Renault Grand Scénic engines

Since its launch in 1999, the Renault Grand Scénic has established itself as a pioneer in the compact van segment, offering a diverse range of engines over four generations. Each generation has brought new technologies and different strengths and weaknesses, with technological evolution ranging from simple naturally aspirated engines to modern hybrid powertrains.

Renault Grand Scénic Generation I (1999-2003)

The first Renault Grand Scénic generation was a pioneering period for Renault in the compact van segment and was characterized by robust but still technically simple engines. Mileage varied greatly depending on the engine type: while the tried-and-tested 1.9 dCi diesels easily reached 350,000 to 450,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, the petrol engines often required costly repairs to the ignition coils or injection system between 200,000 and 250,000 kilometers. The engines of this generation were still very easy to maintain and repair. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 1.9 dCi with 102 hp, which optimally combined power, reliability and economy and was considered one of the best diesels of its time.

Renault Grand Scénic petrol engines: Generation I (1999-2003)

The Renault Grand Scénic petrol engine range consisted mainly of naturally aspirated engines without turbocharging. The 1.4 16V with 70 kW (95 hp) was available as the entry-level engine, later joined by the more powerful 1.6 16V with 80 kW (109 hp). The most powerful Renault Grand Scénic petrol engine was a 2.0 16V with 103 kW (140 PS), which offered sufficient power but had relatively high fuel consumption. These Renault Grand Scénic engines suffered from typical problems of the early 2000s: ignition coil defects, problems with the lambda sensor and occasional difficulties with the injection system made them the more maintenance-intensive engines of this generation.

Renault Grand Scénic diesel engines: Generation I (1999-2003)

The Renault Grand Scénic diesels were dominated by the legendary 1.9 dCi with various output levels from 75 kW (102 hp) to 88 kW (120 hp). This Renault Grand Scénic dCi engine developed into the most reliable powertrain of the entire generation - the common-rail injection in particular proved to be very durable and economical. These Renault Grand Scénic dCi engines offered an excellent combination of performance, consumption and reliability. There was also a smaller 1.5 dCi with 60 kW (82 hp), but this was less common and was mainly used in base engines.

Renault Grand Scénic Generation II (2003-2009)

The second Renault Grand Scénic generation marked a significant technological leap and introduced modern engine technologies. With proper maintenance, most engines of this generation can easily reach 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers, with the 1.9 dCi diesels still being considered particularly durable. New problems arose due to more complex electronics and the introduction of turbochargers in the gasoline engines. The absolute highlight was the 1.9 dCi with 130 hp - a technical masterpiece with variable turbocharger geometry that offered both power and efficiency. Modern direct fuel injection was also introduced for the first time, although it initially struggled with teething troubles.

Renault Grand Scénic petrol engines: Generation II (2003-2009)

Modern technologies were added to the Renault Grand Scénic petrol engine range. The tried and tested 1.6 16V remained in the range with 83 kW (113 hp), but was supplemented by the new 2.0 16V with 99 kW (135 hp). From 2005, the innovative 2.0 Turbo with 120 kW (163 hp) was added, the first turbo petrol engine in the Renault Grand Scénic. However, these Renault Grand Scénic turbo engines proved to be problematic, with frequent defects in the turbocharger and intercooler. The most reliable petrol engine remained the 1.6 16V, although it was often considered underpowered for the weight of the Grand Scénic.

Renault Grand Scénic diesel engines: Generation II (2003-2009)

The tried-and-tested Renault Grand Scénic 1.9 dCi was further developed and offered with various output levels from 88 kW (120 hp) to 96 kW (130 hp). A new addition was the smaller 1.5 dCi with 63 kW (86 hp) and 76 kW (103 hp). The Renault Grand Scénic 1.9 dCi with 130 hp developed into the best engine of this generation - the variable turbocharger geometry ensured excellent driving performance with low fuel consumption. These Renault Grand Scénic dCi engines were already Euro 4 compliant and continued to offer excellent reliability, with the 1.5 dCi being particularly economical.

Renault Grand Scénic Generation III (2009-2016)

The third Renault Grand Scénic generation brought with it a completely new generation of engines and placed greater emphasis on downsizing technology. Reliability varied greatly between the different engine types: While the tried-and-tested dCi diesels continued to reach 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers, the new small turbocharged petrol engines struggled with various problems. The 1.2 TCe engines in particular developed into the most problematic engines in the series, with frequent turbocharger damage and timing chain problems. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 1.6 dCi with 130 hp, which combined proven diesel reliability with modern efficiency. An electric drive was also offered for the first time, although this was only produced in small numbers.

