Renault Koleos KOL vs Volkswagen T-Cross C11
Renault Koleos
KOL · 2016 – 2026
The Koleos (KOL), a mid-size SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
Volkswagen T-Cross
C11 · 2019 – 2026
The first-generation T-Cross (C11), on the MQB A0 platform.
Renault Koleos
Pick the Koleos for a roomy, comfortable diesel SUV with optional all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen T-Cross
Pick the T-Cross for an agile urban SUV with a high seat, clever interior packaging and low running costs.
Performance
1.7 Blue dCi 150 · Diesel vs 1.0 TSI 115 · Petrol
| Renault Koleos | Volkswagen T-Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
150 hp
Winner
|
115 hp
|
| Torque |
340 Nm
Winner
|
200 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
11,8 s
|
10,0 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
194 km/h
Winner
|
193 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
92,6 hp/t
|
96,6 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
128 g/km
|
120 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,0 L/100km
Winner
|
5,3 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Koleos | Volkswagen T-Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
458 L
Winner
|
455 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.690 L
Winner
|
1.281 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,71 m
Winner
|
2,55 m
|
| Length |
4,67 m
|
4,14 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
16,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
|
10,6 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.000 kg
Winner
|
1.100 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Koleos | Volkswagen T-Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMF-CD | MQB A0 (transverse) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi · 2.0 dCi | EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA288 1.6 TDI |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG |
| Fuel | Diesel | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | ⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2029 | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
- DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
- Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
- Infotainment glitches on early cars
Pros
- Roomy boot and rear seat
- Comfortable, composed ride
- 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive available
- Sliding rear bench (385–455 l boot)
- High seating position and good visibility
- Facelift (2024+) brought LED lighting and a nicer cabin
Cons
- Diesel-only
- Heavier than compact SUVs
- Rear bench tight for three adults
- Pre-facelift interior plainer
Driving experience
Renault Koleos
A relaxed family cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, with good visibility. Comfortable and composed for a mid-size SUV, with a soft ride that prioritises long-distance refinement. Steering is light and accurate enough for the size but lacks strong feedback. Body control is adequate, though some examples feel soft over larger bumps. Diesels provide strong low-end torque for motorway use and overtaking. X-Tronic CVT automatics are smooth once under way but can feel sluggish or noisy under hard acceleration. AWD versions add traction in poor conditions but increase weight.
Volkswagen T-Cross
Light, easy and built for town driving. The T-Cross steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and is easy to park and place in traffic. It is front-wheel drive only, which suits its city role. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth once moving. Body control is fine for a small crossover. It prioritises space, visibility and ease of use over any driving involvement.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Renault Koleos
1 for sale · from € 23.990
Volkswagen T-Cross
28 for sale · from € 11.950
Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI · CarPlay · Leather · Sport seats
click2move by Declerc
Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI · CarPlay · LED · Adaptive cruise control
click2move by Declerc
Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI · Camera · CarPlay · Leather
DR Motors
Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI · 360° camera · CarPlay · Navigation
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