Kangoo vs Berlingo: Which would you choose? 

Classic Hubnut: informed; entertaining; insightful; relevant. Thank you Ian.

This is the kind of stuff we come to HubNut for - joint test of two out of production slightly shabby vans with windows lol

I was thinking surely 5 sunroofs means more chance of leaking, then you opened the rear seat storage 'tank'

Am looking forward to watching this. But before doing that, I'll say Berlingo! We have a 2016 Kangoo with very little mileage (inherited from a late relative about 18 months ago). We should be grateful to have it, but I find it so uncomfortable. Especially riding in the back. Rear seat is hard and so is the suspension - you get thrown about. Rubbish for long trips - up to now the longest trip we've done has been to the Normandy coast, from the south of Paris. That was enough to make me feel that I wouldn't want us to do a longer jaunt. We had use of a 2004 Berlingo about 10 years ago for holidays. It was excellent in comparison.

Nice one Ian. I must confess I miss some of the simplicity of some cars, These days everything is electronic and probably controlled by some silicon brain. I'm leaning to a van based car as a future consideration for both practicality and maintenance. With all the modern gadgetry including cameras and sensors etc I think we are becoming a tad reliant on them and loosing our skills to do simple things like parking a car. Many thanks for sharing.

For me it's a Fiat Doblo (without seeing the video). Such a nice and industrial looking thing, pls do a review!

Not much between either of these, but I'd have the Kangoo as, for me, the dashboard garden edges it.

Cool road test à la française. When I need a transporter, I know now what to choose. Thanks, Ian! 🇫🇷🚗🇫🇷

Looks so spacious inside the Berlingo, looks much larger than you’d expect.

I'm french and i love the way you say berlingo ! It's sounds like some caribbean dance.

I like the external look of the Mk I kangoo. The interior and doorhandles are also more my style

We have a 17 year old Berlingo from new. We went for the 1.6 Petrol engine not knowing that 17 years later I would be grateful that we did as the petrol is ULEZ compliant where as the diesel is not so we can keep this near prefect condition car going a bit longer. Although Under pressure from the wife and children to change. Great Video as usual.

Berlingo! Well, I have this generation as a daily, with 4x4 and 1.6 HDI 90, with 270.000km on the clock. Fun to drive on our curvy mountain roads, quite agile and handles like a normal car. And I can transport my racing motorbike in the trunk, it surprises everybody!

Another great video. Who knew that watching someone review average, old, often bland, often partially broken cars could be so enjoyable 🤘🏼

We've had our Berlingo for years now, brilliant workhorse with so much storage.. ❤

"Have a look at your swimming pool!" - that cracked me up! 😂😂

From the same group, I had a Fiat Doblo work van and that was a very pleasant drive.

For the time me and my family had owned a Berlingo Multispace 1.6 16V, it was one reliable and dependable drive let me tell ya! it was quite nimble for what it was worth, was pretty fun to drive despite it`s outer Diemensions, and on top of that, had held us over 20 years and almost 180.000 miles. Sadly the car was getting weaker, older and sadly more brittle. Sold it for 700€ to an export, it was taken away, with me and my mom having tears in our eyes, as we knew we were going to miss our old friend. One who had carried me since the Childhood. Eitherway, i hope wherever our lil Berlingo is heading now, he will keep on running, and keep being the reliable Family Transport it always was.

Tango in the night is a bloody masterpiece

The ceiling storage in the Kangoo is like the overhead lockers on a plane 😂

Kangoos are popular here in Tokyo; I rarely see Berlingos these days though. Excellent and classic HubNut review. Thanks, Ian!

Nice video - as idiosyncratic as ever! I drove several Berlingos and Kangoos on French/Spanish holidays in the noughties. Both excellent family transport but the Berlingo/Partner had more room, and better ride comfort for passengers. Generally a more relaxing drive.

Perfect concise relevant points for anybody wanting to own one of these excellent practical vehicles

Absolutely brilliant video Ian ❤️ 👍 it's difficult which to go for both great vans brilliant

Oh I really want to pick the Kangoo for sentimental reasons because wifey had a van version few years back and I loved it. It too was a 1.5dCi and was a little flying machine! However, out of those two I'd have to go for the Berlingo, as that particular example is so much more well appointed than the Kangoo. I also think the petrol engine was more willing than the usually excellent dCi. As a quick aside, the second rear-view mirror in the Kangoo is exactly for what you said it's for - keeping an eye on those pesky kids. We had flip down one on the Galaxy we used to have and used to call it the "naughty cam"!

