Renault Scenic review

Our opinion on the Renault Scenic E-Tech

The latest Renault Scenic has evolved from MPV to SUV, and into a purely electric car. It’s lost some of its predecessor’s interior flexibility but remains spacious and good value. 

The large battery and efficient powertrain deliver competitive official range figures that we’ve been able to get very close to in our tests. Performance is moderate by current EV standards, but quick steering, a well-judged ride and reasonable agility make the Scenic a good choice for families. We love the sharp design and the modern cabin with its Google-based infotainment system and classy, sustainable materials.

About the Renault Scenic E-Tech

The Renault Scenic E-Tech is part of a wide SUV range offered by the French company - if you class it as an SUV. The Renault Scenic originally found fame as an MPV but this latest fifth generation model launched in 2024 is more of a ‘high-riding family car with SUV design elements’ than a full-blown SUV. It’s lost the fancy folding and sliding seats that you would expect from an MPV, replacing that practicality with a good deal more style, inside and out.  

It uses the same platform as the smaller Renault Megane E-Tech and the Nissan Ariya. Every Scenic gets a large 87kWh battery and a heat pump as standard to help with cold weather range. 

Renault Scenic prices and latest deals

Competitive pricing and generous equipment levels mean the Scenic offers good value for money when compared with its rivals. Even the top-spec Iconic Esprit Alpine version looks reasonably priced considering what you get. 

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There are three trim levels available: 

• Techno (from £37,000)
• Techno Esprit Alpine (from £40,000) 
• Iconic Esprit Alpine (from £42,000)

The Renault Scenic is one of the cars that qualifies for the UK Government’s £1,500 Electric Car Grant, which is applied automatically when you buy. 

Our Buy A Car service lets you spec your ideal Renault Scenic and choose the best offer from top dealers around the UK. Alternatively, you can lease a Scenic or buy a used model. We can help you sell your old car, too.  

All Renault Scenic models come with the same 87kWh battery and  215bhp electric motor. On our extensive long-term test of the Scenic, where we lived with the car for six months, we found it relaxing, competent and easy going from a driving perspective. Renault has judged the setup very well for typical family car buyers.  

Performance, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed

The 215bhp motor and 300Nm torque output can get the car to 60mph in 7.9s and help it reach a relatively low 105mph maximum. That’s more than fast enough for a car of this type, although there are family-focused electric cars with even more dramatic turns of speed. The Renault feels lively and responsive in everyday driving with a smooth, linear power delivery.

Unlike its Nissan Ariya sibling, the Scenic is front-wheel drive only. This may be an issue for buyers who need the extra security of all-wheel drive, particularly as the front wheels can struggle for grip in the wet. The inside wheel can easily break traction and spin when accelerating out of tight corners and owners may eventually want to swap the standard EV tyres for more grippy rubber. We also found torque steer became an issue - a tugging sensation on the wheel if you feed all of the power in at once. 

Steering, handling and brakes

Fast steering gives the impression that the Scenic has a sporty edge, as does a ride that is on the firm side - particularly on the 20” wheels we tested. This taut suspension is more to do with keeping the car’s weight in check than delivering an engaging drive, though.

A sub-two-tonne kerbweight doesn’t sound all that light, yet in the world of electric SUVs the Scenic is one of the lighter models on sale. This contributes to the car’s quick responses, but there’s still some body roll in corners and the firm suspension shudders over bumps that the best rivals can absorb easily. In our 2024 test against the Ford Explorer, the Scenic came out on top, but the Ford had the more comfortable ride. 

The brakes proved a little sudden on our tests but this isn’t uncommon with EVs. You soon become used to it, and stopping power is plentiful when you do. 

The Scenic also comes with a one-pedal drive mode. That means you can fully utilise the regenerative braking in stop-start traffic without needing to touch the brakes. It makes things more relaxing in town and helps to boost both efficiency and range. 

Comfort and refinement

At motorway speeds, you’re aware that the Renault’s quick steering around the dead-ahead position requires constant attention to ensure the car is tracking straight. 

We always found refinement to be good, and wind noise is reduced on top-spec Iconic models courtesy of standard-fit acoustic glass. There is still some tyre roar to be heard, though.

