New Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq – Which New SUV is Better?

The mid-size SUV segment contains models from just about every major mass market car marque in India

In this post, we compare the new Renault Duster and the new Skoda Kushaq on the basis of specs, features, design, etc. Renault has finally been launched in India after being discontinued in 2022. Note that it was the SUV which led to the creation of the mid-size SUV space in our market in 2012. In its latest avatar, it comes with the latest tech, top-notch safety, butch styling and multiple powertrain alternatives. The deliveries will commence from April. On the other hand, Skoda also recently introduced the facelift iteration of the Kushaq. That makes this comparison quite intriguing.

New Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq – Specs Comparison

Let us take a look at the powertrain lineup offered with both these SUVs. The upcoming Renault Duster is set to come with three separate powertrain options – a 1.3-litre Turbo TCe 160, a 1.0-litre Turbo TCe 100 and a 1.8-litre Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160. In its highest-output version, it produces a segment-leading 163 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque. The Turbo TCe 160 will be available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DCT, while the Turbo TCe 100 will be offered solely with a 6-speed manual transmission. Meanwhile, the Strong Hybrid E-Tech pairs a 1.8-litre petrol engine with a 1.4 kWh battery pack to deliver improved fuel efficiency. Renault claims this system allows up to 80% electric-only driving during city usage. Notably, close to 90% of the vehicle’s components have been specially developed for the India-spec Duster.

On the other hand, the latest Skoda Kushaq carries forward the same two familiar engine options – a 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol unit. These deliver respectable outputs of 115 PS / 178 Nm and 150 PS / 250 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. This time, Skoda has introduced a new segment-first 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission with both these engines. In addition, the larger turbo-petrol motor continues to be offered with a 7-speed DSG gearbox, similar to the previous model. As a result, buyers with varied preferences and driving requirements can choose a configuration that best suits their usage.

New Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq – Features, Tech and Safety Comparison

The new-age car customers want their vehicles to be feature-laden. That is something the car companies specifically focus on. As a result, these two SUVs come with tons of bells and whistles. Let us start with the new Duster:

• 10.1-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Multimedia System with Google Built-in
• Google maps
• Google Assistant (to be upgraded with Gemini in coming days)
• Google Play
• Seamless entertainment streaming
• Voice Assistant
• Leatherette Upholstery
• Carbon Fibre Accents and Metallic Finishes on the Instrument Panel
• 60+ Connected Features with MYR app
• 10.25-inch TFT Driver Display
• 17 ADAS Features
• Hill Descent Control
• Electric panoramic sunroof
• Electric powered tailgate
• Electric parking brake with Auto-hold
• Automatic dual zone air conditioning
• Clean Air AQI display with PM2.5 display
• Multi-Sense drive modes with 48 ambient lighting customization
• Electric front seats with 6-way adjust
• Front seats with Manual lumbar adjustment
• Ventilated front seats
• Auto headlamps
• Rain sensing wipers
• Renault handsfree access card with push start
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• All power windows with auto up/down
• Touch activated cabin lighting
• Arkamys auditorium sound system with 6 speaker system
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Puddle lamps

On the other hand, the new Skoda Kushaq comes with a lot of functionalities are well. These include:

• 10.25-inch Customizable Digital Cockpit
• 10-inch Infotainment Display
• Rear Seat Massager (first-in-segment)
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Dual-colour Ambient Lighting
• Alloy Wheels Across the Range
• Front Parking Sensors
• 6-way Electronically Adjustable Front Seats with Ventilation
• Skoda Sound System with 6 Speakers, Amplifier and Subwoofer
• Google-powered AI Companion
• Auto Dimming IRVM
• 491-litre Boot Space
• All 4 Disc Brakes (w/ 1.5L TSI)
• Leatherette Seats
• Rain Sensing Wiper and Rear Defogger
• 40+ Active and Passive Safety Features
• 6 Airbags
• Automatic Climate Control
• 5-star Global NCAP Safety Rating for Child and Adult

Design and Dimensions Comparison

We know that design and styling can be subjective, yet it is important to grasp what each of these SUVs represents. The latest Renault Duster adopts an all-new design philosophy inspired by contemporary styling elements. At first glance, it is clear the French brand has developed this SUV keeping Indian tastes firmly in focus. Indian customers, particularly within the SUV space, look for an imposing and confident road presence. The new Duster mirrors this expectation with its strong body surfaces and upright stance. Up front, it features slim LED DRLs housed within the LED headlamp clusters, highlighting Renault’s global lighting identity, combined with a bold trapezoidal grille, a chiselled upright bonnet and a sporty bumper finished with a tough, adventure-inspired skid plate. Overall, the frontal stance delivers a clearly aggressive character.

On the other hand, the Skoda Kushaq facelift brings noticeable changes to its styling, lending it a fresher and more premium appearance. Up front, it now features a wider illuminated grille, complemented by sharp LED headlamps and LED DRLs positioned towards the edges. A more sculpted and sportier bumper with an integrated skid plate enhances its road presence, while the bonnet retains its signature creases. Along the sides, the SUV is equipped with sturdy roof rails, newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels, protective body cladding, chrome window surrounds and well-defined wheel arches. At the rear, the design is rounded off with LED tail-lamps linked by a light bar featuring illuminated Skoda lettering, a chrome strip stretching across the tailgate, sequential turn indicators, and a solid bumper finished with silver cladding at the lower section.

My View

Now, the exact conclusion can only be reached once we know the prices of these SUVs. Since the official launch has not taken place yet, the prices will be out in the coming weeks. I shall update this section then.

Also Read: New Renault Duster vs Maruti Grand Vitara – Which SUV is Better?