Renault Espace MK5 vs Renault Scenic J95
Renault Espace
MK5 · 2015 – 2023
The fifth Espace (MK5), a large MPV on the CMF-CD platform.
Renault Scenic
J95 · 2009 – 2016
The Scenic (J95, 2009–2016), a compact MPV.
Renault Espace
Pick the Espace for a very roomy, comfortable seven-seat MPV with strong engines.
Renault Scenic
Pick the J95 for an affordable, practical early Scenic with a large used supply.
Performance
1.8 TCe 225 · Petrol vs 1.2 TCe 130 · Petrol
| Renault Espace | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
225 hp
Winner
|
130 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
205 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,6 s
Winner
|
11,4 s
|
| Top speed |
224 km/h
Winner
|
190 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
136,4 hp/t
Winner
|
93,5 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
150 g/km
|
135 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,5 L/100km
|
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Espace | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
680 L
Winner
|
437 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
2.100 L
Winner
|
1.500 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,88 m
Winner
|
2,70 m
|
| Length |
4,86 m
|
4,34 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,1 m
|
11,0 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.850 kg
Winner
|
1.200 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Espace | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMF-CD | C |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.6 TCe · 1.8 TCe · 1.6 dCi · 2.0 Blue dCi | 1.6 16V · 1.4 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.5 dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.9 dCi · 2.0 dCi |
| Transmission | EDC7 automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use (diesel)
- 1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
- EDC: jerky shifts
- Electronics and MediaNav/R-Link glitches
Pros
- Very roomy seven-seat cabin
- Comfortable, composed ride
- Strong 1.8 TCe and 2.0 Blue dCi
- Roomy, practical with lots of storage
- Affordable used supply
- Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel
Cons
- Large and less agile
- Diesel: AdBlue/DPF on short trips
- Older design and interior
- 1.2 TCe carries chain risk
Driving experience
Renault Espace
Comfortable and composed for a large family vehicle, with a focus on long-distance refinement. Ride quality is absorbent, though some early examples felt soft in body control. Steering is light and accurate enough for the size. Optional 4Control four-wheel steering improves low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. Diesels are refined and strong for motorway use, while petrol engines offer more responsive acceleration. EDC dual-clutch automatics are smooth once warm but can show low-speed hesitation or judder when cold.
Renault Scenic
A relaxed long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, with good visibility. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use. Ride quality is absorbent and composed for the segment, with body control better than many traditional MPVs of the era. The diesels are refined and strong for motorway use, while petrol engines are adequate but less efficient. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the automatic options (EDC dual-clutch on some diesels, CVT on the 2.0 petrol) can show hesitation or less refined behaviour in low-speed use.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
