Kia Seltos vs Renault Duster - Which One Should You Buy
Kia Seltos vs Renault Duster Comparison at CarHP India. Compare Kia Seltos and Renault Duster Prices, Mileage, Features, Specs, Colours and much more.
The Kia Seltos comes in 44 variants. Engine options include Petrol and Diesel as per the selected variant, paired with manual or automatic transmissions. The selected variant is priced at ₹11 Lakh. The cheapest variant, HTE, costs ₹11 Lakh, while the top-end variant, GTX (O) Diesel AT, is priced at ₹21.82 Lakh. The Renault Duster comes in 22 variants. Engine options include Petrol as per the selected variant, paired with manual or automatic transmissions. The selected variant is priced at ₹10.49 Lakh. The cheapest variant, Authentic 1.0 Turbo, costs ₹10.49 Lakh, while the top-end variant, Iconic 1.3 Turbo DT DCT, is priced at ₹18.69 Lakh.
₹ 11 Lakh
₹ 10.49 Lakh
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Smart Summary for Car Selection
Why Choose Kia Seltos?Why choose the Kia Seltos
- A 116hp diesel is offered and the Duster is petrol only for now, so a buyer covering heavy monthly highway distances gets an engine built for that use.
- All three engines come with a manual or an automatic, so the fuel you choose never dictates the gearbox you are stuck with in daily traffic.
- Its 160hp turbo petrol is close in output to the Duster's 161hp unit but sits in a range with a diesel alongside it, so performance and economy can both be had within one model.
- Dual 12.3-inch displays, an 8-speaker Bose sound system and five USB Type-C ports are available, so a family on a long road trip keeps every phone charged and the cabin entertained.
- It holds a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, so its crash protection is confirmed under the current Indian test protocol.
- Kia's dealer and service network is more widespread than Renault's, so routine servicing and parts are easier to arrange outside the big cities.
Why not choose the Kia Seltos
- Its 190mm ground clearance is 22mm less than the Duster's 212mm, so a loaded Seltos needs more care over deep potholes and flooded underpasses.
- The turbo petrol drops to around 7 to 10kmpl in stop-go traffic, so the quickest Seltos is expensive to run for a mostly urban buyer.
- The softer suspension has reduced handling sharpness, so it feels less eager through winding ghat roads than the Duster's turbo versions.
- Level 2 ADAS and the 360-degree camera are limited to higher versions, so buyers of lower versions go without lane assistance and full parking views.
- Pairing the diesel with the automatic gives up a good share of the diesel's fuel-saving advantage, so the most convenient diesel is not the most economical one.
Why Choose Renault Duster?Why choose the Renault Duster
- Its 212mm ground clearance is the highest here, so a flooded city underpass or a rutted approach road to a hill resort is cleared without scraping the underbody.
- The 1.3-litre turbo petrol makes 161bhp and 280Nm and is available with a manual or a dual-clutch automatic, so strong highway pulling power comes with your choice of gearbox.
- Six airbags and stability control are standard across the range, so even the entry version carries side and curtain protection.
- Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera and an electronic parking brake with auto hold are offered, so expressway drives get assistance and flyover jams need no foot on the brake.
- A panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats and a powered tailgate are available, so the cabin matches the comfort expected in this class.
Why not choose the Renault Duster
- It is sold with turbo petrol engines only, so a buyer who covers very high monthly distances has no diesel to keep fuel bills down.
- Renault has fewer dealers than mainstream rivals, so servicing and parts can be harder to arrange in smaller towns.
- Hard lower-cabin plastics feel budget grade, so the cabin does not feel as finished as its equipment list suggests.
- Three adults in the back is a squeeze on long trips, so a family of five will find the middle rear seat uncomfortable.
- Rated mileage of 17.75 to 19.41kpl comes from petrol engines alone, so a high-mileage buyer cannot match a Seltos diesel owner's fuel costs.
- Its screens and cabin layout are newer than its interior materials suggest, so buyers judging quality by touch will find the surfaces trail the technology on offer.
