Both the Renault Duster and Kia Seltos mid-size SUVs have achieved a 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP. However, a 5-star safety rating does not necessarily mean equal levels of protection. We further analyse the models' respective BNCAP results, including adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP) scores, to determine which performs better in crash-safety tests.
Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos: Adult occupant protection tests
Seltos nudges slightly ahead of the Duster in overall AOP scores
Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos AOP scores
While the Duster and Seltos received a 5-star safety rating in adult occupant protection (AOP) tests, the latter scored 1.21 points more in the frontal offset deformable barrier test. This is because the Seltos received a ‘good’ protection rating to the chest and right tibiae of the driver, while the Duster received ‘adequate’ protection for those parts. However, both SUVs received a ‘good’ protection rating for the head, pelvis and thighs of the driver, and for all critical parts of the front passenger. Moreover, the Seltos has achieved the highest score in the frontal offset deformable barrier test out of any ICE-powered car tested by the BNCAP. On the other hand, both SUVs received full marks in the side-movable deformable barrier test, and an ‘OK’ rating for the side pole impact test.
Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos frontal offset deformable barrier test.
Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos: Child occupant protection (COP) tests
Both models achieved the same scores in COP tests
Renault Duster | Kia Seltos | |
Safety rating | 5-star | 5-star |
Child occupant protection | 45/49 | 45/49 |
18-month-old dummy (front | side) | 8/8 | 4/4 | 8/8 | 4/4 |
3-year-old dummy (front | side) | 8/8 | 4/4 | 8/8 | 4/4 |
Dynamic score | 24/24 | 24/24 |
CRS installation score | 12/12 | 12/12 |
Vehicle assessment score | 9/13 | 9/13 |
When it comes to child occupant protection tests, both the Duster and Seltos have received identical scores. Across parameters including protection for the 18-month-old and 3-year-old child, front and side crash tests, CRS (child restraint systems) installation score and vehicle assessment score, both SUVs are on par with each other.
Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos: Safety features
Seltos packs more standard safety features
From the base variant, both SUVs come with a standard safety kit like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), manual day/night IRVM, hill start assist, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX mounts. But the Kia Seltos gets additional standard safety features like a rear-view camera, downhill brake control, and rear occupant alert.