2025 Renault Koleos now cheaper than some Chinese family SUV competitors

Renault Australia has rolled out the first of its model year 2025 (MY25) Koleos family SUVs, with the new Evolution grade available from $34,990 before on-road costs.

It replaces the entry-level Zen grade which was last offered in 2024 from $42,500 before on-roads, and joins the runout MY24 Intens that is currently on special for $39,990 drive-away in front-wheel-drive form, rising to $42,490 drive-away for the all-wheel-drive version.

It also undercuts entry-level versions of big-name brands such as the Honda CR-V ($41,900), Hyundai Tucson (from $39,100 before on-road costs), Kia Sportage (from $37,990 plus on-roads) and Mazda CX-5 (from $36,740 plus on-roads).

However, the Renault Koleos is one of the oldest family SUVs on the market, having launched in Australia in second-generation form in 2016 on the same underpinnings as the previous-generation X-Trail, which has now been updated for the current model.

Powering the 2025 Renault Koleos Evolution is a 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol engine delivering 126kW/226Nm to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

As a result, the fuel economy figure is pegged at a claimed 8.1 litres per 100km, while Renault also points out the model “can run on 91-octane ‘regular’ unleaded petrol, rather than require more expensive premium unleaded”, as seen with some rivals.

The Koleos Evolution largely mirrors the top-spec Intens on equipment, save for losing the tilt-adjustable headrests, auto-dipping side-view mirror, power-operated front passenger seat, cooled front seats, sunroof, woodgrain interior trim, and nappa leather upholstery.

The Evolution is also fitted with 18-inch wheels, rather than the 19s found on the Intens, but the former gains a rear-seat 12-volt socket that is missing from that location in the latter.

Standard in the Evolution are LED headlights, an 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen, digital radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-built satellite navigation, a 7.0-inch driver display, keyless entry, push-button start, black leather trim, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and rear privacy glass.

Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.

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