Renault Scenic v Skoda Elroq: which one should you buy?

An electric SUV could be the perfect family car. The best are spacious, practical and filled with smart tech. Combine that with their high-riding driving position and low running costs and you’ve got the best package for you and your family, right?

There are dozens to choose from though, so we’ve picked two of the latest to go head to head – the Renault Scenic and the new Skoda Elroq.

Renault Scenic v Skoda Elroq: Design

Is style most important to you? The Renault Scenic certainly ticks that box. It has chunky rear lights and sleek slim headlights that give it that futuristic vibe. It’s a snazzy-looking car.

The Skoda Elroq, meanwhile, isn’t exactly going to turn heads. It does have an interesting-looking front that hides all the techy bits like cameras and sensors, making it neat without trying too hard. But it is a bit more anonymous looking than the Renault.

Renault Scenic v Skoda Elroq: Interior and practicality

Both these electric SUVs are well suited to family life, but the Renault probably just edges it. It’s spacious for those in the front and rear seats – and back seat passengers will appreciate the clever armrest that holds their phones. Interior quality is a bit hit and miss though, but the Google-powered infotainment system is good and you still have buttons to control the air-con, so that’s a win. The boot is big too – 545 litres – but there is a bit of load lip to haul your stuff over.

The Skoda Elroq is a wee bit smaller but it’s unlikely you will feel squeezed. The 470-litre boot should be more than enough for most people’s needs but the rear seats don’t fold completely flat, which isn’t ideal. However, the cabin is packed with smart storage solutions (umbrella, anyone?). The rear seats are comfy, and it’s got USB-C ports for all your devices.

Renault Scenic v Skoda Elroq: driving and range

There are two battery and motor combinations available for the Scenic. The more affordable option has a 60kWh battery and 170hp electric motor, with the result being a claimed range of up to 260 miles, though this is only available on the entry-level trim.

Step up to the larger battery and you get an 87kWh capacity with a 220hp electric motor. This is available on all three trims and provides a range of up to 379 miles. It’s not the most comfortable to drive – a bit jiggly over bumps, particularly at lower speeds – and the rear visibility isn’t great either.

The Elroq comes with a choice of three different battery options. The entry-level 50 battery has 55kWh of capacity and gives an official range on a charge of 230 miles – and actually costs similar to the petrol-powered Karoq SUV. The most expensive version has 82kWh battery with a range of up to 360 miles.

The Elroq is great around town with light steering, intuitive one-pedal driving and soft suspension ironing out lumpy, bumpy roads. It’s a little bit too squidgy though, a bit floaty over motorway dips and in faster bends; capable, but not very fun.

But, there’s not much between the two cars here. The Scenic does have a slightly longer range so that gives it a bit of an advantage, but with so little between the two, it could simply go down to where you like your gear shift. The Scenic’s is behind the steering wheel, while the Skoda’s is on the centre console.

Renault Scenic v Skoda Elroq: Price

The Skoda is slightly cheaper than the Renault – but it’s slightly smaller too. On the flip side, you can get bigger discounts on the Scenic as it has been around just a bit longer than the newly launched Elroq. Both offer good value for money.

Final Verdict: The Winner Is…

Let’s be honest: choosing between the Renault Scenic E-Tech and the Skoda Elroq comes down to your personal tastes. The Scenic is perfect for those who want a spacious, family-friendly electric SUV with a modern look and decent range.

While The Elroq might not grab your attention in the same way the Scenic does, it certainly nails the practicality you’d expect from the brand.

So small margins separate these two, but the Scenic looks better, is more practical and has a better range, so it wins here.

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