Renault Koleos

Model Overview

The Renault Koleos is a mid-size SUV from French marque Renault, and marked the brand's first dedicated SUV model. Built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance's C platform, it shares its underpinnings with the Nissan X-Trail and Qashqai. The Koleos concept car made its debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, followed by the production model's European launch in autumn 2008. In April 2009, the Koleos officially entered the Chinese market as an imported model, offering four variants priced between RM248,000 and RM286,000. In 2016, the second-generation Koleos made its global debut at the Beijing Auto Show and was locally produced by Dongfeng Renault. In April 2020, following market downturns and operational headwinds, Dongfeng Renault was restructured, leading to the discontinuation of the Koleos. Since then, Renault has continued to update the Koleos for overseas markets, unveiling the new-generation Grand Koleos developed in partnership with Geely in 2024.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the first-generation Koleos blends Renault's signature design cues with rugged SUV aesthetics. The front fascia adopts classic Renault styling, featuring twin slim intake grilles that highlight the iconic diamond Renault badge. In terms of dimensions, the first-generation model measures 4,520–4,522 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and 1,715 mm in height, with a 2,690 mm wheelbase. The second-generation China-made Koleos saw its wheelbase extended to 2,705 mm. At the rear, it features a split-opening clamshell tailgate for effortless cargo loading. Inside, the first-generation Koleos comes equipped with an expansive 0.75 m² dual-pane panoramic electric sunroof, with the front section opening electrically. The cabin is thoughtfully designed with generous storage compartments, alongside "Super-Fold" rear seats that fold flat in sections to maximise cargo capacity.

The new-generation Grand Koleos (unveiled in 2024) embraces a completely revamped design language. Up front, it features Renault's signature borderless front grille paired with newly styled LED headlights. Body dimensions have grown significantly to 4,780 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, and 1,680 mm tall, riding on an extended 2,820 mm wheelbase. The rear retains a full-width light bar, complemented by an upswept C-pillar window line that delivers a sharper profile. Inside, the Grand Koleos boasts a triple 12.3-inch screen setup comprising a digital instrument cluster, a central infotainment touchscreen, and a dedicated front passenger display—marking the first model in the South Korean market to feature a co-driver screen.

Powertrain & Performance

The first-generation Koleos is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 126 kW (171 hp) and 226 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed CVT. In the European market, a 2.0-litre dCi turbodiesel option was also offered.

The second-generation China-spec Koleos offered a choice of two naturally aspirated petrol engines: a 2.0L and a 2.5L unit.

The new-generation Grand Koleos undergoes a comprehensive powertrain overhaul with two powertrain options. The first is an E-Tech hybrid setup comprising a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with dual front-axle electric motors in a front-wheel-drive configuration, pushing out a combined system output of 245 hp. The second is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 211 hp and 33.1 kgf·m of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

Chassis & Handling

The first-generation Koleos is built on the Renault-Nissan C platform, utilising front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup. Four-wheel-drive variants are equipped with the "All Mode" electronically controlled 4WD system derived from the Nissan X-Trail platform, striking a fine balance between on-road refinement and off-road capability. The vehicle boasts class-leading approach and departure angles, alongside a tight turning radius of just 5.8 metres.

The new-generation Grand Koleos underpins Geely's CMA (Compact Modular Architecture), which is also shared with models like the Volvo XC40. Retuned by Renault's engineering team, the chassis achieved an impressive moose test speed of 79 km/h, alongside a 33% improvement in ride compliance.

Cabin & Features

The first-generation Koleos is renowned for its versatile cabin packaging and human-centric design. Its 2,690 mm wheelbase was among the best in its class. Practical highlights include split-folding rear seats and a split-tailgate design. The expansive 0.75 m² panoramic electric sunroof was also a key standout feature against rival SUVs of its era.

The new-generation Grand Koleos significantly elevates cabin technology. A triple 12.3-inch screen setup spans across the entire dashboard as standard. It also adds a massive 25.6-inch Head-Up Display (HUD). Boot capacity is rated at 633 litres. The range-topping Esprit Alpine variant sports a dark interior theme highlighted by blue contrast stitching and Alcantara suede upholstery. For the 2026 model year, updates include an optimised user interface, enhanced infotainment features, a panoramic sunroof, and fresh interior and exterior colour options.

Safety & Intelligent Driving

On the active safety and intelligent driving front, the new-generation Grand Koleos is loaded with 29 driver assistance features, including automated parking assist and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Robust structural crash safety also remains one of the Grand Koleos's key selling points.

Market Performance & Reviews

The Koleos stands as Renault's most successful model in the Chinese market. During its import era, it once accounted for up to 90% of Renault's imported vehicle sales in China. In 2008, shortly after its European launch, the Koleos outperformed 47 competitors to bag the prestigious "European 4x4 of the Year" title. Following local production in 2016, the Koleos became the cornerstone model for Dongfeng Renault. However, with the restructuring of Dongfeng Renault in 2020, the Koleos was phased out entirely alongside stablemates like the Kadjar and Captur.

In overseas markets, the Koleos nameplate continues to evolve. In 2024, Renault partnered with Geely to roll out the CMA-based new-generation Grand Koleos, making its initial market debut in South Korea. Just one year after its South Korean launch, the SUV garnered exceptional customer satisfaction ratings—with 95.1% of surveyed owners rating their overall satisfaction as "very satisfied" or "satisfied", and 88% stating they would recommend it to peers. The Grand Koleos also clinched the South Korean "Hybrid SUV of the Year" award. In its segment, the Koleos contends with rivals such as the Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Kuga. From sharing platforms with Nissan in its first generation to co-developing with Geely in its latest iteration, the evolution of the Koleos mirrors a significant strategic shift in Renault's global playbook.