Renault 5 Review 2026: Four Trims, Prices From £21,495 & Salary Sacrifice Costs
All images in this article have been sourced from Renault’s official media site
As cars continue to grow larger and SUVs dominate our roads, the Renault 5 shows there's still room for a compact EV with a strong range, high-quality trims, and all the essential features. This Renault 5 review covers October 2026 pricing, range, space and safety, plus what the car costs for employees who get it through a salary sacrifice scheme.
Originally designed for fuel efficiency, the modern Renault 5 uses no fuel at all. It competes with compact EVs like the Mini EV or Fiat 500 Electric, and gives up some space and power to larger models like the Kia e-Niro or Hyundai Ioniq 5.
In this review, we’ll explore the Renault 5’s interior, performance, safety features, and more. Employers and employees weighing up a salary sacrifice scheme will also find the current Benefit in Kind rate, which is 4% for 2026/27, and the October 2026 prices after the government grant.
Renault 5 Trims At a Glance
The Renault 5 has four trims, and the main differences are the battery, the comfort features and the price.
| Renault 5 E-Tech trims compared | Evolution | techno+ | iconic five+ | Roland Garros+ | iconic five Urban Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery and power | 40kWh, 120hp | 52kWh, 150hp | 52kWh, 150hp | 52kWh, 150hp | 40kWh, 120hp |
| Price on the road after £3,750 grant | £21,495 | £23,945 | £25,945 | £26,945 | To confirm |
| WLTP range (up to) | 194 miles | 259 miles | 259 miles | 259 miles | 194 miles |
| Maximum DC charging | 80kW | 100kW | 100kW | 100kW | 80kW |
| Net monthly cost, higher-rate taxpayer (£62,000 salary) | Not quoted | £329 | £353 | £367 | £372 |
The Evolution is the only trim with the 40kWh Urban Range battery, and it starts the range at £21,495 after the grant. The techno+ moves to the 52kWh Comfort Range battery and adds a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and one-pedal driving, according to Electrifying. The iconic five+ adds heated seats and a heated steering wheel, and the limited-time Roland Garros+ tops the range at £26,945, according to Renault UK.
Performance and Range
The Renault 5 comes in four trims: the entry-level Evolution, the mid-range techno+, the top-spec Iconic Five, and the limited-time Roland Garros. The Evolution uses the Urban Range 40kWh battery, while the techno+, iconic five+ and Roland Garros+ trims use the Comfort Range 52kWh battery. The Comfort version upgrades the 120hp Urban Range motor to a more powerful 150bhp and adds a larger battery.
This provides the Comfort spec with an impressive 259 miles of range on the WTLP test, making the Renault 5 stand out in the compact EV segment, and hold its own in the wider EV market. The Comfort variant also delivers faster acceleration, reaching 62mph from rest in about 8 seconds. Both versions are designed to be user-friendly and forgiving rather than performance-focused. The Urban Range version manages up to 194 miles, and Renault UK quotes around 30 minutes to charge from 15% to 80% on a 100kW DC charger.
The Renault 5 E-Tech was named UK Car of the Year 2026 and won both New Car of the Year and New EV of the Year at the AM Awards 2026, which were voted for by AM's dealer audience. It follows its European Car of the Year 2025 title. According to Renault UK, it was also the UK's most popular electric car in April 2026, based on SMMT data, so the recognition reflects strong demand as well as critical praise.
Trim Differences and Specifications
All four trims come equipped with 18-inch alloys and rear parking sensors, with the base trim offering a 10.1-inch infotainment display. The techno+ trim adds a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, one-pedal driving and recycled denim upholstery. The iconic five+ adds heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and the limited-time Roland Garros+ sits above it in the line-up, according to Renault UK. After the £3,750 Electric Car Grant, Renault UK lists the Evolution from £21,495, the techno+ from £23,945, the iconic five+ from £25,945 and the Roland Garros+ from £26,945, all excluding metallic paint.
