The Renault Kadjar is a stylish crossover that's based on the same platform as the Nissan Qashqai. But, while the Qashqai took undisputed class honours when it arrived in early 2014, the game has moved on, and the Renault equivalent betters it in almost every area. However, the Renault just falls short of the all round appeal of the SEAT Ateca. There's a single body style for the Kadjar, and it slots into the Renault range above the Captur. Both of these models will be joined by the larger Koleos SUV later in 2017. There are four trim levels to choose from: the entry-level, air con-equipped Expression+, the mid-spec Dynamique and Dynamique S, while at the top of the range is Signature trim. Cars in top-spec trim are expensive, but they do boast a generous amount of kit, including a Bose stereo, 19-inch alloy wheels, and touchscreen nav is included on Dynamique models and above. The Kadjar earned a five-star rating when it was tested by Euro NCAP, just like the Nissan Qashqai. All but the entry-level model has lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition as standard. Autonomous emergency braking, which will automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent, is an option on all trim levels.
The Renault Kadjar is a family crossover that not only rivals the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan, but is also a worthy alternative to best-selling hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The Kadjar shares many parts with the Nissan Qashqai, but its body is a bit bigger. This means you get slightly more passenger space and a larger boot. The Renault’s interior also packs a high-tech infotainment system and an eye-pleasing dashboard.
Pros Competitive price Practical cabin Excellent fuel economy
Cons Just one petrol engine High-end models are expensive Sunroof reduces rear headroom
As a small SUV, the Kadjar is also a rival to the Kia Sportage, Seat Ateca and Skoda Yeti, but it's the aforementioned Nissan that it has most in common with, because it uses the same platform and engines. This means Kadjar buyers can choose from turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5- and 1.6-litre diesels, although the 1.6 is the only option if you want four-wheel drive. In terms of interior space, the Kadjar and Qashqai are closely matched, and both offer a high-riding driving postion that gives you a good view down the road. However, the Kadjar's styling is closer to that of its smaller SUV sibling, the Renault Captur.
The 2019 Infiniti QX50 is a beautiful package of technological innovations—in places visible and not visible.
Pros Beautiful, inside and out Good standard safety tech Remarkably advanced engine Good value in top trims Whisper-quiet interior
Cons Dual-screen infotainment system Option packages are walled off in some trim levels Getting top safety packages requires top trims Finicky throttle in early, pre-production models
The 2019 Infiniti QX50 ranked #9 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Infiniti QX50 has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 13 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Lots of cargo space Great gas mileage Spacious, supportive seats
Cons Uninspiring handling Disappointing infotainment system
Infiniti’s slinky QX50 is more than just a pretty face—its creased sheetmetal is hiding a revolutionary new powertrain. A quest for increased fuel efficiency led Infiniti to develop a first-of-its-kind variable-compression-ratio turbocharged engine, good for 268 hp and, by Infiniti's estimate, 30 to 31 mpg on the highway.
Pros Invisible and novel tech; spacious, refined, quiet, and comfortable.
Cons We anticipated better fuel economy; the usual CVT complaints.
