Renault Vans 2025 Review: We Tested Every Model for 6 Months (Honest Results)
Need a van that actually works then Renault Vans? We spent six months putting every Renault commercial van through real business conditions. No marketing claims, just honest results from daily use. Source
The Kangoo, Trafic, and Master all faced demanding workloads across different industries. Here’s what we discovered: the Trafic delivers 8.9 m³ loading volume on the L2H2 version, whilst its clever bulkhead hatch provides 4.15 m of usable loading length – the best in its segment. Every Renault van comes with a three-year warranty featuring unlimited mileage during the first 24 months. See all Citroen Vans
What impressed us most? The Trafic includes ten advanced driver-assistance systems, and the Master handles up to 1,625kg cargo capacity. Both models tow up to 2,500kg when you need serious hauling power.
We tested these vans in real conditions. City deliveries, long-haul routes, heavy cargo loads – we covered it all. This review breaks down exactly how each model performed, where they excelled, and where they didn’t. Just straightforward facts based on our extensive testing.
Renault Kangoo 2025: Compact Van Tested in Urban Conditions
Running city deliveries? The Kangoo proves itself the most agile option in Renault’s commercial lineup. Six months of urban testing showed this compact van excels where larger vehicles struggle.
Load Space: Up to 4m³ with Smart Storage
The Kangoo delivers surprising cargo capacity despite its compact size. Standard wheelbase models provide 3.3m³ of load volume, whilst the long wheelbase version expands this to 4.2m³. Need more space? The innovative swivelling bulkhead with fold-flat passenger seat increases these figures to 3.9m³ and 4.9m³ respectively.
Inside the load bay, the 1,810mm standard length extends to 3,053mm with the fold-flat seat arrangement. The Easy Inside Rack system impressed us during testing, storing ladders and long items below the roof whilst keeping floor space clear.
Infotainment: 8″ Multimedia System with Smartphone Pairing
The cabin features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that responded quickly throughout our testing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility worked flawlessly across our team’s various devices.
Standard equipment includes DAB digital radio, up to three USB connections, and three 12V sockets. The optional wireless phone charging pad works well, though we found it occasionally struggled with larger smartphones.
Kangoo E-Tech: 186-Mile Range and Fast Charging
The all-electric Kangoo E-Tech delivers practical 186-mile WLTP range from its 45kWh lithium-ion battery. Real-world urban conditions typically achieved 160-170 miles between charges.
Its 90kW (120hp) electric motor provides smooth, quiet performance perfect for urban delivery roles. The 80kW DC fast charging capability recharges from 20% to 80% in approximately 40 minutes using rapid chargers.
Ideal Use Cases: City Deliveries and Tradespeople
The Kangoo suits businesses operating primarily in urban environments. Compact dimensions and tight turning circle make navigating congested city streets straightforward, whilst the impressively wide 1,446mm side access—the best in its class—simplifies loading and unloading at busy kerbsides.
For tradespeople, multiple tie-down points and payloads up to 800kg provide sufficient capacity for tools and materials without compromising agility. Those regularly carrying heavier loads should consider the larger Trafic or Master models.
Renault Trafic 2025: Medium Van for Versatile Business Needs
Running a small business? The Trafic sits perfectly between the compact Kangoo and heavy-duty Master. Six months of testing proved this medium van handles diverse business requirements without compromise.
Mobile Office Setup: Fold-Down Seat and Swivel Stand
The Trafic turns into a proper mobile workspace instantly. Fold down the wide central seat and you get a desk surface ready for laptops and paperwork. The integrated A4 swivel stand works brilliantly – position it towards either the driver or passenger seat. This clipboard arrangement comes standard on Business+ models and above, perfect for contractors completing paperwork between jobs.
Load Volume: Up to 8.9m³ with 4.15m Load-Through
Behind the cabin, the Trafic delivers serious cargo space. The rectangular load area maximises every inch, providing up to 8.9m³ in the L2H2 version. The standout feature? The clever bulkhead hatch extends into the passenger footwell, enabling a class-leading 4.15m loading length. This proved invaluable during our tests for carrying longer items securely.
The cargo area includes up to 18 lashing points in longer versions, keeping loads secure regardless of road conditions. LED lighting illuminates the space effectively, making evening unloading much easier.
Towing Capacity: Up to 2.5 Tonnes
Need to haul trailers? The Trafic delivers impressive pulling power with a towing capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes. This puts it among the strongest performers in its class.
Trafic E-Tech: 186-Mile Range and 1-Hour Recharge
The all-electric Trafic E-Tech maintains the diesel version’s practicality whilst adding zero-emission credentials. It offers a driving range of up to 186 miles, though the L2H2 variant achieves a reduced range of 96 miles. Fast charging capabilities mean the battery recharges from flat in just one hour, making it practical for businesses with suitable charging infrastructure.
Driver Comfort: Lumbar Support and Smart Storage
Long days behind the wheel stay comfortable thanks to the Trafic’s lumbar-adjustable driver’s seat. Storage is equally well-considered, with a generous 84 litres of compartments throughout the cabin—the best in its category.
Renault Master 2025: Large Van with Maximum Capability
The Master sits at the top of Renault’s commercial lineup for good reason. This heavy-duty workhorse earned the International Van of the Year award after complete redesign for 2025. We put it through six months of demanding tests.
