New Renault Koleos vs VW T-Roc – The competition is heating up

Renault has unveiled the new Koleos – a full-size SUV with crossover-rivaling pricing.

As a result, it will likely be compared to the VW T-Roc Design when the time comes to buy a new SUV for less than R500,000.

Below, we see how these value-oriented vehicles stack up against one another.

Equipment

Although the Renault Koleos and VW T-Roc are different in terms of styling and size, their similar pricing guarantees that both offer a generous list of equipment as standard.

In either the Koleos Expression or T-Roc Design, you will find fabric seats, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible central display – which is 7 inches on the Renault and 8 inches on the VW.

In the Koleos, a semi-digital instrument cluster is included, too, while the T-Roc gets a small multi-information display in its analogue layout.

Furthermore, the Renault is fitted with cruise control, rear-seat air con vents, all-round LED lights, and rear parking sensors – while the VW is treated to rear LED lights, front and rear parking sensors, ambient lighting, and driver fatigue detection.

This entry-level T-Roc also comes with black bumpers and 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Koleos Expression adopts body-coloured panels and 18-inch alloys.

The VW then measures 4,234mm long, 1,573mm tall, and 1,819mm wide – and allows 445 litres of cargo capacity in five-seater mode, which grows to 1,290 litres when the rear seats are down.

Thanks to the Koleos measuring 4,673mm long, 1,678mm tall, and 1,864mm wide, it supports a slightly larger five-seater cargo capacity of 464 litres, and significantly more when the rear seats are down – at 1,700 litres.

However, no matter which one you’re buying, you can rest assured that the Koleos and T-Roc scored 5-star Euro NCAP safety ratings.

Performance

At the front of the new Koleos lies a 2.5-litre, petrol engine that generates 126kW and 233Nm.

Throughout the range, the engine is mated to a CVT transmission with a seven-step sequential mode that sends power to the front wheels.

This assures a 0-100km/h time of 9.5 seconds, a top speed of 185km/h, and a combined fuel consumption of 8.1l/100km.

A 1.4-litre, turbo-petrol motor and eight-speed automatic transmission are fitted in the T-Roc Design, which produce 110kW and 250Nm.

The front-wheel-drive VW SUV sprints to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds, reaches a top speed of 205km/h, and returns a combined fuel consumption of 6.2l/100km.

Despite the varying outputs, both the Renault and VW permit a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,500kg.

An ample 210mm ground clearance also makes the Koleos stand out in its class, while the T-Roc offers an adequate 161mm.

Price

The Renault Koleos 2.5 Expression has a South African price of R484,900.

Each purchase includes a 5-year/150,000km mechanical warranty and a 5-year/90,000km service plan.

The VW T-Roc 1.4TSI 110kW Design has a South African price of R494,300.

Along with this, you get a 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 5-year/90,000km service plan.

Renault Koleos

VW T-Roc