Renault Grand Scenic (2016 – 2020) Review

Renault Grand Scenic (2016 – 2020) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
Buy a Grand Scenic in 2020 and you’ll enjoy a degree of exclusivity and styling that will turn more heads than the majority of seven-seat SUVs. Just because not enough people bought one, doesn’t mean you should ignore the Grand Scenic.

+Classy cabin with a range of family-friendly features, avant-garde styling helps the car to stand out in a crowded market, all versions boast a comprehensive list of equipment.

-Not a proper seven-seater – more a ‘5+2’ MPV, large alloys look the part but upset ride quality, infotainment system flatters to deceive.

Insurance Groups are between 11–24
On average it achieves 74% of the official MPG figure

Launched in 2016, the Renault Grand Scenic fuses the practicality of a seven-seat MPV with the styling of a modern SUV. Although it can’t match the flexibility of the SEAT Alhambra or Ford Galaxy, the Grand Scenic offers seating for five, two occasional seats in the rear, plus a comprehensive list of standard equipment. Subjectively, it’s one of the best looking cars in its class, with an upmarket and classy cabin to match. You even get a set of 20-inch alloy wheels as standard. Slow sales resulted in the car being axed from the UK in 2020, but the Grand Scenic is a superb used buy.

Renault has a habit of building excellent MPVs. The original Espace pioneered the concept of a seven-seat MPV in Europe, while the Megane Scenic did a similar thing in a smaller, five-seat package. It’s a shame that Renault lost its way.

Faced with the prospect of ‘death by SUV’, Renault reinvented the Grand Scenic in 2016, giving the car an eye-catching look and standard-fit 20-inch alloy wheels. Subjectively, the Grand Scenic is one of the best looking family cars on sale in 2020.

Not that it will be on sale for long. Renault axed the Grand Scenic from its UK range in the summer of 2020, although it’s still available in other European markets. If you’re after a ‘many-seat’ Renault, you’ll need to buy a Trafic Passenger.

The Grand Scenic isn’t a seven-seater in the style of the SEAT Alhambra or Volkswagen Sharan. Instead, it’s more of a rival to the SEAT Tarraco or Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, in the respect that it offers seating for five with the potential to carry two additional passengers when the need arises. Even then, the third row is best reserved for children or occasional use.

It feels like an upmarket vehicle, with the bold styling matched by a premium cabin and a comprehensive list of standard equipment. Even the entry-level Play trim offers the kind of kit that would be mid-range in some rivals, while the flagship Signature model edges the Grand Scenic into premium car territory.

Although the Grand Scenic launched in 2016 with a wide range of engines, later cars were available with a choice of two. Neither could be described as quick, but the 1.8-litre Blue dCi 120 diesel edges the 1.3-litre TCe 130 petrol thanks to its torque. You’ll welcome the extra shove when you’re travelling with a full quota of passengers and a roof box filled with overspill luggage.

You’ll need the roof box in seven-seat mode. Although the boot is cavernous when the rearmost seats aren’t in use, the boot is tiny when they are. This is true of many seven-seat MPVs and SUVs, but we’d still describe the Grand Scenic as a ‘5+2’ MPV.

Although there are a few neat touches, such as the sliding centre console, the Grand Scenic lacks the flexibility of some rival MPVs. The glovebox is too small, the door pockets are too narrow, and the second row of seats split 60/40 rather than individually.

Adopt a smooth and relaxed driving style and the Grand Scenic is a terrific cross-continental companion. It’s not as comfortable as French MPVs of old, and it lacks the precision of a Ford S-MAX but Grand Scenic owners will enjoy the commanding driving position, the comfortable seats and the array of tech at their disposal.

Ask Honest John

Are there any cars with sliding doors that fit three child seats?

"I want a car or MPV with sliding doors for a family of three kids and two adults. I currently have a Ford S-MAX and we can get three child seats in the middle row but obviously that doesn’t have sliding doors. I’m considering the Mazda 5 but want to know if the middle row will hold three seats. We don’t want to go as big as the SEAT Alhambra. Hope you can help."
Unfortunately, the Mazda 5 is not compatible with what you want. It's very unlikely to seat all three kids in the back - and it only has two Isofix anchor points in the second row anyway. That leaves you with two options (unless you can think of an alternative model I haven't): 1) a larger car like the Sharan or MPV with sliding doors, 2) a slightly smaller car without sliding doors. You're unlikely to get a smaller car with sliding doors, essentially. Here are some models that fit three child seats across the back (but not all have three Isofix points): 1)Audi Q7 2) Peugeot 5008 3)VW Touran 4) VW Sharan/SEAT Alhambra 5) Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 6) Ford Galaxy 7) Renault Grand Scenic 8) Citroen C5 Aircross (two outer seats get isofix mounts) 9) Vauxhall Combo Life/Citroën Berlingo/Peugeot Rifter (second row gets 3 isofix points and fits 3 child seats, but the third row with two seats isn't suitable for car seats. It has sliding doors but is obviously much larger than your S-MAX as it's van-based). 10) Volvo XC90
Answered by Georgia Petrie

What should we replace our Ford S-MAX with?

"We're looking to replace our diesel Ford S-MAX. We need a similar size boot and our budget is £30,000. Most of our driving is local (in London) with at least eight trips to Manchester each year."
We'd recommend a Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer. It's a very good, practical people carrier that's available with a PureTech 130 petrol engine which I think would suit your mileage. Also consider a Renault Grand Scenic or an SUV like the Skoda Kodiaq.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Is there a good seven-seat MPV that's petrol?

"I need to buy a car to replace my poorly Kia Sedona. Is there a realistic petrol large family car? We need seven full-size seats plus boot space (the Sedona was great on this) but would like to avoid diesel with all the environmental concerns and charges/taxation. We also do long drives so have discounted pure electric. In addition, we occasionally tow a small trailer. Is this possible?"
A SEAT Alhambra powered by the 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine would be a good choice. Also consider a Renault Grand Scenic with the 1.3-litre TCe petrol engine. Both should be fine towing a small trailer.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What's the best value MPV?

"We are looking to upgrade from a Peugeot 3008 to an MPV. Which is the best practically and MPG?"
Depending on how much space you need, the Renault Scenic or Grand Scenic are both really versatile MPVs with generous equipment levels. Alternatively, the SEAT Alhambra and Kia Carens both represent good value for money. Check out Real MPG for an idea of fuel economy: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/real-mpg/
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Renault Grand Scenic (2016 – 2020) cost?