Renault Captur vs. Renault Kadjar: which is better?
Two great Renault crossover SUV models are pitted against each other in this comparison guide as we review the Kadjar and Captur to see which is the best
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Picking between a used Renault Captur vs. used Renault Kadjar? The French car manufacturer has a growing list of SUVs and crossovers to choose from, so understanding the differences can be tricky.
Here, we outline some of the key differences between two of its SUVs, the Kadjar and the Captur, identifying traits that make them suitable for you.
Renault Captur vs. Kadjar: style?
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The Renault Captur is a small crossover that’s known for its bold looks – it features a blend of SUV, MPV and hatchback styling.
For a small SUV, it has a reasonably sporty look. Its raised ride height, roof bars and off-road-inspired plastic cladding give it a rugged, go-anywhere look.
It has a front end that’s typical of Renault – the French brand’s oversized badge takes centre stage. Newer models have stylish C-shaped LED daytime running lights.
The Kadjar looks more like a conventional SUV – it’s pretty minimalist, but this gives it a sophisticated look that has allowed it to age well. Early models still look great, for example.
It has a more squared-off look than the Captur, but despite its 4x4 styling, most cars are front-wheel-drive and will rarely venture away from the tarmac.
Is the Renault Kadjar or Renault Captur better to drive?
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The Renault Kadjar is a mid-size family SUV that’s well suited to long trips because it has a comfortable, smooth ride.
Its steering is well-weighted, which means there’s plenty of feedback for the driver, making it more pleasant to drive on twisty country roads.
It’s available with a handful of petrol and diesel engines, and they’re all quick enough while still being efficient. We really like the 1.3-litre petrol, which Renault shares with Nissan and even Mercedes – it strikes the perfect balance.
The Captur is designed more to be a city-friendly model, so it has lighter steering that makes manoeuvring a bit easier.
A seating position that’s higher than hatchbacks like the Clio (on which it’s based) means you get a good view over the road, too.
It’s quite a light car, so it can feel quite nimble, but it’s by no means a sporty model. It’s available with a selection of smaller engines, plus some hybrid options, which are nice and quiet.
Renault Captur vs. Renault Kadjar interior
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The Captur’s cabin features high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces that make it feel reasonably premium for its price point.
High-spec models come with a fancy-looking portrait-oriented touchscreen, and while it’s not as responsive as some other cars, it still does a good job of getting things done.
The inside feels reasonably spacious and airy because there’s a lot of headroom, so taller passengers shouldn’t be too troubled despite the car’s overall compact dimensions.
Being a bigger car, the Kadjar comes with more kit (when you’re comparing like-for-like). Optional extras like a reversing camera are especially welcome when it comes to tight parking spaces.
Newer Captur models have more up-to-date car tech because Renault phased out the Kadjar by 2022. If you’re after a newer SUV from Renault that’s bigger than the Captur, you’ll have a choice of Austral and Arkana models.
Renault Kadjar vs. Captur: which has more boot space?
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In its standard five-seat mode, the Kadjar’s 472-litre boot is bigger than the Captur’s 422-litre space. The Kadjar’s boot is slightly smaller than the average for this size SUV.
The Captur’s party trick – a sliding rear bench – means if you’re willing to sacrifice some legroom, there’s up to 536 litres of space on offer, which is seriously impressive.
With the seats folded, the Captur’s 1,275 litres doesn’t quite meet the mark of the Kadjar’s 1,478 litres.
It’s worth noting that hybrid versions of the Captur have less boot space – 326-440 litres, or 1,149 litres in two-seat mode.
Renault Captur vs. Kadjar: reliability and safety
Renault has a fairly average track record for reliability, with some drivers complaining about faults with the infotainment system.
Overall, these are two dependable models, and any concern should soon be wiped away by the fact that newer models come with a five-year warranty, which is more than you get from many key rivals.
Parts are also easy to come by, and are generally affordable.
The latest Renault Captur was awarded a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP, with positive comments about its occupant protection in particular. The first-generation model also got five stars.
The larger Kadjar performed just as impressively, alsogetting a five-star rating.
Read our Renault Captur review
Read our Renault Kadjar review
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Renault Kadjar dimensions vs. Captur
Although the Kadjar is quite spacious inside, its exterior dimensions make it a pretty compact mid-size SUV. It’s 4,489mm long, 2,058mm wide and 1,607mm tall.
The Captur is smaller, though, at 4,227mm long, 2,003mm wide and 1,576mm tall. It doesn’t have a bigger footprint than many popular family hatchbacks.
Used Renault Captur vs. used Renault Kadjar: which should you buy?
Each of these Renault SUVs appeals to a different driver. The Captur makes a lot of sense for town drivers, and because it’s affordable to buy and run, it makes a good choice for younger families or older couples.
The Kadjar is better suited to growing families who need more space and practicality, but it’s still manageable enough to drive around town with ease.