2019 Renault Koleos 2.0L Blue dCi CVT AWD (190 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Just two years after launching the second generation of the Koleos, Renault gave it a facelift to boost sales, but the result was below expectations.

The Koleos was a mid-size crossover with a French attitude based on the same platform as the Nissan X-Trail (or the Rogue in the U.S.) and the Samsung QM6. Unfortunately for Renault, customers didn’t recognize the French automaker as a trustworthy 4×4 manufacturer, so it didn’t succeed with it. It struggled to get a six-figure annual sales but it couldn’t. Moreover, in Europe, it managed to get a five-figure number just for three years.

The refreshed version was quite a looker. Its front fascia sported big LED headlights from the mid-trim level and daytime running lights that were extended from the headlamps to the bumper. In addition, several chromed details on the grille and the fog lamps’ scoops adorned the vehicle. Moving on the profile, the automaker added more shiny ornaments to the doors’ surroundings, door handles, and front fenders. Still, the carmaker’s design team made it bold but not too flashy.

Inside, customers found bolstered front seats separated by a tall center console. Moving on to the dashboard, the automaker integrated the infotainment system into the center stack but kept some of the physical buttons. Renault installed a mixed panel inside the instrument cluster with a center-mounted digital tachometer flanked by the fuel level and the water temperature gauges. At the back, the split-folding bench-seat was wide enough to accommodate three adults, and the center tunnel was not too tall.

Renault offered the Koleos with either a front or an all-wheel drive system and installed gasoline or turbo-diesel engines underneath its mid-sized SUV’s hood, depending on the market.