Renault Trucks Range C (2026 - ) review

Renault Trucks offers its DE11 and DE13 engines for the C range, with turbo compound 440 and 480hp engines available on 4x2 and 6x4 tractor unit versions. In its smallest 4x2 and 6x2 rigid 18 tonne and 26 tonne configurations, operators can choose either 380, 430 or 460hp 11-litre engines. The core 6x4 26 tonne and 8x4 32 tonne range can be had with 440, 480 or 520hp 13-litre engines. Some alternative cab pairings also open up turbo compound engine options to improve efficiency. The C440 version we tried delivered peak torque of 2200Nm from 925 to 1400rpm. It also featured an automatic engine cut off which turns the engine off after five minutes of idling.

Three Optidriver gearboxes are available on C models. As standard, the trucks are equipped with Renault’s 12-speed transmission. Optidriver Xtrem can be specified which is a 12-speed automated manual gearbox which is reinforced for high-torque applications. The heaviest duty configurations can be paired with a 13-speed Optidriver Xtended transmission to add crawler gears for better control when manoeuvring at low speeds.

Both day and night & day cabs come with a standard roof height and the sleeper cab adds a higher roof. All cab variants come with a 200mm engine tunnel which is covered in a durable, wipe clean material. From the factory, fleets can add a compressed-air blower inside, so drivers can blow dust and dirt out of the vehicle to keep it clean. The C range can also be had with two four-door crew cab variants: XL with six seats or XXL with eight seats. Every version is accessible via three steps, the first of which is around 460mm high which is easier to reach for taller drivers.

Like the rest of the Renault Trucks range, the driver gets a three-axis adjustable steering wheel which is especially important in this kind of configuration where the higher steering ratio means the driver spends more time turning the wheel. With the luxury driver’s seat added, drivers benefit from near endless adjustability to find the most comfortable position. The luxury seat also adds heating and ventilation for year-round comfort. The C440 we drove was equipped with a lockable 31-litre storage compartment between the seats and another lockable overhead compartment. It also had a removable refrigerated bottle holder which tucks in front of the central compartment. In the standard height day cab, storage is always going to be limited due to the size of the cab but useful features like a rail above the rear window gives drivers space to hang jackets and hats on slidable hooks.

While traditional mirrors can still be specified, Renault Trucks equips the C range with cameras which give a wide angle and standard view behind. In the tipper-bodied version we tried, the camera angle looked down slightly into the body as well as offering a good view of the road. This added bit of visibility can reduce the need for fleets to fit additional load cameras. Given the bodywork typically paired with these trucks, the rearview camera is mounted in the rear bumper, so the angle of view is a bit low but stays clear of moving bodywork and lets drivers see unloading in the case of tippers. A nearside camera view pops up on the central infotainment screen when the left indicator is activated which is a useful blind spot camera and a good way to see how close you are to the inside curb. Bodybuilders can route controls such as rear doors and sheeting systems to native buttons and add PTO controls accordingly. On the safety tech side of things, the C440 we tried had lane departure warning but not active lane keeping assistance like the T High. For the types of roads the C range will live on, this feels like a more natural setup.

Renault’s predictive cruise control, Optivision, is available on the C range but the vehicle we tried was fitted with standard cruise control and adaptive cruise control. Optivision can be beneficial for applications where the driver is going to spend a lot of time on A and B roads where they will frequently deal with roundabouts and junctions and having the truck preempt slowing down is useful. With the adaptive cruise control function, the truck maintains its set distance from the vehicle in front and gives more acceleration or applies the engine brake to handle inclines. Like other Renault Trucks models, the C has three levels of engine braking which are controlled by a dedicated stalk. The example we drove was an 8x4 chassis with both steering axles at the front. Renault also offers its 8x4 chassis as a tridem where the front and rear axles steer to reduce the turning circle.

The key strength of the C range is its lightweight chassis design which is built to be easy for bodybuilders to fit equipment. Renault uses aluminium and plastic tanks to reduce weight and, depending on the configuration, operators can achieve payloads up to 28.8 tonnes. Working with the dealer and bodybuilder to find the right balance between body durability and overall vehicle weight will help to optimise running costs by maximising payload for the work. The C range can also be paired with the K bumper which is a modular steel bumper that can be replaced in sections if it gets damaged.

Across the UK, the Renault Trucks dealer network spans more than 60 dealers including the likes of Renault Truck Commercials, RH Commercial Vehicles and Sparks Commercials. Fleets can choose maintenance packages and opt into Optifleet telematics to get detailed insights into fuel efficiency, vehicle location, safety and wear and tear.

The Renault Trucks C range is a hugely diverse lineup which can be configured in a wide variety of ways to tailor the vehicle to the application. Day drivers for tippers, mixers and flatbeds will be pleased with the C’s familiar Renault interior, functional layout and optional extras to improve comfort and storage. Specified with the K bumper, the C gets a more aggressive look that adds robustness for operators that frequently require their trucks to be off-road in harsh environments where the likelihood of damage increases.