It’s well known that Americans love them some pickups. In fact, the top selling vehicle in the United States is the Ford F-150. Now it seems that Europeans are catching light truck fever as Renault introduces the Alaskan, a midsize pickup based on the Nissan Navara.
Although it uses a different platform, the Alaskan is a midsize truck not that dissimilar from the Nissan Frontier, which means there’s little chance this hauler will be marketed in the U.S., especially under the Renault nameplate. Still, the vehicle displays styling cues and powertrains that could be adapted to the next-generation Frontier. Renault is positioning the Alaskan to compete with the VW Amarok and Mitsubishi L200 midsize pickups in global markets.
Offered in rear- or all-wheel drive, the Renault Alaskan will be powered by a 2.3-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine in two states of tune delivering 158 or 187 horsepower. Gas and diesel engines of 2.5-liters will also be available in the global markets served by Renault. Transmissions include a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. Like all pickups, a variety of body styles will be available including a single cab, 4-door crew cab and cab/chassis units for upfitters.
