Feature
Renault Kangoo VS Nissan Townstar - New Small Van Comparison
Renault and Nissan have launched their new small vans - the Kangoo and Townstar, respectively - and although they platform share, there are some big differences for van buyers to be aware of. Auto Trader's Tom Roberts digs into the details so you don't have to.
Words by: Tom Roberts
Published on 7 February 2024 | 0 min read
We’ve been waiting for the new Renault Kangoo for quite some time now, and finally it’s here and available to order. But, also recently launched is the Nissan Townstar, a van that is the product of a ‘platform sharing’ agreement with the French manufacturer. This means that it could be that the 2 vans will be more or less are identical but, are there some differences which anyone thinking of leasing one should be aware of?
Browse new Nissan Townstar vans here. Browse new Renault Kangoo vans here.
Browse new Nissan Townstar vans here. Browse new Renault Kangoo vans here.
Body Types
No significant differences here, the Kangoo coming in two lengths, designated ML19 and LL21 (M stands for medium, L for long – there’s no short version). Townstar, unsurprisingly comes in the same 2 lengths, identified as L1 and L2.
Engines/Power Trains
Here’s where possibly the biggest difference lies. The Kangoo is offered with a choice of a 1.3 litre 100hp petrol engine, a 1.5 litre diesel unit at either 95hp or 115hp outputs, or as the fully electric Kangoo E-Tech, powered by a 120hp electric motor and having a WLTP range of 186 miles. If you decide that the Townstar is the van for you, then you can have either a 130PS 1.3 litre petrol engine, or the electric powertrain as fitted to the Renault. Spot the difference? Yes, in what some might see as a brave move (whilst others could consider an acknowledgment to where things are heading in the future) Nissan made the decision not to offer the Townstar with a diesel engine.
Could this policy come back to bite them? I’d guess that Nissan will be keeping a very close eye on sales figures of both the Townstar and Kangoo, and it could just be that, providing the partnership agreement allows it that they might back-pedal and offer a diesel option in the future.
Could this policy come back to bite them? I’d guess that Nissan will be keeping a very close eye on sales figures of both the Townstar and Kangoo, and it could just be that, providing the partnership agreement allows it that they might back-pedal and offer a diesel option in the future.
Payloads / Loadspace
Stated payload for the diesel Kangoo van is 987kg, the petrol 740kg and for the electric van its 615kg. Confusingly, when it comes to the Townstar, payloads for the petrol van are significantly higher than those stated by Renault, the Nissan offering around 840kg. Although electric Townstar matches Kangoo for payload at L1, Nissan suggest the L2 can carry 788kg.
The loading bay on the 2 lengths of van are pretty decent, measuring up at 1806mm and 2230mm, that’s 300mm more than the previous generation Renault Kangoo.
The loading bay on the 2 lengths of van are pretty decent, measuring up at 1806mm and 2230mm, that’s 300mm more than the previous generation Renault Kangoo.
Cabins And Trims
Comparing these vans isn’t totally straight forward – this is because whilst there are 4 trim levels offered in the Townstar (Visia, Acenta Tekna and Tekna+), Renault has opted to provide a choice of just 2 (Start and Advance).
Let’s start by comparing the Townstar Visia and the Kangoo Start, these being the more basic, ‘entry level’ models. Townstar Visia advantages over Kangoo Start - 4.2” TFT colour display vs 3.5” monochrome - LED headlights vs halogen - Tyre pressure monitor Kangoo Start advantages over Townstar Visia - Cruise control and speed limiter - E-Call – automated emergency call So, not a huge amount of difference – although it’s worth noting that Nissan and Renault offer their own seat trim styles so, in the unlikely even that this is important to you, you might want to take a look. Now, in case you’ve decided that you want your new van to have all the trimmings, let’s compare the ones that sit at the top of the range. Don’t forget, with the Townstar there are 2 models between the lower and upper ends, so if you don’t need all the gizmos in the Tekna+, there’s the option to downgrade and potentially save yourself some cash – these models will probably be more comparable to the Kangoo Advance. Townstar Tekna+ advantages over Kangoo Advance - ProPilot parking (automated parking) - Around view monitor - Blind spot detection with intervention assistance - Traffic sign recognition - Driver attention alert - Auto high / low headlight beam - Front and side parking sensors - Electrically folding door mirrors - Leather steering wheel Kangoo Advance advantages over Townstar Tekna+ - Thatcham T1 volumetric alarm It’s important to remember that we’re just looking at the top of the range vans here, and Renault has clearly decided not to market the Kangoo with an equipment level to match the Nissan. So, although the Renault looks like it may be the poor relation, it all depends on what your requirements are and, of course your budget.
Let’s start by comparing the Townstar Visia and the Kangoo Start, these being the more basic, ‘entry level’ models. Townstar Visia advantages over Kangoo Start - 4.2” TFT colour display vs 3.5” monochrome - LED headlights vs halogen - Tyre pressure monitor Kangoo Start advantages over Townstar Visia - Cruise control and speed limiter - E-Call – automated emergency call So, not a huge amount of difference – although it’s worth noting that Nissan and Renault offer their own seat trim styles so, in the unlikely even that this is important to you, you might want to take a look. Now, in case you’ve decided that you want your new van to have all the trimmings, let’s compare the ones that sit at the top of the range. Don’t forget, with the Townstar there are 2 models between the lower and upper ends, so if you don’t need all the gizmos in the Tekna+, there’s the option to downgrade and potentially save yourself some cash – these models will probably be more comparable to the Kangoo Advance. Townstar Tekna+ advantages over Kangoo Advance - ProPilot parking (automated parking) - Around view monitor - Blind spot detection with intervention assistance - Traffic sign recognition - Driver attention alert - Auto high / low headlight beam - Front and side parking sensors - Electrically folding door mirrors - Leather steering wheel Kangoo Advance advantages over Townstar Tekna+ - Thatcham T1 volumetric alarm It’s important to remember that we’re just looking at the top of the range vans here, and Renault has clearly decided not to market the Kangoo with an equipment level to match the Nissan. So, although the Renault looks like it may be the poor relation, it all depends on what your requirements are and, of course your budget.
Conclusion
Despite what you might have previously thought, these vans are anything but identical. If you want a diesel, then look no further than the Renault. Prefer a van with lots of tech and the reassurance of a 5-year warranty? Maybe opt for the Nissan Townstar, which offers this superb guarantee across all of its commercial vehicles.