Hi, I am planning to buy my first car and am a new driver. My budget is up to ₹17.5 lakh. Initially, I was considering the Honda Elevate, but I have now decided to go for a turbo engine option. My usage will be around 60% highway driving. I am currently confused between the Renault Duster, Skoda Kushaq, and Kia Seltos. Which of these would be the best choice for me and why?

Autocar India

•29m

A turbo-petrol is a good choice for your usage, as the strong mid-range makes highway overtakes and cruising more relaxed and confidence-inspiring.

The new Renault Duster is a very solid highway option: its 1.3 turbo puts out about 160 hp, the most powerful in this group. Its ride comfort is arguably the best in class, which you’ll really appreciate over long distances. If you value a cushy, planted feel and don’t mind a slightly more old-school cabin experience, it’s a strong contender.

If your highways are generally smooth, the refreshed Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI is also a great choice. It actually feels more tied down at high speeds than the Duster and has more responsive steering, which gives it sharper, more engaging handling. The 1.5 TSI with the quick-shifting 7-speed DSG is a very effective overtaking tool and feels properly sophisticated on the move.

The Kia Seltos is the best all-rounder: it offers the most spacious cabin and the most premium interiors, with loads of features. However, while its 1.5 turbo-petrol is powerful on paper, it doesn’t feel as characterful or as enthusiastic as the Duster’s 1.3 or Kushaq’s 1.5 TSI in real-world driving.

Explore cars mentioned

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.43 Lakh

Skoda

Kushaq

from ₹12.66 Lakh

Kia

Seltos

from ₹13.01 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

Joseph Dsouza

•5d

How does the 2026 Renault Duster compare with Toyota hybrid SUVs like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder in terms of performance, efficiency, and overall usability?

Autocar India

•1d

Both are aimed at very different buyers, so it really depends on what you value more: driving pleasure or day-to-day efficiency.The 2026 Renault Duster is simply more entertaining to drive. Its 1.3 litre turbo petrol is punchy, smooth and among the most powerful engines in the segment. With around 160+hp and 280Nm on tap, the chassis comfortably copes with that performance. It feels confident at high speeds, the suspension is tough enough for bad roads, and it still has that robust, go anywhere character that Duster owners like. If you enjoy driving and often do highway or mixed runs, the Duster will put a bigger smile on your face.The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder hybrid, on the other hand, is more of an urban SUV, and that’s where it shines. Its strong hybrid powertrain can run silently on electric power at low speeds and constantly shuffles between engine and motor to keep things smooth and relaxed in stop-and-go traffic. Fuel efficiency is in a different league altogether - the Hyryder hybrid can give close to 20kpl, something a turbo petrol Duster simply cannot match. Plus, being a Toyota, long-term reliability and peace of mind are a big draw.

Renault Duster

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Arshdeep Singh Gill

•3d

My family currently owns a 2012 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 VXI, which is nearing 15 years of use. We are planning to upgrade and were initially considering the Honda Elevate for its reliability and lower dependence on electronics. However, the launch of the new Renault Duster has created some confusion. Our usage is about 90% city driving, with a 200 km highway trip once a month. Our budget is around ₹15–17 lakh. Fuel efficiency is important but not the top priority—our main focus is on comfort, performance, and fewer electronic components. Given these requirements, should we choose the Renault Duster or stick with the Honda Elevate?

Autocar India

•1d

Go for the Honda Elevate V CVT - for your city-heavy use and your wish for fewer gadgets, it is the safer, easier long-term choice. Moving up from your Alto K10, the Elevate will feel like a big step up in seat height, cabin space and ride comfort, and the CVT automatic - which changes gears on its own - is smooth and stress-free in slow traffic. Honda keeps the features simple on the V trim; the basics are solid, and the brand’s track record for reliability and fuss-free service fits your “less electronics” brief well. For 90% city and one 200 km trip a month, the 1.5 petrol is calm and easy to drive; it is not a rocket, but it pulls cleanly and feels predictable, which matters more in daily use.One thing to be aware of: when you press hard for an overtake, the engine gets a bit loud, and the shove is only average. Also, the ride is comfortable but not as soft as the best in this price range over sharp bumps.Pick the new Renault Duster only if you want a stronger mid-range punch and the best bad-road ride. It should be the nicer long-distance car, but it's not as good a city car as the Elevate. Also, Renault's after-sales network is nowhere near as good as Honda's

Honda Elevate

Renault Duster

Anshul Anand

•3d

My budget is around ₹23 lakh, and I am confused between the Duster and the Creta. Which one is the better option? I love going on long drives, so which one should I prefer?

Autocar India

•2d

Given your love for long drives, you will be happier with the Renault Duster. It's got a fantastic ride and handling balance, which will make your journeys comfortable and very enjoyable. The great suspension and body control are matched by a strong 160hp, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. Power and performance are good. Going for a Duster does come with a slight compromise in terms of cabin space. It's not as roomy as the Hyundai Creta and other models, like the Kia Seltos and Tata Sierra. If more space is a key priority, the Hyundai Creta Turbo-DCT is worth a look. Of the other alternatives, the Kia Seltos Turbo DCT and Tata Sierra turbo AT are also strong options.

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