Compare performance (158 HP vs 288 HP), boot space and price (16300 £ vs 30200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Duster or Kia Sportage?
The Dacia Duster wears its rugged, no-nonsense charm with pride, the sort of SUV that looks happiest with mud on its tyres and a dog in the boot. Opposite it stands the Kia Sportage, slick and sophisticated, the fashion-forward family choice with a tech-laden cabin and a polished air. Both promise everyday ease, but they speak very different dialects of the same SUV language.
Out on the road, the Sportage feels grown-up and composed, with a calm, settled gait that makes long stretches fly by quietly. It delivers stronger punch when asked and remains reassuringly tidy through bends, prioritising refinement over thrills. The Duster is lighter on its feet and more straightforward, surprisingly game on rough tracks and happy to shrug off potholes with a hearty bounce, rewarding those who value honesty over hush.
The Sportage cushions broken tarmac with an easygoing suppleness, and the cabin remains impressively hushed at speed, adding to its premium impression. Seats are supportive, making extended journeys feel less like endurance tests and more like effortless cruises. The Duster rides with a touch more movement but keeps things comfortable enough, especially around town, where its forgiving setup and upright view come into their own.
Inside, the Sportage goes big on screens and slick graphics, wrapping a lot of functionality in a glossy, modern interface that looks the business. Some touch-sensitive controls may polarise, yet the overall polish and connectivity will delight gadget lovers. The Duster counters with sheer simplicity: clear dials, proper knobs, and an interface that’s quick to understand even with gloved hands, which is exactly the point.
Families will appreciate the Sportage for its generous cabin, easy access, and flexible seating, making prams and school bags feel like an easy chapter rather than a saga. The flat load area and thoughtful storage touches make daily life a breeze. The Duster is more back-to-basics but cleverly so, with a square, usable boot and hardy materials that won’t complain about muddy boots, camping kit, or the odd DIY adventure.
The Duster’s headline act is value: it keeps buying and owning refreshingly straightforward, appealing to those who’d rather spend on trips than trim levels. It feels robust and honest, and you’re never terrified of a supermarket car park. The Sportage asks more on day one but gives back in features, refinement, and the security of a well-regarded ownership experience, especially if you’re drawn to electrified options for everyday efficiency.
If your life swings between school runs and long motorway treks, the Sportage makes a persuasive case with its calm ride, quiet cabin, and tech that takes the sting out of traffic. It’s the set-and-forget companion for commuters and family chauffeurs alike. The Duster suits adventurers and value-seekers, those who like their SUVs tough, straightforward, and ready for a muddy weekend without a second thought.
The Duster has that chunky, purposeful stance that says “let’s get out there,” a timeless utilitarian vibe that’s easy to like. The Sportage is all sharp lines and bold confidence, a driveway statement that looks as modern as it feels inside. Style-conscious buyers will gravitate one way, outdoorsy types the other, and both choices are perfectly valid.
Two SUVs, two strong personalities: one polished and plush, the other rugged and refreshingly honest. Keep reading to discover which one claims the DriveDuel Champion title right after this head-to-head.
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 Kia Sportage costs 30200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13885 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Kia Sportage manages with 2.90 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Dacia Duster with 4.70 L. The difference is about 1.80 L per 100 km.
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 Kia Sportage has a decisively edge – offering 288 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 130 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Kia Sportage is noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 7.50 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.40 s. That’s about 1.90 s faster.
There’s also a difference in torque: Kia Sportage pulls evident stronger with 380 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 150 Nm difference.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In curb weight, Dacia Duster is somewhat lighter – 1377 kg compared to 1552 kg. The difference is around 175 kg.
In terms of boot space, the Kia Sportage offers somewhat more room – 587 L compared to 517 L. That’s a difference of about 70 L.
When it comes to payload, Kia Sportage clearly perceptible takes the win – 580 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 127 kg.
The Kia Sportage is decisively ahead 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.
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.
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The Kia Sportage proves you don't have to choose between style and sensible family motoring, wrapping modern, confident looks around a roomy, well-equipped cabin. It's an easy car to live with — comfortable on daily runs, pleasantly engaging when you want a bit of fun, and kind to your wallet so you can keep smiling at the fuel pump.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
16300 - 24900 £
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Price
30200 - 47100 £
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Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.5 L
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Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 7.8 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
63 - 66 km
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Battery Capacity
0.60 kWh
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
107 - 124 g/km
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co2
67 - 177 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
50 L
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1377 - 1455 kg
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Curb weight
1552 - 1896 kg
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Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
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Trunk capacity
526 - 587 L
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Length
4343 mm
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Length
-
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Width
1813 mm
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Width
1865 mm
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Height
1656 - 1659 mm
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
1414 - 1609 L
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
450 - 453 kg
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Payload
533 - 580 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
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Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
115 - 158 HP
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Power HP
136 - 288 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.6 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.5 - 11.6 s
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Max Speed
180 km/h
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
190 - 230 Nm
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Torque
250 - 380 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
84 - 116 kW
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Power kW
100 - 212 kW
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Engine capacity
1199 - 1789 cm3
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Engine capacity
1598 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2025 - 2026
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
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CO2 Efficiency Class
F, D, E, G, B
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Brand
Dacia
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Brand
Kia
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The Dacia Duster is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.
Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España