Renault Koleos KOL vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1
Renault Koleos
KOL · 2016 – 2026
The Koleos (KOL), a mid-size SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
Volkswagen Taigo
CS1 · 2021 – 2026
The first-generation Taigo (CS1), on the MQB A0 platform.
Renault Koleos
Pick the Koleos for a roomy, comfortable diesel SUV with optional all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen Taigo
Pick the Taigo for a stylish coupé crossover with low running costs and city-friendly dimensions.
Performance
1.7 Blue dCi 150 · Diesel vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol
| Renault Koleos | Volkswagen Taigo | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
150 hp
Winner
|
110 hp
|
| Torque |
340 Nm
Winner
|
200 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
11,8 s
|
10,5 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
194 km/h
Winner
|
191 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
92,6 hp/t
|
93,6 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
128 g/km
|
123 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,0 L/100km
Winner
|
5,4 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Koleos | Volkswagen Taigo | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
458 L
Winner
|
440 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.690 L
Winner
|
1.222 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,71 m
Winner
|
2,57 m
|
| Length |
4,67 m
|
4,27 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
16,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
|
10,9 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.000 kg
Winner
|
1.200 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Koleos | Volkswagen Taigo | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI |
| 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
- Timing belt (wet belt) on some 1.0 TSI
- Plastic water pump/thermostat module
- Infotainment glitches (MIB3) on early cars
Pros
- Roomy boot and rear seat
- Comfortable, composed ride
- 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive available
- 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
- Diesel-only
- Heavier than compact SUVs
- Less rear headroom due to the sloping roof
- No diesel or all-wheel-drive options
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 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.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Renault Koleos
1 for sale · from € 23.990
Volkswagen Taigo
27 for sale · from € 16.450
Volkswagen Taigo 1.0 TSI · R-Line · CarPlay · LED · Keyless
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