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CUPRA Leon vs Dacia Duster comparison

Compare performance (325 HP vs 158 HP), boot space and price (35,700 £ vs 16,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Leon or Dacia Duster?

CUPRA Leon vs Dacia Duster: Key differences

CUPRA Leon

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
details

Dacia Duster

4.6 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • markedly more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Leon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Dacia Duster is clearly cheaper – starting at 16,300 £ , while the CUPRA Leon costs 35,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 19,401 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Dacia Duster with 4.7 L/100km. The difference is about 3.4 L/100km.

Duster

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the CUPRA Leon offers substantially more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 167 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Leon is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 5.4 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.4 s. That’s about 4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the CUPRA Leon delivers significantly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 190 Nm more.

Leon

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, CUPRA Leon is marginally lighter – 1,371 kg compared to 1,377 kg. The difference is around 6 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Dacia Duster offers markedly more boot space – 517 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 137 L.

When it comes to payload, the CUPRA Leon carries marginally more – 493 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 40 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The CUPRA Leon is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £35,700
Leon

CUPRA Leon

  • Engine Type Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic, Manual
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 124 - 131 km
details

Frequently compared as well

CUPRA Formentor
CUPRA Leon
VS
Choose the CUPRA Formentor if you want SUV presence, extra boot space and a comfy ride that still hides a spicy engine under the hood; pick the CUPRA Leon if you crave a lower, sharper hot-hatch feel with crisper handling and more driver-focused thrills. In short: the Formentor impresses with …
Dacia Duster
Dacia Jogger
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Choosing between the Dacia Duster and the Dacia Jogger comes down to whether you want a compact SUV with stronger on-road and light off-road ability or a stretched estate focused on space and family practicality. The Duster favours higher ground clearance and a tougher presence, while the Jogger …
CUPRA Leon
Dacia Duster

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

CUPRA Leon

The Cupra Leon blends sporting intent with everyday practicality, serving up sharp handling and a cabin that feels more premium than its hatchback looks might suggest. It's a driver's car in commuter clothing — lively, distinctive, and clever enough to make daily driving feel a little less routine without screaming for attention.

details
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CUPRA-Leon_09_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_38_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_88_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_91_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_96_HQ

Reviews CUPRA Leon

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Coutand
2 Jul 2026, 16:43:43

It's a very good sporty and comfortable car, light and powerful with very good handling. The vehicle is very comfortable and pleasant; I tried it — it's the one I recommend. It's reasonably priced depending on the engine.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is a straightforward, budget-friendly SUV that prioritizes practicality and value over flashy features. Its rugged styling and simple, roomy interior make it a sensible choice for buyers who want capable everyday transport without paying for extras they won’t use.

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Reviews Dacia Duster

4.6 (5 Reviews)
rate
Dave
11 May 2026, 00:08:47

As a previous owner of a manual 1998 Suzuki Vitara (two door), I was thrilled when the Duster was announced. The Bigster seems like a safer (and less adventurous) alternative to the Duster.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Buh
14 Dec 2025, 22:40:05

I find the difference between the two very minimal.
And for almost €20k more 💶 I would absolutely not choose the Tiguan.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

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The Dacia Duster is a compact, proven SUV that’s affordable and easy to live with; the Dacia Bigster is a bigger, more modern model focused on space and family practicality. This comparison will help you weigh size, interior comfort, engines, equipment and running costs so you can pick the right …
Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero
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The Dacia Duster and Dacia Sandero are budget-friendly staples from the same brand, but they serve very different needs: the Duster is a compact SUV with higher ground clearance and more interior space, while the Sandero is a practical, economical hatchback ideal for city driving. This comparison …
Dacia Duster
Skoda Karoq
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The Dacia Duster and Skoda Karoq are compact SUVs that both promise practicality, but they target very different buyers: the Duster delivers rugged, no-frills value and simple off-road capability, while the Karoq focuses on refinement, comfort and a more comprehensive tech and safety package. …
Dacia Duster
Suzuki S-Cross
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Dacia Duster
Opel Frontera
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The Dacia Duster is the sensible new-school pick — affordable, economical and surprisingly well packaged with modern safety and infotainment for the money; the Opel Frontera, meanwhile, is a proper old-school body-on-frame bruiser that still appeals to buyers who prize simple, rugged off-road …
Dacia Duster
Toyota RAV4
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Comparing the Dacia Duster and the Toyota RAV4 is a classic value-versus-refinement match: the Duster delivers rugged practicality and low running costs, while the RAV4 brings more comfort, advanced tech and proven long-term reliability. Which suits you depends on priorities—go for the Duster if …
Dacia Duster
Fiat Grande Panda
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Comparing the Dacia Duster and the Fiat Panda puts a rugged, budget-friendly compact SUV against a practical, city-focused hatchback. Which suits you best comes down to whether you value space and mild off-road capability (Duster) or nimble urban usability and economy (Panda).
Dacia Duster
Kia Sportage
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The Dacia Duster is the no-frills, mud-loving bargain that happily chews up trails and your monthly payments, while the Kia Sportage counters with slick tech, a plush cabin, and the sort of refinement that makes long commutes feel shorter. If your wallet leads, pick the Duster; if your senses do, …
CUPRA Leon
Dacia Duster

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,700 - 50,900 £
Price
16,300 - 24,900 £
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
124 - 131 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
28 - 172 g/km
co2
107 - 140 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,371 - 1,708 kg
Curb weight
1,377 - 1,559 kg
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,799 mm
Width
1,813 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
432 - 493 kg
Payload
402 - 453 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Transmission
Automatic, Manual
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 325 HP
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 420 Nm
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
110 - 239 kW
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
Dacia
Is the CUPRA Leon offered with different drivetrains?

The CUPRA Leon is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.