Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Renault Kiger 2025 – Should You Think Twice Before Buying?

The Renault Kiger has been one of the most popular compact crossovers in India since its debut. With an attractive starting price of around ₹6.5 lakh and going up to ₹10 lakh for the top CVT model, the 2025 Renault Kiger offers a tempting package for first-time buyers, college students, and young professionals looking for an affordable SUV-styled car.

It comes with 205 mm ground clearance, stylish looks, turbo petrol engine options, and advanced features like hill hold assist, CVT smoothness, rear AC vents, and wireless charging. No doubt, it’s a value-for-money offering in the compact crossover segment.

But here’s the catch 👉 no car is perfect. While the Kiger has a lot going for it, there are also a few reasons you might want to think twice before booking one. In this blog, I’ll break down the Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the Renault Kiger 2025, based on real-world driving impressions, detailed testing, and ownership practicality.

1. ❌ Interior Quality & Finish – Feels Cost-Cut in Places

Step inside the Renault Kiger, and while the design looks premium at first glance with silver accents, perforated leatherette seats, and soft touches in some areas, you’ll also start noticing cost-cutting measures quickly.

• The plastic quality is average in certain parts of the cabin. The glovebox, for example, feels a bit flimsy and unfinished.
• Some switches and panels don’t give the solid “thud” that buyers expect from a modern car. Even the door shut sound feels lighter, missing that dampened premium feel.
• The armrest isn’t adjustable, and even though it has good storage, Renault could have added more thoughtful touches for long drives.
• The rear vanity mirror comes without lighting, which is a small but noticeable compromise.

👉 If you are someone who values premium interiors and attention to detail, you might find the Kiger’s cabin a bit lacking compared to rivals like the Tata Nexon or Hyundai Venue, which feel more solidly put together.

2. ❌ Features Missing or Half-Baked

On paper, the Kiger CVT looks loaded with features: wireless charging, 8-inch touchscreen, digital cluster, cruise control, automatic headlamps, and ambient lights. But dig deeper, and you’ll find some features either missing or poorly executed.

• The front headlights use halogen bulbs for indicators and beams instead of full LED, which is becoming a standard in this price bracket. Competitors like Kia Sonet and Venue offer better lighting setups.
• The hill descent control isn’t a true system. During testing, it became clear that the feature is more of a marketing highlight than an actual off-road safety tool.
• The ambient lighting system is manual – you have to turn it on/off via a button, unlike the automatic, customizable setups seen in rivals.
• The USB ports are outdated Type-A instead of modern Type-C. For a 2025 model, this feels behind the times.

👉 In short, Renault gives you the basics, but tech-savvy buyers might feel the Kiger is a step behind the competition in terms of feature innovation.

3. ❌ Limited Rear Seat Comfort for Long Journeys

Yes, the Renault Kiger offers rear AC vents, center armrest with cup holders, and decent legroom. But when you compare it with other compact SUVs, the rear seating isn’t the most comfortable for long family trips.

• The seats feel narrower, especially for three passengers at the back.
• Cushioning is decent but could have been more supportive for long highway drives.
• While headroom is adequate for average Indian heights, taller passengers may find it just about okay rather than spacious.
• The slightly narrow cabin width means squeezing three adults in the back seat for long hours isn’t ideal.

For a family-first car buyer, rear seat comfort plays a huge role. In this case, cars like the Maruti Brezza or even Tata Punch (in city rides) might feel more practical.

4. ❌ Boot Practicality & Finishing Issues

The Renault Kiger offers 405 liters of boot space, which looks good on paper. But in real-world terms, a few issues stand out:

• The boot finishing isn’t premium. For example, the spare wheel compartment area looks raw and poorly painted. This gives a slightly cheap impression when you lift the floorboard.
• While it can accommodate large bags, the loading lip is higher, making it less convenient for older people or when loading heavy luggage.
• Renault has used gas struts for the tailgate, which is a plus, but the overall boot door feels lighter and less robust compared to some competitors.

For families who frequently travel with a lot of luggage, the boot may feel functional but not the most premium or practical in design.

5. ❌ Average Engine Performance in CVT Under Load

Renault’s 1.0L turbo petrol engine with CVT is smooth for city driving. It offers enough pep for daily commutes, with good maneuverability thanks to light steering and well-tuned ergonomics. However, there are limitations:

• Push the car hard on highways, and the CVT shows rubber-band effect. The smoothness is there, but responsiveness lags when you demand quick acceleration.
• At 90–100 kmph, while stability is decent, it doesn’t feel as planted as a Hyundai Venue or Nexon, especially during aggressive lane changes.
• The engine noise seeps in at higher revs, reducing cabin refinement.
• If you’re looking for a performance-focused SUV, the Kiger CVT will feel more tuned towards comfort and efficiency rather than thrill.

So while it works well as a city-friendly daily driver, enthusiasts or frequent highway travelers might find it underwhelming.

Conclusion – Should You Avoid the Renault Kiger 2025?

The Renault Kiger 2025 has a lot going for it: affordable pricing, stylish crossover looks, 205 mm ground clearance, hill-hold assist, wireless charging, and Renault’s trust factor. For many first-time buyers, college students, or small families, it still makes sense as a practical, affordable first car.

However, if you’re expecting premium interiors, best-in-class features, rear seat comfort, and top-notch driving refinement, the Kiger does fall short in certain areas.

✅ Who Should Buy?

• First-time car buyers
• Urban drivers needing a compact, stylish SUV
• Budget-conscious families

❌ Who Should Avoid?

• Highway enthusiasts
• Buyers who prioritize luxury feel
• Families needing spacious rear seating

👉 Final word: The Renault Kiger 2025 is a value-for-money crossover, but it’s not without compromises. If you’re okay with the trade-offs, it’s worth considering. Otherwise, rivals like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Maruti Brezza might offer a more polished experience.

Author Section: AutoTech in a new INDIAN way

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