Renault Kangoo vs JAC T9 UTE

What's the difference?

The small van segment (Under 2.5-tonne GVM) is one of the smallest in Australia’s light commercial vehicle market, as it currently caters for only three contenders, the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo, Peugeot Partner and Renault Kangoo.

Although total sales in this category are a fraction of those achieved in the mid-size (2.5-3.5-tonne GVM) van division, these compact commercials are ideal for buyers not requiring the big one-tonne payload ratings and cavernous load volumes of their larger siblings.

Petrol and diesel-powered models are typically equipped with small displacement engines offering excellent fuel efficiency, combined with cabin ergonomics and driving dynamics which are the most car-like of any LCV offering.

French manufacturer Renault released its third generation Kangoo range in Australia in 2024, comprising a mix of petrol and full-electric variants. We were recently handed the keys to one of the petrol models to see if it has what it takes to win costumers in this three-way fight.

Although Chinese manufacturer JAC Motors (Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Company Ltd) is a relatively new player in Australia’s 4x4 ute market, it has more than six decades of experience in automotive design and production and is one of China’s largest exporters of utes and other light commercials.

Its local T9 range of 4x4 dual cab utes launched in 2024 has recently expanded to include a cab-chassis variant, given company estimates that around 60 per cent of its tradie audience customise their vehicles. So, in offering what JAC calls a ‘blank canvas’ for T9 buyers, the cab-chassis provides an ideal platform for installation of a custom-made tray or other service body to suit specific owner requirements.

We recently put this new work-focused model to the test from a tradie’s perspective to see if it has the credentials to be a compelling alternative to its many rivals.