BYD Atto 3 vs Renault Koleos
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Atto 3 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Renault Koleos opens at $40,990. That makes the BYD Atto 3 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $43,989 and $45,089 respectively.
The BYD Atto 3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Renault Koleos, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Atto 3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, while the Renault Koleos gets a 8.7-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Atto 3 stands out with Dirac audio that you will not find on the Renault Koleos. The Renault Koleos counters with BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Atto 3 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Renault Koleos offers leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the BYD Atto 3 and 2-zone in the Renault Koleos.
Drivetrain
The BYD Atto 3 uses a Electric producing 150kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The Renault Koleos responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The BYD Atto 3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 3 is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Atto 3 measures 4,455mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 217mm shorter than the Renault Koleos at 4,672mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Atto 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BYD Atto 3 and 458L in the Renault Koleos, giving the Renault Koleos a 18L advantage.
For towing, the Renault Koleos leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.6m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 3) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Renault Koleos). The Renault Koleos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Atto 3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Renault Koleos if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BYD Atto 3 and Renault Koleos trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Renault Koleos adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Atto 3 and Renault Koleos?
The BYD Atto 3 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Renault Koleos by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Renault Koleos uses the least fuel at 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Atto 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Renault Koleos has the largest boot at 458L.
Which can tow the most?
The Renault Koleos has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Renault Koleos has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Atto 3 makes the most power at 150kW. The BYD Atto 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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