Renault Arkana vs Renault Kadjar

Renault Arkana

Renault’s coupé-style compact SUV.

Renault Kadjar

Renault’s roomy, comfortable compact SUV.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Renault Arkana

Pick the Arkana for a striking coupé-SUV with a roomy boot and an efficient hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech hybrid.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Kadjar

Pick the Kadjar for a roomy, comfortable compact SUV with an affordable used supply.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 Blue dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol

	Renault Arkana	Renault Kadjar
Power	140 hp	140 hp
Torque	260 Nm Winner	240 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,8 s	9,6 s Winner
Top speed	200 km/h	205 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	105,3 hp/t Winner	100,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	132 g/km	125 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,8 L/100km	5,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Renault Arkana	Renault Kadjar
Boot	480 L Winner	472 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.500 L Winner	1.478 L
Wheelbase	2,72 m Winner	2,65 m
Length	4,57 m	4,45 m
Width	1,82 m	1,84 m
Height	1,58 m	1,61 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Arkana	Renault Kadjar
Platform	CMF-B	CMF-CD
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	1.3 TCe mild hybrid · E-Tech Hybrid 145	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi
Fuel	Petrol · Hybrid	Petrol · Diesel
Transmission	6-speed manual · EDC7 · E-Tech automatic	6-speed manual · EDC6/EDC7 · X-tronic CVT
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6 / 6d
LEZ access	Euro 6d allowed in the LEZ	Euro 6/6d allowed in the LEZ

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Arkana

Infotainment: freezes and lag
Electrical gremlins (12V battery)
E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain

Renault Kadjar

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC/X-tronic: juddery at low speed
Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes

Pros

Renault Arkana

Striking coupé design
Roomy boot (480–513 L)
Efficient E-Tech hybrid available

Renault Kadjar

Roomy boot and comfortable ride
Affordable and plentiful used
Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel

Cons

Renault Arkana

Sloping roof limits rear headroom
No diesel offered

Renault Kadjar

1.2 TCe (early years) carries chain risk
Interior less modern than newer rivals

Driving experience

Renault Arkana

A comfortable long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, and body control is reasonable, but the ride is firmer than many rivals — especially on larger wheels — and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the E-Tech hybrid prioritises efficiency and can feel less linear under hard acceleration because of its multi-mode transmission. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder.

Renault Kadjar

A relaxed long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, ride quality is generally compliant on smaller wheels and becomes firmer on 19-inch alloys, and body control is adequate. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the diesels are refined and strong for motorway use. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder, especially on early cars and in town. AWD versions add a modest amount of traction in slippery conditions.