Renault Koleos 2019 - Top alternatives

The new Renault Koleos has been in town for a few weeks now and is arguably one of the better options out there - at least when it comes to mid-sized family crossovers. Sold exclusively by TC Euro Cars in Malaysia,

the latest avatar of Renault’s crossover represents the model’s second generation. Built upon the French carmaker’s Common Module Family (CMF) architecture, the Koleos is sold here as a strict five-seater.

New Koleos price tag range between RM 179,888 and RM 189,888 for the entry-level Standard and top Signature trims, respectively - the new Renault Koleos isn’t exactly the most affordable car in its segment. Thankfully, if you are in the market searching for something quite similar to the new Koleos but don’t know which car to go for, worry not, as we will list out some top alternates which you can consider instead.

With the crossover SUV segment blowing up with tonnes of candidates, there really is no shortage of viable options. So let’s get cracking with the list…

Alternative 1 - Honda CR-V

Variants	Price
2.0L 2WD	RM 138,308
1.5L TC 2WD	RM 150,992
1.5L TC 4WD	RM 156,732
1.5L TC-P 2WD	RM 163,191

The Honda CR-V needs no formal introduction. Being among the first companies to pioneer the crossover genre, Honda has had several years to improve and refine the CR-V so as to make it almost perfect - a quality the latest iteration of the CR-V can certainly boast about. It is also a stylish crossover and is well-renowned for its superlative build quality, fit-and-finish, and practical ergonomics.

Under the hood, the Honda CR-V specs come with either a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-popper or a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder - both utilising a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to transfer the engine’s power to the driven wheels. If you go for the variant with all-wheel drive, you not only get superior traction but also decent performance.

The Honda CR-V’s features list includes the following:

• Automatic LED headlamps with auto high beam
•  LED front fog lamps
• Automatic front wipers
• Programmable power tailgate
• Smart entry with push-button start
• Paddle shifters
• Cruise control
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power-operated front seats with power lumbar for driver
• 8-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Six airbags
• Honda Sensing (FCW, CMBS, LDW, LKAS, RDM, ACC, LSF)

Alternative 2 - Nissan X-Trail

Variants	Price
2.0L 2WD	RM 133,888
2.0L 2WD (Mid)	RM 145,888
2.5L 4WD	RM 153,888
2.0L Hybrid	RM 159,888

Slightly less expensive than the Honda CR-V, the Nissan X-Trail is largely similar to the new Renault Koleos. For starters, it rides on the same CMF platform as its Renault counterpart and, for all intents and purposes, its dimensions aren’t too varied to the Koleos. However, the X-Trail offers you the versatility of two more seats for less money.

The X-Trail specs sheet also comes with more powertrain options (including a hybrid), while there’s an all-wheel drive version like the CR-V as well. While the standard petrol motor provides similar power output as the Renault’s engine, the frugal hybrid powertrain delivers 16.1 kmpl - much better than what the Koleos is capable of.

As for the X-Trail’s features, its catalogue includes:

• Active Brake Limited Slip
• Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Blind Spot Warning with Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Warning with Forward Emergency Braking
• Intelligent Trace Control with Intelligent Ride Control
• Hill Descent Control
• Adaptive LED headlamps
• Motion-activated power tailgate
• Nissan’s unique ‘Zero Gravity’ seats
•  7-inch touchscreen infotainment with navigation, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Split-folding third-row seats

Alternative 3 - Peugeot 3008 Plus

Variants	Price
Active	RM 150,888
Allure	RM 163,888

Priced somewhere along the same lines as the CR-V but still much cheaper than the new Koleos, we have the refreshed Peugeot 3008 Plus. The 3008 Plus brings with it chic European styling (both inside & outside), stylish yet high-tech cabin, decent performance, and a long list of features and equipment.

While the cabin of the all-new 3008 Plus doesn’t look as spacious and airy as that of the new Koleos, it makes up for that by feeling more upmarket and youthful in its appeal. Motive force for the Peugeot 3008 comes from a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-popper that produces 165 hp and 240 Nm of torque, which is good for a top speed of 206 kmph and a 0-100 kmph time of less than 9 seconds.

Its 591 litres of boot space is more than that of the new Koleos (542 litres), while its hands-free tailgate makes loading & unloading operations a breeze.

The Peugeot 3008 Plus specs sheet is also loaded to the brim with smart and convenient features…

• Automatic & adaptive LED headlamps with LED sequential turn signals
• LED front fog lamps
• Acoustic front windscreen with rain-sensing wipers
• Auto-folding wing mirrors
• All-around parking sensors with surround-view cameras
• Panoramic glass roof
• 12.3-inch high-definition digital driver’s display with customisable modes
• High-fidelity Arkamys 3D sound system
• Multi-way powered front seats
• LED cabin mood lighting
• Advanced Grip Control with 5 ride settings
• Driver Attention Alert with Active Lane Keeping Assist & Blind Spot Information System
• Anti-whiplash front seat headrests
• Speed Limit Recognition
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold

While the new Renault Koleos sure is a nice car and is a massive improvement over its outdated predecessor, it doesn’t necessarily the best VFM deal in its segment. Also, it isn’t without really stiff competition in the region, either. So, if you find yourself not too pleased with the Koleos, the above-mentioned cars are excellent alternatives that you should check out.

Also Read: 2020 Renault Koleos - Top features