Test of Renault Espace 7-Seater - Price, Space, and Boot Volume

What better way to test a family vehicle than on the roads of the South-West? Our journey began in Toulouse, the city of aeronautics, before heading towards Pau and its legendary urban circuit layout.

The trip continued along the D933 and D938 departmental roads, winding towards Espelette and its famous pepper, finishing beautifully in Biarritz. Between driving sessions, we enjoyed the local gastronomy: sausage, regional dishes, and stunning landscapes at the Col d’Irati. An ideal playground to judge the comfort and efficiency of this new Espace.

Fuel Consumption: An Achievement for Its Size

This is undoubtedly the most impressive point of this test. Despite its 4.74 m length and 1,700 kg, the E-Tech full hybrid engine with 200 hp behaves like a "real camel".

Electric and Rechargeable Vehicles

• On the Highway (130 km/h): We recorded a nice 5.4 L/100 km
• In the City and on the Road: Renault's hybridization works wonders with consumption dropping to 4.6 L/100 km.
• Range: With a 55-liter tank, it is possible to aim for a maximum range of 1,000 km, even 1,100 km depending on conditions.

Boot Volume: 5 or 7 Seats, What Compromise?

The Renault Espace 6 is 22 cm longer than an Austral, which directly benefits the boot and modularity. The rear bench slides 22 cm, allowing for a balance between legroom and boot volume.

Volume Comparison (in liters):

Configuration

Espace (5 seats)

Espace (7 seats)

2 seated places

2,234 L

2,054 L

5 seats (bench advanced)

943 L

782 L

5 seats (bench retracted)

692 L

520 L

7 seated places

—

212 L

Note: In 7-seat configuration, the volume drops to 212 liters, enough to fit a few shopping bags but not the luggage for the whole family. The third row should be considered as occasional seats, ideal for children under 14 years old.

Driving Pleasure: The Agility of 4Control

Surprisingly, I preferred the road feel of this Espace compared to the Austral or the Rafale. The 4Control Advanced option (four-wheel steering) is a "must-have": it makes the vehicle incredibly agile in the city and allows for enthusiastic cornering in the mountains.

The chassis offers little roll and precise steering. The only downside: the gearbox can sometimes exhibit a slight delay depending on the situation, and the sound of the small 1.2 Turbo 3-cylinder engine is not the most flattering when heavily stressed.

Price and Budget 2026

The Renault Espace positions itself at the top of the range but remains competitive against rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq or the Volkswagen Tayron.

• Starting Price: From €46,000 (5 seats) and €46,500 (7 seats).
• Test Model (Esprit Alpine): With options like the panoramic roof (€1,500), the Harman Kardon system, and satin paint, the price climbs to €55,000.
• Taxation: Expect around €350 to €700 in weight penalties (depending on equipment).

Test Summary: A Renault Austral with a Backpack...

This new Espace is no longer the "total minivan" of the past, but it becomes one of the most efficient 7-seater SUVs on the market. Based on the Renault Austral, the Espace offers more spaciousness, practical for families. If you're looking for a great traveler capable of crossing France with 5.4 L/100 km, it's the rational choice... with a touch of passion!

What I Liked

• Record fuel consumption for the category.
• Impressive agility thanks to 4Control.
• Space on board and modularity (sliding bench).
• Royal ride comfort for long trips.

What I Liked Less

• Boot volume in 7-seat configuration is very limited (212 L).
• Sound of the 3-cylinder is a bit too present under load.
• Final price can rise quickly with options (€55,000).
• A few minor rattles in our test model.