Visibility and parking

At low speeds, the light and quick steering makes the Scenic highly manoeuvrable, a real benefit in urban environments. However, this is offset by poor all-around visibility. The rear window is narrow and is further obscured by large headrests, making parking a challenge. 

We found that the visibility issue can be eased if you go for the top-spec Iconic Esprit Alpine model with its 360-degree camera system and digital rear-view mirror. Not everybody gets along with digital mirror setups because it can be more difficult to focus on the video screen than a conventional mirror. This is true of the Scenic’s system, but flipping to the unobstructed video view to see behind the car is a handy option. 

Some cars have the camera for their digital mirrors mounted on the roof or tailgate, but the Scenic’s is behind the rear window glass. It can mist up as a result but you can use the rear wiper to keep it clear of rain and dirt. All Scenic models feature front and rear parking sensors. 

“Some people will find the ride firm but I enjoyed the Scenic’s balance between comfort and handling. There are sharper driving EVs in the class and models with comfier rides but few do both quite so well.” - Steve Walker, head of digital content.   

Renault quotes a range of up to 381 miles on the official WLTP combined tests for the Scenic in Techno trim. This drops to 372 miles in the mid-range Techno Esprit Alpine, and 369 miles for the top-of-the-range Iconic Esprit Alpine. 

During our tests with the Scenic, we averaged an efficiency figure of around 3.4 miles per kWh. Our long-term test car posted returns as low as 3.1 mi/kWh in cold conditions for a predicted range of around 280 miles, but in the summer, we were able to get 340 miles out of the Scenic without too much effort. 

As well as the energy-saving heat pump, to help efficiency in the cold there’s also a clever battery preconditioning feature. It works with the Google Maps navigation system to optimise the battery temperature ready for scheduled charging stops on your programmed route. It even tells you how much charge you need to add.  

The maximum DC charging rate for the 87kWh battery pack is 150kW. That means a 15 to 80 per cent charging time of 37 minutes. It’s a little slower than some rivals, with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 able to fast-charge to the same capacity in just 18 minutes at a sufficiently powerful charger.

The Scenic also supports three-phase AC charging, so a 22kW power source can fully top the battery up in just under five hours. Utilise a typical 7kW home wallbox charger and it'll take around 13 hours to fully recharge a Scenic. 

Tax 

The lowest Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rate for EVs applies to the Scenic, and company car drivers will make savings over similarly specced rivals, courtesy of Renault’s competitive P11D costs.

Electric cars are no longer exempt from yearly Vehicle Excise Duty road tax, but both the entry-level Techno and Techno Esprit Alpine slip under the £40,000 threshold and avoid the additional luxury car tax. The top-of-the-range Iconic Esprit Alpine falls foul of this, so you'll need to pay the supplementary fee from the second year the vehicle is taxed until it is six years old. 

Insurance groups

The entry-level Scenic starts in insurance group 33, and goes up to group 34 for the priciest Iconic Esprit Alpine. Some rivals offer less powerful, smaller battery models that slot into lower groups. The Ford Explorer, for example, is in groups 20 to 32. Generally, Scenic insurance costs should be competitive with its direct alternatives.  

Depreciation

Residual values for the Renault Scenic fall within the 54 to 58 per cent range after three years and 36,000 miles, which is towards the upper end of the electric SUV spectrum. The Techno models hold their value a little better than the higher spec cars. 

The Nissan Ariya that shares the same platform as the Scenic has predicted residuals of between 43 and 50 per cent. Ford’s Explorer, meanwhile, is in the 46 to 51 per cent range.

To get an accurate valuation for a specific Renault Scenic model, check out our free car valuation tool...

The design of the Renault Scenic follows themes established by the Scenic Vision concept of 2022, designed by Gillas Vidal. The light units, front and rear, have an aggressive, bold look set off nicely by the large, interesting alloy wheel designs fitted on all models. The lighter paint colours available on the Scenic are the ones to choose in our view because they show the car’s sharp surfacing better than the darker shades. 

Even the base Techno model is generously equipped. You get: 

• 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
• Front and rear LED lights
• 12.3-inch driver’s display
• 12-inch central touchscreen with Google software
• Dual-zone climate control
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Wireless phone connectivity 
• Wireless phone charging
• Rear parking camera.

Moving up the range, the Techno Esprit Alpine takes a sportier approach with even bigger wheels, sports seats and other upgrades for £3,000 more. 

