Citroen Berlingo vs Renault Kangoo: An Honest Comparison

When it comes to compact vans, the Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo are two stalwarts that consistently rank among the top choices. These two versatile vehicles have earned their reputations through years of reliable service, adapting to the changing needs of van users. 

As a potential buyer, understanding the key differences between these two popular small-sized models can be crucial in making an informed decision. To help, we discuss the essential features, strengths, and potential drawbacks of both vans so you can determine which van might be the better fit for your specific requirements. 

Read on to find out more…

Key Takeaways:

• The Renault Kangoo has a slightly larger cargo capacity (4.6m³ vs 4.4m³)
• The Citroen Berlingo offers a higher maximum payload (1,000kg vs 800kg)
• Both vans have similar fuel efficiency for the diesel variants (50-55 mpg combined)
• The Citroen Berlingo typically has a lower starting price when purchased from new
• Both models offer all-electric versions
• Both vans feature modern driver technology and infotainment systems
• The Citroen Berlingo is praised for its car-like driving experience
• The Renault Kangoo is loved for its comfortable ride quality
• Both vans have good reliability reputations in the UK

About the Citroen Berlingo Van

The Citroen Berlingo (read full review here) is a versatile and popular compact van that has been a staple in the UK commercial vehicle market for years. Known for its practicality and efficiency, the Berlingo is an attractive package for businesses and tradespeople alike. It boasts a generous cargo capacity of up to 4.4m³, making it suitable for a wide range of uses. 

One of its standout features is its impressive payload capacity, which reaches up to 1,000kg, allowing it to handle hefty loads with ease. The van is praised for its car-like driving experience, making it comfortable for both short trips and longer journeys. 

The company has kept pace with the demands of modern drivers by offering an all-electric e-Berlingo variant, catering to environmentally conscious users and those operating in low-emission zones. 

With a fuel-efficient diesel engine option achieving around 50-55 mpg combined, competitive pricing, and a solid reputation for reliability, this model continues to be a strong contender in the compact van segment.

About the Renault Kangoo Van

The Renault Kangoo (read full review here) is a well-established and respected compact van, much loved for its versatility and practicality. It offers a spacious cargo area of up to 4.6m³, slightly edging out many of its competitors in the segment. 

While its maximum payload of 800kg is competitive, it's worth noting that some rivals offer higher capacities. It is praised for its comfortable ride quality, making it a pleasant vehicle for drivers who spend long hours on the road. 

The company has embraced the shift towards electrification with the E-Tech Electric model, catering to businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint or operate in urban low-emission zones. 

The van comes equipped with modern technology features, including up-to-date infotainment systems and driver assistance technologies. With on-par fuel efficiency for the diesel variants compared to its rivals and a solid reputation for reliability, it remains a popular choice for a wide range of commercial users.

Which of the two vans is Better?

Both the Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo are excellent compact vans, each with its own strengths. To help with your decision of which one to buy, here are our arguments for why each van is a viable option:

Why Buy a Citroen Berlingo Van:

1. Offers a higher payload capacity (up to 1,000kg vs 800kg for the Kangoo)
2. Typically has a lower starting price, offering good value for money
3. Praised for its car-like driving experience, making it comfortable for daily use
4. Slightly better fuel efficiency in some variants
5. A strong reputation for reliability
6. Perfectly compact size combined with practical cargo space (4.4m³)

Why Buy a Renault Kangoo Van:

1. Offers a larger maximum cargo capacity (4.6m³ vs 4.4m³ for the Berlingo)
2. Crowned Best Small Van in the Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards 2024
3. Known for its comfortable ride quality, making it beneficial for long journeys
4. Competitive fuel efficiency across the board
5. Equipped with modern technology features and infotainment systems
6. Has a strong brand reputation in the commercial vehicle sector

Both models are very good small-sized vans. When it comes to which one to choose, the Citroen Berlingo might appeal more to those needing to prioritise payload capacity and a lower initial upfront cost. By comparison, the Renault Kangoo could be preferable if sizeable cargo space is required.

What are the Similarities Between the Models?

