Renault Duster vs Renault Kiger Turbo: Which 1-Litre Turbo Petrol SUV Should You Buy?

Renault has officially unveiled the Indian-spec third-generation Duster, and one detail has grabbed immediate attention—the base variant gets the same 1-litre turbo-petrol engine as the top-spec Kiger. This makes the comparison between the two SUVs more relevant than ever. If you’re planning to buy a Renault SUV with a turbo engine, here’s a clear comparison to help you decide.


Same Turbo Engine, Different Driving Experience

Both the Renault Duster and the Renault Kiger use a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 100 PS and 160 Nm of torque. However, the way this power is delivered differs.

  • Renault Duster: 6-speed manual gearbox

  • Renault Kiger: 5-speed manual and CVT options

Thanks to the extra gear, the Duster is expected to feel more relaxed on highways. Media reports also suggest that despite being larger and heavier, the Duster may deliver slightly better fuel efficiency due to improved tuning and gearing.


Engine & Mileage Comparison

Specification 2026 Renault Duster Renault Kiger
Engine 1-litre turbo-petrol 1-litre turbo-petrol
Power 100 PS 100 PS
Torque 160 Nm 160 Nm (MT), 152 Nm (CVT)
Gearbox 6-speed MT 5-speed MT, CVT
Mileage Yet to be announced 20.38 kmpl (MT), 17.63 kmpl (CVT)

Note: Duster mileage figures will be revealed closer to launch.


Renault Duster 2026: What’s New?

The Indian-spec third-gen Duster has been redesigned to better suit local tastes. It gets eyebrow-style LED DRLs, a bold grille with a large Duster badge, 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and C-pillar-mounted rear door handles. The upward-sweeping window line and connected LED tail-lamps give it a modern SUV stance.


Premium Dual-Tone Cabin

Renault has clearly positioned the Duster above the Kiger in terms of interior feel. The cabin features a dual-tone theme, soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door pads, and leatherette upholstery on seats and the 3-spoke steering wheel—making it feel more premium than the Kiger.


Feature-Rich and Safety Focused

The upcoming Duster packs segment-strong features, including:

  • Power-adjustable and ventilated front seats

  • Panoramic sunroof

  • 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system

  • 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster

  • Dual-zone climate control

On the safety front, it offers six airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and Level-2 ADAS, putting it well ahead of the Kiger.


Price & Verdict

The Renault Kiger turbo currently starts at ₹9.15 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Duster’s pricing will be revealed at launch, expected in March 2026. It will likely command a premium—but justify it with more space, stronger road presence, and a richer feature list.

Final call:

  • Choose Kiger Turbo if you want a budget-friendly, city-friendly turbo SUV with CVT convenience.

  • Choose Duster Turbo if you want a more premium, powerful-feeling SUV with better highway manners and advanced safety tech.