I am planning to buy a new SUV and am confused between the Jeep Compass (2026) and the new Renault Duster (2026).

Autocar India

•22h

Go for the Renault Duster 1.3 turbo DCT. For your usage and coming from a naturally aspirated petrol, it will feel like a clear step up in performance. The turbo engine delivers much stronger acceleration and effortless overtakes, which makes it more satisfying to drive both in the city and on the highway. While most dual-clutch automatics can feel jerky at low speeds, the Duster’s setup is relatively well-tuned and manageable in traffic, and once you are moving, it feels quick and responsive.The Kia Seltos IVT is a smoother and easier car to drive in stop-and-go conditions, and it will feel more refined at low speeds. However, its naturally aspirated engine is tuned for comfort and efficiency, so it can feel underpowered, especially when you need quick acceleration or are used to driving with more intent.On service and spares, Kia has the advantage with a wider and more consistent network. Renault’s support in cities like Chennai is generally adequate, but it may not feel as seamless. Opting for an extended warranty and service package will help improve peace of mind.

Renault Duster

Autocar India

•23h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq automatic. For your usage and priorities, it is the more sensible and value-for-money choice. It feels modern, is easy to drive in the city and still delivers a fun-to-drive character with strong mid-range performance for your occasional highway trips. It also feels stable and confidence-inspiring at speed, and the automatic gearbox is smooth and well-suited to Mumbai traffic, which adds to overall ease of ownership.On your AC concern, earlier feedback on some Skoda models was mixed, but this has been addressed with updates to the AC system, including a more efficient compressor and improved airflow. The Kylaq benefits from these improvements, so cooling performance should not be a concern, though it is still worth checking in a proper midday test given Mumbai’s conditions.The Renault Duster 1.3 turbo automatic is now a new-generation product and remains the more engaging car to drive, with stronger outright performance and a very capable ride over rough roads. However, compared to the Kylaq, it is larger and not as easy to drive or park in the city. The Kylaq is also more affordable, which means you can opt for a higher variant with more features within your budget.

Skoda Kylaq

Renault Duster

Autocar India

•43m

Treat this as a serious safety issue and do not drive the car. Get it flatbed-towed to an authorised Jeep Compass workshop, keep the broken bolt with you, and click clear photos of the part, the area it came from, and the car’s VIN and odometer. Ask the workshop to open and check the full steering and front suspension on both sides, not just the one bolt. That means the steering rack mounts, tie-rod ends, lower arms, subframe mounts and all related fasteners. Ask for a written report that explains what failed, why it failed, and what they will change.Insist that all affected parts and bolts are replaced, not reused, and that they do a full torque check with markings you can see. If the car is in warranty, this should be free. Even if it is out of warranty, please ask Jeep for a goodwill repair, as this is a safety issue. Request a loaner car until your car is fixed and tested.Email Jeep India customer care with a simple timeline, photos, VIN, and copies of the job card, and cc the dealer’s service head. Check Jeep India’s recall page for your VIN. If you don’t get a clear answer or a proper fix, you can write to us at [email protected], and we will escalate it further.

Jeep Compass