While they may differ in some ways, the two vans also share several similarities, including: 

• Size and Class - Both are compact vans, ideal for urban and suburban use
• Fuel Efficiency - The diesel variants of both vans offer similar fuel economy, typically around 50-55 mpg combined
• Electric Options - Both models offer all-electric versions; they are the Citroen e-Berlingo and Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric
• Technology - Both vans feature modern infotainment systems and driver assistance technologies, including smartphone integration in newer models
• Cargo Capacity - While not identical, their cargo capacities are comparable; the Citroen Berlingo has 4.4m³ of space and the Renault Kangoo has 4.6m³ of usable space inside
• Reliability - Both brands have established good reputations for reliability
• Versatility - Each van offers various configurations to suit different business needs and uses
• Comfort and Convenience - Both vans are designed with driver comfort in mind, offering car-like features and handling
• Fuel Types - Both manufacturers offer diesel engines and electric powertrains

What are the Differences?

While the two share many similarities, there are several key differences between them. We’ve highlighted these in the table below: 

Citroen Berlingo versus Renault Kangoo Price Comparison

At Loads of Vans, prices for the new Citroen Berlingo van (deals here) start from £16,990 for the entry-level model. By comparison, prices for the new Renault Kangoo (deals here) start from £15,880 even though historically, the Citroen Berlingo has often had a slightly lower starting price than the Renault Kangoo for base-level models.  

Both vans offer multiple trim levels, with prices increasing as more features are added to the range. For the electric versions, there is yet again a price difference where the two models are concerned; the new Citroen e-Berlingo prices start from £19,955 whereas the new Renault Kangoo E-Tech van prices start from £17,490.  

How Reliable is the Citroën Berlingo?

The popular Citroen Berlingo van has established itself as a very reliable compact option. Known for its robust build and dependable performance, the Berlingo has earned a reputation as a trustworthy workhorse for many businesses and tradespeople. 

Its core mechanical components (particularly with the well-proven diesel engine variants) have always demonstrated good longevity, with many vans clocking high mileage without major issues. While inevitably no vehicle is without potential problems, the concerns with the Berlingo model tend to be minor, such as occasional electrical niggles or wear on sliding door mechanisms in older models. 

Citroen's standard 3-year/100,000-mile warranty when purchased from new provides some assurance. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, contributing to the van's overall fantastic value-for-money. As with any commercial vehicle, regular servicing and proper care significantly enhance the Berlingo's reliability. 

While individual experiences may vary, the general consensus among users and industry experts is that the Citroen Berlingo offers a level of reliability that is competitive within its segment, making it a solid choice for those seeking a dependable compact van.

How Reliable is the Renault Kangoo?

The much-loved Renault Kangoo van has built a reputation as a greatly reliable workhorse of a small van. Its sturdy construction and all-round performance has proven the Kangoo to be a trustworthy companion for all types of businesses. 

Renault’s range of well-established diesel engines have shown good durability, with many Kangoo models continuing to perform well beyond the 100,000-mile mark. Any problems reported with the Renault Kangoo aren’t major issues and instead go hand-in-hand with prolonged usage, such as glitchy door handles over time - which is to be expected.  

The brand’s confidence in the Kangoo is reflected in its 3-year/100,000-mile warranty, which is standard for a warranty in its class. As with all vans, regular servicing and proper maintenance play a crucial role in ensuring long-term reliability.

Final Verdict:

Choosing between the Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo ultimately comes down to your individual needs and preferences, as both vans have a strong offering in the compact market. 

The Citroen Berlingo model certainly stands out with its higher payload capacity (up to 1,000kg) and typically lower starting price when purchased from new. It is championed for its car-like driving experience, which could be a significant factor if you are spending long hours behind the wheel. The Berlingo also offers excellent fuel efficiency and a practical cargo space, making it a strong all-rounder.

On the other hand, the Renault Kangoo van edges ahead with its slightly larger cargo capacity (4.6m³) and Best Small Van for 2024 award. Praised for its comfortable ride quality and competitive fuel efficiency, the Kangoo's longer warranty could provide additional peace of mind for buyers concerned about long-term ownership costs.

