New Renault Scenic vs Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model Y: practicality

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...

Will Nightingale

Published04 July 2024

Space and practicality

Front space, rear space, seating flexibility, boot

If you’re sitting in the front, you won’t feel the slightest bit cramped in any of our contenders, with the Tesla Model Y, in particular, feeling remarkably light and airy, thanks to a combination of tall side windows, a low dashboard and a standard panoramic glass roof. All three benefit from plenty of storage space, with the Kia EV6 and Renault Scenic featuring huge storage ledges below their centre consoles.

In the rear, all of our contenders provide as much space as two tall adults could reasonably need, despite their different proportions. The EV6, for example, has the least head room, but there’s still enough for six-footers – while limo-like leg room means rear passengers can really stretch out. And while the Model Y has the least rear leg room, the elevated front seats allow passengers to slide their feet deep beneath them.

However, the Scenic has a bit more rear head and leg room than either of its rivals, and its seats offer significantly better under-thigh support than the Model Y’s.

The Scenic and Model Y get handy 40/20/40 split rear seatbacks as standard, whereas the EV6 makes do with a less practical 40/60 split. However, the latter comes with a central ski hatch, so in reality all three cars give you the option of slotting long, thin items (such as pairs of skis) through the middle, between two passengers.

The EV6 and Scenic come with height-adjustable boot floors, below which are compartments suitable for stashing charging cables, away from your luggage. However, even with the floor set to its lowest position, no more than seven carry-on suitcases will fit beneath each car’s load cover. The Model Y, meanwhile, can swallow nine carry-on suitcases in its main boot at the back (two under the floor), plus a further case in the ‘frunk’ under the bonnet.

The EV6 also benefits from a frunk, but it’s tiny (barely big enough for a few groceries), and it’s the only car here that doesn’t come with an electric tailgate.