Renault Grand Scénic petrol engines: Generation III (2009-2016)

The Renault Grand Scénic petrol engine range was completely revised and focused on downsizing technology. The new 1.2 TCe was available with 85 kW (115 hp) and 96 kW (130 hp), but proved to be very problematic. In addition, there was the tried and tested 1.6 16V with 81 kW (110 PS) as a naturally aspirated engine and the more powerful 2.0 16V with 103 kW (140 PS). The Renault Grand Scénic 1.2 TCe developed into the most problematic engine of this generation - turbocharger damage from 80,000 kilometers, timing chain problems and oil consumption made it one of the most unreliable engines in the Renault range. The most reliable petrol engine remained the 1.6 16V naturally aspirated engine, which was, however, considered outdated by modern standards.

Renault Grand Scénic diesel engines: Generation III (2009-2016)

The Renault Grand Scénic diesel range was expanded to include modern Euro 5-compliant engines. The tried-and-tested 1.5 dCi was available with 78 kW (106 hp) and 81 kW (110 hp), while the new 1.6 dCi was offered with 96 kW (130 hp) and 118 kW (160 hp). The Renault Grand Scénic 1.6 dCi with 130 hp became the best engine of this generation, offering a perfect balance of performance, consumption and reliability. These Renault Grand Scénic dCi engines featured modern common-rail injection with particulate filters and complied with the Euro 5 standard. The 1.5 dCi remained the most economical engine in the range, while the 1.6 dCi with 160 hp provided sporty performance.

Renault Grand Scénic electric drive: Generation III (2009-2016)

From 2012, a Renault Grand Scénic Electric with an output of 60 kW (82 hp) was offered for the first time. This purely electric drive had a range of around 160 kilometers and was mainly designed for city driving. However, production remained very low as the demand for electric vans was not yet there.

Renault Grand Scénic Generation IV (2016-2023)

The fourth and final Renault Grand Scénic generation marked the end of an era and relied entirely on modern engine technologies. Reliability improved significantly compared to the third generation, with most engines reaching 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers with proper maintenance. The problematic 1.2 TCe engines were revised and showed significantly fewer problems, while the dCi diesels continued to play to their strengths. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 1.7 Blue dCi with 150 hp - a completely new engine that combined state-of-the-art technology with proven diesel reliability. A hybrid drive was also offered for the first time, although this was only available in the final years of production.

Renault Grand Scénic petrol engines: Generation IV (2016-2023)

The Renault Grand Scénic petrol engine range was expanded with improved versions of the familiar engines. The revised 1.2 TCe was available with 85 kW (115 hp) and 96 kW (130 hp) and showed significantly fewer problems than its predecessor. A new addition was the 1.3 TCe with 103 kW (140 hp) and 118 kW (160 hp), which was developed in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz. The Renault Grand Scénic 1.3 TCe developed into the best petrol engine of this generation - it offered an excellent combination of performance, consumption and reliability. The revised 1.2 TCe engines showed fewer problems, but remained more fragile than the diesel alternatives.

Renault Grand Scénic diesel engines: Generation IV (2016-2023)

The Renault Grand Scénic diesel range was expanded to include the all-new 1.7 Blue dCi. This was available with 88 kW (120 hp) and 110 kW (150 hp) and replaced the tried-and-tested 1.6 dCi. The tried-and-tested 1.5 Blue dCi remained in the range with 85 kW (115 hp). The Renault Grand Scénic 1.7 Blue dCi with 150 hp developed into the best engine of the entire generation - it offered the latest Euro 6d technology with SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection, combined with high reliability. These Renault Grand Scénic Blue dCi engines met the most stringent emissions standards and continued to offer the diesel efficiency you've come to expect.

Renault Grand Scénic hybrid powertrain: Generation IV (2016-2023)

From 2020, a Renault Grand Scénic Hybrid with 118 kW (160 PS) system power was offered for the first time. This combined a 1.6-liter petrol engine with an electric motor and offered solid performance with low fuel consumption. The hybrid technology proved to be reliable, but was only available in small numbers.

Conclusion: The best Renault Grand Scénic engines of all generations

The development of Renault Grand Scénic engines clearly shows Renault's strength in the diesel sector across all generations. While the Renault Grand Scénic diesel engines have consistently impressed with their high reliability and efficiency, the turbo petrol engines struggled with considerable problems, particularly in the third generation. The fourth generation brought a significant improvement, with the cooperation with Mercedes-Benz being particularly successful for the 1.3 TCe engines.

• Best Renault Grand Scénic gasoline engine:

The Renault Grand Scénic 1.3 TCe (140-160 hp, Generation IV) combines modern technology with high reliability and excellent efficiency thanks to the Mercedes cooperation.

• Best Renault Grand Scénic diesel engine:

The Renault Grand Scénic 1.7 Blue dCi (150 hp, Generation IV) offers the best combination of cutting-edge Euro 6d technology, reliability and economy across all generations.

• Best Renault Grand Scénic hybrid engine:

The Renault Grand Scénic 1.6 Hybrid (160 hp, Generation IV) with its balanced system performance and low fuel consumption, even though it was only available in small numbers.

For maintenance and spare parts for all Renault Grand Scénic generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.