Renault has launched its all-new Renault Duster in the Indian market at a starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
The new Duster arrives with a newly redesigned platform, modern styling, and multiple powertrain options, including a strong hybrid setup. It also comes equipped with advanced technology, improved cabin comfort, and segment-first features, and it will compete with the Kia Seltos in the Indian market.
So, if you are also planning to buy any new model among these two, then we have brought you a detailed comparison on which among these two SUVs is the best choice for you.
2026 Renault Duster Vs 2026 Kia Seltos: Design and Dimension
The 2026 Renault Duster and 2026 Kia Seltos showcase two distinct design philosophies within the compact SUV segment.
The Duster adopts a more rugged and upright stance with a boxy silhouette, higher ground clearance, and strong SUV proportions, giving it a more off-road-focused character.
In contrast, the Kia Seltos features a sleeker and more urban design with sharp LED lighting, a wider grille, and a premium road presence.
In terms of dimensions, the Seltos is longer (4460 mm) and wider (1830 mm), offering better road presence and cabin width, while the Duster is taller (1703 mm), enhancing headroom and stance.
Additionally, the Seltos has a longer wheelbase, whereas the Duster offers more boot space, making it more practical for long journeys
2026 Renault Duster Vs 2026 Kia Seltos: Engine and Mileage
2026 Renault Duster and 2026 Kia Seltos offer diverse engine options, catering to different driving needs and preferences. The Duster comes with multiple powertrain choices, including a 1.0-litre turbo petrol, a more powerful 1.3-litre turbo petrol, and a segment-unique 1.8-litre strong hybrid setup. These engines produce between 100 PS to 163 PS and up to 280 Nm of torque.
Kia Seltos offers a wider range of conventional engines, including a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Power output goes up to 160 PS, with torque figures reaching 253 Nm.
Seltos delivers up to around 20.7 km/l, especially in its petrol variants, while the Duster’s petrol versions are expected to offer similar efficiency, with the hybrid variant promising significantly better fuel economy, particularly in city driving conditions.
2026 Renault Duster Vs 2026 Kia Seltos: Cabin and Safety features
The 2026 Renault Duster and 2026 Kia Seltos offer feature-loaded cabins with a strong focus on technology, comfort, and safety, but their approach is quite different. The Duster comes with a practical yet modern interior featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Google integration, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, ventilated seats, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.
It also offers Level 2 ADAS with 17 functions, a 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, and six airbags as standard, focusing on balanced safety and usability.
On the other hand, the Kia Seltos delivers a more premium and tech-loaded cabin with dual 12.3-inch displays, ambient lighting, Bose audio, ventilated seats, and advanced connected car tech.
In terms of safety, it offers six airbags, electronic stability control, and a more advanced Level 2 ADAS suite with up to 21 features, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
2026 Renault Duster Vs 2026 Kia Seltos: Which SUV is best option for you?
2026 Renault Duster and 2026 Kia Seltos are closely matched in pricing, but they target slightly different buyers in the segment. The newly launched Renault Duster starts at around Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a highly competitive option with strong value for money.
On the other hand, the 2026 Kia Seltos is priced from Rs 10.99 lakh and goes up to around Rs 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and features.
When it comes to choosing the best SUV, it depends on your priorities. If you want a rugged SUV with strong hybrid technology, better off-road capability, and a more practical approach, the Renault Duster is the better option. However, if you prefer a premium cabin, more features, refined engines, and a well-established brand value, the Kia Seltos stands out as the more polished choice.
Also Read: Which gear should you drive in to save on fuel costs?
