With the return of the Renault Duster, the brand re-enters the midsize SUV segment it effectively kickstarted in India. What began as a novelty has since grown into one of the most crowded segments, with multiple strong contenders, including the recently updated Kia Seltos. Both SUVs are available with a long list of comfort, safety and tech features in their top trims. Here, we compare the Duster Iconic and Seltos GTX(A) variants to see which offers more.
Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos: Dimensions
Duster is taller and offers a larger boot
The Duster has a taller stance than the Seltos and offers 22mm more ground clearance and 71 litres more boot space, which should benefit practicality. The Seltos, however, has a 33mm longer wheelbase, which should translate to a slightly roomier cabin, and is also 114mm longer overall.
Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos: Engine specifications
Duster’s turbo-petrol makes more torque
The Duster is offered with a single 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 163hp and 280Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. Notably, it offers a manual gearbox in the top-spec trim, while the Seltos, does not offer a manual in its top GTX(A) variant but counters with a more diverse powertrain lineup. This includes a naturally aspirated petrol as an entry option and a diesel for those prioritising efficiency and long-distance usability, in addition to the turbo-petrol.
While the Duster’s turbo-petrol produces slightly more torque, the Seltos offers greater flexibility in terms of powertrain choice.
Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos: Exterior features
Both SUVs are similarly equipped
Both SUVs come with similar exterior equipment such as LED headlamps, LED DRLs, connected tail-lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and electric ORVMs. The Duster, however, gets front and rear fog lamps, functional roof rails and a powered tailgate, features that the Seltos misses out on. The Kia SUV, on the other hand, offers an additional matte paint finish option with the X-Line variant.
Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos: Interior features
Seltos offers larger screens and similar convenience features
Both SUVs offer a largely similar set of interior features, including a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone connectivity, ambient lighting and connected car tech. However, the Seltos gets a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. The Duster, on the other hand, offers powered adjustment for both the driver and co-driver seats, whereas the Seltos only gets a powered driver seat. The Renault SUV also gets puddle lamps and an air purifier which are not offered on the Kia.
Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos: Driving features
Duster features steering modes, while Seltos gets traction modes
Both SUVs get similar driving aids such as drive modes, paddle shifters and adaptive cruise control. The Duster offers Eco, Comfort and Perso drive modes and also features adjustable steering modes. The Seltos, on the other hand, gets Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes and adds terrain modes – Snow, Mud and Sand – which the Duster does not offer.
Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos: Safety features
Both offer similar safety features
Both SUVs offer a largely identical set of safety equipment, including six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, electronic stability control and disc brakes on all four wheels. They also get Level 2 ADAS and tyre pressure monitoring systems.
Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos: Prices and verdict
Duster undercuts Seltos by up to Rs 2.5 lakh
The Duster undercuts the Seltos by up to about Rs 2.5 lakh, and despite the lower price, it does not miss out on many key features, making the value proposition hard to ignore.
The Seltos, however, counters with a more diverse powertrain lineup, including a naturally aspirated petrol for entry-level buyers and a diesel option for those prioritising efficiency and long-distance usability.
Overall, the Duster emerges as the stronger value pick on paper, while buyers specifically looking for a diesel or a broader choice of engines may still find the Seltos the more suitable option.
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Saumil Shah
