In India, its usual tussle between comfort, performance, safety and long-term value of the mid-size SUV. This particular segment has two names ringing bells very often and they are Renault Duster and Skoda Kushaq. Both SUVs are aimed at buyers who desire a useful car with the potential to deliver some enjoyment in daily use, on the highway, and on the occasional rough road. The Duster has earned its place in the upper echelons of compact SUVs for year but the Kushaq gives Skoda a modern offering, packing a bunch of safety, tech and dynamic driving features.
This in-depth Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq comparison explores the pair of SUVs over all key parameters, including dimensions, engine and gearbox options, features and comfort, safety, and pricing. We aim to help you not only understand the numbers, but what that means in real-world use, so you can make an informed and confident buying decision.
Table of Contents
Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq: Dimensions
| Parameter | Renault Duster | Skoda Kushaq |
| Length | 4,343 mm | 4,225 mm |
| Width | 1,813 mm | 1,760 mm |
| Height | 1,659 mm | 1,612 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,657 mm | 2,651 mm |
| Boot Space | 518 litres | 385 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 212 mm | 188 mm |
The Skoda Kushaq feels more like a crossover, but the Renault Duster certainly has much more SUV presence. The Duster now appears larger and more intimidating on the road with its longer body, wider stance and tall profile. It is also reminiscent of a higher ground clearance of 212 mm, making it well-equipped to tackle poor roads with broken patches and rough village or hill roads, where underbody clearance will count. The rugged nature also makes it an attractive proposition to buyers who desire an SUV, especially buyers looking for a rugged-looking SUV and with its position, we guess with the Renault Duster price, it makes it practical from all angles as well.
Dimensions on the Skoda Kushaq are more compact overall. Because it is shorter in overall length, it is also slightly more manageable in city traffic and easier to fit in parking spaces found in town. Its ground clearance of 188 mm should be adequate for most speed breakers and normal use, but the Kicks does not feel as good over bad roads as the Duster. But the lower height and good proportions make the Kushaq feel planted and surefooted at higher speeds on the highway.
The result is a slightly more open space, particularly for rear-seat passengers, due to the Duster’s wider body and marginally longer wheelbase. The much bigger boot capacity of 518 litres is undoubtedly great for those who travel with family or go on those occasional long trips where luggage space matters more. The Kushaq’s boot is smaller than its rivals, good enough for everyday use but might feel cramped on longer journeys.
One-line summary: If you are looking for a bigger, tougher SUV with more cabin, a larger boot and increased ground clearance, the Renault Duster is the better choice.
Also Read: Complete Buying Guide For Skoda Kushaq
Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq: Engine & Transmission
| Parameter | Renault Duster | Skoda Kushaq |
| Engine Options | 1.3L Turbo Petrol | 1.0L TSI Petrol / 1.5L TSI Petrol |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed MT / DCT | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT / 7-speed DSG |
| Power | 163 PS | 115 PS (1.0L) / 150 PS (1.5L) |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 178 Nm (1.0L) / 250 Nm (1.5L) |
| Mileage | Up to 25 kmpl | Up to 19.7 kmpl |
*Note: These specs apply only to the 1.3L Turbo Petrol version (Evolution, Techno, and Emotion trims). The base model and the Hybrid variant have different performance figures.
The revised turbo-petrol setup in the Renault Duster is aimed at providing strong, laid-back performance with few gear changes. The engine delivers its power smoothly and progressively, something you’d appreciate particularly on the highway while you are cruising or trying to do a quick overtaking. The offer of a CVT automatic brings a measure of comfort into daily life with the Duster, while the excellent tractability that this diesel produces makes quick work of steep hills, heavy highway cruising, and long-distance travelling. That’s well suited to the core of what buyers should expect from the Duster car new model: toughness and drivability.
Skoda has a practical approach with the Kushaq, offering two petrol engine options. An engine like this suits city driving well, feeling responsive at lower speeds and providing a light, easy-to-drive character. With the dual-clutch gearbox, the bigger engine responds quicker and feels more lively out on the open highway as well as through twisty mountain roads. Those different transmission options also give buyers the ability to choose the transmission that best suits their driving style.
On an everyday usability level, the Kushaq feels more efficiency-minded and better suited for the urban setting, while the Duster puts more of an emphasis on all-around grunt with a more relaxed driving experience on longer highways and tougher off-roads.
One-line summary: The Skoda Kushaq offers more engine choices and better fuel efficiency, while the Renault Duster delivers stronger overall performance and torque.
Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq: Features & Comfort
| Feature | Renault Duster | Skoda Kushaq |
| Infotainment System | 10.1-inch floating touchscreen | Touchscreen |
| Music System | Standard-Premium hybrid | Premium setup |
| Climate Control | Automatic | Automatic |
| Ventilated Seats | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Drive Modes | Yes | Yes |
| Instrument Cluster | Fully digital | Fully digital |
| Sunroof | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Seats | Manual/digitally adjustable(top variants) | Manual |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
| 60:40 Rear Seat Split | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
The Renault Duster and Skoda Kushaq offer practical cabins, but have different focuses. The Duster has a vast, airy feel that works well for long, deep drives and dastardly rough road conditions. This pilot seating perspective is more advantageous than in cars because it enhances visibility and provides a higher perch that is better for road observation. The overall feel is one of no-nonsense practicality, and the Renault Duster interior follows suit, an interior prioritizing space, practicality and easy use rather than aesthetics.
