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The Renault SUV Won The Main Automotive Award In The Country, Stood Out Among Traditional Rivals And Reinforced The Brand’s Strategic Shift With Domestic Production And A Robust Technical Package.
The Renault Boreal was elected Car Of The Year 2026 at the main award of the Brazilian automotive industry, organized by the magazine Autoesporte.
Produced in Paraná, the medium SUV outperformed competitors like GAC GS4, Honda WR-V, Nissan Kicks, and Volkswagen Tera, consolidating the automaker’s new phase in the country.
According to a report published by Autoesporte, the Boreal is the first national medium SUV from Renault and repeats the feat of the Kardian, which had won the same trophy in the previous edition.
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The result reinforces the brand’s effort to leave behind the image of a manufacturer of low-cost models to compete among the most complete and sophisticated sports utility vehicles in the Brazilian market.
Car Of The Year 2026: Prestige And Evaluation Criteria
The award reached its 59th edition and had a record number of 49 eligible models, including passenger cars and powertrain assemblies.
From this universe, 27 vehicles and 15 groups of propulsion advanced as finalists, representing 21 different brands.
The choice was made by a panel of 26 specialized jurors, and the entire process was audited by EY, according to the regulations released.
According to findings from specialized vehicles that attended the ceremony, the Boreal caught the jury’s attention for its balance between interior space, trunk volume, equipment level, and price.
A report from AutoPapo, based on coverage from Autoesporte, highlights that many were betting on the Volkswagen Tera to take home the trophy, but the Renault SUV ended up being chosen by the automotive press as the most resolved package of the year.
National Production And Platform Of The Renault Boreal
The model is part of a broader strategy of Renault for Brazil.
Instead of focusing solely on entry-level compacts, the brand has begun to invest in global projects adapted to local realities, with more embedded technology, improved finishes, and attention to the onboard experience.
The Boreal is positioned above the Duster, in a segment that includes rivals such as Jeep Compass, Toyota Corolla Cross, Volkswagen Taos, and CAOA Chery Tiggo 7.
Produced on the RGMP platform, the same modular base used by the Kardian, the Boreal is manufactured at the Ayrton Senna Complex in São José dos Pinhais (PR).
This architecture allows for sharing components and industrial processes, reducing costs and facilitating the adoption of new technologies throughout the product lifecycle.
Renault itself describes the model as an SUV with exclusive design, ground clearance of 213 mm, and one of the largest trunks in the category.
Versions, Prices, And Market Positioning
The medium SUV enters the Brazilian market in three main versions: Evolution, Techno, and Iconic.
According to official data from the automaker, the lineup starts at R$ 179,990 for the entry-level configuration and reaches R$ 214,990 for the top trim.
The prices position it directly among the best-selling medium sports utility vehicles in the country.
1.3 Turbo Flex Engine, EDC Transmission, And Performance
In all versions, the Boreal is equipped with the 1.3 TCe Turbo Flex engine, a four-cylinder unit already known in other Renault models.
The technical specifications confirm a power output of up to 163 hp and torque of 27.5 kgfm, always paired with the automated EDC dual-clutch transmission with six gears and front-wheel drive.
Specialized reports recorded that, in tests with gasoline, the SUV accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds, demonstrating good performance against rivals with larger engines.
Dimensions, Wheelbase, And One Of The Largest Trunks In The Category
The dimensions reinforce Renault’s focus on the family segment.
The Boreal measures 4.56 meters in length, 1.84 meters in width, 1.65 meters in height, and 2.70 meters in wheelbase.
The trunk offers 586 liters of capacity, a volume greater than that of models like Jeep Compass and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Technology And Safety Equipment
From the Evolution version, the Boreal brings a competitive list of equipment for the segment, including:
• Dual-zone digital automatic air conditioning
• Six airbags
• Electronic stability and traction controls
• Hill start assist
• Electronic parking brake with Auto Hold
• Digital instrument panel
• Wireless smartphone charger
• OpenR Link multimedia center with a 10-inch screen and wireless integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The list of active safety items includes adaptive cruise control, safe distance alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, fatigue monitoring, sign recognition, and parking sensors.
The more complete versions add 360-degree cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and additional driver assistance items.
Iconic Version: Panoramic Sunroof, Premium Sound, And Refined Interior
The Iconic version concentrates the highest refinement items of the Boreal.
The package includes an electric panoramic sunroof, premium sound system from Harman Kardon, front seats with massage, 19-inch diamond wheels, and exclusive interior trim.
A report from AutoPapo highlighted that the Boreal is the first national car with an integrated native Google system in the multimedia center, providing more direct access to services like Google Maps and voice assistant.
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