Overview

The Renault Austral has proven a popular family SUV since its introduction in 2023 – the right car in what is the most popular market segment. It’s the firm’s most direct competitor to the best-selling Nissan Qashqai and is one of the fresher entrants to this bustling class, replacing the previous Renault Kadjar SUV.

But despite only being introduced a couple of years ago, Renault has already set about launching an updated model, aiming to address the weaknesses levelled at the Austral at its launch – namely its overly firm low-speed ride and often-gruff self-charging hybrid engine, the only powertrain available in the UK.

It also receives Renault’s new family face, incorporating a new grille, bonnet and lighting front and rear, all making it look similar to the new Rafale, its new flagship SUV, but still based on the Austral. Renault’s SUV line-up has also got more confusing in recent times, with the introduction of the similarly-sized Symbioz, which has a larger boot but costs considerably less than the Austral we’re focusing on here. All will be explained further on in this review.

But does the Renault Austral make enough of a splash to drag buyers away from the established range of hybrid SUVs? There are loads of talented competitors vying for your attention, such as the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Kuga.

We’ve tested several examples of the current Austral since launch. As well as this new facelifted model, a six-month long-term test was conducted by Parkers car tester Adam Binnie. You can read more about how we test cars via our dedicated explainer page. 

British Australs get a head start on the competition, though, because Renault has decided to only offer the car with a high level of standard equipment in the UK. Even the most basic Techno specification comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.0-inch portrait infotainment system powered by Google.

Step up to the flagship Iconic Esprit Alpine variant and you’ll unlock some tech normally reserved for premium marques. Extras include a thumping Harman Kardon stereo system and a 360-degree camera system. Don’t be fooled into thinking the Alpine specification makes the car faster or better to drive, though. Apart from the tech, the changes are entirely cosmetic.

The Austral’s only engine offering in the UK is a 200hp 1.2-litre hybrid unit which Renault says can return up to 60.1mpg on the WLTP cycle. Its CO2 emissions are also as low as 105g/km, which is less than most new diesel-powered SUVs produce. It’s ruled out introducing a plug-in hybrid version, which you’ll find on plenty of rivals.

But it’s no longer good enough to just be efficient. The Toyota RAV4 and Ford Kuga hybrids are both very frugal, but the former comes with an industry leading 10-year warranty and the latter is great fun to thrash down a wiggly B-road. The Kia Sportage also has an impressive technology suite.

Over the next few pages we’ll explore each aspect of the Renault Austral, considering its practicality, comfort, interior layout, technology, driving experience and running costs before offering our final verdict on the car. Click through our review to learn whether the Austral is worth spending your money on or whether you should opt for one of its rivals.