Hyundai Creta vs New Renault Duster— The movement has intensified in the most popular mid-size SUV segment of the Indian automobile market. To compete with Hyundai Creta, which has been ruling this segment for a long time, Renault has launched its new generation Renault Duster in a completely new avatar. Both the vehicles come with powerful engines, modern features and premium design. If you are also confused about whether to buy Hyundai’s Creta in this segment or bet on the new Duster, then we have brought for you an accurate and detailed comparison of these two SUVs.

Hyundai Creta vs New Renault Duster: The biggest competition in the mid-size SUV segment in the Indian market, know which car is best for you.

Power and Performance: Who is ahead in terms of engines?

Talking about engine options, both the companies are working on different strategies to attract customers. While the Hyundai Creta retains the diesel option, the new Duster focuses entirely on petrol and hybrid technology.

Hyundai Creta Engine Options:

• 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol: This engine generates 115 PS power and 143.8 Nm torque. It has the option of 6-speed manual and IVT (CVT).
• 1.5-litre Turbo Petrol: For performance lovers, this engine produces 160 PS of power and 253 Nm of torque, which is mated to a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission.
• 1.5-litre crude diesel engine: For diesel lovers, it produces 116 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque, which comes with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic.

Engine Options of New Renault Duster:

• 1.0-litre turbo petrol (TCe 100): It is available in the initial variants which generates 100 PS of power and 160 Nm of torque. It is available only with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
• 1.3-litre Turbo Petrol (TCe 160): This is the most powerful engine in this segment which produces 163 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque. It has the option of 6-speed manual and 6-speed wet-clutch DCT automatic.
• 1.8-litre Strong Hybrid (E-Tech 160): This hybrid engine found in the Duster comes with a 1.4 kWh battery pack and 8-speed DHT automatic transmission, which promises to give excellent mileage.

Features and cabin space: Premium feel vs rough and tough looks

Both the vehicles give tough competition to each other on the interior and features front, but the temperament of both is different. While the Hyundai Creta comes with luxury and luxurious panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, twin-screen display and premium Bose sound system, the new Duster is designed for adventure.

The new Duster gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system which comes with Google built-in support, so that navigation and assistant can be used even without connecting the phone. Apart from this, the Duster has an excellent ground clearance of 212mm and a large boot space of about 518 litres, which makes it more practical for bad roads and long journeys than the Creta. In terms of safety, both the cars have been provided with modern features like 6 airbags, 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). Renault is also offering 7 years warranty with Duster.

Official statements and market conditions

“The new generation Duster is specially designed on the RGMP platform keeping in mind the Indian roads and customer needs. It not only offers excellent handling but is also equipped with the most powerful petrol and hybrid technology in the segment.”
—Chief of Engineering, Renault Group India

Final Verdict: Which SUV will be better for you?

Choosing between the two SUVs entirely depends on your driving style and needs:

• When to buy Hyundai Creta: If your mileage is high and you want a reliable diesel engine, or you like resale value, smooth driving in urban areas and lots of luxury features, then Creta is still the safest and best option for you.
• When to buy the new Renault Duster: If you want to stand out from the crowd, love hitting the hills or off-road (which is where its 212mm ground clearance comes in handy), and want to take advantage of the segment’s most powerful 163 PS turbo petrol engine or strong hybrid technology, the new Duster will be a great value-for-money deal.