Back in the late 1990s, Renault came out with the Kangoo, a small multi-purpose 4/5-door van designed for a wide variety of purposes. Since its inception, Renault has consistently been making the Kangoo which is now in its third iteration. Renault recently also came out with the electric Kangoo Z.E. which suggests that Renault aims to keep the Kangoo.
So, is Renault Kangoo a good car? In short, yes, the Renault Kangoo is a good car because it manages to combine a wide variety of benefits into a single package. First, it offers a wide variety of commercial-grade powertrains, including the electric version which is not yet all that common in this market segment.
The design of the newest 3rd generation Kangoo is updated both inside and out and thus makes it one of the more attractive ones on the market. The driving experience is as ordinary as it gets which is to be expected from an MPV. Reliability does seem to be really good, but there are some issues worth talking about in greater detail.
Pricing is attractive all across the range with a wide variety of used models to choose from as well. Practicality is as good as it is with all the other MPVs in this segment, but the Kangoo does beat out most of them as it is available in the crew, panel van, and people transportation guise.
The Powertrain
The Renault Kangoo comes with a wide variety of gasoline and diesel engines, but Renault also came out with the Z.E. EV a few years ago. Initially, the Kangoo was available with either a 1.2L 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 60hp, 75hp, or 112hp, but the range was later extended to include the 1.5L with 106hp and lastly the 1.4L 4-cylinder with either 100hp or 130hp.
Diesel engines are even more numerous and include a 1.5L diesel with around 75hp to 115hp, a 1.9L 4-cylinder with 80hp, or a new 1.5L 4-cylinder with 75hp, 95hp, or 115hp. Lastly, the EV version of the Kangoo is powered by a 33kWh battery that offers up to 89 miles of range.
Efficiency-wise, you’d be lucky to get around 35MPG from the newest gasoline models while diesel models can stretch to 45MPG. All in all, the Kangoo offers more variety than most MPVs in the powertrain department which surely is a good thing.
Design and Driving Experience
The front end features a large Renault logo on a black grille, flanked by rectangular headlights. The rear doors slide open to provide easy access to the cargo area. The interior of the Kangoo is functional and spacious, with room for up to five passengers in the passenger version and ample cargo space in the cargo version.
The suspension is designed to absorb bumps and rough roads, which makes for a smoother ride for both the driver and passengers. However, don’t expect the Kangoo to be overly dynamic, because it isn’t a sports MPV, if such as thing even exists.
Reliability and Common Issues
The Renault Kangoo manages to be relatively fault-free if you maintain it well enough. This means that you need to do all the regular stuff such as oil changes and similar. Newer Kangoo models are also much better than the first two generations, especially the first one which was known to break down quite easily and frequently.
The most common problems with the Kangoo range from electrical problems, notably a faulty dashboard or power locks failing. Other problems include a fragile timing belt tensioner, problems with the doors, problems with the power steering system, and problems with the heater.
Pricing and Practicality
The first two generations of the Renault Kangoo can now be had for literal peanuts while the 3rd gen Kangoo costs around £16,000 to £23,000 new. For this price, you really are getting a decent deal as the Kangoo does offer everything you need from a modern-day compact MPV.
The Kangoo offers a large and versatile cargo area, making it ideal for carrying a variety of items. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo area can provide up to 2,800 liters of space, making it one of the most spacious vehicles in its class.
FAQ Section
Which Cars Rival the Renault Kangoo?
The most notable Renault Kangoo competitors are the Citroen Berlingo which is really similar to the Kangoo and the Mercedes Benz Citan which is a more premium van. The Fiat Doblo is another compact van that offers a practical and spacious interior, with efficient engines and advanced safety features while the Volkswagen Caddy is one of the more popular vans in this segment.
These are just some of the main rivals to the Renault Kangoo in the compact van segment, and the specific choice will depend on the buyer’s needs and preferences, including factors such as price, fuel efficiency, cargo capacity, and driving performance.
Is the Renault Kangoo Discontinued?
Renault has recently launched a new version of the Kangoo, so it is not discontinued. However, the previous generation Kangoo was discontinued in 2020 after being in production for 12 years. The new version, which was launched in 2021, is an entirely new model and is based on a different platform than the previous generation.
The new Kangoo features a fresh design, improved technology, and more efficient engines compared to the previous model. The new Kangoo is available in both passenger and commercial versions, and it aims to continue the success of its predecessor as a practical and versatile vehicle for businesses and families alike.
Can You Sleep in the Renault Kangoo?
Yes, it is possible to sleep in a Renault Kangoo, especially in the passenger version that has a spacious interior. With some modifications, the Kangoo can be turned into a comfortable camping vehicle that can accommodate a bed and other necessary amenities.
The Kangoo’s rear seats can be removed or folded down to create a flat and comfortable sleeping area. Additionally, the sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle provide easy access and ventilation. With the addition of curtains or window shades, the interior of the Kangoo can be made private and cozy for sleeping.