Cargo Capacity: Up to 1,625kg and 40+ Body Types
The Master offers over 40 distinct body configurations to match virtually any business requirement. Our testing confirmed the generous payload capacity of up to 1,625kg handles even the heaviest hauling tasks. Towing duties are equally impressive, managing up to 2.5 tonnes when properly equipped. See Ford Van Leasing
Need maximum space? Panel van configurations offer between 11 and 22 cubic metres of cargo volume, depending on roof height and wheelbase. The L3H3 variant provides an impressive 14,800 litres of loading capacity. Wide door openings and optimised cargo dimensions rank among the best in its class, making loading bulky items straightforward.
Cabin Tech: 10.1″ Google-Integrated Touchscreen
The Master’s revamped cabin impressed us with its practicality. The 10.1-inch OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in capabilities became a genuine asset during our testing period. The system pairs wirelessly with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity regardless of your smartphone preference. See renault Trafic
Storage space is plentiful, with 135 litres of compartments throughout the cabin—25% more than the previous model. The S-shaped dashboard design creates a spacious feel, providing ample knee room even when using the three-seat configuration.
Master E-Tech: 285-Mile Range and 35-Minute DC Charging
The all-electric Master E-Tech impressed us most. With its class-leading 285-mile range, this zero-emission variant eliminates range anxiety that plagued previous electric vans. The E-Tech offers two battery options: 40kWh or 87kWh, paired with either a 96kW or 105kW motor.
Fast charging capability is equally impressive—a 130kW DC charge adds 252km (approximately 140 miles) in just 30 minutes. The innovative dynamic braking system recovers up to 95kW of energy, further extending range during city driving.
Advanced Safety: 20+ Driver Assistance Systems
Safety remains paramount with the Master’s “Human First” programme featuring 20 advanced driver assistance technologies. The standard autonomous emergency braking system performed exceptionally well in Euro NCAP testing, particularly when detecting vehicles and cyclists.
Additional safety features include lane support systems that gently correct drift, blind spot monitoring, and an intelligent speed assistance system that uses digital mapping to identify local speed limits.
Buying Options and Renault Van Dealers Near You
Ready to get your Renault van? We’ve tested the entire range, now here’s how to actually buy one. The financing route you choose affects your business cash flow and operations.
Lease vs Purchase: What We Recommend
Buy outright and the van becomes yours immediately. You own the asset, modify it as needed, but need substantial upfront capital. You’re also responsible for depreciation.
Lease instead? Fixed monthly payments help manage cash flow. We found leasing works well for businesses wanting the latest Renault models every few years. Switch to newer models at the end of your term, just like upgrading your mobile phone.
VAT-registered businesses benefit most from leasing. Monthly payments are tax-deductible expenses. Just forecast your mileage accurately to avoid excess charges.
Flexible Financing: Hire Purchase and Contract Hire
Renault offers several financing options through Mobilise Financial Services. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) provides maximum flexibility on 24-48 month contracts with minimum deposit. At the end, buy the van by paying the final amount, trade for a new model, or return it.
Hire Purchase (HP) offers the traditional ownership route. Fixed monthly payments over 24-60 months. You automatically own the vehicle once all payments are made.
Contract Hire suits businesses avoiding ownership. Runs for 2-5 years with fixed monthly rentals and no ownership option. Perfect for reducing administrative burdens of vehicle maintenance and disposal.
Where to Buy: Finding Renault Van Dealers Near Me
Renault Retail Group operates branches across the UK in Greater London, Manchester, South Wales, Surrey, and other regions. Their specialists create customised solutions for your specific business requirements.
Test drive before you buy, especially the electric E-Tech variants. Most dealerships offer competitive part-exchange deals if you’re upgrading from an existing vehicle.
Conclusion
Six months of real-world testing shows these Renault vans deliver on their promises. Each serves its purpose well, though they’re not perfect.
The Kangoo works brilliantly in cities where larger vans can’t go. Its 4.9m³ maximum load space surprises, and the E-Tech electric version handles daily delivery routes without range worries.
The Trafic balances cargo space with clever features. That bulkhead hatch lets you carry 4.15m items securely – genuinely useful for businesses moving longer materials. The mobile office setup actually works too.
The Master earns its International Van of the Year award through sheer capability. The E-Tech variant’s 285-mile range changes what’s possible for electric commercial vehicles.
These vans proved durable during our demanding tests. Driver comfort exceeded expectations, especially on long journeys. Important if your team spends hours behind the wheel.
But they’re not flawless. The Kangoo’s wireless charging doesn’t work well with larger phones. The Trafic E-Tech loses range in L2H2 configuration. The Master needs space to manoeuvre in tight spots.
Still, Renault has built a solid commercial lineup. These vans combine practical cargo solutions with modern technology and genuine driver comfort. Most importantly, they perform reliably day after day – exactly what businesses need.
Whether you lease or buy, you’re getting vans that work. Just pick the one that matches your actual business needs.
Key Takeaways
After six months of rigorous real-world testing, here are the essential insights about Renault’s 2025 commercial van lineup:
• Kangoo excels in cities with 4.9m³ max load space and 186-mile electric range, perfect for urban deliveries and tight spaces
• Trafic offers class-leading versatility featuring 8.9m³ cargo volume, 4.15m load-through capability, and transforms into mobile office
• Master sets new electric standards with 285-mile range and 35-minute fast charging, making zero-emission logistics viable for heavy-duty work
• All models prioritise driver comfort with ergonomic seating, ample storage (up to 135 litres), and advanced safety systems across the range
• Flexible financing options available including lease, hire purchase, and contract hire to suit different business cash flow requirements
The standout discovery from our testing was how each van serves distinct business needs whilst maintaining Renault’s commitment to practical design and reliability. Whether you’re running city deliveries or heavy-duty logistics, there’s a genuinely capable option in this well-rounded commercial lineup.
