The French automaker has given its long-standing family SUV a meaningful refresh for 2025, introducing changes that make the Koleos more appealing to Australian families than ever before. After nearly a decade in production, this update breathes new life into one of the market’s most underrated mid-size SUVs.
What’s New for 2025
New Evolution Trim Takes Center Stage
The biggest news is the introduction of the Evolution trim, priced at just $34,990 before on-road costs. This represents exceptional value, essentially offering 2015 pricing in today’s market. The Evolution replaces the previous Zen variant while being priced $7,510 lower, making premium SUV ownership more accessible.
Flagship Gets a Makeover
The top-tier Intens has been renamed “Techno” and receives new 19-inch alloy wheels, aligning it with Renault’s newer model design language. Despite the upgrades, pricing remains unchanged, providing excellent value for buyers seeking premium features.
Pricing That Makes Sense
| Variant | Drive Type | Price (Before On-Roads) |
|---|---|---|
| Evolution | 4×2 (FWD) | $34,990 |
| Intens | 4×2 (FWD) | $39,990 |
| Intens | 4×4 (AWD) | $42,490 |
The pricing strategy reflects Renault’s commitment to offering genuine value. Both Intens variants have received significant price cuts – $6,010 for the 4×2 and $5,510 for the 4×4, making them substantially more competitive in the crowded mid-size SUV segment.
What You Get for Your Money
Evolution Standard Equipment
The entry-level Evolution doesn’t feel entry-level at all. It comes with genuine leather seats, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.7-inch infotainment screen with built-in navigation, keyless entry, electric-fold mirrors, full-size spare wheel, dual-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Safety Features Across the Range
Every Koleos includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, plus LED headlights and taillights. While it lacks some newer driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, the core safety systems provide solid protection for families.
Engine and Performance
Proven Powerplant
All variants use the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 126kW and 226Nm, paired with Renault’s X-tronic CVT automatic transmission. While not the most powerful in its class, this combination delivers smooth, efficient performance suitable for family duties and light recreational towing.
All-Wheel Drive Available
Families who need extra traction for beach trips or light off-road adventures can opt for the AWD system in the Intens variant, providing peace of mind without breaking the budget.
Ownership Experience
Warranty and Service
Renault backs the Koleos with an impressive seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 30,000km, with the first five services capped at reasonable prices: $429, $429, $429, $999, and $429, totaling $2,715 over five years.
Real-World Practicality
The Koleos offers genuine family-friendly features that matter in daily use. The cabin layout prioritizes user-friendly controls over flashy technology, making it easy for any family member to operate. As Renault Australia’s Glen Sealey notes, “our customers appreciate the ease of functionality of our car. The cabin controls are familiar and easy to use”.
Market Position and Competition
Standing Against Time
Despite being almost a decade old, the Koleos remains Renault Australia’s best-selling model that isn’t a van, with 424 sales this year. While sales are down compared to last year, the updated pricing and features should help reverse this trend.
Competitive Landscape
The mid-size SUV segment is brutal, but the Koleos carves out its niche through value proposition rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Renault’s approach focuses on “intuitive and not intrusive” safety systems while “keeping you safe on the road”.
Should You Consider the 2025 Koleos?
The updated Koleos makes a compelling case for families prioritizing value, reliability, and straightforward functionality. While it may not have the latest tech features or the most powerful engine, it offers something increasingly rare: honest, no-nonsense family transportation at a fair price.
The Evolution trim, in particular, represents outstanding value for money, offering premium features at a price point that seems almost too good to be true in today’s market. For families who want a reliable, well-equipped SUV without paying premium prices, the 2025 Koleos deserves serious consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2025 Koleos still safe without current ANCAP rating?
A: While the five-star rating expired in 2023, the safety equipment remains comprehensive with AEB, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors standard.
Q: How long will the current Koleos continue?
A: It’s set to continue into 2026, with a different vehicle launching maybe next year, giving buyers confidence in ongoing support.
Q: What’s the fuel economy like?
A: The 2.5L engine with CVT provides reasonable efficiency for a mid-size SUV, though exact figures vary by driving conditions and load.
2026 Hyundai Kona Drops Turbo AWD, Adds Fresh Elite Variants
