CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: N/A
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 44.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.8 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 100
Average Price: Around £23,000

Renault Austral (2026) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Roomy and versatile	Lots of road noise
Pleasant interior	Ride is rather firm
Refined hybrid powertrain	Four-wheel steering can feel twitchy

Quick Summary

The Renault Austral is a midsize family SUV that combines modern design, advanced technology and efficient hybrid powertrains. It features a spacious 555-litre boot, well-appointed interior with quality finishes, and an impressive infotainment system powered by Google. The E-Tech full hybrid powertrain delivers 196bhp from a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with electric motors, offering smooth, refined performance and impressive fuel economy of up to 60.1mpg with CO2 emissions of just 105g/km.

The Austral offers a high driving position, comfortable cabin with adjustable rear seats, and comprehensive safety features including a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Three trim levels are available: Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine, with the latter offering four-wheel steering and a panoramic sunroof. However, ride comfort can feel unsettled on potholed roads, and the sharp steering response on four-wheel steering models may not suit all drivers. Despite these compromises, it represents a smart, well-equipped alternative to familiar rivals.

Best for: Families seeking a spacious, modern SUV with efficient hybrid technology, advanced infotainment, and a comfortable driving position for daily commuting and longer journeys.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising a softer ride on poor road surfaces, those seeking the sharpest handling dynamics, or buyers wanting the most affordable family SUV option.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Austral if: You're seeking a spacious, modern SUV with efficient hybrid technology, advanced infotainment, and a comfortable driving position for families and commuters.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise a softer ride on poor road surfaces, desire the sharpest handling dynamics, or want the most affordable family SUV option available.

Competitive Position: The Renault Austral is a smart, well-equipped family SUV that competes well against established rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. Whilst it scores lower on expert ratings than its competitors, it offers excellent value with a higher percentage of good and great deals available. Its refined hybrid powertrain, spacious interior and impressive Google-powered infotainment system are standout features. However, firmer ride quality and twitchy steering on four-wheel steering models mean it doesn't quite match the overall refinement of the Hyundai Tucson or the driving dynamics of the Nissan Qashqai. For buyers prioritising modern technology and efficiency, the Austral remains a compelling choice.

Read our full Renault Austral Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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