Both vans offer electric versions, modern technology features, and have built solid reputations for reliability over generations of use. If maximum payload and a lower initial cost are priorities, the Citroen Berlingo might be the better choice, but if you prefer to have extra cargo space and a longer warranty, the Renault Kangoo could be more appealing.

FAQs and Answers

We hope our head-to-head comparison of the small-sized Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo vans has helped in making your decision of which to buy. In our FAQ section below, we share the most asked questions about these two models, followed by our answers. If you have any other questions about the Berlingo or Kangoo, please don't hesitate to get in touch!

Which is better - the Citroen Berlingo or Renault Kangoo van?

Both the Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo are strong contenders in the small van market. The Citroen Berlingo offers a higher payload and lower starting price, whereas the Renault Kangoo has a slightly larger cargo capacity and longer standard warranty. Both vans have very good fuel efficiency, a reputation for solid reliability, and 100% electric versions are available too. The best choice will depend on your budget, whether payload or cargo volume is more important for your needs, how much warranty you want, personal preferences in driving experience, and specific features offered in the trim levels you're considering. 

How long do Citroen Berlingo vans last?

Citroen Berlingo vans are generally known for their durability and longevity when properly maintained. While the lifespan of any vehicle can vary depending on various factors, many Berlingo vans can last well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Some well-maintained examples have even been known to exceed 300,000 miles. 

How reliable is a Renault Kangoo?

Renault Kangoo vans have generally built a reputation for being reliable vehicles in their class and is considered very dependable. In particular, the diesel engines used in Kangoo vans are well-established and known for their durability. As such, many Kangoo vans remain in service even with high mileage, often exceeding 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance.

What to look for when buying a used Citroen Berlingo?

When buying a Citroen Berlingo van, there are several key factors to consider. Start by checking the mileage and verify the service history to ensure regular maintenance. When taking the van for a test drive, listen out for any unusual noises, check there’s no smoke coming from the exhaust, and where the driving experience is concerned, ensure it accelerates, changes gear, and brakes smoothly. Always check the body for rust (particularly underneath and around wheel arches) and look for signs of accident damage or previously poor repairs. 

Is the Renault Kangoo a good van to buy?

The Renault Kangoo is considered a very good van to buy, particularly if you’re seeking a compact, versatile commercial vehicle. It offers a competitive cargo capacity of up to 4.6m³ in standard models, is known for good fuel economy, praised for its comfortable ride quality, and is also considered reliable.

What is the Citroen Berlingo van equivalent to?

As a small-sized van, the Citroen Berlingo has several close competitors. The Peugeot Partner van is the closest equivalent, as it's essentially the same van with different badging. Also very similar is the Vauxhall Combo, as it's based on the same platform as the Berlingo and Partner vans. A direct competitor in size and purpose is the popular Renault Kangoo van which proves a great alternative purchase. 

Can you sleep in the back of a Citroen Berlingo?

Yes, it is possible to sleep in the back of a Citroen Berlingo van, although it may require some preparation and adaptation first to do so. The Berlingo offers a reasonably spacious cargo area and with the front passenger seat folded, some Berlingo models can accommodate a sleeping person up to 3 metres long.

Buy your next Citroen Berlingo or Renault Kangoo from Loads of Vans

If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile compact van, the Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo offer excellent solutions - and Loads of Vans is your go-to dealership for these popular models. 

As a trusted van specialist serving the South of England, we understand the unique needs of businesses large or small. Whether you're drawn to the Berlingo's impressive payload capacity and car-like driving experience, or the Kangoo's spacious cargo area and long manufacturer warranty, you'll find the perfect match for your business at our new and used van dealership. 

Our expert team can guide you through the features of each van, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your specific requirements. With competitive pricing, a wide selection of vans in stock, and a reputation for fantastic customer service, buying a van from us is a truly rewarding experience.

SPECIAL OFFERS AT LOADS OF VANS:

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If it’s a new Citroen Berlingo (offers here) you’re looking for then you can save almost £4,500 on a new Enterprise Edition model from just £16,999 - reserve yours now while stocks last!