New Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta – Which SUV Offers What?

The new Duster has made a comeback after being discontinued from the Indian market back in 2022

In this post, I am comparing the new Renault Duster with the Hyundai Creta on the basis of specs, features and design. The French carmaker has launched the new Duster with tons of modern amenities, new styling and multiple powertrain options. The latter even includes a strong hybrid mill. Apart from that, the prices will be announced in March, while the deliveries will start from April for the regular models and around Diwali this year for the strong hybrid model. On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta is among the most successful SUVs in the country. For now, let us delve into the details of this comparison.

New Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta – Specs Comparison

The new Renault Duster will come with three engine choices – a Turbo TCe 160, a Turbo TCe 100 and a Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160. In its highest state of tune, output stands at a class-benchmarking 163 PS and 280 Nm of torque. The Turbo TCe 160 can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DCT, whereas the Turbo TCe 100 is paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Additionally, the Strong Hybrid E-Tech uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine combined with a 1.4 kWh battery to deliver high efficiency. Renault claims this setup enables up to 80% electric-only driving in urban conditions. Notably, 90% of the components have been specially developed for the India-spec Duster to suit regulations, usage patterns and buyer expectations.

In contrast, the Hyundai Creta relies on its well-established range of 1.5-litre engines, beginning with a naturally aspirated petrol unit that puts out 115 PS and 144 Nm. There’s also a diesel option offering 116 PS along with a healthy 250 Nm of torque, while the turbo-petrol variant delivers a spirited 160 PS and 253 Nm. Customers are spoilt for choice on the transmission side, with options including a 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed automatic, CVT and a 7-speed DCT. Thanks to this broad spread of engines and gearboxes, the Creta effectively addresses varied driving styles, buyer expectations and day-to-day usage needs.

New Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta – Features, Safety and Tech Comparison

Both these mid-size SUVs come loaded with tech and convenience amenities to the brim. The new Duster offers tons of new-age functionalities like Google built-in. We know that modern car buyers want their vehicles with all the bells and whistles. Hence, carmakers offer these in plenty. Firstly, let us glance at the kind of features the new Duster gets:

• 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

Similarly, the Hyundai Creta is among the most feature-laden products in its class. Its top highlights are:

• 10.25-inch Connected Superscreen Infotainment Screen
• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Leatherette Upholstery
• D-Cut Steering Wheel with Multimedia Controls
• Wireless Charging
• Front Row Ventilated Seats
• Drive Modes
• Paddle Shifters
• 8-Speaker Bose Premium Music System
• Hyundai Bluelink Connected Car Tech
• Voice Recognition
• OTA Updates for Map and Infotainment
• Home-to-Car (H2C) with Alexa
• 64-colour Ambient Lighting
• Touch-based AC Controller Unit
• Half Crystal Polished Passenger-side Dashboard
• Voice-Enabled Panoramic Sunroof
• Level 2 ADAS Active Safety – Hyundai SmartSense with 19 features
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• 360-Degree Camera
• Ventilated Front Seats
• 8-Way Powered Driver’s Seat
• 6 Airbags
• ESC, VSM
• Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• All Four Disc Brakes
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Level 2 ADAS

Design and Dimensions Comparison

The new Renault Duster adopts a contemporary design language with a clear focus on modern styling. At first glance, it’s evident that the French automaker has shaped the SUV keeping Indian tastes firmly in mind. Indian buyers, especially in the SUV space, favour a strong and commanding road presence. The latest Duster delivers on that expectation with its bold body surfacing and tall, upright proportions. Up front, it features sleek LED DRLs housed within the LED headlamp units showcasing Renault’s global lighting signature, complemented by a prominent trapezoidal grille, a sculpted upright bonnet and a sporty bumper with a rugged, adventure-inspired skid plate. Overall, the front fascia projects a distinctly aggressive character.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta follows a more urban-oriented and contemporary design philosophy. Its front fascia is highlighted by a broad LED light bar neatly integrated with the DRLs, paired with a prominent grille, split headlamp setup, a sporty-looking bumper and a sturdy skid plate. Along the sides, it features eye-catching alloy wheels housed in well-defined wheel arches, a distinctive C-pillar design, chrome-finished door handles and blacked-out ORVMs that add visual contrast. At the rear, the SUV gets a shark-fin antenna, LED tail-lamps joined by a connecting light strip, a roof spoiler, a chunky skid plate and a strongly sculpted bumper. Taken together, the Creta delivers a refined and modern look while retaining a strong SUV character.

My View

Choosing between these two compelling propositions can be quite challenging. However, I must admit that until the official prices of the new Renault Duster are announced, it will be difficult to reach any reasonable conclusion. Therefore, I shall update this section once all the details about the new Duster are available.

Also Read: New Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta – Which SUV Offers What?