Renault Kangoo Review 2024

For sure, the Kangoo is a bit unrefined, a tad noisy on the motorway and lacking in the tech department. But the Kangoo's rivals are generally more expensive to buy and we think Renault's small van delivers excellent value. 

We rate the long Maxi model as the best in the Kangoo range, with its extended loadspace providing up to 4.6 cubic metres of storage space and a maximum payload of 800kg. 

The 1.5 dCi diesel is a strong engine with peppy performance and low running costs, which makes it popular with builders and tradespeople. However, if you are looking for an affordable electric van, the Kangoo Z.E is a good option thanks to its practical EV range and impressive payload. 

The small van market is highly competitive. The Renault Kangoo rivals the Ford Transit Connect, Vauxhall Combo and Volkswagen Caddy. However, if you are looking for value, you should also consider the Fiat Doblo which is cheaper to buy than the Kangoo but provides similar load moving potential.

The interior of the Renault Kangoo gives the impression it has been built to last with lots of chunky plastics that feel like they’ve been bolted together with a sense of purpose. As a result, you don't get any worrying rattles or squeaks from the interior fittings. 

Renault gave the Kangoo a major update in 2016 that included a significant upgrade to the quality of the interior with better plastic trims and cloth materials for the seats. 

The Renault Kangoo is generally well-equipped as standard. Bluetooth and USB smartphone connectivity has been fitted as standard since 2013. High spec versions of the Kangoo also get a CD player, DAB audio and air con. 

Renault has never fitted sat nav as standard on the Kangoo but it is a popular option and this means lots of used vans tend to have it fitted. The system is based on Renault's R-Link touchscreen navigation that provides 3D maps and online traffic updates: however, due to its positioning deep inside the dashboard, it can be difficult to operate. 

It is also important to note that the R-Link sat nav is based on a TomTom Live subscription-based system that needs to be renewed to retain access to live route and traffic updates. Typically, the Kangoo is sold with a three year TomTom subscription, which means vans that are older than three years of age may not necessarily have live sat nav services. 

The Renault Kangoo panel van is available in standard or Maxi bodystyles. The entry-level standard van will provide between 3.0 - 3.6 cubic metres of loadspace while the longer Maxi model will extend this to 4.0 - 4.6 cubic metres depending on spec 

Both the standard and Maxi models are available as crew vans, which adds a second row of seats that cuts loadspace to 1.3 (standard) or 2.4 (Maxi) cubic metres. However many of the crew vans feature flexible seating, which means you can fold the second row of seats flat into the floor when they are not in use. 

The load area of the Kangoo is practical with most vans getting a single or twin side sliding doors. The maximum load length of the standard van is 1476mm while the Maxi extends this to 1862mm. We would recommend specifying the Kangoo with the swivelling bulkhead, which lets you use the full load width of the van by folding the front passenger seat away and bending the bulkhead around the driver’s compartment. 

The Kangoo can’t match its key rivals for maximum payload. Generally speaking, the Kangoo’s payload rating will range from 650kg to 800kg - you’ll need to check your van’s spec to establish its exact kg limit. Due to the position and weight of its batteries, the payload of the all-electric Kangoo Z.E - in both standard and Maxi versions - is limited to 640kg.

The Kangoo is offered with Renault’s excellent 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine. At launch, the four-cylinder diesel provided 70PS, 85PS or 105PS power outputs. 

In 2016 the 1.5 diesel engine was upgraded to Euro6 emission standards and power outputs were revised to 75PS, 90PS and 110PS. Renault revised the 1.5 diesel engine again in 2019 to 80PS, 95PS and 115PS. 

Unless you need to use your Kangoo for towing, we’d recommend the 1.5 dCi with 90PS or 95PS - these engines strike the best balance between performance and fuel economy. 

A non-turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine was offered for a short time but enjoyed limited success due to its high fuel costs and lacklustre performance. As a result, it’s very rare to find a petrol Kangoo for sale. 

Most Kangoos use a five-speed or six-speed manual gearbox. Renault added a dual-clutch automatic transmission to the Kangoo range in 2017 as an optional extra. 

The Kangoo is also offered as an all-electric van with a 33kWh battery that is linked to a 44kW electric motor. The electric van is badged as the Kangoo Z.E and its electric motor develops 60PS with power delivered to the front wheels.

Renault has offered an electric version of the Kangoo for a number of years. Early versions of the Kangoo Z.E will cover up to 75 miles on a single charge. However, since 2017, Renault has sold the Kangoo Z.E with a powerful 33kWh battery that will cover between 125 and 140 miles.

The Renault Kangoo isn't particularly refined, with lots of engine and road noise making its way into the cabin. The body shape of the Kangoo also generates a fair amount of wind noise, too.

Both the Ford Transit Connect and Volkswagen Caddy are quieter and more refined, but it's important to note that both of these vans are generally more expensive to buy. 

All versions of the Renault Kangoo are fitted with a full-size bulkhead that separates the driver and passengers from the loadspace area. Crew vans are fitted with a moveable bulkhead that folds forward when you fold the second row of seats away into the van floor. 

The Kangoo doesn’t get any driver aids like lane keep assist or adaptive cruise control, which reflects its age somewhat, but you do get a spare wheel and a scattering of airbags that should protect the driver and front passengers in the event of an impact. 

The Kangoo is one of Renault's best selling vans and its reputation for reliability is generally good across all models. 

MOT pass rates for the Kangoo are somewhat mixed. According to HonestJohn.co.uk, 70% of six-year-old Kangoo vans pass their MoT - a result that's 31% worse than other vans of this age. 

Insurance costs for small vans tend to be low and this is true for the Renault Kangoo. The insurance rating for the Kangoo starts at Group 2 for the cheapest and least powerful vans and rises to Group 5 for the 100+PS diesel versions in Business+ trim. 

However, when shopping for van insurance, make sure you always check the level of cover as the cheapest deals may not provide a like-for-like replacement for expensive tools or equipment left in the vehicle. 

Vans and pick-up trucks are classed as commercial vehicles and are taxed differently to cars with the VED rate determined by the date the vehicle was registered. In most cases, Renault Kangoo drivers pay a flat rate of £275 a year. 

If you buy a Kangoo van that was registered between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010 you will pay a lower rate of £140 per year. 

Since 2016, the Renault Kangoo model line-up is split between Business and Business+ trim levels. Renault has produced a number of Sport special editions over the years that get more equipment as standard - these typically include alloy wheels, front fog lights and disc brakes at the front and rear. 

The Kangoo in Business trim gets a sliding door on the lefthand side, along with plastic bumpers, electric door mirrors, spare wheel, DAB audio and CD player. Business+ trim adds body-coloured bumpers, folding electric door mirrors, air conditioning, overhead parcel shelf, load area rubber flooring and a centre console with armrest.