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The Renault Duster with its 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine becomes the most powerful SUV in the mid-size segment, producing 163 hp and 280 Nm of peak torque
Renault has finally taken the wraps off the all-new Duster in the Indian market. The much-awaited SUV makes a comeback in a fresh avatar, featuring a new set of powertrain options, features, and underpinnings. In this article, we will look at a quick spec comparison between the new Duster and its major rivals, particularly for the most powerful turbo petrol engine options.
Powertrain
Renault has prioritised performance with the Duster, offering the best-in-class power figures. The SUV is powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, putting out 163 hp and 280 Nm of peak torque. While its rivals, including Creta, Kushaq and Taigun, are only available with an automatic transmission, the French carmaker is offering the most powerful engine of the Duster with a 6-speed manual gearbox option. The torque output of the Duster at 280 Nm is far ahead of the rivals.

|
Mid-Size SUVs |
Power |
Torque |
Transmission |
|
Renault Duster 1.3-litre TCe 160 |
163 hp |
280 Nm |
6 MT/ 6-speed DCT |
|
Hyundai Creta 1.5-litre tGDi |
158 hp |
253 Nm |
7-speed DCT (6 MT with N-Line) |
|
Kia Seltos 1.5-litre tGDi |
158 hp |
253 Nm |
7-speed DCT/ 6-speed iMT |
|
Skoda Kushaq 1.5-litre TSI |
150 hp |
250 Nm |
7-speed DSG |
|
Volkswagen Taigun 1.5-litre TSI |
150 hp |
250 Nm |
7-speed DSG |
Dimensions
Talking about the dimensions, the Duster is the tallest SUV in this comparison; however, it is shorter in terms of length than the Seltos by 114 mm. In terms of wheelbase, the Duster is shorter than the Seltos by 33 mm. Apart from this, the Duster has the largest boot space at 518 litres, along with the highest ground clearance of 212 mm.
Also Read: Renault To Launch Tata Nexon Rivalling Mini-Duster In India

|
Mid-Size SUVs |
Length (mm) |
Width (mm) |
Height (mm) |
Wheelbase (mm) |
Boot Space |
Ground Clearance (mm) |
|
Renault Duster |
4346 |
1815 |
1703 |
2657 |
518 L |
212 |
|
Hyundai Creta |
4330 |
1790 |
1635 |
2610 |
433 L |
190 |
|
Kia Seltos |
4460 |
1830 |
1635 |
2690 |
447 L |
200 |
|
Skoda Kushaq |
4225 |
1760 |
1612 |
2651 |
491 L |
188 |
|
Volkswagen Taigun |
4221 |
1760 |
1612 |
2651 |
385 L |
188 |

The Kushaq and Taigun are the smallest cars in the mid-size SUV segment; however, their wheelbase is longer than that of the Hyundai Creta by a good 41 mm. The Seltos is also the widest car in this comparison, closely followed by the Renault Duster.
Price
The Kia Seltos is undeniably the most affordable car in the segment, offering its most potent turbo petrol engine option at a starting price of Rs. 12.89 lakh (ex-showroom). On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta only offers the turbo petrol engine in the top-spec variant, making it the most expensive choice in the lot.
Also Read: 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Revealed With Changes Inside & Out

|
Mid-Size SUVs |
Price Range (ex-showroom) |
|
Renault Duster 1.3-litre TCe 160 |
To Be Announced |
|
Hyundai Creta 1.5-litre tGDi |
Rs. 19.49 lakh – Rs. 20.05 lakh |
|
Kia Seltos 1.5-litre tGDi |
Rs. 12.89 lakh – Rs. 20.19 lakh |
|
New Skoda Kushaq 1.5-litre TSI |
To Be Announced |
|
Volkswagen Taigun 1.5-litre TSI |
Rs. 18.95 lakh – Rs. 19.19 lakh |

The price of the Kushaq facelift is yet to be announced, while the current model with the 1.5-litre TSI engine starts at Rs. 17.19 lakh (ex-showroom). We expect the updated Kushaq to command a slight premium over the outgoing model. Lastly, the Renault Duster with its TCe 160 turbo petrol engine will likely come at a starting price of around Rs. 15 lakh (ex-showroom).
Conclusion

The all-new Renault Duster appears quite a well-packed SUV on paper, excelling in multiple areas, like powertrain and dimensions. It brings some fresh air to the mid-size SUV segment, focusing on core principles, rather than outright tech and sophistication. The prices, which are scheduled to be announced in March 2026, will play a key role in determining how the Duster fares against the rivals.
The post New Renault Duster Vs Creta Vs Seltos Vs Kushaq Vs Taigun: Specs Comparo appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com – Latest Car & Bike News by Team GaadiWaadi.