Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq Facelift: Which Compact SUV Should You Go For?

Interested in buying the new Renault Duster? Here’s our Ultimate Buying Guide!

Earlier this year, the Renault Duster kicked off with an iconic comeback on our shores. It has gotten more stylish and modern than ever, with a new look, a lot of new features and new powertrain options too. In that regard, Skoda India has also come up with the facelifted Kushaq, which keeps its additions subtle but does offer notable updates. 

In this report, let’s take a deep dive into the comparison between these two SUVs to know which is a better buy.

Price

• Both the Duster and Kushaq have a nearly similar price range.

• The Duster’s base variant undercuts the Kushaq by Rs 20,000, whereas its top variant is Rs 50,000 more affordable than the Kushaq’s topmost trim.

Dimensions

• The Renault Duster is the bigger car of the two in all aspects.

• The wheelbase of both SUVs is, however, very similar, hence there won’t be a big difference in legroom within the cabin.

• In terms of road presence, the Duster notably looks a little more commanding, whereas the Kushaq carries an understated and more sophisticated appearance.

• We have compared the old vs new Duster to show you all the differences.

Colour Options

• The Skoda Kushaq Facelift is the SUV with more colour choices in this comparison.

• However, on a closer look, you can find that both cars have a complementary colour palette with white, black, silver, red, blue and green hues, broadly in common.

• Buyers who prefer monochromatic paint options more can find more variety in the Kushaq’s case.

Powertrain Options

• Currently, the Renault Duster is on offer with two turbo petrol engine options. So is the Kushaq Facelift too. 

• While both cars get a 1-litre turbo petrol engine, it is the Kushaq that offers you an automatic gearbox alongside a manual. The Kushaq’s engine also outputs 15 PS and 12 Nm more than the Duster’s.

• The Duster, however, wins with its 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine over the Kushaq with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. The Duster’s engine results in 13 PS and 30 Nm more output than the Kushaq’s.

Features

• Both Duster and Kushaq have a pretty similar list of features. In some aspects, the Duster edges ahead with bigger wheels, lumbar support, a powered tailgate and cooled armrest storage.

• The Kushaq also has some features over the Duster, one of which is quite some luxury - the rear massaging seats. It also gets a cooled glovebox that is not there in the Duster.

Safety

• This is the department where the Duster is significantly ahead of the new Kushaq. The Duster gets an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite, an electronic parking brake and a 360-degree camera over the Kushaq.

• Both SUVs have the same number of airbags as well as front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, TPMS and ISOFIX.

CarDekho Says

If you’re looking at these SUVs as an end buyer, we’d say the Renault Duster is a better pick if you want a more complete package. It gives you more features, a slightly stronger engine, and just feels like you’re getting more for your money. For everyday use and long-term ownership, it makes a lot of sense.

On the other hand, we’d pick the Skoda Kushaq for the Skoda driving status we bank upon. Only if driving feel is high on your priority list, the Kushaq still has that solid, fun-to-drive German character, and that’s really where it shines.

Honestly, for most buyers, the Duster feels like the easier recommendation. The Kushaq makes more sense if your heart leans toward how a car drives rather than how much kit it offers.

Other Options To Consider

Now, if you’re shopping for a four-wheeler in the compact SUV space, you have plenty of options to choose from. Beyond the Duster and Kushaq, here are the other options to look at:

• Volkswagen Taigun: Offers a direct alternative to the Kushaq with the same driving feel but with a different styling.

• Hyundai Creta: Truster nameplate with a feature-rich cabin, comfortable ride quality, and a wide range of engine and variant choices. 

• Tata Sierra: Suits buyers who want strong road presence, generous cabin space, and a modern set of features.

• Maruti Victoris: Great choice if your priority is fuel efficiency, CNG alternatives and more importantly, a compact SUV with an all-wheel drive option.

• Maruti Grand Vitara/ Toyota Hyryder: Appeal to buyers who prioritise fuel efficiency, especially through hybrid technology.

• Kia Seltos: Brings a premium-feeling interior, multiple powertrain options, a lot of cabin space and a strong visual appeal in this segment.

• Honda Elevate: For buyers who seek reliability, a roomy cabin, and one of the strongest naturally aspirated petrol engines in the segment.

• MG Astor:  Suits buyers who prioritise cabin quality, comfort-oriented dynamics, and a strong feature set over outright performance.

If you had to choose a compact SUV for your family, tell us in the comments which SUV is entering your garage?