Overall Rating
4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
3.7
Running Costs
4.3
Practicality
4.5
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a practical van that doesn’t break the bank? The Renault Kangoo might be just what your business needs. This compact commercial vehicle has been helping small businesses, tradespeople, and delivery drivers get the job done for years. It’s the van for people who need maximum space and practicality without the bulk or cost of a larger vehicle.
From the outside, the Kangoo looks purposeful and honest. Its boxy shape maximises interior space while keeping external dimensions compact for easy city driving. Unlike premium alternatives, the Kangoo focuses on function over form, offering excellent value for money. The latest generation brings improved refinement and modern technology that was missing from earlier models.
Driving the Kangoo is a surprisingly comfortable experience. The engines are efficient and well suited to commercial use, whether you’re making local deliveries or longer motorway journeys. It handles predictably and offers good visibility all around, making it confidence inspiring in tight spaces. While it may not have the badge appeal of some rivals, the Kangoo delivers where it matters most: reliability, practicality, and affordable running costs that help your business stay profitable.
How Does the Renault Kangoo Drive?
The Renault Kangoo is designed for efficiency and reliability rather than excitement. The engine range focuses on turbocharged petrol and diesel units that prioritise fuel economy. The 1.5 dCi diesel with around 95 horsepower is the most popular choice, offering excellent fuel returns for commercial use. It feels adequate for most tasks, with enough torque for carrying loads and merging safely onto dual carriageways.
Where the Kangoo excels is in its driving manners around town. The steering is light and precise at low speeds, making parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces effortless. The ride quality is surprisingly good for a commercial van, soaking up most road imperfections to keep both driver and cargo comfortable. The suspension is well tuned to handle varying loads without compromising stability. This makes it an easy and reassuring vehicle to drive whether empty or fully loaded with equipment.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.5L dCi Diesel / 1.0L TCe Petrol
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Power Output
75 - 115 bhp
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0-60 mph
11.9 - 14.2 seconds
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MPG Combined
45 - 65 mpg
- Boot Space
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Renault Kangoo: Comfort & Features
Step into the Kangoo and you’ll find a functional, well thought out workspace. The dashboard is simple and straightforward, with clearly marked controls that are easy to use while wearing work gloves. The latest models feature a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, bringing the Kangoo up to modern standards. Storage solutions are everywhere, with multiple cupholders, door bins, and overhead compartments for paperwork and tools.
The driver’s seat offers good support and reasonable adjustment range for long working days. Road noise is well controlled for a commercial vehicle, making conversation and phone calls easier. The driving position is upright and commanding, giving excellent visibility of the road ahead and to the sides. Standard equipment includes essentials like electric windows and remote central locking, while higher specifications add air conditioning and cruise control for enhanced comfort on longer journeys.
The Renault Kangoo is an honest, capable small van that gets the fundamentals right. It offers impressive fuel economy, generous load space, and affordable running costs that help small businesses stay profitable. The driving experience is comfortable and confidence inspiring, while the practical interior layout shows real thought for working users.
Is the Renault Kangoo Expensive to Run?
The Kangoo shines when it comes to running costs, which is exactly what small businesses need. The diesel engines are particularly impressive, with real world fuel economy often exceeding 50 mpg on mixed driving. This translates to lower fuel bills and extended range between fill ups. Insurance groups are reasonable for a commercial vehicle, though rates will depend on your business use and driving record.
Purchase prices are competitive, especially for used examples which offer excellent value for money. Maintenance costs are generally affordable thanks to Renault’s widespread dealer network and good parts availability. The Kangoo has a solid reputation for reliability when properly maintained, helping avoid unexpected repair bills. With flexible finance options available, including hire purchase and lease agreements, the Kangoo represents an accessible entry point into commercial vehicle ownership for growing businesses.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Renault Kangoo
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Ford Transit Connect
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Volkswagen Caddy
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £18,500 | £20,000 | £21,500 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.5L dCi 95hp | 1.5L EcoBoost 100hp | 2.0L TDI 102hp |
| Power | 95 bhp | 100 bhp | 102 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 13.1 seconds | 12.7 seconds | 11.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 58 mpg | 45 mpg | 52 mpg |
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Practicality
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Excellent value, High fuel economy, Reliable reputation | Strong brand, Good dealer network, Proven durability | Premium feel, Quality interior, Advanced safety |
Renault Kangoo Practicality & Boot Space
The Kangoo excels in the practicality department, which is its primary purpose. The load area offers up to 3.3 cubic metres of space in standard form, expanding to 4.6 cubic metres in the Maxi variant. The rear doors open wide for easy loading, while the optional sliding side door provides convenient access in tight parking spaces. Maximum payload ranges from 650kg to over 800kg depending on specification, easily handling most small business requirements.
Inside the cab, storage solutions are thoughtfully designed for working life. You’ll find document holders, phone cradles, and plenty of small item storage. The Kangoo works well for tradespeople, delivery drivers, and small business owners who need reliable transport for tools, stock, or equipment. Compared to other used Renault commercial vehicles, the Kangoo offers the best balance of compact external dimensions with generous internal space, making it ideal for urban operations where parking space is limited.
Bought our Kangoo three years ago for the landscaping business and it’s been brilliant. Great fuel economy, fits loads of kit in the back, and hasn’t let us down once. Perfect size for getting around town sites.
The Renault Kangoo stands out in the competitive small van market by delivering exceptional value and practicality. It combines excellent fuel economy, generous load space, and affordable running costs in a compact, easy to drive package. While it may not offer the premium feel of some competitors, it excels in the areas that matter most for commercial use.
You choose the Kangoo because you need a reliable workhorse that keeps operating costs low. Its efficient engines, practical load area, and competitive pricing make every journey profitable for your business. It’s perfectly suited for urban deliveries, trade work, and small business operations. If you’re looking for a small van that offers maximum value with cars under £10,000 providing excellent opportunities in the used market, the Renault Kangoo should be at the top of your shortlist.
A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
