VS

Renault Espace vs Renault Rafale – Differences & prices compared

Compare performance, boot space, consumption and price in one view.
Find out now: which car is the better choice for you – Renault Espace or Renault Rafale?

The Renault Espace (SUV) comes with a Full Hybrid engine and Automatic transmission. In comparison, the Renault Rafale (SUV) features a Plugin Hybrid or Full Hybrid engine with Automatic transmission.

When it comes to boot capacity, the Renault Espace offers 692 L, while the Renault Rafale provides 627 L – depending on how much space you need. If you’re looking for more power, decide whether the 200 HP of the Renault Espace or the 300 HP of the Renault Rafale suits your needs better.

In terms of consumption, the values are 4.90 L per 100 km for the Renault Espace, and 0.60 L for the Renault Rafale.

Price-wise, the Renault Espace starts at 37500 £, while the Renault Rafale is available from 37500 £. Compare all the details and find out which model fits your lifestyle best!

Go to comparison table

In the world of spacious, family-oriented vehicles, the Renault Espace continues to impress with its versatile interior and legendary comfort, making long journeys effortless. On the other hand, the Renault Rafale stands out with its cutting-edge design and advanced tech features, appealing to those looking for a more dynamic driving experience without sacrificing practicality. Both models represent Renault's commitment to blending innovation with functional elegance, providing options for varied tastes and lifestyle needs.

Renault Espace

The Renault Espace is a testament to innovative design, combining versatility with comfort to offer a unique driving experience. Its sleek exterior is complemented by a spacious interior, designed to cater to the needs of families and adventurers alike. With advanced technology and a focus on safety, the Espace seamlessly blends practicality with modern sophistication, making it a standout choice in the MPV segment.

details

Renault Rafale

The Renault Rafale captivates with its sleek design and dynamic presence on the road, embodying the perfect blend of elegance and performance. Inside, the car offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin, featuring premium materials and cutting-edge technology to enhance the driving experience. Its agile handling and responsive capabilities make it a compelling choice for those seeking a refined yet thrilling ride.

details

Dueling SUVs: Renault Espace vs. Renault Rafale

As the automotive industry steers towards more sustainable transportation, Renault continues to pave its way with innovative and efficient vehicles. Two contenders that highlight Renault's commitment to hybrid technology are the Renault Espace and Renault Rafale. While both models are SUVs decked out with full hybrid engines, each offers a unique driving experience and distinct features. In this article, we delve into the technical aspects and innovations that set the Renault Espace and Renault Rafale apart, helping you decide which model best suits your needs.

Engine and Performance

The 2024 Renault Espace features a full hybrid engine with a total power output of 200 horsepower (HP) combined with a 3-cylinder, 1.199-liter engine capacity. This SUV is paired with an automatic gearbox, offering front-wheel drive. The Espace impresses with its fuel efficiency, consuming just 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds. Its CO2 emissions are recorded at 107 g/km, falling into the efficiency class C, with a top speed of 174 km/h.

On the other hand, the 2024 Renault Rafale offers more versatility with its engine options. Buyers can choose between a full hybrid and a plug-in hybrid configuration. The base model also outputs 200 HP, mirroring the Espace's specs, but the plug-in hybrid variant ramps it up to an impressive 300 HP. The Rafale's economy excels with fuel consumption of 4.7 liters or as low as 0.6 liters per 100 kilometers for the plug-in variant. It also has the advantage of an electric range of 97 km, all while having a CO2 emission of just 14 g/km for the plug-in hybrid, putting it in a more favorable CO2 efficiency class B. The top speed is slightly higher than the Espace's at 180 km/h, and it can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just 6.4 seconds.

Space and Practicality

Space is a luxury in both models, making them excellent choices for families and road trips. The Renault Espace is available in both 5 and 7-seat configurations, offering a trunk capacity ranging from 159 to 581 liters. With curb weights varying between 1,659 kg to 1,773 kg, it manages payloads between 396 kg and 587 kg, ensuring ample space for passengers and luggage alike.

The Renault Rafale, designed as a 5-seater, provides a marginally larger trunk capacity of up to 627 liters. It is slightly more compact with a length of 4,710 mm compared to Espace’s 4,722 mm, but it compensates with a wider body at 1,886 mm, ensuring comfort and roominess inside. With curb weights ranging from 1,728 kg to 2,025 kg, the Rafale has a payload capacity between 415 kg and 447 kg.

Dimensions and Design

Both models embody Renault's sleek and modern design language, yet each exhibits distinct characteristics. The Renault Espace stands tall at 1,645 mm, while the Rafale is marginally shorter at 1,613 mm, showcasing a more streamlined profile. Both models feature a 5-door configuration, but the Rafale appears sportier with a greater emphasis on width and a lower center of gravity.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Fit

When selecting between the Renault Espace and the Renault Rafale, potential buyers need to assess their priorities. The Espace shines with its adaptability for more passengers, making it an excellent choice for larger families. It also offers an impressive balance of performance and efficiency within an SUV package.

Conversely, the Rafale is designed for those seeking a dynamic drive experience with a greener footprint, especially in its plug-in hybrid variant. Its advanced hybrid system promises superior energy efficiency, making it the go-to option for environmentally-conscious drivers who crave a bit more power and range.

In sum, both models showcase Renault's prowess in creating practical, efficient, and stylish SUVs, leaving prospective buyers with the delightful challenge of choosing between two equally compelling options.