I've been eagerly anticipating your review of a Kangoo, seeing how it compares to your Berlingo, but I didn't expect a bonus comparison to yet another but newer petrol Berlingo.

I certainly didn't know that I needed to know, but now I do I am glad that I do. 😊

I like how simplistic and cv2/R4 like the Kangoo is. Maybe more for shopping and short hauling trips. On longer rides The Berlingo is the one I guess. In Ian's place I'd go for a Picasso or C5, it's more interesting imo.

My mum actually had a Renault Kangoo cargo in the mid-to-late '00s for a florist business she was briefly a part of. It became something of a local icon. For a time it was our only car so I also very nearly learned to drive in it! (though I didn't end up learning to drive as a teenager and I'm only doing it now in my 30s. ^^; ) I believe it was indeed the turbo-diesel like this one too. Unfortunately the passenger MPV versions of these vehicles have never been all that popular here in Australia; a lot of them straight up weren't even sold here in that spec for the longest time. I know the Volkswagen Caddy California has a following here though, so maybe that could be changing.

another great video has always Ian and miss hubnut and hublets and hubmutts 👍

The berlingo is clearly better. It has an integrated footbath.

Berlingo every time for me! I had a nice M49 petrol which lasted me 20 years and was still good when I recently sold it. Now got a B9 1.6 XTR diesel which is really superb (apart from the worst "triangle of doom" you've ever seen!). My friend had a Kangoo but it wasn't built as strong and she had few problems. Great comparison video. Thanks!

Great vid, you now need a Doblo!!

I bought a 1.5 Kangoo years ago as I wanted the simplest, most practical vehicle I could find. I’d still be driving it now but for an unfortunate accident. Totally reliable in 5 years of ownership, moved house in it, went on holiday in it umpteen times, four people and two dogs. Sitting in the back staring at the sea with a cup of tea, wetsuits slung over the rear doors drying in the sunshine. Fantastic down twisty little lanes in Cornwall, we nicknamed it the Mountain Goat. With winter tyres it was unstoppable in the snow due to high ground clearance. All in all a terrific car.

Both vehicles have a lot of appeal, but I'd go for the Berlingo due to the Modutop. Tango in the Night is my favourite Fleetwood Mac album, because Eighties, but I also really like Tusk, because I like weirdness ^^

Thanks for that. I've got a 1.6 petrol kangoo Trekka 4x4. 95hp. Love it.

My Mom had two Kangoos back to back, and she loved them. I think she received a fair bit of ribbing about the style, but as they still took lots of trailer tent trips back then the space was hugely useful.

I really enjoy these comparison videos. I suggest a Sierra compared to a Cavalier next 😉

I'd pick the Kangoo. I ran a Megane with that 1.5Dci engine for a couple of years, and its a great engine for high mileage motorway work. But the modu-top on the Berlingo is cool, even though I'm not sure what I'd actually put in it, and it seemed a bit flimsy.

There's a 12v port AND a cigar lighter in the M59.

great comparison review. I must admit when the clutch went on my wives 307 2.0 Hdi we replaced it with a 1.6 petrol engine'd one. I can confirm the simplicity of the engine compared to a diesel is great. for example I'm looking forwards to changing the cambelt rather than dreading it compared to the Hdi derivative. The engine has quite a nice sporty note too. As always a great video.

i have the same model as Jono but with the 1.9 diesel (no turbo) runs quite well, very much like a 2cv in performance, lots of space, lots of storage, lots of fun 🙂

The K9K Renault/Nissan 1.5 dCi unit evolved a lot over the years, with refinement improving along the way. Later installations were pretty good at isolating NVH.

Great video thanks Ian

I've got a mk1 kangoo van she is now just over 21 years old the 1.5dci engine is still going at only 164000 miles it's a great old thing .

I'm on a surf beach in a mapped 150+hp 2.0 hdi Romahome campervan on a Berlingo. It's done 133k and I love it. One of the best diesel engines ever made in my view People here in France absolutely love it and I get so much glory for roughing it and surf touring in it. Living the Berlingo dream. 😂

In the area of France where I live these are absolutely everywhere, although I'd say the Berlingo outnumbers the Kangoo. Country folks definitely value their practicality, and these are roomy inside while being small enough for small country lanes. Perfect !

