CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: N/A
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 42.7%
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 combining modern design, technology and efficient hybrid powertrains. It features a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with two electric motors, producing 196bhp through Renault's E-Tech full hybrid system. The spacious cabin offers a 555-litre boot with 60:40 folding rear seats that slide to prioritise legroom or luggage space. The interior quality is impressive, with a standout Google-backed infotainment system featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 12.0-inch touchscreen, plus a 9.3-inch head-up display on all models.

The Austral delivers strong efficiency with official fuel economy of up to 60.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 105g/km, offering a potential range of up to 680 miles per tank. The hybrid powertrain is smooth and refined, though road noise can be noticeable. Ride comfort is slightly unsettled on potholed roads, and four-wheel steering versions can feel twitchy. With three trim levels available and comprehensive safety features including a five-star Euro NCAP rating, the Austral positions itself as a modern, well-equipped alternative to established rivals, though it isn't without compromises.

Best for: Families seeking a spacious, efficient SUV with modern technology, strong infotainment systems, and smooth hybrid performance.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising ultimate ride comfort on poor road surfaces or those seeking the sharpest handling dynamics in the class.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Austral if: You're seeking a spacious, efficient SUV with modern technology, strong infotainment systems, and smooth hybrid performance for family use.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise ultimate ride comfort on poor road surfaces or desire the sharpest handling dynamics in the class.

Competitive Position: The Renault Austral is a capable midsize family SUV with genuine strengths in interior space, technology and powertrain refinement. However, it faces stiff competition from the Kia Sportage, which scores higher on expert ratings, and the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson, which both achieve superior overall CarGurus ratings. Whilst the Austral offers excellent value and modern features, rivals deliver slightly better ride comfort and handling characteristics. For buyers prioritising cutting-edge infotainment and hybrid efficiency, the Austral remains a compelling choice, though it requires compromise on ride quality.

Read our full Renault Austral Review

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