Here’s a closer look at the specs, including an illustrative salary sacrifice cost for a higher-rate taxpayer:
| Renault 5 E-Tech trims compared | Evolution | techno+ | iconic five+ | Roland Garros+ | iconic five Urban Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery and power | 40kWh, 120hp | 52kWh, 150hp | 52kWh, 150hp | 52kWh, 150hp | 40kWh, 120hp |
| Price on the road after £3,750 grant | £21,495 | £23,945 | £25,945 | £26,945 | To confirm |
| WLTP range (up to) | 194 miles | 259 miles | 259 miles | 259 miles | 194 miles |
| Maximum DC charging | 80kW | 100kW | 100kW | 100kW | 80kW |
| Net monthly cost, higher-rate taxpayer (£62,000 salary) | Not quoted | £329 | £353 | £367 | £372 |
Exterior and Interior Design
The Renault 5 draws inspiration from its classic predecessor but with a modern twist. Its design features bold 18-inch wheels, square daytime running lights, and a compact body with great attention to detail. A particularly interesting design feature is the black A- and B-pillars that blend into the roof, creating a stylish contrast between the body and cabin for a sporty, refined appearance. On the techno+ and above, the raised “5” on the bonnet also shows the charge status.
While it may not boast the same retro feel as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Honda-e, the Renault 5 excels in customisation options. It offers seven colour choices, plus the option to add roof and body decals, allowing you to personalise the car to suit your style. You’ll need to go for the top-tier trim level to access all customisation options, although the base model still offers a wide variety. Renault UK lists seven colours today, and The EV Report says Flame Red and Shadow Grey arrive later in 2026.
Inside, the Renault 5 offers a modern and well-thought-out cabin, particularly for its price point. The higher-spec trims come with a 10.3-inch digital display for the speedometer and driving information, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment, offering a user-friendly operating system that outperforms the Mini Electric and Fiat 500 Electric. The 2027 model year adds a cooled Qi2 wireless phone charger and SmartMode, which switches automatically between Eco, Comfort and Sport.
The car also includes physical controls for air conditioning, avoiding the frustration of navigating submenus on a touchscreen, which is a welcome addition. In higher-level trims, the seats feature a denim-like material in vibrant colours to match the exterior options, and the overall interior feels sturdy and well-constructed. While you’ll find some hard plastics around the dashboard, the build quality is impressive for the price.
How Spacious is The Renault 5?
The new Renault 5 is larger than its original predecessor but remains a compact car at 3.92 metres long. Despite its compact size, the interior feels spacious. Taller adults will be comfortable in the front seats, which slide back to provide extra legroom. The rear seats are more cramped, as expected, but children and shorter adults will have no issue. The rear doors also improve access. Boot space in the Renault 5 is 326 litres, larger than the Mini Electric’s 210 litres.
Renault 5 vs Renault 4
The Renault 4 is the closest sibling to the Renault 5. It shares the Renault 5's underpinnings and powertrain, with a 150hp motor and 52kWh battery, and both peak at 100kW on a DC charger, according to Electrifying. In effect, it’s the same running gear with more practicality, because the extended wheelbase and body bring a 420-litre boot against the Renault 5’s 326 litres, although Electrifying describes its rear space as a mixed bag. The other differences come down to roof options and price, as the table below shows.
| Renault 5 and Renault 4 compared | Renault 4 E-Tech | Renault 5 E-Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Boot space | 420 litres | 326 litres |
| Battery (UK) | 52kWh only | 40kWh or 52kWh |
| Power | 150hp | 120hp or 150hp |
| WLTP range (up to) | 247 miles | 259 miles |
| Open-top option | Yes, Plein Sud fabric roof | No |
| Benefit in Kind, 2026/27 | 4% | 4% |
| Salary sacrifice available | Yes | Yes |
The Renault 4 suits drivers who want a bigger boot and the option of a fabric roof, which adds £1,500 on techno+ and iconic+ trims, while the Renault 5 suits those who want a lower starting price and a smaller footprint. Both attract the same 4% Benefit in Kind rate in 2026/27, so the choice comes down to space and budget.
Renault 5 Price and Salary Sacrifice Costs
With a starting price of £21,495 on the road after the £3,750 Electric Car Grant, the Renault 5 offers excellent value for money, combining practicality, performance, and quality features. It’s a great option for those looking to make the switch to electric without the need for a larger SUV or estate car. The Renault 5 is also an attractive choice for those considering a salary sacrifice scheme, which can reduce the monthly cost because payments come from gross salary, while enjoying the benefits of a brand-new EV.
