2026 Renault Clio Specs, Price, and Release Date: Full Breakdown

2026 Renault Clio Specs, Price, and Release Date: Full Breakdown

Seventeen million. That’s how many Renault Clios have been sold since its debut in 1990 making it not just the most popular French car ever made, but one of the best-selling superminis in European history. With over triple the sales of the legendary Citroën 2CV, the Clio has defined the B-segment for decades.

Now, after six years on the market (and despite a recent facelift), the fifth-generation model is due for a major evolution. For 2026, Renault unveils the all-new sixth-generation Clio bigger, bolder, more tech-forward, and now fully hybrid at the top end. And yes it remains Europe’s best-selling car so far in 2025.

While still compact, the new Clio grows in presence:

• 4,116 mm long (+)
• 1,768 mm wide (+)
• Wheelbase stretched to 2,591 mm
• Slightly more sloped roofline, ending in a sporty rear spoiler

Despite the growth, height remains nearly unchanged at 1,451 mm, preserving urban agility.

Exterior design blends tradition with modern flair:

• C-shaped LED daytime running lights below the main headlights
• Hidden rear door handles integrated into the C-pillars a Clio signature
• Diamond-pattern grille and lower intake filled with tiny rhombuses, reinforcing the Renault identity
• Sharper, more aggressive front fascia with pointed headlights hinting at a possible return of the Clio RS hot hatch

At the rear, split LED taillights create an illusion of width, while also improving visibility.

2026 Renault Clio Specs, Price, and Release Date: Full Breakdown

The range-topping Esprit Alpine trim stands out with unique styling cues, including intricately designed 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive badging though performance remains focused on style over power for now.

Inside, the cabin takes heavy inspiration from the retro-futuristic Renault 5 E-Tech, featuring:

• A dual-screen layout: digital instrument cluster + central infotainment
• Physical climate controls below the vents a welcome holdout against touch-only trends
• Vertical infotainment display replaced with a more conventional widescreen setup

Higher trims get twin 10.1-inch displays and a steering wheel borrowed from larger Renault models, elevating the premium feel.

Minimalism wins over rotary knobs they’re gone but usability hasn’t been fully sacrificed. Storage is thoughtful:

• Lowered loading sill (40 mm drop) for easier cargo access
• 391 liters (13.8 cu ft) of trunk space (less with hybrid components)
• Closed center console compartment
• Two front USB-C ports, wireless charging pad, and rear 12V socket

Even the gear shifter gets an upgrade: the bulky automatic lever is gone, replaced by a sleek column-mounted shifter. The manual transmission lives on for base models though we assume one cupholder makes way for the stick.

2026 Renault Clio Specs, Price, and Release Date: Full Breakdown

Diesel is officially dead in the Clio lineup. The 1.5L dCi engine is retired, making room for a new generation of electrified powertrains.

The flagship is now the E-Tech Full Hybrid, upgraded for 2026:

• 1.8L naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder
• Two electric motors
• Total system output: 160 horsepower (+15 hp vs before)
• 170 Nm (125 lb-ft) of torque (+22 Nm)

Performance improves significantly:

• 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 8.3 seconds a full second faster than before

Renault claims the Clio will run in pure EV mode up to 80% of the time in city and suburban driving, with no tailpipe emissions during low-speed maneuvers.

Efficiency is stellar:

• As low as 3.9 L/100 km (60 mpg) combined
• Up to 621 miles (1,000 km) of total range with full tank and charged battery
• 40% more efficient than non-hybrid equivalents, and better than the old hybrid’s 4.2 L/100 km (56 mpg)

Power delivery comes via a multimode gearbox:

• 2 speeds for the electric motor
• 4 for the gasoline engine
• Up to 15 possible drive modes blending ICE and electric power

There’s no clutch pedal the car always starts in electric mode and no reverse gear, as the electric motor handles backward motion.

2026 Renault Clio Specs, Price, and Release Date: Full Breakdown

For buyers who don’t need hybrid efficiency, Renault offers two non-hybrid options:

• 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder (115 hp, 190 Nm)
• Paired with 6-speed manual or dual-clutch auto
• 0–62 mph in 10.1 seconds
• 1.2L Eco-G engine running on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
• 120 hp, 200 Nm
• Available only with dual-clutch automatic
• Matches gasoline model’s acceleration

Both are aimed at budget-conscious buyers in markets where fuel cost and ownership expenses matter most.

The new Clio isn’t alone. It joins a growing family of small Renaults:

• Renault 4 E-Tech (compact electric crossover)
• Renault 5 E-Tech (retro-styled electric hatchback)
• Twingo EV (coming next year as entry-level EV)

This lineup proves that Renault remains committed to small cars even as the industry shifts toward SUVs and EVs.

Read also: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology: First All-Electric GLC for the U.S.