Our Recommendation For Most BuyersWho should buy the Kia Seltos
The Seltos suits buyers who want engine and gearbox freedom backed by a wide service network. Its diesel keeps long-distance costs down, all three engines come with a manual or automatic, and the 160hp turbo covers performance. Dual 12.3-inch screens, Bose audio and plenty of charging ports make it a strong family car, and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating adds reassurance. Servicing is easier to arrange outside big cities than with Renault.
The compromises are clearance and running costs. Ground clearance trails the Duster's by 22mm, the turbo petrol is thirsty in traffic, and the softer suspension is less eager on winding roads. ADAS and the 360-degree camera sit on higher versions, while the diesel automatic gives up efficiency. For a family wanting a diesel and easy servicing, the Seltos is the safer long-term buy.
Who should buy the Renault Duster
The Duster is the pick for buyers whose roads are rough and who want strong turbo performance with modern safety kit. Its 212mm ground clearance is the highest of the two, the 161bhp turbo petrol comes with a manual or a dual-clutch automatic, and six airbags with stability control are standard on every version. ADAS, a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof round out the package. The gaps are fuel choice, ownership and cabin finish.
It is petrol only, so high-mileage buyers cannot match a diesel's costs, and Renault's thinner dealer network makes servicing harder in smaller towns. Lower cabin plastics feel budget grade and three adults are cramped in the back. For a buyer in a city with bad roads who values clearance and equipment over diesel economy, the Duster delivers more.
Engine and Performance
Performance Specifications
Fuel Specifications
Dimensions and Design
Interior Specifications
Wheels & Tires
Suspension, Brakes & Steering
Safety Features
Interior Features
Comfort & Convenience
Infotainment Features
Exterior Features
Brochure
EMI Cost Comparison
Assuming 20% down payment, 9.5% interest, 60-month tenure
Loan Amount
Interest: 9.5%
Down Payment (20%)
Loan TenureLoan AmountInterest: 9.5%Down Payment (20%)Loan TenurePros & Cons Comparison
Things We Like in Kia Seltos
- Better road presence than the previous gen model.
- Multiple engine and gearbox options on offer.
Things We Like in Renault Duster
- 1.3-litre turbo with 6-speed DCT one of the best engine-gearbox combinations under Rs. 20 lakh.
- Impressive ride and handling balance.
Things We Don't Like in Kia Seltos
- Polarising design, especially at the front.
- No hybrid powertrain currently available.
Things We Don't Like in Renault Duster
- No diesel engine or all-wheel-drive option.
- Rear disc brakes are exclusive to DCT variants.
Kia Seltos Comparisons
Kia Seltos
₹11 - 21.82 Lakh
Hyundai Creta
₹10.91 - 20.46 Lakh
Kia Seltos
₹11 - 21.82 Lakh
Tata Sierra
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₹11 - 21.82 Lakh
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
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Tata Nexon
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Maruti Suzuki Victoris
₹10.50 - 19.99 Lakh
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₹11 - 21.82 Lakh
Kia Sonet
₹7.41 - 14.37 Lakh
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₹11 - 21.82 Lakh
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara
₹16.19 - 20.21 Lakh
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₹11 - 21.82 Lakh
Volkswagen Taigun
₹11 - 19.30 Lakh
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₹11 - 21.82 Lakh
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Renault Duster Comparisons
Renault Duster
₹10.49 - 18.69 Lakh
Hyundai Creta
₹10.91 - 20.46 Lakh
Renault Duster
₹10.49 - 18.69 Lakh
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
₹10.77 - 19.77 Lakh
Renault Duster
₹10.49 - 18.69 Lakh
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
₹11.31 - 20.31 Lakh
Renault Duster
₹10.49 - 18.69 Lakh
Nissan Magnite
₹5.68 - 10.99 Lakh
Renault Duster
₹10.49 - 18.69 Lakh
Renault Kiger
₹5.81 - 10.40 Lakh
Renault Duster
₹10.49 - 18.69 Lakh
Maruti Suzuki Victoris
₹10.50 - 19.99 Lakh
Renault Duster
₹10.49 - 18.69 Lakh
Skoda Kushaq
₹10.69 - 18.99 Lakh
Renault Duster
₹10.49 - 18.69 Lakh
Tata Curvv
₹10 - 19 Lakh
Renault Duster
₹10.49 - 18.69 Lakh
Tata Sierra
₹11.49 - 21.59 Lakh
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