Renault has made a comeback to the very segment it pioneered with the Duster. The midsize SUV space is one of the most fiercely contested segments in the Indian market, in which the Hyundai Creta will be one of the biggest rivals the new Duster will have to contend with. In this article, we compare the top-spec Duster Iconic and Creta King trims to assess how the two stack up against each other in terms of value.
Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta: Dimensions
The Duster is larger in all dimensions
When it comes to dimensions, the Duster beats the Creta in all aspects here. The biggest differences appear in terms of height and wheelbase, where the Duster is longer by 66mm and 47mm, respectively. It also rides 22mm higher and gets a larger boot of 85 litres over the Creta.
Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta: Engine specifications
Duster’s turbo-petrol is more powerful; Only Creta gets a diesel
In top-spec guise, the Duster is powered by a single turbo-petrol engine, while the Creta offers multiple powertrain options. The latter also gets a diesel, which the former misses out on. However, the Duster will get a strong-hybrid petrol engine later this year. Compare their turbo-petrol engines side by side, though, and it’s the Duster that gets more torque and is also offered with a manual gearbox. A manual gearbox is also available on the Creta turbo-petrol, but is limited to the N Line version only.
Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta: Exterior features
A powered tailgate is only available with the Duster
Both the Duster and Creta come well-equipped on the outside, with LED light setups, spoilers, roof rails, and 18-inch alloy wheels. But the Duster also gets a powered tailgate and front and rear fog lamps, which the Creta misses.
Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta: Interior features
Creta gets a lot more feel-good features over the Duster
The Duster and Creta are packed with features to the brim, with minor differences. While the Duster gets manual lumbar adjustment, an air purifier, and leatherette inserts on the dashboard, the Creta pulls ahead with more adjustability for the powered front seats, driver seat memory, boss-mode, reclining rear seats, an additional wireless phone charger, more speakers and a cooled glovebox.
Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta: Driving features
Duster features steering modes, while Creta gets traction modes
While drive modes, paddle shifters and adaptive cruise control are common on both SUVs, the Duster gets steering modes, whereas the Creta features traction control modes for different terrain surfaces.
Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta: Safety Features
Only the Creta gets a dashcam
Both SUVs come well equipped with safety features like six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, TPMS and more. However, only the Creta gets a factory-fitted dashcam, while the Duster gets it as an optional extra.
Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta: Prices and verdict
Duster more affordable by up to Rs 1.41 lakh
Between the new kid on the block and the established segment-champ, it’s the Duster that we’d pick. It may miss out on a few feel-good features that the Creta gets, but it’s not a dealbreaker. In fact, given the price difference, it’s hard to overlook the sheer value it offers. If, however, you do not require the performance of a turbo-petrol engine, then the Creta remains a compelling choice with its city-friendly naturally aspirated petrol and fuel-efficient diesel engine offerings.
