Renault India recently revealed the new 2026 Renault Duster SUV in the Indian market. The SUV is making a comeback after it was discontinued back in 2022, and it was originally introduced in 2012. The Duster was a pioneer that reshaped India’s compact SUV segment, laying the foundation for what would become one of the fastest-growing categories. It continues its competition with Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq and others in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment. In this article, let’s compare the 2026 Duster with the Skoda Kushaq facelift.
2026 Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq facelift: Engine options Comparing engine options first, the new Renault Duster will be offered with three engine options – a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 100 PS power and 160 nm torque paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Another engine is a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol with 163 PS power and 280 nm torque paired with a 6-speed DCT or a 6-speed manual. There’s also a bigger 1.8-litre strong hybrid petrol engine with 109 hp paired with a 49hp electric motor and a 20hp hybrid starter generator (HSG), paired with a 1.4kWh (280V) battery. Together, this configuration delivers a combined system output of 160hp and 172Nm.
The Skoda Kushaq facelift is offered with two engine options – a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine which puts out 115 hp power and 175 nm torque. Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual or a new 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Another engine is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel with 150 hp and 250 nm. Gearbox options include only a 7-speed DSG for the 1.5.
2026 Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq facelift: Features The new Renault Duster features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, 6-way powered and ventilated front seats, 48-colour ambient lighting, keyless entry with push button start/stop, multi-drive modes and more. Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, 360-degree camera, electric parking brake, disc brakes on all four wheels and Level 2 ADAS features
Talking about the Kushaq facelift’s features, it gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, along with connected-car tech. This infotainment system gets an AI companion app built on Google-powered technologies, which features advanced digital capabilities to the vehicle, including intuitive voice-based control of key functions enabled by Gemini AI. Other features include a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a six-speaker Skoda sound system with subwoofer and amplifier, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats, electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation, a segment-first rear massager and more.
2026 Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq facelift: DimensionsComparing dimensions next, the Skoda Kushaq facelift measures 4225 mm in length, 1760 mm in width, 1612 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2651 mm. Ground clearance is rated at 188 mm and has a boot space of 491 litres. The new Duster measures 4343 mm in length, 1813 mm in width, 1659 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2657 mm. It has a ground clearance of 212 mm and a boot space of 594 litres. In comparison, the new Duster is larger than the Skoda Kushaq facelift in every key dimension, stretching 118 mm longer, 53 mm wider and 47 mm taller, with a slightly longer wheelbase by 6 mm. It also offers a higher ground clearance of 212 mm compared to the Kushaq’s 188 mm, along with a significantly larger boot capacity of 594 litres versus 491 litres.
