Renault Kadjar

The Renault Kadjar (2015-2022) is an underrated and comfortable family SUV that shares a lot of its DNA with the Nissan Qashqai, which has undoubtedly helped its reputation for mechanical robustness in the UK. It offers a great deal of space and practicality for the price, making it a very tempting proposition on the used market. For buyers who prioritise comfort and value, it is a solid choice that handles motorway miles and school runs with ease. However, the Kadjar’s reliability story is very much linked to the powertrain you choose. If you are looking at early models, it is crucial to avoid or be very cautious with the 1.2 TCe petrol engine, which was known for high oil consumption issues. The introduction of the much more reliable 1.3 TCe petrol engine in 2018 transformed the Kadjar’s reliability profile, and this is widely considered the best engine choice for most buyers. The 1.5 dCi diesel is also a proven, reliable workhorse, provided it has been serviced regularly and used for journeys long enough to keep the DPF clear. Minor ownership irritations do exist, primarily focused on interior trim, which can sometimes develop squeaks or rattles, and the occasional infotainment glitch in the early R-Link 2 system. These are generally seen as small annoyances rather than anything that would leave you stranded. By sticking to post-2018 1.3 TCe petrol or well-maintained 1.5 dCi diesel models, you can enjoy a very dependable and comfortable family SUV that represents great value for money.