A new entry point to Renault’s Koleos mid-size SUV undercuts big-name brands and brings pricing down to $34,990 before on-road costs.
Renault Australia has rolled out the first of its model year 2025 (MY25) Koleos family SUVs, with the new Evolution grade available from $34,990 before on-road costs.
It replaces the entry-level Zen grade which was last offered in 2024 from $42,500 before on-roads, and joins the runout MY24 Intens that is currently on special for $39,990 drive-away in front-wheel-drive form, rising to $42,490 drive-away for the all-wheel-drive version.
On the road, the 2025 Koleos Evolution is priced between $37,992 and $38,712 drive-away depending on state of registration, which puts in in line against Chinese rivals such as the GWM Haval H6 Ultra ($39,990), Jaecoo J7 Track ($37,990), and MG HS Essence ($40,990).
MORE: 2025 Renault Captur completes Australian testing ahead of launch
It also undercuts entry-level versions of big-name brands such as the Honda CR-V ($41,900), Hyundai Tucson (from $39,100 before on-road costs), Kia Sportage (from $37,990 plus on-roads) and Mazda CX-5 (from $36,740 plus on-roads).
It’s also cheaper than the Mitsubishi Outlander (from $39,990 plus on-roads), Nissan X-Trail (from $38,025 plus on-roads), and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (from $42,260 plus on-roads).
However, the Renault Koleos is one of the oldest family SUVs on the market, having launched in Australia in second-generation form in 2016 on the same underpinnings as the previous-generation X-Trail, which has now been updated for the current model.
Powering the 2025 Renault Koleos Evolution is a 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol engine delivering 126kW/226Nm to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
As a result, the fuel economy figure is pegged at a claimed 8.1 litres per 100km, while Renault also points out the model “can run on 91-octane ‘regular’ unleaded petrol, rather than require more expensive premium unleaded”, as seen with some rivals.
MORE: 2025 Renault Duster confirmed for Australia: Rugged small SUV due this year
The Koleos Evolution largely mirrors the top-spec Intens on equipment, save for losing the tilt-adjustable headrests, auto-dipping side-view mirror, power-operated front passenger seat, cooled front seats, sunroof, woodgrain interior trim, and nappa leather upholstery.
The Evolution is also fitted with 18-inch wheels, rather than the 19s found on the Intens, but the former gains a rear-seat 12-volt socket that is missing from that location in the latter.
Standard in the Evolution are LED headlights, an 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen, digital radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-built satellite navigation, a 7.0-inch driver display, keyless entry, push-button start, black leather trim, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and rear privacy glass.
The post 2025 Renault Koleos now cheaper than some Chinese family SUV competitors appeared first on Drive.