Renault Koleos vs Subaru Crosstrek
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 Renault Koleos starts from $34,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Crosstrek opens at $36,490. That makes the Renault Koleos the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
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 $38,489 and $40,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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 Renault Koleos features a 8.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Crosstrek gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Renault Koleos stands out with Apple CarPlay and BOSE audio that you will not find on the Subaru Crosstrek. The Subaru Crosstrek counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Renault Koleos gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Crosstrek offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Renault Koleos uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The Subaru Crosstrek responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Renault Koleos has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Renault Koleos is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Renault Koleos measures 4,672mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 177mm longer than the Subaru Crosstrek at 4,495mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Koleos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 458L in the Renault Koleos and 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 101L advantage.
For towing, the Renault Koleos leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,223/year for the Renault Koleos and $2,052/year for the Subaru Crosstrek. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Crosstrek.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (Renault Koleos) vs $2,052 (Subaru Crosstrek). The Subaru Crosstrek saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Renault Koleos) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek). The Renault Koleos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Koleos if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Renault Koleos takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Subaru Crosstrek will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek has a clear edge. 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, Renault Koleos and Subaru Crosstrek?
The Renault Koleos is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Crosstrek by $1,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Crosstrek uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Crosstrek all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
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 Renault Koleos makes the most power at 140kW. The Renault Koleos is quickest to 100km/h in 9.1s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
