Renault Kadjar KAD vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

Renault Kadjar

KAD · 2015 – 2022

The Kadjar (KAD), a compact SUV on the CMF-CD platform.

Volkswagen Taigo

CS1 · 2021 – 2026

The first-generation Taigo (CS1), on the MQB A0 platform.

First car

Second car

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

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Taigo

Pick the Taigo for a stylish coupé crossover with low running costs and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (110 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Renault Kadjar	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	140 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	240 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,6 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	205 km/h Winner	191 km/h
Power-to-weight	100,0 hp/t Winner	93,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	125 g/km	123 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km	5,4 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Renault Kadjar	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	472 L Winner	440 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.478 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,65 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,45 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	—	16,0 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m	10,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Kadjar	Volkswagen Taigo
Platform	CMF-CD	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi	EA211 1.0 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI
Transmission	6-speed manual · EDC7	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Kadjar

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

Volkswagen Taigo

Timing belt (wet belt) on some 1.0 TSI
Plastic water pump/thermostat module
Infotainment glitches (MIB3) on early cars

Pros

Renault Kadjar

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

Volkswagen Taigo

Coupé roofline sets it apart from the T-Cross
Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2 (Euro 6d)
Generous standard kit (LED, digital cockpit)

Cons

Renault Kadjar

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

Volkswagen Taigo

Less rear headroom due to the sloping roof
No diesel or all-wheel-drive options

Driving experience

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.

Volkswagen Taigo

Light, easy and aimed squarely at town driving. The Taigo steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and slips through city streets with little effort. The sloping roofline looks good but trims rear headroom, and it is front-wheel drive only. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth. It is a style-led small crossover that prioritises looks and ease of use over outright practicality or driving involvement.