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

The new mid-size SUV in India is the Renault Duster, which led to the creation of this segment back in 2012

In this post, we compare the new Renault Duster and Maruti Grand Vitara on the basis of design, specs, features, etc. The mid-size SUV segment is the most crowded space in India. We have cars from all major auto giants. Hence, it is immensely crucial and competitive. The new Duster has made a comeback after being discontinued in 2022. This time around, it comes with modern styling, new-age tech, multiple powertrain options and promising safety equipment. On the other hand, the Maruti Grand Vitara is among the highest-selling products in this space. For now, let us compare the two thoroughly.

New Renault Duster vs Maruti Grand Vitara – Specs Comparison

Let us take a closer look at the powertrain options available with both these SUVs. The upcoming Renault Duster is set to be offered with three different 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 most powerful guise, it produces a class-leading 163 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque. The Turbo TCe 160 will be offered with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DCT, while the Turbo TCe 100 will be available only 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 impressive fuel efficiency. Renault states that this configuration allows up to 80% electric-only driving in city conditions. Notably, close to 90% of the vehicle’s components have been specially developed for the India-spec Duster.

On the other hand, the Maruti Grand Vitara is available with multiple powertrains too. These include a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated mild-hybrid petrol, a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated strong-hybrid petrol and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder bi-fuel (petrol + CNG) unit, which generate respectable outputs of 103 PS / 139 Nm, 116 PS / 141 Nm and 87 PS / 121 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. The mild-hybrid variant is offered with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The CNG version is restricted to a 5-speed manual, while the strong-hybrid setup is paired exclusively with an e-CVT automatic transmission. For light off-road use, the mild-hybrid variant can also be specified with the ALLGRIP SELECT AWD system. In this configuration, drivers can select from multiple terrain modes, including Snow, Sport, Lock and Auto.

New Renault Duster vs Maruti Grand Vitara – Features, Tech and Safety Comparison

Now, new-age car buyers want their vehicles to possess all the latest tech and convenience amenities. Hence, carmakers equip their models with tons of bells and whistles. Both these mid-size SUVs are feature-laden. To begin with, let us check out the kind of functionalities the new Duster encapsulates:

• 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 Maruti Grand Vitara also takes care of the needs of potential buyers. Some of its top attractions incorporate:

• 9-inch Smart Play Pro+ Infotainment System with HD Display
• 7-inch TFT Colour Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
• 360 View Camera
• Fully Digital Instrument Cluster
• Colored Head-Up Display
• Qi-certified Wireless Charger
• Ambient Lighting
• Soft-Touch Materials
• Leatherette Seats
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Air Filter PM 2.5
• Paddle Shifters
• Suzuki Connect Features
• Electrically Adjustable and Auto-Folding ORVMs
• Keyless Entry
• Drive Mode Selector
• Reclining Rear Seats
• Premium Sound System by Clarion
• In-built Voice Assist System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Hill Descent Control
• 6 airbags
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Hill-Hold Assist
• Hill Descent Control
• 360-degree Camera
• Day & Night Adjustable IRVM
• Smartwatch Connectivity
• Alexa Skill Connectivity

Design and Dimensions Comparison

Design and styling can be a matter of personal taste, but it is important to clearly understand what each of these SUVs brings to the table. The new Renault Duster adopts an all-new design philosophy inspired by contemporary styling elements. At first glance, it is clear that the French brand has developed this SUV with Indian tastes firmly in mind. Buyers in India, particularly in the SUV space, value a strong and imposing road presence. The latest Duster aligns well with this expectation through its robust proportions and muscular stance. Up front, it features sleek LED DRLs housed within the LED headlamp clusters reflecting Renault’s global lighting identity, complemented by a prominent trapezoidal grille, a chiselled upright bonnet and a sporty front bumper with a rugged, adventure-inspired skid plate. Taken together, the front-end styling conveys a bold and aggressive character.

In contrast, the Maruti Grand Vitara also embraces a contemporary design language. At the leading edge of the bonnet, it features tri-element LED DRLs, while the primary LED headlamps are positioned lower on the bumper corners. The front fascia is dominated by a large grille housing the chrome Suzuki emblem, complemented by a sturdy skid plate that adds to its confident road presence. Viewed from the side, the profile is accentuated by well-designed alloy wheels, roof rails and robust body cladding. At the rear, the SUV is equipped with connected LED tail lamps linked by a full-width glass strip. Overall, the Grand Vitara emerges as one of the most upmarket offerings from Maruti Suzuki in the Indian market.

My View

Now, I must mention that the prices of the Renault Duster are not out yet and they will be revealed in March. I shall update this section once we know the cost of the new mid-size SUV.

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