New Renault Duster Vs Maruti Grand Vitara Compared: Which SUV Is Better?

Renault recently introduced the new Duster for the Indian market at Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom), but while it is the model that birthed the compact SUV segment in India, it now returns to a much more crowded space with a lot of tough competition.

One of these rivals that has proven popular with buyers is the Maruti Grand Vitara, which has so far stood out for its tough looks, great efficiency figures and an easy-to-drive nature. Can the Duster give the Grand Vitara a run for its money? Let’s find out: 

Price

All prices ex-showroom India

• The Duster’s base variant is more affordable than the Grand Vitara’s by Rs 28,000 making for a significantly lower entry point.

• On the other hand, the top-spec Duster undercuts the Grand Vitara by more than Rs 1 lakh.

• However do note that the Grand Vitara being an older model should have significant discounts on offer. You can check with your local dealership for the exact amount.

Dimensions

• As seen above, both the SUVs have almost the same length.

• However, the Duster is significantly wider by 20 mm and taller by a whopping 56 mm, which gives it better road presence.

• Renault has also given it a 57 mm longer wheelbase, which translates to better room inside the cabin.

Colour Options

• Renault offers 6 monotone colour options with the Duster, while the Grand Vitara gets 7 shades.

• You can order the Duster with a dual-tone scheme with a black roof in the Red, Blue, Green and White hues. Maruti also offers a contrast black roof with the Grand Vitara’s White, Silver and Red hues.

Features

• Both the SUVs are equipped quite well, but the Duster gets some extra equipment such as a larger digital cluster with map projection, powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, LED fog lamps and a 6-way power-adjustable co-driver seat.

• The Grand Vitara gets a heads-up display, rear sunshades, an 8-way powered driver seat and a Clarion-branded audio system over the Duster.

• Safety-wise, the Duster has a big advantage with its Level 2 ADAS suite, front and side parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers, which are not offered by Maruti.

Powertrain

MT- Manual Transmission, AT- Automatic Transmission (torque converter)

DCT- Dual Clutch Transmission (automatic), CVT- Continuously Variable Transmission

FWD- Front-wheel Drive, AWD- All-wheel Drive

• The Duster’s base powertrain makes 3 PS less power, but backs it up with 21 Nm of extra torque and a 6-speed gearbox, which will fare better for highway runs. 

• That said, the Grand Vitara is available with an AT for the 1.5-litre petrol engine, which will be beneficial for users with high in-city running.

• The Duster also offers an enthusiast-friendly 1.3-litre turbo-petrol powertrain, which can also be had with an optional DCT gearbox. 

• On the other hand, the Grand Vitara’s 1.5-litre strong-hybrid powertrain is its USP in this comparison and is known to deliver impressive real-life fuel efficiency figures. 

• You also get a more economical CNG fuel option with the Maruti SUV.

• For rough-road use, the Grand Vitara also offers an optional all-wheel drivetrain, while the Duster is front-wheel drive only.

You can also check out this story for a variant-wise powertrain breakup of the Duster.

CarDekho Says…

The Renault Duster is back and how. It’s made a blockbuster launch once again with reasonable pricing, tough styling, a long list of features and competent powertrains. With such a well-rounded package, Renault surely has its eyes on all the established players in the compact SUV segment.

However, the Grand Vitara also makes for a great option with its stupendous fuel efficiency figures, a subtle and classy styling package, a wide range of powertrain choices and Maruti’s impressive and large after-sales support network. 

This comparison has ascertained the fact that both these SUVs cater to very different kinds of buyers. If you are looking for a sensible crossover that offers all the modernities, drive a lot inside the city, or just want to go with the ‘safe’ option, which can never go wrong, the Grand Vitara is meant for you. 

But if you want some thrills, a little bit more personality and fancier equipment on offer, the Duster will certainly turn out to be the more appealing choice. All in all, both cars are competitive options and it boils down to your personal preferences and needs. As usual, we suggest checking both cars in detail at your local dealerships and taking a thorough test drive before making your decision.

Here are some more cars you can consider if you're eyeing the new Duster

• Hyundai Creta: If you want a high-quality interior and a diesel engine option (Duster Vs Creta Compared)
• Kia Seltos: For a feature-loaded and spacious cabin with a wide range of powertrains (Duster Vs Seltos Compared)
• Tata Sierra: Brings forward a retro-cool design and segment-first features (Duster Vs Sierra Compared)
• Maruti Victoris: Similiar package as the Grand Vitara but with bigger boot space, premium interior and more features (Duster Vs Victoris Compared)
• Honda Elevate: A comfortable ride, refined driving experience and its no-nonsense nature (Duster vs Elevate Compared)
• MG Astor: Packs in a high quality interior and has a significantly less expensive top-end variant (Duster vs  Astor Compared)
• Toyota Hyryder: If you like the Grand Vitara's package, but want the same from Toyota with slightly different styling (Duster vs Hyryder Compared)