By Tom Roberts
The new Renault Kangoo has been on the ‘coming soon’ list for a while, but it has finally launched. It’s not the only new arrival, however - the Nissan Townstar, a van that is the result of a ‘platform sharing’ agreement between the manufacturers, has also launched. So, they’re basically the same van, right? Not quite. Vanarama Van Expert Tom Roberts puts these two light vans under the microscope to see how (and if) they compare.
Do The 2022 Renault Kangoo and 2022 Nissan Townstar Look The Same?
There are differences at the front end, and that’s by far the easiest way to tell them apart. The Nissan Townstar is relatively understated, with the lozenge-shaped grille (favoured by many manufacturers these days) adorned with the corporate Nissan logo in the centre.
Although the front bumper and headlights appear to be the same on both vans, the Renault Kangoo’s front end has a strong visual impact, with the Renault diamond logo located at the top of the grille and overlapping onto the leading edge of the bonnet. Depending on trim level, the Renault also features chrome trim at the upper and lower edges of the grille.
There are a few less obvious differences. The Kangoo has some plastic mouldings on the side of the van fairly low down, which might provide some protection but have more aesthetic value than anything else. The wheel trims are also different (as you’d expect) and the Tekna+ Townstar (the top of the range) is fitted with alloy wheels - something that isn’t offered as standard on any Kangoo van, although they are on the option list.
What Engines Do The 2022 Renault Kangoo & 2022 Nissan Townstar Use?
This is where the vans really do differ. 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 offering a WLTP range of up to 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 (while others see a clearer acknowledgment of 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.
What Body Styles, Weights & Payloads Are Available In The 2022 Renault Kangoo & 2022 Nissan Townstar?
The Kangoo comes in two lengths, designated ML19 and LL21 (M stands for medium, L for long – there is no short version). Stated payload for the diesel van is 987kg, the petrol 740kg and electric 615kg.
Townstar, unsurprisingly, comes in the same 2 lengths, identified as L1 and L2. Confusingly, payloads for the petrol van are significantly higher than those stated by Renault with the Nissan offering around 840kg. Although the electric Townstar matches the Kangoo for payload at L1, Nissan suggests the L2 can carry 788kg. I reckon Renault has just missed this figure out of the early specification and data sheets, issuing just the figure for the shorter van… but I’ll keep an eye open.
What Specifications, Equipment & Trim Levels Are Available On The 2022 Renault Kangoo and 2022 Nissan Townstar?
Comparing these vans isn’t totally straightforward – this is because while there are 4 trim levels offered on 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. As these vans are very new, I’m relying on data that’s been supplied to me by the manufacturers – while they are rarely incorrect, they can sometimes unintentionally miss things out, so I’ve done my best.
Townstar Visia advantages over Kangoo Start:
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4.2-inch TFT colour display vs 3.5-inch monochrome.
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LED headlights vs halogen.
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Tyre pressure monitor.
Kangoo Start advantages over Townstar Visia:
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Cruise control and speed limiter.
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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. In the unlikely event 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:
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ProPilot parking (automated parking).
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Around-view monitor.
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Blind spot detection with intervention assistance.
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Traffic sign recognition.
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Driver attention alert.
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Auto high/low headlight beam.
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Front and side parking sensors.
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Electrically folding door mirrors.
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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. Although the Renault looks like it may be a poor relation, it all depends on what your requirements are and, of course, your budget.
What Paint Colours Are Available On The 2022 Renault Kangoo & 2022 Nissan Townstar?
Neither manufacturer has been particularly brave with their paint range. If you want white, black, 3 shades of grey or red, you’ll be fine, but there are no bright yellows, blues or greens for those who like to stand out from the crowd. Whilst some of the colour names are the same, others are different but the shades look suspiciously similar. It’s not really surprising given that the vans are built on the same production line in France.
What Warranties & Servicing Do The 2022 Renault Kangoo & 2022 Nissan Townstar Come With?
Here’s another area where you might be forgiven in thinking that things won’t differ much.
Service intervals for the Renault Kangoo are 18,000 or 2 years for all models, although the E-Tech electric requires a service visit on its first birthday. Nissan states a 2-year/18,000 mile interval for the Townstar too.
Renault offers a 3-year/100,000 mile warranty, with the battery on the E-Tech being guaranteed for 8 years with the same mileage limit. Where Nissan wins is with the 5-year/100,000 mile warranty offering, also providing the 8-year battery coverage, guaranteeing that it will retain 70% of its capacity up to a 100,000 mileage limit.
Tom’s Takeaways
In my opinion, despite the platform sharing, 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, then you’ll want to opt for the Nissan. Ultimately, budget, work requirements and personal preferences will dictate your choice - so enjoy re-reading this article to help you with that.
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