The 2017 Renault Koleos is a huge step up for the French brand.The launch of the second-generation Renault Koleos medium SUV in Australia is one of the company’s most significant to date. So significant that we are in fact the first market to get the car — not something we’re used to here in our remote corner of the world. This French rival to the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and imminent new Volkswagen Tiguan is poised to become the company’s top-seller here, which is fitting when you consider the continued rapid growth in this corner of the market. The new Koleos sits on the same proven architecture as the Nissan X-Trail (fruits of the global Renault-Nissan Alliance) and is once again built in Korea as part of Renault’s alliance with Samsung Motors. It’s larger than before, more upmarket and certainly better value.
Pros Interesting cabin design Plenty of interior space Good value The promise of reasonable ownership costs may surprise you
Cons Petrol engine and CVT uninspiring, a diesel would be good Not the rounded dynamic package that class-leaders are
The original Koleos was Renault’ s first crossover ever, and the newest iteration is set to be the brand’s flagship SUV that will compete against the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Nissan X-Trail, among others. As Renault’s flagship SUV, the Koleos is now larger and offers seating for up to seven. It comes loaded with an automatic four-wheel drive system, new technology, and a decent list of driver assistance systems. When spy shots of the new Koleos started surfacing, I was a little skeptical that Renault would do right by the model. The original did well in some markets, but poor in others others . Now that we’ve seen the finished product, it’s pretty clear that Renault went all out on its new flagship SUV. It’s filled with technology that will be used and doesn’t have any of the extra crap that nobody ever uses. The interior is upscale and luxurious, and it is sure to be a hit in most markets.
Pros Updated styling Space for seven Up-scale features
Cons Could be too close to the X-Trail Engine packages might fall short
The 2017 Nissan Murano is smooth and polished—and that may be just the ticket for buyers who want a high seating position and the availability of all-wheel drive. The 2017 Nissan Murano is a five-seat crossover that sort of defies convention. Instead of following its rivals by trying to appeal to growing families or those intent on at least looking the off-road part, the Murano is plush and comfortable, something of a more palatable luxury crossover.
Pros Dramatic exterior styling Superb ride quality Silent cabin Classy interior design
Cons Safety tech should be available on S, SV Passenger seat lacks height adjustment Ride harshness with 20-inch wheels Value proposition not as impressive on SL, Platinum
The 2017 Nissan Murano ranks 6 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Nissan Murano offers the comfort, performance and refinement typical of luxury SUVs, but without the hefty price tag. Its interior outclasses those of most competing vehicles, and it delivers a cushioned, smooth ride over most surfaces. However, you may wish it were a bit more engaging to drive.
Pros Posh cabin Very comfortable seats Intuitive tech features Fuel-efficient for a V6 SUV
Cons Poor rear visibility Slow steering response
The 2017 Nissan Murano is a versatile five-passenger midsize crossover with ample room for all passengers. It's a smart choice if you want an upscale, V6-powered vehicle without the luxury brand premium. For 2017, the Nissan Murano adds Apple CarPlay functionality and a drowsy driver warning system. New driver assistance features are now available for the SV trim, while the Platinum trim gets a new Midnight Edition styling package.
Pros High-quality interior materials and unique design features Exceptionally comfortable front seats Right balance of power and fuel efficiency Spacious rear seats that accommodate passengers and car seats with equal ease
Cons Modest cargo capacity limits practicality Can't tow heavy weekend toys like some competitors Funky exterior design creates compromised outward visibility Advanced safety features are only available on upper trim levels
