”
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Carbuyer+

Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Renault Kadjar is one of our favourite SUVs, thanks to its attractive design, practical interior and affordable running costs.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Kadjar is a spacious SUV that’s perfect for the family – it just isn’t that exciting inside and it’s pretty dull to drive.”
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Honest John+

Score: 8 / 10
“Affordable and stylish, the Kadjar represents a significant step up for Renault and has lots of family appeal, with keen pricing and low running costs. As a result the Kadjar is a compelling choice for those who want an alternative to the conservative Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Stylish and efficient SUV bristles with appeal”
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The Sunday Times+

Score: 7 / 10
“Important mid-life updates to great-value mid-size SUV.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol manual
Score: 6 / 10
“A welcome series of improvements and updates for another innocuous family SUV. Despite being based on the Nissan Qashqai and being quite a bit cheaper (and bigger inside), Kadjar is unlikely to challenge for that model’s lofty market-leading position.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Renault’s Qashqai rival is conveniently a rebodied… Qashqai. A fine appliance for family transport.”
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What Car?+

Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Kadjar is a fine all-rounder that deserves more than a second look. The Skoda Karoq pips it in a few areas, including ride comfort and interior finish, but compared with most other family SUVs the Kadjar holds its own.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 74%
Safety assist: 71%

Notes on safety rating

The Renault Kadjar was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 20xx and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used Kadjar to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Renault Kadjar was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 39
Average repair cost: £645.66
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of May 2024, the Renault Kadjar has an excellent reliability rating of 80%, according to workshop and extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy.

While reliability is good, the repair costs to date are fairly expensive for this class of car with an average bill of nearly £650. Unfortunately, engine repairs have been quite common and have seen an average repair cost of more than £1,100. Other bills have been more reasonable.

If you are looking to purchase a used Kadjar, make sure that any used car warranty covers all of the potential problem areas listed above.

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	45 mpg	C	42 – 46 mpg	C – D
Diesel models	54 mpg	B	47 – 58 mpg	B – C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	141 g/km	B	140 – 154 g/km	B – B
Diesel models	137 g/km	B	128 – 155 g/km	A – B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	22	A	17 – 25	A – B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£183	A
Year 2	£497	A
Year 3	£810	A
Year 4	£1,006	A
Year 5	£1,391	B
Overall	£3,887	A

The Renault Kadjar is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Servicing costs are excellent for the first five years, while insurance premiums should also be competitive. Fuel economy is good for diesel models and average for petrol models.