What is the Renault Scenic?
This is the Renault Scenic. It’s a new electric SUV with a huge range, a competitive price tag, and plenty of key ingredients that could make it better than a Tesla Model Y. So, is this one of the best electric SUVs around? In this review, we’re finding out.
The Renault Scenic has been around since the ’90s and historically, it was a kind of unfashionable MPV shaped a bit like a van. But this latest fifth-generation model has morphed into a fully electric SUV, and really, this car has nothing at all in common with any previous version of the Scenic. Its positioning within Renault’s lineup is still the same, though. This is a bigger and more practical alternative to the Renault Megane, which is also fully electric. In terms of this car’s direct rivals, it is a little bit smaller than things like the Kia EV6, the Skoda Enyaq, and the Tesla Model Y, but it’s still bigger than rivals like the Hyundai Kona.
Renault Scenic Interior Review
Inside the Renault Scenic, you don’t have an especially high-up, tall SUV-like driving position. You’re not as tall as a Model Y, but you are still higher up than you are in an EV6, which, for an electric SUV, is fairly low-slung. The driving position generally is pretty good in the Scenic. You’ve got a good view down to the nose of the car, although this windshield does seem a little shallow. You’ve also got big chunky pillars, and the view out the back isn’t brilliant either. The windshield is pretty small, and the headrests block quite a big chunk of it.
However, you get front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera as standard. If you go for the range-topping Iconic trim, you get a 360-degree camera, plus a digital rearview mirror, which essentially turns into a live camera feed of what’s happening behind the car. So, if your view is completely blocked by passengers in the back or luggage piled up to the roof, this helpfully still shows you what’s happening. But it’s only available on the top trim.
The driving position generally is good, with loads of adjustment in the steering wheel and the seat, but it is disappointing that this very nice 12.3-inch fully digital driver display is very easily blocked by the steering wheel. It’s not a problem for absolutely everyone, but many people will find that the top of the wheel cuts off a big chunk of the screen, which is a shame.
Renault Scenic Tech and Usability
There are still lots of good things about this driving position. Look at all these buttons here! These are not touch-sensitive ones that aren’t simple to use. They need a poke and a prod to push them into action. Over here, you’ve got three stalks, which might seem overwhelming at first. One is for the gear selector, one controls the windshield wipers, and the other controls certain functions of the media system. You can change the source of what you’re listening to, adjust the volume, change the track or the radio station, and having all of these controls so close to hand is really useful while driving.
Next to the driver display, on the central dashboard, you’ve got a touchscreen infotainment system with a portrait layout. It’s mounted pretty low on the dashboard, so it doesn’t obstruct your view, but looking at the bottom of the screen requires taking your eyes quite far from the road. However, it is angled slightly towards the driver, making it easier to reach. Also, there are physical buttons below the screen for adjusting the temperature and fan speed, unlike in a Tesla Model Y, which relies on touchscreen controls.
The system itself is responsive, has nice graphics, and a relatively simple layout. You get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with Google Maps and Google Assistant built into Renault’s software, giving you a brilliant satnav straight out of the box and a voice command system that actually works.
Renault Scenic Interior Quality and Storage
The interior quality is pretty decent. There are nice padded fabrics on the dashboard and faux leather throughout. However, some plastics lower down are fairly hard and scratchy. That said, most of its electric SUV rivals also have inconsistent interior materials. While it’s not the best interior in terms of quality, it certainly competes well with the rest.
Storage is really good. You get good-sized, carpeted door bins, a nicely padded big armrest that can slide forward to conceal a tray or lift up to reveal a massive cubby hole. There’s even more storage below, making it a practical and functional interior.
Renault Scenic Rear Seats
The rear seats are very good. There’s loads of legroom, though foot space under the front seat is limited if it’s in its lowest position. Headroom is also decent, even in the middle seat, which is slightly raised but still nicely padded. Even with a sunroof, headroom remains adequate.
Range-topping versions get a tinted panoramic sunroof that can switch between opaque and transparent, acting like a built-in blind while still letting light in for front passengers. However, the rear seats don’t slide or recline, which is a function found in many other electric SUVs. The door materials aren’t particularly nice, but the armrests are well-padded. The fold-down middle seat provides a padded armrest with two cup holders, a storage tray, and even a slot to hold your phone for watching videos on long journeys.
Renault Scenic Boot Space
The Scenic offers a 545L boot, slightly bigger than the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. In all three, you can fit seven carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf. However, a Tesla Model Y is much more practical, fitting nine suitcases in the boot plus another in its front trunk.
Unfortunately, the Scenic doesn’t have a front boot, but its rear boot is deep and well-shaped. There’s a significant drop from the boot lip to the floor, though some versions have an adjustable boot floor. There’s a large underfloor storage compartment, but no space to store the parcel shelf when removed.
Renault Scenic One Bad Thing!
The door handles! When flush with the bodywork, they look sleek, but opening them requires poking into a flappy section, pulling the handle out, and trying not to trap your fingers. It’s frustrating, especially for passengers unfamiliar with it.
Renault Scenic Batteries and Range
There are two battery options. The Comfort Range model has a 168bhp motor, a 60kWh battery, and a 260-mile range. The Long Range version has a 215bhp motor, an 87kWh battery, and a massive 379-mile official range.
In real-world tests, the Long Range version achieved 322 miles from a full charge—an impressive result. It also averaged 3.7 miles per kWh, making it one of the best in its class for efficiency.
Renault Scenic Charging Speeds
Charging isn’t as outstanding. The Long Range model accepts a maximum of 150kW, meaning a 10-80% charge takes around 40 minutes. The Comfort Range version charges at 135kW and takes a similar time due to its smaller battery.
Driving Impressions
The Scenic is set up for comfort. The ride is soft and comfortable, more so than the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y. It’s generally quiet, with minimal wind and road noise, making motorway drives very refined. However, it isn’t the most agile car, with noticeable body lean in corners and some torque steer under hard acceleration. The brake pedal feels spongy and inconsistent, making smooth stops difficult.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The entry-level Scenic is priced similarly to the Skoda Enyaq and much cheaper than the Ioniq 5, EV6, and Model Y. There are three trims: Techno, Esprit Alpine, and Iconic.
Techno, available with both battery sizes, includes 19-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and ambient lighting. Esprit Alpine (only available in Long Range) adds 20-inch alloys and cosmetic enhancements. Iconic trim adds a panoramic sunroof, park assist, and a massaging driver’s seat but at a higher price.
Verdict
Renault was a pioneer in electric cars with the Zoe, but it didn’t capitalize on that momentum. The Megane is a good EV but doesn’t stand out. The Scenic, however, does. It has a fantastic real-world range, great value with the big battery, and is a comfortable and pleasant SUV to drive. If you’re in the market for an electric SUV, this should be on your shortlist.
