New Renault Scenic vs Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model Y: interiors
Having evolved from a sensible MPV into a trendy electric SUV, the Renault Scenic could be a hit all over again. But first it has to beat tough rivals from Kia and Tesla...
Behind the wheel
Driving position, visibility, build quality
From the driver’s seat, everything in the Tesla Model Y is the same as it is in the pre-facelift Tesla Model 3 (an updated version was launched in late 2023) – except for one thing. You see, the seats are mounted on plinths, so you sit higher up relative to the dashboard, almost looking down on it.
It all feels a bit unnatural, as does the fact that you need to use a combination of icons on the infotainment screen and scroll buttons on the steering wheel to adjust the steering wheel and door mirrors. Front seats that lack sufficient side support and an absence of physical air-con controls (you need to use tiny icons on the touchscreen) also count against the Model Y.
While you sit closer to the road in the Kia EV6 (something not all drivers will appreciate), the driver’s seat offers much better side support, so you won’t find yourself sliding around through corners. The seat, steering wheel and pedals all line up neatly with one another, too, so there isn’t much to grumble about – other than the fact that you have to adjust your driving position manually.
This seems stingy when you consider that the Renault Scenic’s front seats come with not only electric adjustment but also a massage function. This ease of adjustment, combined with a slightly elevated driving position (somewhere between the EV6 and Model Y) and comfortable, supportive seats, make the Scenic the one to go for when faced with a long journey.
You’ll enjoy the best forward and side visibility in the Scenic, too. While the EV6 and Model Y have equally thin windscreen pillars, they’re so steeply angled that they can hinder your view at junctions.
The Model Y’s tall side windows are helpful when you’re looking over your shoulder or behind the car. In contrast, the EV6’s thick rear pillars and coupé-like roofline obstruct your rearward view, while the Scenic isn’t great, either. Fortunately, each car comes with a rear-view camera, the Scenic’s including a 360-degree view. In Air trim, the EV6 gets only rear parking sensors; its rivals have them at both ends.
The Scenic’s interior is a nice place in which to travel, featuring a tasteful blend of ambient lighting, soft-touch materials and an eclectic range of fabrics that spread from the dashboard to the headlining. And while you’ll find some hard plastic lower down (the glovebox lid, for example), it’s hard not to be impressed with features such as the Solarbay panoramic glass roof (available only in Iconic trim), which allows you to transform it from see-through to opaque, in stages, at the press of a button or via voice control.
Despite being an older design, the Model Y still has a very impressive interior, with open-grain wood on the dashboard, a huge infotainment screen and optional (£1100) white faux-leather seat upholstery (black is standard) lending the minimalist design an upmarket feel. Even the general level of fit and finish was impressive on our test car – not something we’ve always said about Teslas in the past.
The EV6 trails its rivals in terms of material quality, especially in Air trim. While everything feels solid, the materials are somewhat lacklustre, featuring glossy black trim and rubberised surfaces instead of more tactile materials. Still, there’s plenty to like about the easy-to-use climate control system, which combines physical temperature knobs with small but well-spaced touch-sensitive icons (all of which change functions if you need media controls instead). Similarly, the Scenic simplifies this process with a small row of physical rocker switches below the touchscreen, unlike the Model Y, which requires you to navigate through the touchscreen.
Infotainment systems
Renault Scenic
The Scenic gets a fantastic portrait-orientated 12.0in touchscreen featuring Google software. Not only does it offer great clarity and a simple user interface, but it’s also angled towards the driver, making it easy to read and reach. The standard wireless phone charger is conveniently placed in front of the screen, and range-topping Iconic trim’s 410-watt, nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system produces decent (though not mind-blowing) audio quality.
Kia EV6
The EV6 features a curved 12.3in touchscreen that’s well positioned so that it’s easy to see from behind the wheel. A relatively intuitive operating system minimises distractions while driving, and any issues found in early models seem to have been resolved, with the system in our test car functioning smoothly. However, you have to step up to Horizon trim or higher to get a wireless phone charging pad, and the standard six-speaker sound system is underwhelming.
Tesla Model Y
The Model Y has essentially the same 15.0in touchscreen as the cheaper Model 3. You use it to control almost every feature of the car, be it unlocking the charging port or opening the glovebox. For the most part, it’s easy to get the hang of, though, and the system is quick to respond when you press the screen. While (unlike the others) there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto phone mirroring, you can play games or even watch videos on Netflix.
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