The Renault Duster and Skoda Kushaq square off in the intensely competitive midsize SUV segment. The Duster is now in its third generation, while the first-generation Kushaq received a mid-cycle update in March 2026. Both SUVs, in their respective top-spec Iconic and Prestige variants, come loaded with features and are powered by turbo-petrol engines; naturally aspirated petrol and diesel choices are offered by none. This comparison looks at how the two stack up on features and pricing, before determining which one makes more sense as a buy.
Renault Duster Iconic vs Skoda Kushaq Prestige: Exterior
There isn’t much to separate the two on exterior features. Both get LED headlamps, electrically adjustable ORVMs, a shark-fin antenna and a rear wiper with washer in their top trims. That said, the Duster edges ahead with larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, and dual-tone paint options; the Kushaq reserves a contrasting black roof choice for the Monte Carlo models.
Renault Duster Iconic vs Skoda Kushaq Prestige: Interior
Inside, both the Renault and Skoda offerings offer similarly sized digital displays, but the Duster's touchscreen goes a step further with Google built-in. This integrates services like Maps and the Play Store directly into the system, reducing reliance on smartphone mirroring. The Duster also gets one-touch up and down operation for all four windows, while the Kushaq limits this for the driver. Where the Kushaq facelift distinguishes itself is massaging rear seats, a feature that no SUV in this segment offers, at least at the time of writing.
Renault Duster Iconic vs Skoda Kushaq Prestige: Safety
This is where the gap widens. The Kushaq misses out on a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS, even in its top-spec guise. The facelift did bring rear disc brakes, but only on the 1.5 TSI variants; the 1.0 TSI range continues with rear drums. Both SUVs are yet to be crash tested by the Bharat NCAP at the time of writing.
Renault Duster Iconic vs Skoda Kushaq Prestige: Driving
Another miss for the Kushaq is drive modes. On the other hand, the Duster offers three modes: Comfort, Eco and Perso, allowing adjustments to engine response, steering weight, ambient lighting and the driver’s display. The Duster’s ADAS suite also adds adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function. The Kushaq, in contrast, is limited to standard cruise control system.
Renault Duster Iconic vs Skoda Kushaq Prestige: Powertrains
As mentioned earlier, both SUVs use turbo-petrol engines (direct injection). The Duster Iconic is offered with a single 1.3-litre unit, while the Kushaq Prestige gets a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre engines. Despite having just one engine on offer, the Duster delivers higher peak outputs, with gains of up to 48hp and 102Nm over the Kushaq's TSI engines. It’s worth noting that the Duster’s smaller 1.0-litre turbo-petrol is not available in the top-spec Iconic variant, and on the Kushaq, the 1.5 TSI range is available only with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Where the Kushaq does claw back ground is in fuel efficiency. In this comparison, it holds the advantage, albeit slightly, in both manual and automatic forms.
Renault Duster Iconic vs Skoda Kushaq Prestige: Prices and verdict
*non-R-Pass prices considered here.
Renault India has priced the Duster aggressively, as the Iconic manual undercuts the Kushaq Prestige manual by Rs 20,000. The gap widens with the dual-clutch automatics, where the Iconic is Rs 71,000 more affordable than the Prestige.
Taking all factors into account, the Duster Iconic easily emerges as the more rounded package. It offers a stronger turbo-petrol engine, a broader feature set, and does so while undercutting the Kushaq by a clear margin.
Ex-showroom prices mentioned above, as of March 25, 2026.
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Saumil Shah