The Skoda Kushaq, on the other hand, is all about being slightly more polished and driver-oriented. The cabin design is cleaner and smarter, and the controls are also easily arranged. It feels lower in its seat position, more like a car than a bike, and it does make it more stable and secure at higher speeds. It is one such area where the Kushaq excels, being highway-friendly and city comfortable at the same time.
The comfort for third-row passengers is pretty decent in both SUVs; however, the wider body helps the Duster feel a bit more spacious on long drives. Conversely, the Kushaq counters with better perceived materials quality and a quieter cabin ambience that also contributes to it being a more comfortable everyday driver.
One-line summary: Renault’s Duster is set on space and practicality, whereas the Skoda Kushaq is more premium and offers a more sophisticated cabin.
Also explore: Used Renault Cars In India
Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq: Safety Features
| Safety Feature | Renault Duster | Skoda Kushaq |
| GNCAP Safety Rating | Awaiting Test (Targeting 5*) | 5-Star |
| Airbags | Up to 6 | Up to 6 |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Rain-sensing Wipers | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Hold Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | Yes | Yes |
While the emphasis on safety is equally strong for the Renault Duster and the Skoda Kushaq, there emerges a subtle difference in the methodology. We feel the Skoda Kushaq already sets the bar in its segment with its crash-test programmes, which assure buyers of occupant safety within. That makes it a very attractive product for families, whose number one priority is undoubtedly safety.
On the other hand, the Renault Duster is an SUV that is oriented towards safety above all else, with its protection philosophy. The crash-test rating is yet to come in, but this setup suggests a solid focus on active and passive safety. Renault means to bring the Duster in line with modern safety expectations, which is further emphasised by the presence of advanced driver assistance systems.
At least in normal driving, both SUVs feel secure and solid, whether you are prowling through city traffic or loping along at highway speeds. This is especially appealing for the Kushaq as its efficiency-oriented nature complements its strong safety credentials, meaning the Skoda Kushaq mileage will also likely attract buyers looking for a well-rounded family car which offers a combination of safety, practicality, and economy.
One-line summary: The Skoda Kushaq is the safer SUV overall, thanks to its 5-star GNCAP rating and stronger safety package.
Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq: Price Comparison
| Variant Type | Renault Duster (Ex-showroom) | Skoda Kushaq (Ex-showroom) |
| Base Variant | ₹10-11 lakh (approx.) | ₹11.6 lakh (approx.) |
| Mid Variant | ₹12.5 lakh (approx.) | ₹13.5 lakh (approx.) |
| Upper Mid Variant | ₹14 lakh (approx.) | ₹15 lakh (approx.) |
| Top Variant | ₹17-19 lakh (approx.) | ₹19 lakh (approx.) |
In terms of pricing, the Duster definitely is targeted at buyers looking for a rugged SUV experience without stepping up into the top end of the segment. Good bet for those moving up from smaller cars or want a bigger car without all the unnecessary expenses. The aggregate strategy on price here is to provide size, road presence, and everyday driveability for the low-ish entry point.
The Skoda Kushaq is pitched a rung higher in the premium space—one that aims to target buyers willing to spend a little more for a more polished experience. And the loftier placement is backed up in part by the focus on safety, cabin quality, and an elevated driving experience. The buyers must also consider the skoda kushaq on road price while evaluating the purchase, as the taxes, insurance and the region will also make an impact on the overall price.
Now the Duster is very hard to overlook for the value it brings to practical and thrifty buyers, while the Kushaq is aimed at buyers looking for pure refinement, safety, and a more premium ownership experience.
One-line summary: The Renault Duster is more affordable, while the Skoda Kushaq offers better value through safety and features at a higher price.
Also read: How to Buy A Used Skoda Kushaq
Summary
The Renault Duster and Skoda Kushaq serve different types of buyers but have strengths on their side. Its rugged exterior, large interior, higher ground clearance and peppy engine make the Duster a special one. It is an excellent option for buyers who frequently drive on unpaved roads or are looking for a rugged and dependable SUV.
On the other hand, the Skoda Kushaq comes as an overall best car with the best of safety, features, fuel efficiency and even a good driving experience as well. It comes with a 5-star GNCAP rating, modern internal features, and efficient engines, which make it more amicable for urban users and families who prefer safety and refinement over outright thrills.
Then again, if you absolutely need space, ruggedness, and want to save a few thousand Euros here and there, the Duster sounds like a better choice to you. If the criteria are safety, modern tech and a more upmarket driving experience, the Kushaq is the way to go.
FAQ about Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq
Q. Which SUV is safer, Renault Duster or Skoda Kushaq?
The Skoda Kushaq is currently the safer option as it has a proven 5-star Global NCAP rating. This makes it a more reassuring choice for families who prioritise safety.
Q. Which car is better for city driving?
The Skoda Kushaq is more city-friendly due to its compact size and easy manoeuvrability in traffic and tight parking spaces. Its lighter driving feel also reduces stress during daily commutes.
Q. Is the Renault Duster suitable for highway driving?
Yes, the Renault Duster is well suited for highways thanks to its stable ride quality and comfortable cruising ability. It feels confident during overtakes and long-distance travel.
Q. Which SUV is better for long-distance travel?
Both are comfortable on long trips, but the Duster handles rough roads better, while the Kushaq feels more refined on smooth highways. The choice depends on the kind of roads you drive on most often.
Q. Should buyers wait for the updated Duster or buy now?
Buyers willing to wait for newer updates can consider the upcoming Duster. Those looking for a proven and readily available option may prefer the Kushaq.
