Renault Alaskan 2017 Pickup: In-Depth Review And Specs

The Renault Alaskan entered the competitive one-tonne pickup market in 2017 as the French brand’s first dedicated model in this segment. Built on a proven platform shared with the Nissan Navara, it offers distinctive styling, practical features, and strong capabilities for both professional and leisure use. This review examines its design, powertrains, interior quality, driving dynamics, and overall appeal based on extensive testing and specifications.

Distinctive Exterior Design and Build

Renault differentiated the Alaskan from its Nissan counterpart through unique front-end styling, featuring aggressive headlights and a bold grille that give it a more premium appearance. The body follows a double-cab configuration standard for this class, providing seating for five. Its box-frame chassis ensures durability, supporting a payload capacity of up to 1,059kg in the load bed, which includes five tie-down points for secure cargo transport.

Practical accessories enhance versatility, such as an optional clip-on hard-top roof for the cargo area, protecting contents from weather while maintaining accessibility. Available in rear-wheel-drive or selectable four-wheel-drive setups, the Alaskan measures competitively in length and width, making it suitable for urban maneuvering and site work alike.

• Key exterior specs: Towing up to 3,500kg, payload 1,059kg, multiple cab styles including crew cab.
• Hard-top option for load bay security.
• Selectable 4WD with diff lock for varied terrains.

Powertrain Options and Performance

Power comes from Renault-developed 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engines in two tunes: 158bhp or 187bhp outputs. Both pair with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, delivering torque figures around 450Nm from 1,500rpm for strong low-end pull. The higher-output version accelerates briskly, though the automatic can feel deliberate in gear shifts during overtakes.

Fuel efficiency is respectable, with claims around 6.3-9.6 L/100km depending on conditions, making it economical for long hauls. Top speed reaches about 112mph, with combined economy near 40mpg in testing. The low-range 4WD engages in neutral, aiding off-road traction up to 62mph switchover speed.

Advanced Suspension for Superior Ride

Unlike traditional leaf-spring rears in many pickups, the Alaskan uses a five-link coil-spring setup, significantly improving ride comfort loaded or unloaded. This system absorbs bumps smoothly, even over speed humps, and reduces cabin noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels. On paved roads, it handles better than rivals, though body roll is evident in spirited cornering due to the high center of gravity.

Steering is light but lacks precision, requiring attention in twists. Wind noise increases above 65mph around mirrors, but overall refinement suits highway cruising. Off-road, the suspension maintains composure in mud or rough tracks, complemented by Hill Descent Control.

Practical and Comfortable Interior Space

The cabin boasts solid build quality with durable materials and good fit-and-finish, feeling robust for daily abuse. Higher trims include leather seats (heated and electric), dual-zone climate control, and a seven-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bluetooth, USB, and 360-degree cameras. A five-inch TFT display between gauges shows trip data and directions.

Rear seating offers angled backrests for comfort, with adequate head, knee, and shoulder room despite a tall transmission tunnel. Ample storage includes 20 compartments, door bins, and under-seat areas, though larger folders may not fit easily. Insulation keeps noise low at speed, and features like a retractable sunroof add openness.

• Seating for five with improved rear ergonomics.
• Tech highlights: Touchscreen infotainment, parking aids, keyless entry.
• Storage: 20 areas, center console, rear bins.

On-Road Driving Experience

Daily driving reveals the Alaskan’s strengths in comfort and usability. The 187bhp auto version pulls steadily, ideal for towing or laden runs, though gear hunting can occur under load. Ride quality shines on varied surfaces, from highways to gravel, outperforming leaf-sprung competitors.

Braking is confident, and visibility aids like rear sensors help in tight spots. However, steering vagueness and roll limit enthusiasm, positioning it as a practical rather than sporty truck. Fuel returns of 9.6 L/100km in mixed testing align with expectations for the class.

Off-Road Capabilities Tested

True to its workhorse nature, the Alaskan excels off-pavement. Selectable 4WD with low-range and diff lock powers through mud steadily, even on road tires. Hill Descent Control manages steep descents reliably, and ground clearance handles ruts effectively.

In soft terrain, low gears provide controlled progress, making it accessible for novice drivers. The multilink rear maintains traction without excessive bounce, proving versatile for construction sites, farms, or recreational trails.

Safety and Practical Features

Standard safety includes multiple airbags, stability control, and parking assists. The 360-camera system simplifies maneuvering the large body. Towing prowess (3,500kg braked) and payload make it a fleet favorite, with accessories like bed liners and rails standard.

Roadside testing confirmed low NVH, enhancing long-trip comfort. While not the most refined engine, diesel torque suits heavy duties.

Market Positioning and Rivals

In 2017, the Alaskan targeted growing demand for lifestyle pickups, competing with Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and VW Amarok. Its Nissan-derived reliability, plus Renault styling and ride, offered value. Pricing was competitive, emphasizing equipment levels over base models.

Pros and Cons Summary

• Pros: Excellent ride quality, strong towing/payload, versatile 4WD, well-equipped cabin, unique looks.
• Cons: Vague steering, some wind noise, limited large storage, auto gear shifts.

FAQ

What engines power the 2017 Renault Alaskan?

Two 2.3-liter diesels: 158bhp or 187bhp, with manual or auto transmissions.

How does the suspension differ from typical pickups?

Five-link coil springs replace leaf springs for superior comfort.

What’s the towing capacity?

Up to 3,500kg braked for both engines.

Is it good off-road?

Yes, with low-range 4WD, diff lock, and Hill Descent Control.

Rear passenger space adequacy?

Good head/knee room with angled seats, better than upright rivals.