"All the stuff my family REALLY wanted and errr... I disappointed them" What a legend, my current favorite on YT

Used a Renault kangoo 1.4 aut. at work.. i liked the room it had.. good workvan.

Well Ian I comment regularly and u know I am a 1.6 petrol owner bloody love it wish had modutop tho. It is a 16v with 110 bhp. So light on its toes.

Very practical vehicles. I’ve got similar with the Ford Tourneo Connect which is based on the Transit Connect.

Evening Ian. Looks like an interesting comparison.

Asking the essential questions.

Some of my favourite type of vehicles, family vans!

I'd be interested to see you try a Fiat Doblò !!

Another Great video review from Hubnut. I love my Berlingo 2.0hdi Desire. Its a great little vehicle for all occasions, Especially wild camping. Looking up at the stars through the modutop makes for a great night. The A/C works efficiently, The Traction control is effective enough to keep out of bother on the skiddy stuff, And the roofrails/ rack are more than sufficient to carry my kayak around, or mount the roofbox upon. Its so utilitarian and capable of any task its truly the Swiss army knife of motoring. All in all, It's cheap to run, And loads of fun. I definately won't be parting with it.

Who needs Top Gear? You're videos are much more interesting and informative. Keep up the good work. 👍

Liked the look of the Berlingo more. Great review.

I had an early 1.4 petrol Berlingo. Drove it from Denmark to London twice.

Berlingo/Partners outsell Kangoos probably 20:1 in Costa Rica, and are frequently used as taxis. The PSA products are better finished, significantly more durable, and better supported in the market.

Man I feel like a right spotter. Had a 57 Partner van, 58 kangoo WAV and now on a 66 Partner Allure. The auto gearbox in the kangoo pooed itself at 26k and the current Partner is better than the vw t6 we had before it. Awesome little vehicles.

Always fancied a four wheel drive kangoo, great little package.

Paddling pools and quick-release cubbies! My mates Mam-Van 3000 (aka 110 diesel Berlingo) was good fun to be fair. I appreciate this is a Bangernomics channel (is James Ruppet still alive?) but the new one looks fab too! Those Nissan Renault alliance engines are good too, although I must declare an interest (like PM’s are supposed too), my brother is SVP for Nissans Technology Centre here in the U.K.!

I myself have a 20 yo Fiat Doblo Malibu 1.6 16v. Very nippy, fairly comfortable and huge inside. I love it. Between those two I would choose the Berlingo.

You can easily make any car wash the wrong windscreen by mixing up the hoses or electrical connecors when you change the washer pumps. I did that on my mondeo becauseI thought it was done wrong from the factory but it didnt really work well in practice anyway.

The petrol TU5 is a great engine, have one in a 206 XSi and it offers decent enough performance but is also great on fuel too. Can get around 40mpg around town and around 48mpg on a long run. Also have an older berlingo too albeit with the DV6 lump. The comfort and ride on them is excellent and they really are a great vehicle for long distances.

Great review - on two cars that I really like - thanks Ian. I'd be interested to know how the 1.4 petrol Kangoo compares to the 1.6 Berlingo.

You were following a Doblo. I think! Great video, many thanks.

I own a partner m59 with the modutop. It's an annoying rattly thing that is known as the cupboards of doom in my family! My dad used to have a berlingo with a full vinyl sliding roof- that was awesome!

the berlingo seats are really nice. I love the different shades of blue. The french are just so good at picking and matching colors. The Kangoo is nicer from the outside though. Thanks for the great video.

Thanks Ian, very informative video, I’ve had the opportunity to drive similar examples of the Berlingo 1.6 petrol and Kangoo 1.5 and I think I agree with your comments, the Berlingo is nicer to drive, my ex had a Berlingo 1.6 petrol and it was pleasant to drive and own, plenty of storage capacity and a good all rounder. I’ve driven the van version 1.5 Kangoo and it was pleasant, the interior I think is a bit lighter and simple which I think I prefer. The 1.5 dci engine I think is a tad wheezy in anything bigger than a Clio, best going for the bigger Diesel engine or a bigger petrol.

I like both!

