Is a used Renault Kadjar a good buy?

You’d be forgiven for perhaps overlooking the Renault Kadjar. After all, with so many family SUVs to choose from, there's a huge array of options out there as used and nearly new buys. Even so, we still reckon the Renault Kadjar is worth having on you radar, since it’s a nicely-rounded family car that covers a lot of bases to a good standard.

It’s already off to a good start, since under the skin the Renault Kadjar is closely related to the Nissan Qashqai, which has long been one of the UK’s best-selling new cars.

However, we reckon the Kadjar is actually a little bit better than the Qashqai when it comes to practicality. The Renault is 70mm longer, which helps free up quite a bit more space inside for passengers and their luggage though do be aware rear seat headroom is a bit tight for taller adults.

Read our full Renault Kadjar review

Which used Renault Kadjar should you buy?

The interior features of the Renault Kadjar aren’t quite as cutting edge as they used to be, though there are enough mod cons here to suit the needs of most drivers. We would suggest you avoid the entry-level Expression and Play models if you aren’t on a tight budget, though: these cars are a little bit down on equipment, and we reckon it’s worth paying a bit extra for the mid-range Dynamique and Iconic models.

What used Renault Kadjar trim levels are available?

Because the Renault Kadjar didn’t set the sales charts alight in the same way as rivals like the Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage there likely won’t be as many examples to choose from when you’re browsing used car marketplaces such as BuyaCar. However, there should still be a decent selection to choose from.

Renault Kadjar Expression

At the Renault Kadjar’s launch in 2015, the entry-level version was the Expression model. The main highlights for this spec were air-conditioning, Bluetooth, a digital radio and a seven-inch digital instrument display. Other features of this spec were front fog lights and an electronic parking brake.

Renault Kadjar Dynamique

Dynamique versions of the Renault Kadjar built upon the Expression’s spec with extras like climate control, automatic headlights, built-in sat-nav, a lane departure warning system and headlights that turned with the car’s steering. Opt for the Dynamique S model, and the kit list grew to include front and rear parking sensors and heated wing mirrors.

Renault Kadjar Signature

When the Renault Kadjar first went on sale, the range was capped off with the Signature spec. This trim didn’t bring too many new features to the table (the headline additions were part-leather upholstery, an upgraded sound system and a panoramic sunroof), though it did sharpen up the Kadjar’s looks with LED headlights and a new 19-inch alloy wheel design.

In 2016, Renault introduced a Signature S version of the Kadjar, which was a bit more comprehensive with its standard-fit features. Highlights included heated seats in the front, blind spot monitoring, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and an autonomous assist that can control the car’s steering for you when you’re parallel parking.

Renault Kadjar Play

When Renault facelifted the Kadjar in 2018, it also overhauled the car’s trim levels, with the new entry-level spec being the Play model. As standard, this spec came with many of the features on the old Expression trim (front fog lights, an electronic handbrake and a digital radio, to name but a few), though there were some more noteworthy additions. Highlights included automatic windscreen wipers, climate control and a new seven-inch touchscreen with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Renault Kadjar Iconic

In Iconic spec, the Renault Kadjar gets the same features as the Play model, on top of built-in sat-nav, a digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and rear air vents. A few new driver assists came as standard on this spec, too, such as a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and lane departure warning.

Renault Kadjar S Edition

S Edition versions of the Renault Kadjar didn’t come with many new mod cons over the Iconic models, with most of the changes beyond the LED headlights and panoramic sunroof being cosmetic touches. These consisted of chrome trim on the doors, blue stitching on the seats and light grey skid plates on the front and rear bumpers.

Renault Kadjar GT Line

Being the flagship trim level at the time, the GT Line spec came with the largest equipment list of any Renault Kadjar model. As well as the kit available on the less expensive models, GT Line cars had heated front seats, a 360-degree parking camera and blind spot monitoring as standard. Leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel were fitted to all Renault Kadjar GT Line cars, too.

Renault Kadjar Equilibre

In the twilight of its production run, the Renault Kadjar’s entry-level trim was given a new name called Renault Kadjar Equilibre. As standard, it had a seven-inch touchscreen with built-in sat-nav and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry, lane departure warning, a reversing camera plus front and rear parking sensors.

Renault Kadjar Techno

At the same time as the Equilibre trim was introduced, a new range-topping Techno spec was introduced to the Renault Kadjar range. Befitting its name, most of the additions over the entry-level model were technology-based, with highlights including LED headlights, autonomous emergency braking and a blind spot monitoring safety assist. A handful of cosmetic touches came on Renault Kadjar Techno models, too, such as the chrome headlight surrounds and the new 19-inch alloy wheel design.