In addition to saving on tax, the ongoing fuel and maintenance costs are considerably lower with an electric vehicle. If you lease the Renault 5 through a salary sacrifice scheme like The Electric Car Scheme, employees typically save an estimated 20 to 50% compared with a personal lease.
The Benefit in Kind rate for a zero-emission car is 4% in 2026/27, rising to 5% in 2027/28 and 7% in 2028/29. A salary sacrifice calculator shows the monthly cost for your own salary, tax band and lease terms. For employers, Complete Employer Protection removes the financial risk if an employee leaves mid-lease.
On a £62,000 salary, a higher-rate taxpayer pays an average net £329 a month for the techno+, £353 for the iconic five+ and £367 for the Roland Garros+, according to The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. Those figures are after income tax and National Insurance savings, include VAT and an average Benefit in Kind charge over the term, and assume 10,000 miles a year, a three-year term and a flat payment profile. Costs vary with salary, tax band and lease terms, so these are illustrative rather than a quote.
Safety and Driver Assistance
All Renault 5 trims come with essential safety features, and Renault UK describes 28 driver-assistance systems across the model.
including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention monitoring. The Iconic Five trim adds blind spot monitoring. All trims are awarded a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating from its 2024 test, according to RAC Drive, which is respectable for a car of this size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does the Renault 5 Cost in the UK?
The Renault 5 E-Tech starts from £21,495 on the road after the £3,750 Electric Car Grant, according to Renault UK in October 2026. The 52kWh techno+ costs £23,945, the iconic five+ £25,945 and the Roland Garros+ £26,945, all excluding metallic paint. Salary sacrifice spreads the cost into one monthly payment from gross salary, and the full range of salary sacrifice cars shows what's available alongside it.
How Far Can the Renault 5 Go on a Single Charge?
The 52kWh Comfort Range version is rated at up to 259 miles on the WLTP test, and the 40kWh Urban Range version at up to 194 miles, according to Renault UK. Renault UK lists both figures as pending homologation, so they may change slightly. Real-world electric car range varies with speed, temperature and load.
Is the Renault 5 Eligible for the Electric Car Grant?
Yes, Renault UK lists its current Renault 5 prices after the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, and The EV Report confirms the model remains eligible. The Electric Car Grant applies to cars with a recommended retail price of up to £37,000, and every Renault 5 trim sits well below that cap. Grant rules can change, so the price on the day you order is the one that counts.
Can You Get a Renault 5 on Salary Sacrifice?
Yes, you can lease the Renault 5 through a salary sacrifice scheme such as The Electric Car Scheme. Employees typically save an estimated 20 to 50% compared with a personal lease, because payments come from gross salary. The Benefit in Kind rate for a zero-emission car is 4% in 2026/27, rising to 5% in 2027/28 and 7% in 2028/29.
How Big Is the Renault 5 Boot?
The Renault 5 has a 326-litre boot, according to Renault UK, which measures it to the VDA standard. That's larger than the Mini Electric's 210 litres cited in this review. Other small EVs vary, and the boot space rankings show how it compares.
How Does the Renault 5 Compare With the Renault 4?
The Renault 4 is the larger car, with a 420-litre boot and a 52kWh battery only, while the Renault 5 starts from £21,495 after the grant and offers a 40kWh option. Both attract a 4% Benefit in Kind rate in 2026/27 and can be leased through salary sacrifice. The Renault 4 E-Tech suits buyers who need more space.
Renault 5 Review Verdict
The Renault 5 stands out in the compact EV market for offering a solid range of 259 miles and decent interior space, from £21,495 after the Electric Car Grant, outperforming the Mini Electric and Fiat 500 Electric in both aspects.
It may not have the same level of performance or space as larger models like the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Ioniq 5, but it holds its own in the compact EV category by offering a balanced package of affordability, efficiency, and practicality. The Renault 5 is ideal for those who want a compact EV that still offers good range and features, but don’t need the extra space or power that larger models provide.
You can lease the Renault 5, and all of the cars mentioned in this article, through a salary sacrifice scheme, like The Electric Car Scheme. Browse our quote tool, where you can enter your salary and desired lease terms to get a personalised quote.
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Last updated: 13.10.26
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions: England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
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