Finally! The wait is over! Renault has officially launched the Duster back in India. It is competing in the same segment that it once started. Let’s compare the new Duster with its biggest rival:
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Renault Duster VS Hyundai Creta:
Duster was the first compact SUV of India, and one of the best-selling of its time. But later came the Creta, which took its throne away and has held it for years. And here we have the Duster back to take on the Creta, is the really any better?
Design:
The Duster still looks like a purpose-built SUV, with its boxy design and thick body cladding. The front has changed from what it used to be in UK specs. The Duster features sleek DRLs and a different grille with the “DUSTER” branding. At the rear, it features connected taillights.
On the contrary, the Hyundai Creta has received updates since 2024. The huge sales figures definitely reflect that people love the Creta design. Creta has a modern design with an LED bar running throughout the bonnet. However, the Duster looks more robust and better justifies its SUV character than the Creta.
Since exterior looks are subjective, we would like you to decide which one you prefer!
Features:
From the exterior, it might remind you of the original Duster, but the interiors have got serious updates. Inside the cabin, Duster features a dual-screen setup with built-in Google. In addition, it features an electric power tailgate, 6-way electric-adjustable and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, and an ADAS system.
In comparison, Creta comes with a dual 10.25-inch dual screen setup featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree parking camera and a Level-2 ADAS system. Neither car has been tested for safety, but Renault claims they are ready to achieve 5-star safety ratings. Creta also offers 6 airbags as standard, along with other safety features.
Powertrain:
The highlight of the Duster launch was the powertrain it was offered with. The powertrain includes a 1.8-litre engine (162bhp & 172Nm) with strong hybrid tech, paired with the 8-speed DHT, a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol (160bhp & 280Nm) with a 6-speed DCT, and a smaller 1-litre turbo-petrol engine.
On the other hand, Hyundai also offers three engine options, including a 1.5-litre NA petrol (113bhp & 144Nm), a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (158bhp & 253Nm) and a 1.5-litre diesel (114bhp & 250Nm). All the above engines are offered with various gearbox options, including 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, and 7-speed DCT. On the powertrain front, Duster has an advantage; there is no hybrid offering in the Creta lineup right now. But we can expect Hyundai to introduce a Hybrid Creta in the upcoming times.
Pricing:
As the Duster’s pricing remains under wraps, we can still expect the non-hybrid variants to be priced aggressively to compete with Hyundai. The Renault Duster are to announced in March 2026, expected to be priced between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 25 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). Hybrid variants can be priced higher.
Currently, the Hyundai Creta is priced between Rs. 12.84 lakh and Rs 24.50 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). Making them direct rivals. Apart from Creta, Duster has other rivals including the newcomer Tata Sierra, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, facelifted Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder and the facelifted Skoda Kushaq.
Read More: New Renault Duster 2026 Launched!
Hi, I’m Ravindra Meena , a bike and automobile enthusiast. I share honest reviews, mileage tests, and latest updates about bikes, cars, and EVs to help you make the right choice. Stay connected for real-world insights and trending auto news! 🏍️🚗