Renault Alaskan I (D23) (2016 – 2021)

Reliability score : 8.2/10

Renault Alaskan I (D23) The Renault Alaskan is a one-ton mid-size pickup truck born from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Underneath its distinctively French, bold front fascia, it is essentially a rebadged Nissan Navara NP300 (D23), sharing its ladder-frame chassis, powertrains, and most of its interior. It also shares its underpinnings with the short-lived Mercedes-Benz X-Class. Its standout feature in the segment is the 5-link coil-spring rear suspension on Double Cab models, which provides a significantly more comfortable and SUV-like ride compared to the traditional leaf springs found on rivals like the Toyota Hilux. While it was withdrawn from the European market in 2021 due to tightening emissions regulations and slow sales, it remains in production in South America (Argentin

✅ Strengths

Excellent ride comfort unladen thanks to the 5-link rear coil suspension
Strong 3.5-ton towing capacity
Robust and proven 2.3 dCi engine (M9T) shared with commercial vans
Attractive and distinctive front-end design
Capable off-road with selectable 4WD, low range, and electronic limited-slip diff

⚠️ Weaknesses

Interior plastics feel cheap and scratch easily
Dated infotainment system on pre-2019 models
Rear suspension can sag slightly more than leaf-sprung rivals under maximum payload
Steering is heavy at low speeds (large turning circle)
High depreciation compared to segment leaders (Hilux, Ranger)

🎯 Verdict

The Renault Alaskan is a highly competent, comfortable, and reliable pickup truck. Because it lacks the historical pedigree of the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, it suffers from steeper depreciation, making it an excellent second-hand bargain. The 2.3 dCi 190 hp engine paired with the 7-speed automatic transmission is the sweet spot, offering great towing power and refinement. If you need a lifestyle pickup or a comfortable daily workhorse, the Alaskan is a smart buy. However, if you plan to carry a full 1-ton payload in the bed every single day, a leaf-sprung alternative like the Hilux or D-Max might be more durable in the long run.