Competition in the SUV market is shifting from size to overall execution, as buyers focus less on body dimensions and seat counts and more on comfort and usability in real-world driving. In that environment, Renault Korea's midsize hybrid SUV, the Grand Koleos, has drawn favorable reviews as a well-built model aimed at everyday practicality.
Industry officials said the Grand Koleos is positioned as an SUV that balances design, utility and fuel economy, serving both daily commuting and leisure use. Rather than adding a third row, it uses a second-row-focused layout intended to improve space efficiency and driving refinement. Based on a 2,820-millimeter wheelbase, it offers ample legroom and headroom and is designed to reduce fatigue on long trips. Cargo space is rated at 633 liters, expanding to as much as 2,050 liters with the seats folded, supporting routine errands as well as travel and outdoor activities.
By simplifying the body structure and reducing weight, the company said it also improved fuel economy and stability. The Grand Koleos is rated at 15.7 kilometers per liter, among the best in its class, and uses a hybrid E-Tech system that can handle much of city driving in electric mode. Renault Korea said a dual-motor series-parallel hybrid system and a multimode transmission were used to improve driving feel.
Quietness, a key factor for family-oriented SUVs, was also emphasized. The vehicle applies active noise cancellation to reduce outside noise and engine sound, aiming for a cabin environment closer to that of an electric vehicle. The interior includes the openR panorama screen to strengthen user convenience.
On safety, the Grand Koleos uses an ultra-high-strength body structure and includes a range of advanced driver-assistance systems as standard equipment, earning a 2024 Korea New Car Assessment Program, or KNCAP, Grade 1 rating. The company said the approach reflects a safety-centered design philosophy beyond simple feature comparisons.
The Grand Koleos is the first model under Renault Korea's strategic Aurora Project. Developed in about 24 months, it has been cited by the company as an example of combining a fast development schedule with high completion. A Renault Korea official said, "The Grand Koleos refined its design not by adding, but by subtracting," adding that as the SUV market's focus shifts from size and specifications to practical user efficiency, the Grand Koleos is emerging as a realistic option.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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