Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq (2026)
Renault Duster (₹10.49 Lakh – ₹18.69 Lakh) and Skoda Kushaq (₹10.50 Lakh – ₹18.50 Lakh) go head-to-head in the midsize suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (July 2026).
- Both start at almost the same price (within ₹0.10 Lakh of each other).
- The Renault Duster is the more powerful car, with 160 bhp against 148 bhp.
- The Renault Duster has the bigger boot: 518 litres vs 385 litres.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Renault Duster | Skoda Kushaq |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹10.49 Lakh – ₹18.69 Lakh | ₹10.50 Lakh – ₹18.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.0L turbo-petrol (TCe 100) / 1.3L turbo-petrol (TCe 160) | 1.0L & 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 160 bhp | 148 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, DCT | Manual, Torque Converter AT, DCT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 17.75-19.41 kmpl (ARAI, powertrain dependent) | 17.7-19.8 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 518 L | 385 L |
Renault Duster in short
The Duster is back — the nameplate that created India's midsize SUV segment returned in 2026 on the Renault-Nissan CMF-B platform it shares with the Nissan Tekton, with butch third-generation styling, a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and six standard airbags. There is no diesel or AWD this time, but the 160bhp 1.3L turbo-petrol is among the punchiest engines in the class and a 518-litre boot leads it, while a strong-hybrid version is expected around Diwali 2026. It takes on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and its own alliance twin, the Tekton.
Full Dusterprices & variants →Skoda Kushaq in short
The Kushaq was the first product of Skoda's India 2.0 programme and remains the keen driver's alternative to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. Its European-tuned chassis and strong TSI engines set the segment's dynamic benchmark, and a five-star Global NCAP score underlines its solid build. It counters feature-heavy rivals with substance over gadget count.
Full Kushaqprices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Duster or Kushaq?
Both start at almost the same price (within ₹0.10 Lakh of each other). (Ex-showroom prices, July 2026.)
Duster vs Kushaq — which is safer?
The Renault Duster scores 5 stars and the Skoda Kushaq scores 5 stars in NCAP crash tests.
Should I buy the Duster or the Kushaq?
Both start at almost the same price (within ₹0.10 Lakh of each other). The Renault Duster is the more powerful car, with 160 bhp against 148 bhp. The Renault Duster has the bigger boot: 518 litres vs 385 litres. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.