The plush Iconic Esprit Alpine costs another £3,200 but goes all-in with features including the neat Solarbay glass roof that can switch electronically from opaque to clear, and a Harman Kardon stereo. 

Interior and dashboard design

The angular theme of the exterior continues inside. There’s an upright dashboard with a 12-inch portrait touchscreen and a 12.3-inch landscape driver’s display. 

A couple of gripes we had on our tests are the driver’s air vent, which is of a different design to the others on the dashboard and feels a little clunky to use, and the wireless charging shelf. We struggled to get our phones to charge consistently.

Materials and build quality

There’s an interesting mix of materials with a focus on sustainability. The top spec models have light-coloured fabrics for the seats and the dashboard, and there are darker trim options lower down the range that will better hide the inevitable marks and scuffs. The light materials contrast sharply with the black plastics, but it seems to work, the Scenic cabin feeling modern and high-tech rather than luxurious.

Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo

The two large displays on the Scenic dashboard feature super-sharp graphics and neat animations, while there’s plenty of clear information on the configurable driver’s display. We’d recommend choosing one view and sticking to it as switching shuffles the layout around, leaving vital information such as your speed in a different position that can be hard to pick out. There are various colour themes to choose from for the graphics, while the shortcut toggle switches beneath the main display are handy.

Renault’s Google-based OpenR Link system was closely examined in our 2025 car infotainment mega test. It performed well against nine of the market’s top systems, ranking in mid-table for levels of distraction and ease of use. 

It’s quick to load, and we found the standard Google Maps software to be just as effective as the firm’s Android Auto app when rerouting to avoid traffic problems. 

There are shortcut keys in a bar at the top of the main display to make navigating the system easier, while the climate controls use a mix of quick-access physical buttons and more in-depth touchscreen functions. 

The steering wheel has an array of different stalks behind it for various controls, as well as control panels on its centre bar and a big button for the Multi-sense driving modes. It can be overwhelming at first but invest some time to learn where everything is and it becomes intuitive quite quickly. 

Renault recruited musician Jean-Michel Jarre to develop some sounds for the Scenic. The ‘VSP’ (vehicle sound for pedestrians) warns people when the car is approaching at speeds under 18mph. There’s also a welcome sound sequence when you turn the car on (we deactivated it pretty quickly). Sadly for 1980s electronica fans, Jarre was not involved in developing the nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system on the Esprit Alpine models, but it still sounds great.
 

The Renault Scenic might have the same platform as the Renault Megane but its wheelbase is 10cm longer at 2,780mm and it’s much wider, so there’s enough space inside for a typical family. 

It’s important for buyers to realise that this Scenic does not, however, retain the flexible interior of its MPV predecessors. The rear seats don’t fold completely flat or slide but the cabin is roomy compared to SUV alternatives and the boot is large - if somewhat oddly shaped.

There are loads of useful storage compartments around the cabin with over 38 litres of capacity in total. These include a large 6.6-litre area in the centre console and wide door bins with lining to stop items rattling around inside - an upmarket touch we liked. There are big open cubbies in the centre console but the lack of a lid means they can make the cabin look a bit cluttered once they’re full of stuff. 

Dimensions and size

The Renault Scenic features a typical compact SUV shape, although it does have a lower roof than most rivals to help it cut through the air more effectively. The long wheelbase creates plenty of space inside, while the wide track also helps.

To underline the point that the Scenic is lower than the typical SUV, a Ford Explorer is almost exactly the same length as the Scenic and a similar width, but 60mm taller. The Volkswagen ID.4 is longer, narrower and 70mm taller. 

Seats & passenger space 

There’s a wide range of seat and wheel adjustment, but we’ve found that the left knee of longer-legged drivers makes contact with the protruding tray beneath the touchscreen, where the wireless phone-charging pad is located. The low centre console makes it possible to clamber across the cabin and adds to the general spacious feel. 

Headroom and legroom are fine in the back of the Scenic and a real upgrade over the smaller Renault Megane. The front seats are slim to maximise that legroom, but a lack of foot space under them means rear passengers can’t stretch out. Combined with low seat cushions that provide limited under-thigh support, it means long trips could still prove to be uncomfortable for adults. 

