Renault Espace vs Renault Scenic
Renault Espace
Renault’s large seven-seat MPV.
Renault Scenic
Renault’s practical compact MPV.
Renault Espace
Pick the Espace for a very roomy, comfortable seven-seat MPV with strong engines.
Renault Scenic
Pick the Scenic for a practical, comfortable compact MPV with an efficient diesel.
Performance
1.8 TCe 225 · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol
| Renault Espace | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
225 hp
Winner
|
140 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
240 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,6 s
Winner
|
9,3 s
|
| Top speed |
224 km/h
Winner
|
200 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
136,4 hp/t
Winner
|
96,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
150 g/km
|
125 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,5 L/100km
|
5,6 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Espace | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
680 L
Winner
|
506 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
2.100 L
Winner
|
1.600 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,88 m
Winner
|
2,73 m
|
| Length |
4,86 m
|
4,41 m
|
| Width |
1,89 m
|
1,87 m
|
| Height |
1,68 m
|
1,65 m
|
| Seats |
7
Winner
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Espace | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMF-CD | C (J95) · CMF-CD (MK4) |
| 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 · 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi · 2.0 dCi |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel | Petrol · Diesel |
| Transmission | EDC6/EDC7 automatic | 6-speed manual · EDC6/EDC7 automatic |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 / 6d | Euro 5/6 (J95) · Euro 6/6d (MK4) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6/6d allowed in the LEZ | Euro 6/6d allowed; early J95 (Euro 5) restricted |
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 automatic: jerky shifts
- Electronics and infotainment: 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
- Efficient diesels (1.5 dCi/Blue dCi)
- Comfortable for families
Cons
- Large and less agile
- Diesel: AdBlue/DPF on short trips
- MPV shape less popular than SUV
- 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 firmer than many traditional MPVs, particularly on the standard 20-inch wheels, and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps, though 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.
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
