Renault Kadjar (2015 – 2022) Review

Renault Kadjar (2015 – 2022) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
Finding a USP for the Renault Kadjar is tough, but the five-year warranty, efficient engines and large boot are three of its highlights. Avoid the entry-level version and it comes with a long list of equipment.

+Spacious and practical family SUV, low running costs, mid-range models are well-equipped.

-Dull to drive, interior feels a bit downmarket, lacks the very latest safety assist features.

Insurance Groups are between 14–19
On average it achieves 75% of the official MPG figure

The Renault Kadjar is one of the many family SUVs you can buy. Launched in 2015, then updated in 2018, it shares a platform with the Nissan Qashqai, but offers more space than its British-built sibling. Other cars of this ilk include the Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V, Peugeot 3008 and Skoda Karoq. Find out how it stacks up in our Renault Kadjar review. 

When is a door not a door? When it’s ajar. When is a Nissan Qashqai not a Nissan Qashqai? When it’s a Renault Kadjar. Here all day, etc, etc.

As jokes go, that’s pretty lame, but it highlights the fact that the Renault Kadjar is closely related to the all-conquering Qashqai. But while the Nissan Qashqai remains the UK’s most popular SUV, the Renault Kadjar has the last laugh by offering more interior space. You could say it’s a bit of a cracker.

Launched in 2015, the Renault Kadjar sits between the Captur and the Koleos in Renault’s range of family SUVs, built to take on the likes of the Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Peugeot 3008, Skoda Karoq, Seat Ateca and, well, the list goes on.

So why should you choose the Renault Kadjar over any of its rivals? That’s a tough one, because these vehicles all feel fundamentally very similar. It all comes down to price, your proximity to a local dealer and your fondness for a particular brand. 

Maybe Renault’s new five-year warranty will help. At the end of 2019, Renault introduced a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty, so if you buy a Renault Kadjar registered on or after 18 December 2019, it will be covered for, well, five years. It’s not quite at Korean car levels of warranty cover, but it nudges the Kadjar ahead of the Qashqai, Karoq and 3008.

It looks reasonably upmarket, especially following the facelift in 2018. This also improved the quality of the interior, which wasn’t the Kadjar’s strongest point when it was launched in 2015. On the plus side, the Kadjar is well-equipped if you avoid the entry-level cars, with higher trim levels feeling positively lavish.

There’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with the post-facelift units the most impressive. The TCe petrol engine is perfect for urban driving, while the Blue dCi diesel is ideal for longer trips and carrying heavy loads. A four-wheel-drive variant sits at the top of the range, which is ideal if you live in a part of the country where the weather can be a bit ‘seasonal’.

The driving experience is, at best, relaxing, but could also be described as forgettable. It’s not a car that likes to be pushed, so you’ll soon learn to take it easy. Ride quality is generally good, but suffers a little on cars with 17-inch alloy wheels.

Practicality is excellent, with the Renault Kadjar boasting a larger boot than the platform-sharing Nissan Qashqai. The cabin is light and airy, with enough space for five. It’s not class-leading, but it’s fine for most families. Post-facelift versions are more stylish, more efficient and more desirable.

Overall, this is a thoroughly competent and respectable take on the tried and tested family SUV formula. Still want that Qashqai? 

Ask Honest John

What could be the cause of my engine's loss of power?

"I own a Renault Kadjar Dynamique Nav DCI with a 1461cc engine on a F plate. It is in what I believe is known as Limp Mode. There are 2 warning lights showing...'check injection' and 'check anti-pollution system'. My local garage has changed the oil and filter done a DPF regeneration and checked the working of the sensors. The garage can turn off the warning lights but they very soon reappear. The car is underpowered and struggles on inclines....it seems that the turbo does not want to engage. The cost of a new turbo is likely to be something approaching £1000 and so I do not want to spend that sort of money if that is not a guaranteed solution. I wonder if anyone has come across a similar issue with a Renault diesel and if so how they were able to solve the problem."
Although a blocked DPF is one possible cause of the problems it may be that there are other faults which are contributing to your issues. We would suggest trying a local independent Renault specialist who may be able to properly diagnose the issue and offer a solution, as replacing the turbo would be the most expensive outcome. You can find a specialist near you using the Honest John Good Garage Guide here: https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/
Answered by David Ross

How long should a clutch last?

"How long should a clutch last for? I have a four year old Renault Kadjar with 40k on the clock and the clutch has failed, needs a flywheel and possible hydraulcs circa £2500! I drove it to its MoT fine and just mentioned a squeak from the clutch pedal, and now they say its undriveable!"
There is no set lifespan for a clutch, because a car covering 40,000 motorway miles will experience far less clutch wear than one that has covered 40,000 miles of town driving. Different driving styles can also affect how a clutch wears, so mileage is not a good guide to how long a clutch should last. However, it is disappointing that your car potentially needs a clutch and flywheel, so we would suggest getting a second opinion on its condition. You can find an independent specialist near you using the Honest John Good Garage Guide here: https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/
Answered by David Ross

Renault Kadjar or Suzuki Vitara?

"I am looking at buying a Renault Kadjar but have been put off by reviews saying stay away from high spec vehicles with 19-inch wheels. What do you think? I will only be traveling about 7000 miles a year. My other choice would be Suzuki Vitara."
Larger wheels result in harder ride quality on less-than-perfect roads. If that isn't a problem for your needs then a Kadjar on 19s shouldn't be ignored. Given the low mileage, I'd be concerned about DPF and EGR problems. A modern diesel needs around 15 miles (per trip) to reach optimum operating temperature and successfully cycle the diesel particulate filter. If you intend to use your SUV for lots of short trips then a Suzuki Vitara petrol hybrid might be the better choice. The Kadjar is also available with a 1.2 petrol engine.
Answered by Dan Powell

When should I change the cam belt on my Renault Kadjar 1.5 dCi?

"What is the frequency of the cambelt change on the Renault Kadjar 1.5 dCi?"
As a general rule, I'd recommend every five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). Most cam belt problems we hear about occur after this age/mileage.
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Renault Kadjar (2015 – 2022) cost?