The Renault Alaskan 2.3 dCi (190 Hp) 4×4 Automatic is a mid-size pickup truck produced by Renault from 2017 to January 2021. Developed as a collaborative effort with Nissan, sharing its platform with the Nissan Navara (NP300), the Alaskan was primarily aimed at the European, Asian, and Latin American markets. It represented Renault’s entry into the competitive mid-size pickup segment, offering a blend of commercial vehicle practicality and passenger car comfort. This specific variant, equipped with the 2.3-liter turbocharged diesel engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, occupied a mid-range position within the Alaskan lineup, offering a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and ease of use.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Alaskan |
| Generation | Alaskan |
| Type (Engine) | 2.3 dCi (190 Hp) 4×4 Automatic |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | January, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 183 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11 kg/Hp, 91.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm, 215.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 82.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm (331.9 lb.-ft. @ 1500-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M9T |
| Engine displacement | 2298 cm3 (140.23 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 101.3 mm (3.99 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.3 l (6.66 US qt | 5.54 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11.1 l (11.73 US qt | 9.77 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2086 kg (4598.84 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3035 kg (6691.03 lbs.) |
| Max load | 949 kg (2092.19 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 73 l (19.28 US gal | 16.06 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 17 l (4.49 US gal | 3.74 UK gal) |
| Length | 5399 mm (212.56 in.) |
| Width | 1850 mm (72.83 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2075 mm (81.69 in.) |
| Height | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3150 mm (124.02 in.) |
| Front track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Front overhang | 939 mm (36.97 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1310 mm (51.57 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 223-232 mm (8.78 – 9.13 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.4 m (40.68 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 29° |
| Departure angle | 25° |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Alaskan 2.3 dCi (190 Hp) is the M9T engine, a 2.3-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s dCi family, known for its robust construction and relatively efficient operation. The M9T utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. A variable geometry turbocharger with an intercooler further enhances performance by increasing air intake and reducing intake air temperature. The engine produces 190 horsepower at 3750 rpm and a substantial 450 Nm (331.9 lb-ft) of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm. This broad torque curve is particularly well-suited for pickup truck applications, providing ample pulling power and responsiveness. Paired with the engine is a seven-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes and contributing to overall drivability. This transmission was chosen for its ability to handle the engine’s torque output and provide a comfortable driving experience, especially for customers not preferring a manual gearbox.
Driving Characteristics
The 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque delivered by the 2.3 dCi engine, combined with the seven-speed automatic transmission, resulted in a capable and practical driving experience. While not a performance-oriented pickup, the Alaskan offered sufficient power for everyday use and hauling moderate loads. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t particularly quick to downshift, which could be noticeable when needing to accelerate rapidly or when climbing steep inclines. Compared to the higher-output versions of the Alaskan (if offered in certain markets), this variant prioritized fuel economy and ease of driving over outright performance. The gear ratios were tuned for maximizing fuel efficiency and providing a relaxed cruising experience on highways. The 4×4 system provided enhanced traction in off-road conditions and inclement weather, making it a versatile vehicle for a variety of terrains.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Alaskan 2.3 dCi (190 Hp) 4×4 Automatic typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and steel wheels. Higher trim levels added features such as alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and leather upholstery. Safety features generally included ABS brakes, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Optional extras often included a bed liner, a tow hitch, and upgraded audio systems.
Chassis & Braking
The Alaskan’s chassis was based on the Nissan Navara/Frontier platform, featuring a robust ladder frame construction. The front suspension utilized independent double wishbones, while the rear suspension employed a multi-link setup with coil springs. This configuration aimed to provide a balance between ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The drum brakes on the rear were a cost-saving measure, common in this class of vehicle, but offered adequate stopping power for typical use. Electric power steering provided light and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Renault Alaskan was generally well-received by automotive critics as a competent and well-rounded pickup truck. However, it often faced stiff competition from established players in the mid-size pickup segment, such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Navara. The 1.8L Automatic variant was praised for its fuel efficiency and ease of driving, making it a good choice for customers who prioritized practicality over performance. Compared to higher-output versions of the Alaskan, it offered a more affordable price point but lacked the same level of acceleration and towing capacity. Reliability reports were generally positive, with the M9T engine proving to be a durable and dependable unit.
Legacy
The Renault Alaskan, while not a long-lived model, represented Renault’s attempt to establish a foothold in the competitive mid-size pickup truck market. The 2.3 dCi engine, in particular, has proven to be a reliable and efficient powerplant, and examples continue to be found on the used car market. The Alaskan’s collaborative development with Nissan highlights the increasing trend of automakers sharing platforms and technologies to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Today, the Alaskan is remembered as a capable and practical pickup truck that offered a compelling alternative to more established competitors.
