2022 Renault Koleos

Renault Koleos 2021-2022 Review

If there ever was a product that existed quietly in the background but doesn’t often receive love, it would be the Renault Koleos. That is owed partly to the fact that Renault itself doesn’t have much in the way of a local presence, with their brand known largely for offering hot hatchbacks and the odd compact electric vehicle.

What’s also interesting is that the Renault Koleos was manufactured in South Korea, then eventually India and Moscow as well – rolling out across Europe, Asia Pacific, and South America. That being said, it hasn’t seen popularity in other markets either – again, because Renault’s presence is fairly limited outside of Europe and their home markets don’t have as much love for the SUV form.

Now in its second generation, the Renault Koleos is still manufactured in South Korea (as well as China), and it is still based on the same platform as the Nissan X-Trail – both models transitioned to a newer platform together. Even the powertrain options are the same, which means we’re dangerously close to calling the Renault Koleos a rebadged product.

But as the first generation proved, Renault is capable of taking the same base ingredients and creating something entirely different. We’ve seen it numerous times in the past, with companies like Ford and Volvo and Mazda sharing platforms, but creating entirely different cars that each have their own unique and appreciable character.

The current generation Renault Koleos is offered locally in three different variants, and all three share a singular powertrain options with variances in trim items and options and features. The most recent facelift was introduced earlier this year, retaining the different trim levels and variant names but tweaking the actual content.

Renault Koleos 2021-2022 Specifications

The engine that beats at the heart of the local variants of the Renault Koleos is but a simple, humble naturally aspirated 2.5-litre inline-four petrol engine. It’s a tried and tested unit, going back as far as the previous generation model albeit with a number of improvements in the pursuit of efficiency and performance. The result today is 171 PS and 226 Nm of torque.

One thing that the Nissan X-Trail transitioned to that was a less than popular choice during its second generation is a continuously variable transmission, and that holds true for the Renault Koleos as well. That being said, CVT-type automatic transmissions have become increasingly popular and well accepted in this day and age for its smoothness and fuel economy.

Power is delivered exclusively to the front wheels, though there are all-wheel drive variants in other markets around the world. This is pretty normal for your modern SUV, since the majority of owners and potential buyers are going to be sticking to the beaten path – possibly even staying on well paved tarmac.

In terms of dimensions, the Renault Koleos certainly seems like a larger car than its Japanese brethren. It packs a wheelbase of 2,705 mm (identical to the Nissan X-Trail), but a length that’s a little longer at 4,672 mm, and a width of 1,843 mm along with a height of 1,678 mm.

Renault Koleos 2021-2022 Exterior

From the outside, all three variants of the Renault Koleos are fairly similar. The only tell-tale signs would be the wheels, where the base Koleos gets 18-inch units and the Signature variants get 19-inch alloy variants. There is also the addition of an electric panorama sunroof for the Signature models, and extra garnishing for the front and rear bumpers, spoiler, and side steps limited to just the Signature Plus variant for a sportier look. You can get your Renault Koleos in a range f different colours – Metallic Black, Amethyst Black (sort of purple-ish), Highland Silver, Millesime Red, and Universal White. If we had to wager a guess, most models would be black, white, or silver. All models get daytime running lights, as well as headlights and taillights in full LED design, as well as chrome door handles, window trims, fog light surrounds, and rear bumper trims.

Renault Koleos 2021-2022 Interior

Regardless of which Renault Koleos variant you choose, you’re going to get a pretty decent interior setup. The main attraction is the8.7-inch portrait touch-screen located in the centre of the dashboard, though you can find plenty of other nice features around the cabin such as ambient lighting and leather upholstery – Black Riviera for the base Koleos and Sand Grey Nappa for the Signature variants.

Renault Koleos 2021-2022 Safety Features

It can be difficult when a car’s platform and onboard systems architecture are rooted in a vehicle and platform from the mid 2010s since there wasn’t as much forward thought and expectation that consumers would have such an appetite for advanced safety systems in mass market products. The Renault Koleos is a prime example of this, coming with only your regular electronic intervention items such as stability and traction control, as well as ABS with EBD and brake assist, and blind spot warning.

Renault Koleos 2021-2022 Strengths & Weakness

There’s no real easy way to say it, but the ultimate weakness of the Renault Koleos comes down to the fact that you will have to explain your purchase decision every time you meet a relative who hasn’t yet seen your new French SUV. In many ways it does the same things the Nissan X-Trail does, albeit at a higher price point and with some extra little features and design changes.

That being said, one could view this as a hefty advantage instead. You get the more alluring, elegant styling of the Renault Koleos, with the practicality, reliability, and robustness of the platform and engine on which it is based. If you’re the kind of person who has to spend a disproportionate amount of time in their car every day, why not make it one that’s pleasing on the eyes?

Renault Koleos 2021-2022 Price

Pricing for the Renault Koleos starts at RM 181,885.68 for the regular base model variant. Going for the Renault Koleos Signature brings the price up to RM 201,086.84, while the range-topping Renault Koleos Signature Plus will run you RM 206,886.84. All prices are not inclusive of insurance, but is inclusive of all the other fees you will need to get the car on the road.

Renault Koleos 2021-2022 Features

Where the Renault Koleos may fall a little short in terms of safety functionality, there is a pleasant amount of equipment to enjoy. The elegant portrait head unit comes with R-LINK2 which includes navigation and voice control. There’s Apple Car Play and Android Auto readiness, and sound reproduction is done by a #D Arkamys system with eight speakers. Dual zone automatic climate control is also provided, as is keyless entry and start and automatic headlights for true convenience. Electric adjustable driver and passenger seats are available for all variants, though massage and memory as well as seat ventilation are limited to the Signature variants.

Renault Koleos 2021-2022 Fuel Consumption

The manufacturer quoted fuel consumption figure for the Renault Koleos comes in at 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres, or roughly 12.3 kilometres per litre of fuel. Being a naturally aspirated vehicle, the fuel consumption isn’t likely to change wildly depending on your driving habits – although the transmission being a CVT-type automatic certainly has an effect on overall efficiency if you choose to drive at higher speeds for prolonged periods of time.