The middle seat is narrow and set quite high, so it’s best left for occasional use. If you’re not using it, the backrest folds down to reveal a neat multifunction armrest that kids will enjoy. This features cup holders, USB-C charging sockets and some storage space, but also two device holders. 

These holders position smartphones or tablets where they can be easily viewed. We expect they will be used mostly by children and they seem sturdy enough. Just be warned that tablets in chunky protective cases won’t fit - it led to some disappointed kids on our tests.  

As with most family cars, you get two Isofix points located on the outer positions of the rear seat. These are easy to slot a child seat into thanks to sturdy plastic surrounds that guide the seat’s connectors in.

Boot space

The boot space is quite narrow and there’s a bit of a load lip to negotiate to lift heavy items into the back of the Scenic, but the total space on offer is generous. The boot capacity is 545 litres in five-seat mode, better than a Ford Explorer or VW ID.4, and this increases to 1,670 litres with the back seats folded. 

The 40:20:40-split rear bench offers some useful versatility, but the seats don’t fold flat as they did in the MPV Scenics of old. There’s a big lip created by the seatbacks, which can be tricky when sliding bulky items inside. 

If this is likely to be an issue for you, a double-height boot floor is available as part of the Scenic’s EV Pack (£335). It creates a flatter load floor with three compartments beneath instead of the usual single space, but reduces capacity of the main boot area. We often struggled getting bulky items inside on our tests so this is an option worth considering.

As standard, the single under-floor storage area will easily swallow two charging cables and still leave space for more stuff. There’s no ‘frunk’ storage in the car’s nose, however.

Towing

All versions of the Renault Scenic have a maximum braked trailer towing capacity of 1,100kg. That’s above two-wheel drive versions of the Volkswagen ID.4, but behind the Kia EV6, which can pull a caravan or trailer of up to 1,800kg. 

“I loved the under floor storage space in the Scenic’s boot. You can just fling the cable in without worrying about coiling it up - a really useful feature for lazy EV drivers like me.” - Steve Walker, head of digital content. 

Renault models have been consistently strong performers in the Euro NCAP crash tests, and the Scenic earned a five-star rating in 2022. All trim levels feature a strong line-up of safety kit including adaptive LED headlights, blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Iconic Esprit Alpine model adds some clever tech in the shape of 360-degree cameras and an automated hands-free parking system.

It’s compulsory for all new cars to feature electronic safety systems that reset to ‘on’ every time you climb aboard. One of the big tests for manufacturers these days is how easy it is to deactivate systems you feel are excessively intrusive with their assorted warning beeps. 

In the Scenic we found this process refreshingly simple because a button to the right of the steering wheel can select all your preferred driver assistance settings with one press. It’s a neat solution that other manufacturers who bury the controls in sub-menus could learn from. 

The Renault Scenic has yet to feature in our Driver Power customer satisfaction survey but Renault as a brand is on the up. The French firm came 29th out of 32 manufacturers in 2024 but improved markedly to 6th place overall in 2025 with a satisfaction score of 86%. Customers were particularly happy with the safety features, exterior design and value for money of their cars. 

• Our best buy: Renault Scenic Techno

We recommend the entry-level Techno trim level as the best buy overall in the Scenic range. It holds its value better than the upper trim levels, the smaller wheels enhance the ride quality compared with the larger wheels fitted to pricier trims, plus you get the same powertrain and infotainment system as the rest of the Scenic line-up. 

It’s also quite expensive to step up the Scenic’s trim level range to the Techno Espirit Alpine and Iconic Espirit Alpine models. The digital rear-view mirror and Solarbay panoramic roof on the top-spec cars are well worth having, but probably not for £5,000 over the base car.  

Renault Scenic alternatives

The electric SUV class is packed with competition, including the big-selling Tesla Model Y, plus the Ford Explorer and Ford Capri, the Skoda Enyaq, Volkswagen ID.4, Toyota bZ4X, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Arguably the closest rival to the Scenic E-Tech is the Nissan Ariya, which uses the same running gear.

The big advantage that the Scenic has over these rivals is pricing. It offers nearly as much range as the Tesla or Fords, but has a bit more space. It’s also less expensive than any of them but doesn’t offer quite the same urgent performance. 

Decent efficiency means the Scenic can travel further on a charge than the Toyota, and the onboard tech is more user-friendly than the systems in the VW Group models. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 offer faster charging.