Can you believe in Argentina is exactly the same versus polemicize ? Renault Kangoo is best selling 'cause it has a cheaper sticker price for acquisition at official dealers . The Berlingo is a quite best buy , infact i work at a Mechanic's parcel area , we saw very often those Renault Kangoo at idle for everything. Mechanic told me that thanks to Renault's his wallet gets fat and is a good profit for him , instead of Citroen's being very healthy vehicles . So amazing your discusion resembles the same discusion in SouthAmerica , true compliments so appreciated mister Hubnut

With the amount of space and overhead storage both these cars would be good if you were thinking or indeed being forced to be homeless and living in your car. which a lot of folk are having to do. The overhead lockers are a game changer for this purpose.

My first Berlingo was a Desire model with the modutop and they had a 12 volt socket in the rear lockers for kids to plug in their electronics and keep them quiet on long journeys. Unfortunately the modutops are also prone to leaking and, when new some had to go back to Citroen uk under warranty to be re-sealed as it's not a dealer job!!

very nice reviews.. a step up from the Express which we still see plenty of in Spain, As you say the HDIs are better the 2.2 s have addictive tourque

One of the most interesting facts about these Kangoos is the opposite opening hood

Johno's got a Coy Pond 🐟🐠 in his Berlingo. What a....... watershed 💦🌊 moment (!)🤪👀😜😁

That 1.5 dci has been around forever. They are great engines.

There’s even a Nissan version of this shape Kangoo called the Kubistar and also some can be sold in automatic compared to the berlingo/partner which don’t have an automatic option

Got a 2010 Kangoo 1.5 which had for 10yrs, sore on track rod ends though. They are both OK as MPV.

Fleetwood Mac oh yes. Lovely video. My girlfriend’s 307 has the same engine as the Berlingo. TU5. I must say that it is a very polyvalent engine even having some torque low down. Cruising very easily is okay low down and in higher revs it is happy as well.

Nice little vans. We never had much of such offerings here in Canada

At last I have peace in my life knowing this.

I have had both, both diesel. Preferred the Renault as the gear change was smoother and the switches better. Once you accept you have a van with a seat in the back their a great practical vehicle. The Kangoo rear seat folds flat into the floor whereas you have to remove the seats in the Berlingo to get the same space.

Nice. Always thought they were re badged twins.

I drove a 1st gen Partner van round Europe as a wide load escort vehicle back in 97. One of the best and most reliable vehicles I ever drove doing a couple of thousand miles a week! The only annoying thing was the keypad immobiliser which was set at the default of 1111 and served no purpose whatsoever...

My brother has a 1.4 petrol Peugeot Partner and it is slow! I’ve got a 6-month old petrol Berlingo 8-speed auto and it’s quite quick! My first petrol after 30 years of diesel - the Adblue stuff on new diesels is too complicated for a long life

The washers issue may be due to an aftermarket washer pump. I changed one on my Ford, and on trying the front wash/wipe had the rear screen washed with the front wipers operating; operating the rear wash/wipe washed the front windscreen with the rear wiper operating. The washer motors are polarity sensitive, and only two wires, so chopping the wires near the pump and reversing them had it all working correctly.

The best kangoo was the trek 4x4 version, that was only on the early models it never made it to the face lifted ones, it was really handy, saw loads of them in Bavaria, handy for the mountain roads.

The Original: The "Berlingo" with two sliding doors. The quality of the materials, the noise insulation and the engines are much better than the Kangoo. And thanks for the nice Video!

I've owned both for several years and the Berlingo comes out on top, IMO.

i have a 2008 1.6 16v auto kangoo i use it for carrying my painting tools around.

The Berlingo has so much glass & storage vry well designed

Very good video very entertaining

Next battles Berlingo vs Fiat Doblo and Berlingo vs Transit Connect Tourneo mk1 shape I don't know if there was a passenger variant of a Vauxhall Combo but that could also be a contender if it exists

I'm hoping to move flats later in the year and I may very well consider hiring a van like one of these to assist me. I think Enterprise has some rental Kangoos.

1461cc DCI engine powering like a dream even in the Dacia today and whisper it, the Mercedes A class!! A diamond of an engine as long as you look after it. There was an issue with the engine when it was put in the Juke and Qashqai some how they managed to get the drive belt and water pump pulley slightly mis aligned which resulted in many engine failures at 60k or less.

I drive a 1.2 petrol kangoo. It is a brutal experience.

I think the 1st Berlingo got a 1.8 petrol aswell, don't think they sold well so maybe hard to find now, but pretty sure the 1.8 was an 8 valve , so should be quite torquey