The Renault Duster was one of the cars that helped establish the midsize SUV segment in India, and it has now returned after a 4-year hiatus. It is offered in five trims: Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+, and Iconic, priced between Rs 10.49 lakh and Rs 18.49 lakh. Among all the trims, the mid-spec Techno offers a good balance between features and price, but is it a better buy compared to the fully-loaded Iconic? We find out.
Renault Duster key specifications
The 1-litre turbo engine offered with Techno is missing on the Iconic trim.
While both Duster trims get a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with manual or automatic gearbox options, the mid-spec Techno is offered with a 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol mill as well, which is missing on the top-spec Iconic.
Renault Duster Techno vs Iconic trim: Exterior
Both trims offer all-LED lighting, but the Iconic gets larger rims.
Both trims of the Renault Duster are offered with all-LED lighting, a rear spoiler, and roof rails. However, the top-spec Iconic trim comes with 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, compared to the mid-spec Techno trim's 17-inch silver rims.
Renault Duster Techno vs Iconic trim: Interior and features
The Techno gets a smaller driver’s display, but both trims get a panoramic sunroof.
While both SUV trims are equipped with a similarly sized 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the top-spec Iconic includes Google services integration. The Iconic is also equipped with a bigger driver’s display, surround sound, a leatherette seat upholstery and ambient lighting, all of which are missing on the Techno trim. Moreover, the top-spec trim also features more soft-touch materials on major touchpoints, making it feel more premium.
Common features include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone AC with rear vents, a wireless phone charger, and connected car tech.
Renault Duster Techno vs Iconic trim: Driving tech
The Iconic gets adaptive cruise control and drive modes; missing on the Techno.
The Duster’s mid-spec Techno misses out on drive, engine and steering modes. While it features cruise control, the top-spec Iconic trim goes a step further and offers adaptive cruise control. Both trims, however, offer paddle shifters with their automatic gearbox options.
Renault Duster Techno vs Iconic trim: Safety features
The Techno misses out on ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and front parking sensors.
Common features in both Renault Duster trims include 6 airbags, rear parking sensors, an electronic parking brake, an auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror (IRVM), hill-start assist and ESC. Features like a Level-2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and hill-descent control are not offered with the mid-spec Techno.
Renault Duster Techno vs Iconic trim: Prices
The Techno offers savings of around 2.5 lakh with the larger turbo-petrol mill.
The 1.3-litre turbopetrol-powered mid-spec Techno variants of the Renault Duster cost around Rs 2.5 lakh less than the top-spec Iconic options. However, a smaller-capacity 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine on the Techno makes it Rs 3.5 lakh more affordable than the lowest Iconic variant.
Renault Duster Techno vs Iconic trim: What should you choose?
The Techno offers a better value-for-money proposition than the Iconic.
Even though it is a mid-spec trim, the Techno offers a well-loaded feature suite with dual digital displays, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, 6 speakers and all-LED lighting. While it misses a bigger digital driver’s display, front parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera, it gets its basics sorted. With a price lower by up to Rs 3.5 lakh, the Techno definitely offers a lot of value and is the recommended trim in this comparison if you are okay with letting go of some features.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Rivan RS 
Saumil Shah
