Skoda Kushaq Facelift Vs Renault Duster: Find Out Which New Mid-Size SUV Is Better In Our Head-to-Head Comparison

Interested in buying the Skoda Kushaq facelift? Here’s our Ultimate Buying Guide!

Skoda has just launched the facelifted Kushaq, which gets a refreshed exterior styling and an upgraded interior with more features than before. Renault also brought back its iconic nameplate, the Duster, in the Indian market a few weeks back. Both are strong contenders in the compact SUV space.

While both cars appeal to similar buyers looking for a practical mid-size budget-friendly family SUV that offers space, features, and powerful engine options, they differ in price, styling, powertrain, and features. So in this report, we take you through a detailed comparison between these two new entrants, comparing their prices, dimensions, engine options, and features, and also give you our verdict on which one might be the better pick for you:

Price

• There is a price difference of around Rs. 20,000 for the entry-level variants, with the Duster being the more affordable offering.

• Top-spec variants of the Kushaq are more expensive by around Rs 50,000.

• Both cars are similarly priced as they cater to a similar audience, but they do differ in their sizes and the amount of space and features they offer.

Let’s find out what you get in each car for similar money:

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Dimensions

• The Renault Duster is clearly the bigger of the two. The Skoda Kushaq is smaller than the Duster in all aspects.

• Even though the Kushaq is smaller, it has a very similar wheelbase as compared to the Duster.

• The Duster is better suited for taller occupants, thanks to its extra width and height.

Powertrain

Speaking of the powertrain options, both the Kushaq and Duster only come with turbo petrol engine options; however, Renault has confirmed that the Duster will be getting a 1.8-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid powertrain by Diwali this year. Both the Kushaq and Duster’s entry-level engines are a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine. Here’s a quick look at all the powertrain options in detail:

Let’s take a look at the specifications:

• As seen above, both cars offer a variety of 3 and 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine options, of which the 4-cylinder engines are tuned for maximised performance, which is set to appeal to buyers who seek performance and drive more on the highways.

• The 1-litre turbo petrol engine on both cars is tuned for efficient city driving with a touch of performance for quick overtakes.

• The 1-litre turbo petrol on the Kushaq has more power and is also available with an automatic transmission, which gives it an advantage.

• The 1.3-litre turbo petrol on the Duster is more powerful than the 1.5-litre turbo petrol on the Kushaq, and the Duster also offers a manual gearbox with it for enthusiasts, which is missing on the Kushaq.

Features And Safety

• As seen above, both cars are neck-to-neck in terms of the features they offer. But ultimately, it is the Renault Duster that is the outright winner, as it offers more tech, like a Level-2 ADAS and convenience features like a 360-degree camera and lumbar adjustment.

• In terms of safety, both cars come equipped with ABS, EBD, brake assist, ESP, traction control, hill-hold assist, and impact-sensing door unlock.

• The Kushaq has secured a 5-star safety rating at Global NCAP, while the Duster is yet to be tested for the Indian market.

Overall, it is the Renault Duster that will give you a more premium cabin due to its extra features over the Skoda Kushaq.

CarDekho Says

Both the Skoda Kushaq and the Renault Duster are powerful and fun-to-drive options in the compact SUV segment. The Duster stands out as it offers slightly more features, which makes the cabin feel rich and more modern, with technology such as ADAS, and a slightly more powerful turbo-petrol engine. It also offers a wider range of convenience features that will make daily driving and long journeys more comfortable and hassle-free.

The Skoda Kushaq, on the other hand, continues to appeal to core enthusiasts and those who prioritise German engineering and driving dynamics, and good build quality. While it may not match the Duster in terms of outright features, it still holds a strong reputation among enthusiasts, offers a sporty styling, and delivers where it matters with solid performance and a well-balanced ride.

If you want the most tech-loaded and feature-packed mid-size SUV in this price bracket, the Duster is a very value-for-money option and is likely to be the better pick. But if your priority is driving dynamics, and you want a sportier-looking car with a decent set of features that cover most of your usability, the Kushaq still remains a very convincing option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your taste and preferences, and we recommend that you take a proper test drive of both these cars with your family to understand them better.

The Kushaq and Duster are both very great products in their respective domains. While the Kushaq has impressed us over the last five years, the Duster carries a legacy in its name tag, to which it definitely lives up. But you can still have a look at some of the alternatives to these cars in the segment and what they bring to the table:

• Hyundai Creta: The segment-favourite SUV which offers a well-rounded package, wide choice of powertrains

• Kia Seltos: For buyers looking for bold and sporty styling, a feature-rich cabin and comfortable ride quality.

• Tata Sierra: For its iconic nameplate, a retro-inspired design backed by diverse powertrain options, a spacious cabin, and a long list of modern features.

• Maruti Victoris: For buyers who want a peaceful ownership, backed by strong fuel efficiency with hybrid tech, an elegant design, along with optional AWD.

• Maruti Grand Vitara/Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Offers the same peace-of-mind of the Victoris in a more boxy and traditional SUV design. Also get the option of strong-hybrid, CNG and AWD for more versatility.

• Tata Curvv: For its feature-loaded cabin, coupe-SUV styling and a wide range of powertrain choices.

• Volkswagen Taigun: For an experience similar to the Kushaq, but with sporty styling and an engaging drive experience.

• Honda Elevate: For those seeking a no-nonsense option with Honda’s rock solid reliability, spacious interior and a large boot.

• MG Astor: For those who want a good interior experience with plenty of soft touch materials.

Which one of these two mid-size SUVs would you buy? Or would you pick something else? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!