Everything you need to know about buying a used Renault Kadjar in Ireland, including reliability, engines, running costs and the best models to choose.

The Renault Kadjar is one of the most underrated family SUVs on the Irish used car market. Sharing many components with the Nissan Qashqai, it offers excellent practicality, comfortable driving, efficient engines and affordable running costs. If you're looking for a reliable SUV with plenty of space without paying premium-brand prices, the Kadjar deserves serious consideration.

Whether you're upgrading your family car or buying your first SUV, you can browse the latest Renault cars for sale on Bargaindigger or explore used cars for sale across Ireland.

Renault Kadjar Overview

Introduced in 2015, the Renault Kadjar quickly became one of Renault's best-selling SUVs. It combines French comfort with proven Nissan engineering, making it a dependable choice for everyday driving.

The facelift introduced in 2018 improved interior quality, infotainment, engine refinement and overall reliability.

For most buyers, facelift models from 2019 onwards offer the best value.

Exterior Design

The Kadjar has aged remarkably well.

Its styling remains modern thanks to:

• LED daytime running lights
• Large Renault grille
• Strong SUV stance
• Attractive alloy wheel designs
• High driving position

Unlike some rivals, it still looks contemporary even several years after production.

Interior & Comfort

Inside, the Renault Kadjar focuses on comfort rather than sportiness.

Highlights include:

• Comfortable supportive seats
• Excellent visibility
• Large boot
• Good rear passenger space
• Soft suspension ideal for Irish roads
• Quiet motorway cruising

The facelift models feature better dashboard materials and improved touchscreen responsiveness.

Boot Space

One reason families choose the Kadjar is practicality.

Boot capacity:

• 472 litres
• Rear seats fold almost flat
• Wide opening makes loading easy

Perfect for:

• Family holidays
• Shopping
• Dogs
• Pushchairs
• DIY supplies

Best Engines

1.5 Blue dCi Diesel (Best Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

The most recommended engine.

Advantages:

• Around 55–65 MPG
• Low road tax
• Excellent reliability
• Ideal for motorway driving

Perfect for drivers covering over 20,000 km per year.

1.3 TCe Petrol (Highly Recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Available after the facelift.

Benefits:

• Smooth
• Quiet
• Modern turbo engine
• Excellent reliability
• Great for mixed driving

This is arguably the best petrol engine available in the Kadjar.

Older 1.2 TCe Petrol

Generally worth avoiding unless there is excellent service history.

Some early engines experienced:

• High oil consumption
• Timing chain issues
• Engine failures if poorly maintained

Later examples improved considerably.

Reliability

Overall Reliability Rating:

4.5/5

The Renault Kadjar performs well in long-term ownership surveys.

The strongest points include:

• Proven Nissan platform
• Reliable diesel engines
• Affordable servicing
• Strong manual gearbox
• Durable suspension

Routine maintenance is the key to long-term reliability.

Common Problems

Like every used vehicle, there are a few issues worth checking.

Electrical faults

Occasionally:

• Parking sensors
• Infotainment software
• Keyless entry issues

Usually inexpensive fixes.

Suspension Wear

Irish roads can wear:

• Drop links
• Bushes
• Front suspension components

Listen for knocking noises during a test drive.

Battery

Weak batteries sometimes trigger multiple warning lights.

Replacing the battery often solves the problem.

Running Costs

One of the Kadjar's biggest strengths.

Typical ownership costs include:

• Low insurance
• Affordable servicing
• Good fuel economy
• Inexpensive tyres
• Widely available parts

It remains one of the cheaper family SUVs to own.

Driving Experience

The Kadjar isn't designed to be sporty.

Instead it offers:

• Comfortable suspension
• Easy steering
• Stable motorway handling
• Relaxed driving position
• Good visibility

Perfect for daily commuting and long family journeys.

Which Renault Kadjar Should You Buy?

The best choice for most Irish buyers is:

2019–2022 Renault Kadjar 1.3 TCe Petrol

or

2019–2022 Renault Kadjar 1.5 Blue dCi Diesel

These models combine improved quality with the best engines.

Pros

• Excellent value
• Comfortable ride
• Spacious interior
• Reliable diesel engines
• Low running costs
• Good fuel economy
• Practical boot

Cons

• Older 1.2 TCe engine should be avoided
• Infotainment feels dated compared with newer SUVs
• Not particularly sporty to drive

Renault Kadjar vs Nissan Qashqai

Because both cars share the same platform, buyers often compare them.

The Kadjar generally offers:

• Better value for money
• Similar reliability
• Slightly softer suspension
• More distinctive styling

If you don't mind the Renault badge, the Kadjar can represent the smarter used purchase.

Final Verdict

The Renault Kadjar is one of the best-value used SUVs available in Ireland. Comfortable, practical and economical to own, it is particularly attractive for families and commuters who want SUV practicality without premium-brand prices. Choosing a facelift model with the 1.3 TCe petrol or 1.5 Blue dCi diesel engine gives you the best balance of reliability, efficiency and value.

If you're ready to buy, browse the latest used Renault cars for sale or search thousands of used cars for sale in Ireland on Bargaindigger to find the right Renault Kadjar for your budget.