@ Dacia / Renault Group Media
@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
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Dacia Duster vs Ford Kuga – Which model is better for everyday use?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Dacia Duster or Ford Kuga fits your lifestyle better.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

The Compact SUV Showdown: Dacia Duster vs. Ford Kuga

In the competitive realm of compact SUVs, the Dacia Duster and the Ford Kuga stand out as two robust contenders. With distinctive offerings in terms of innovation, design, and efficiency, both models provide a unique take on what a modern SUV should deliver. We delve into the technical specifications, innovations, and overall performance to understand which of these SUVs might suit your needs best.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Engine Performance and Options

Dacia's latest Duster model is versatile, available with LPG, full hybrid, and petrol mild hybrid engines. It showcases power outputs ranging from 91 to 140 horsepower (HP), with accompanying torque figures between 160 to 230 Newton-meters (Nm). Variants include both front-wheel and all-wheel drive systems, offering a robust spread for varied driving conditions. Notably, the Duster offers an impressive acceleration of 9.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h in its top-performing configuration and reaches maximum speeds of up to 180 km/h.

On the other hand, the Ford Kuga impresses with its petrol, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid engine options, generating between 150 to 243 HP along with a consistent torque of 240 Nm. The hybrid and plug-in variants excel with remarkable fuel efficiency, as the plug-in hybrid boasts just 0.9 L/100km fuel consumption and an impressive electric range of 69 km. The Kuga's acceleration peaks with the plug-in hybrid version, achieving 0-100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds and reaching maximum speeds of up to 200 km/h.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Transmission and Driving Dynamics

The Duster provides a choice between a manual gearbox and an automated manual transmission, offering drivers a personalized driving experience. In contrast, the Ford Kuga opts for a standard manual gearbox alongside a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for smooth shifts and enhanced fuel efficiency in their hybrid models. Both SUVs provide all-wheel drive options, ensuring stability and control across various terrains.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Fuel economy remains a crucial factor for many SUV buyers. Duster's engine lineup yields a consumption range from 5 to 8.1 L/100km, accompanied by CO2 emissions measured between 114 to 147 g/km. Each model adheres to varying CO2 efficiency classes from C to E.

The Ford Kuga's offerings, particularly attractive in hybrid forms, boast consumption as low as 0.9 L/100km, with emissions starting from just 20 g/km in its plug-in hybrid models. It stands out with efficiency classes ranging from B to E, demonstrating Ford's commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Interior Comfort and Design

Inside, both SUVs comfortably seat five passengers, each ensuring that passengers experience comfort. The Duster offers a trunk capacity of 430 to 517 liters, whereas the Kuga provides 412 liters—sufficient for daily needs and weekend adventures alike.

The interior design of the Dacia Duster is practical, delivering what is necessary without excess flair, whereas the Kuga includes more upscale interior details, reflecting its inclination towards a premium driving experience.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Dimensions and Road Presence

The Duster measures 4343 mm in length, 1813 mm in width, and up to 1661 mm in height, making it a compact yet confident road presence with curb weights ranging from 1351 to 1465 kg.

The Kuga is relatively larger, with lengths extending from 4604 to 4645 mm, a width of 1882 mm, and heights reaching up to 1681 mm. It weighs slightly more, with curb weights between 1526 and 1859 kg, providing a substantial stance on any road.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Conclusion: Choosing Your SUV

In conclusion, the decision between the Dacia Duster and Ford Kuga boils down to specific needs and preferences. For those seeking a budget-friendly, capable SUV with diverse engine options and robust efficiency, the Duster proves a worthy candidate. In contrast, the Kuga's appeal lies in its premium features, advanced hybrid technology, and sustainability-focused design, catering to buyers who prioritize innovation and environmental responsibility. Both SUVs are prominent options, each offering unique features tailored to different lifestyles and driving needs.

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

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 has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 16300 £, while the Ford Kuga costs 34200 £. That’s a price difference of around 17965 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Ford Kuga manages with 2.80 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Dacia Duster with 4.70 L. The difference is about 1.90 L per 100 km.

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 Ford Kuga has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 243 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 85 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Kuga is evident quicker – completing the sprint in 7.30 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.40 s. That’s about 2.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Ford Kuga performs slight better – reaching 200 km/h, while the Dacia Duster tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Ford Kuga pulls hardly perceptible stronger with 240 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 10 Nm difference.

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 curb weight, Dacia Duster is somewhat lighter – 1377 kg compared to 1526 kg. The difference is around 149 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Dacia Duster offers clearly perceptible more room – 517 L compared to 412 L. That’s a difference of about 105 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Dacia Duster performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1609 L, which is about 75 L more than the Ford Kuga.

When it comes to payload, Ford Kuga slightly takes the win – 550 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 97 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Ford Kuga shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £34,200
Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Ford Kuga

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 243 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.8 - 6.8 L
  • Electric Range : 68 km
details

Dacia Duster

5 (1)
rate

The Dacia Duster is a no-nonsense compact SUV that delivers rugged practicality and surprisingly comfortable everyday driving without fuss. It might not win any beauty contests, but its honest design, easy-to-live-with cabin and tough attitude make it a smart pick for buyers who want reliable transport without luxury frills.

details
d220402p @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
Dacia_Duster_2 @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
d220403p @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
d220404p @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Ford Kuga

3.5 (2)
rate

The Kuga is Ford’s adaptable family SUV that blends usable space with a surprisingly lively driving character, making daily commutes and weekend escapes equally enjoyable. With smart interior packaging, an easy-to-use infotainment setup and composed road manners, it’s a sensible choice for buyers who want a bit of fun without the fuss.

details
ford-kuga-black-edition_exteriores_vignale_14sept2022_0085-LOW @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
ford-kuga-black-edition_exteriores_vignale_14sept2022_0238-LOW @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
FORD_KUGA_ST-LINE_PHEV_024-LOW @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

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Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Costs and Consumption
Price
16300 - 24900 £
Price
34200 - 46300 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.5 L
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
68 km
Battery Capacity
0.60 kWh
Battery Capacity
1.1 - 14.4 kWh
co2
107 - 124 g/km
co2
55 - 154 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 L
Fuel tank capacity
42 - 54 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1377 - 1455 kg
Curb weight
1526 - 1859 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
412 L
Length
4343 mm
Length
4604 - 4645 mm
Width
1813 mm
Width
1882 mm
Height
1656 - 1659 mm
Height
1673 - 1681 mm
Max trunk capacity
1414 - 1609 L
Max trunk capacity
1534 L
Payload
450 - 453 kg
Payload
541 - 550 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
150 - 243 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
195 - 200 km/h
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Torque
240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Engine capacity
1199 - 1789 cm3
Engine capacity
1496 - 2488 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
Brand
Dacia
Brand
Ford

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What drivetrain options does the Dacia Duster have?

The Dacia Duster is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.