2012 & 2013 Renault Van Reviews & Ratings

In business since 1899, Renault is no stranger to building a successful automobile. Over a century of vehicles are under their belt and the styles include everything from the traditional sedan to convertible model. Along with those body styles came the need for a Renault Van. This spawned the release of the Kangoo and Kangoo Express. Both have been quite popular since their release, especially among businesses and those with mobility impairment. The Kangoo is so widely used that it is the com... (full review continues below)

In business since 1899, Renault is no stranger to building a successful automobile. Over a century of vehicles are under their belt and the styles include everything from the traditional sedan to convertible model. Along with those body styles came the need for a Renault Van. This spawned the release of the Kangoo and Kangoo Express. Both have been quite popular since their release, especially among businesses and those with mobility impairment. The Kangoo is so widely used that it is the common vehicle for the French post office, La Poste.

The Kangoo was released in 1997 as a leisure activity vehicle. Because the rear windows and seats are able to be taken out, it also creates a panel van that is known as the Kangoo express. The first generation did not see any type of adjustments to the Renault van until 2003 when it received a substantial facelift. The changes, particularly the nose, are obvious enough that one can easily distinguish between the original model and the later version. From 2002, the Kangoo was available in a four wheel drive version and it has always been available in a longer model. The four wheel drive Kangoo was named Trekka and is still in existence today.

The second generation was altered significantly and was based in large part on the minivan Scenic. Sales for this model began in January of 2008. It features a large choice of engines and comes in four basic body styles. There is the Compact, the Van, the Van Maxi and the Van Maxi Crew Van. The biggest difference between the styles of Renault Van is how much they will hold. The Compact will hold a payload of around 500kg. The Van style will increase that number to 650kg or 800 kg. With the Van Maxi, buyers will be able to carry loads of a maximum of 800 kilograms and the floor's length of the Van Maxi Crew Van is 1.33 m.

Not every person that is looking for a van is in search of a minivan. Renault understood what they were looking for and that was the foundation of the Kangoo and Kangoo Express lines of Renault van. Ideal for the commercial user, this line of vans allows for ample cargo room while still maintaining a level of comfort in the cabin. The compact size of the Kangoo, even at the longer lengths, allows for easy handling on all road conditions. The variety of engine choices ensures top performance for every task. The height of the van appeals to those who are mobility impaired or those who might use a wheelchair. The Kangoo provides a spacious and comfortable leisure activity vehicle while the Kangoo express offers a generously sized, yet compact, panel van.

The Kangoo, Kangoo Express and Trekka versions of Renault van are all still in production. All three remain in high demand from both personal and professional buyers.