Renault Espace
Renault Rafale
Espace
Rafale

Costs and Consumption

Price
37500 - 41400 £
Price
37500 - 49500 £
Consumption L/100km
4.90 L
Consumption L/100km
0.6 - 5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
97 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
110 g/km
co2
14 - 109 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 L
Fuel tank capacity
55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1673 - 1783 kg
Curb weight
1734 - 2025 kg
Trunk capacity
212 - 692 L
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Length
4746 mm
Length
4710 mm
Width
1830 mm
Width
1886 mm
Height
1645 mm
Height
1613 mm
Payload
404 - 581 kg
Payload
415 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
200 HP
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.80 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
174 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
-
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
147 kW
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, C
Brand
Renault
Brand
Renault

Renault Espace

A New Era for the Renault Espace

The Renault Espace, a staple in the automotive industry, has evolved to embrace a bold new direction with its latest iteration. With its transition into a sleek and stylish SUV, the Espace continues to offer the versatility and innovation that customers expect from the renowned French automaker. This article delves into the advanced technical details and groundbreaking innovations of the current Renault Espace model.

Powertrain Engineering: Full Hybrid Brilliance

The core of the latest Renault Espace is its sophisticated E-Tech Full Hybrid technology. At the heart of this system lies a dynamic three-cylinder engine paired with electric motor support, generating a robust 200 PS. This ensures that drivers experience both power and efficiency in their journeys. The hybrid engine achieves remarkable fuel economy, consuming just 4.7 L/100km, and demonstrates Renault’s commitment to environmental responsibility with a CO2 output of just 107 g/km, earning it a classification of CO2 efficiency class C.

Design and Dimensions: Spacious Comfort in an SUV Shell

Renault’s transformation of the Espace into an SUV doesn’t compromise on its title hinting towards ample interior space. With seating configurations for either five or seven passengers, the Espace adapts to diverse family needs. The SUV's dimensions—4,722 mm in length, 1,843 mm in width, and 1,645 mm in height—ensure that it stands out both aesthetically and functionally on the road.

The generous boot capacity ranges from 159 to 581 litres, allowing it to accommodate everything from daily groceries to larger travel luggage with ease. The five-door design further enhances its practicality, making the loading and unloading process a breeze.

Performance and Drivability: A Smooth Journey

The Renault Espace offers impressive performance metrics, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in a commendable 8.8 seconds. Despite its size, the Espace maintains a commendable top speed of 174 km/h, ensuring that it is as capable on highways as it is in an urban environment. The front-wheel drive system, paired with an automatic gearbox, provides a seamless driving experience—ideal for both city commutes and longer road trips.

Interior Comfort and Technology: A Hub of Innovation

Renault’s focus on creating a comfortable and technologically advanced cabin is evident in the Espace. The choice of various trims—Esprit Alpine Multi-Mode Automatik and Iconic Multi-Mode Automatik—offers luxury and personalisation. Modern technology is integrated throughout the vehicle, with intuitive infotainment options that keep all passengers connected and entertained.

Value for Money: A Competitive Edge

The Renault Espace positions itself competitively in the market with its starting price range from €43,800 to €48,300. Such pricing reflects its status as a premium vehicle that offers cutting-edge hybrid technology, elegant design, and versatile functionality.

With its blend of performance, technology, and space, the Renault Espace remains an outstanding option for families and individuals alike, looking to embrace innovative motoring in the SUV segment.

Renault Rafale

Introducing the Renault Rafale: A Technological Marvel

Renault's 2024 Rafale is a showpiece of modern automotive engineering, residing elegantly within the SUV category. Boasting sleek designs alongside groundbreaking hybrid technology, the Renault Rafale promises not only to meet the demands of contemporary drivers but to exceed them.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet of the Renault Rafale, you’ll find a range of hybrid powertrain options, both full hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. These systems combine efficient combustion engines with electric motors, outputting between 200 and 300 PS (147 to 221 kW) to deliver dynamic performance with eco-friendly emissions, achieving fuel efficacies as low as 0.6 L/100 km.

The vehicle's top speed is 180 km/h, and drivers can expect rapid acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 to 8.9 seconds, owing to the automatic transmission and refined front-wheel-drive mechanism.

Technical Specifications

Measuring an extensive 4710 mm in length, 1886 mm in width, and with a height of 1613 mm, the Rafale’s dimensions underscore its commanding road presence. Occupants benefit from a spacious interior, seating five comfortably, with an ample boot space ranging from 539 to 627 litres.

The vehicle's build focuses on a blend of lightweight materials and robust structural engineering, contributing to a kerb weight between 1728 and 2025 kg, and regulated CO2 outputs of 14 to 106 g/km. With its efficient hybrid motors, the car delivers on torque, although it is officially rated at 0 Nm due to the nature of electric drivetrain torque measurement.

Innovative Features and Design

The Renault Rafale’s innovation extends beyond its engine bay. It features a multi-mode automatic gearbox, enabling seamless transitions between various driving modes for optimal performance under different conditions. Available in Esprit Alpine, Techno, and Atelier Alpine trims, buyers are offered choices that refine the driving experience on every level.

The sophisticated exterior is matched by an equally advanced cockpit, integrating cutting-edge digital interfaces to enhance driver engagement and passenger comfort. From its infotainment system to advanced driver assistance features, the Rafale represents a marriage of futuristic functionality and luxury.

Environmental Efficiency and Pricing

The Rafale's eco-credentials are further evidenced by its competitive CO2 efficiency classes ranging from C to B, demonstrating Renault’s commitment to reducing environmental impact. The plug-in hybrid variant also offers an impressive electric range of up to 97 km, perfect for urban commuters looking to minimise fuel consumption.

Priced between €43,800 and €57,800, the Renault Rafale positions itself attractively within the premium hybrid SUV segment, offering both value and advanced technology for the discerning eco-conscious driver.

Conclusion

The Renault Rafale SUV embodies a leap forward in automotive design and engineering. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a statement on efficiency, performance, and innovation, poised to capture the attention of drivers ready to embrace the future of motoring.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.