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Dacia Duster vs SEAT Leon comparison

Compare performance (158 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (16,300 £ vs 24,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Duster or SEAT Leon?

Dacia Duster vs SEAT Leon: Key differences

Dacia Duster

4.6 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • markedly more trunk space
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SEAT Leon

4.4 (2 Reviews)
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  • clearly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Duster

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Dacia Duster is considerably cheaper – starting at 16,300 £ , while the SEAT Leon costs 24,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,528 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the SEAT Leon uses 1.2 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Dacia Duster with 4.7 L/100km. The difference is about 3.5 L/100km.

Leon

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the SEAT Leon offers clearly more power – delivering 272 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 114 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the SEAT Leon is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.7 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.4 s. That’s about 1.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the SEAT Leon delivers markedly more torque with 360 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 130 Nm more.

Duster

Space and Everyday Use:

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 terms of curb weight, SEAT Leon is barely lighter – 1,344 kg compared to 1,377 kg. The difference is around 33 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 SEAT Leon carries moderately more – 521 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 68 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The SEAT 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 £24,800
Leon

SEAT Leon

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.2 - 5.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range 133 km
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Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Dacia Jogger
VS
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 …
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
SEAT Leon

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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)
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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

SEAT Leon

SEAT Leon pairs sharp, modern styling with a cabin that's sensible and slightly sporty, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want flair without fuss. It drives with eager composure and offers a neat balance of comfort and agility, so you get everyday usability with a wink of fun.

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Small-35510-SEATLeonkeepsWhatCarAwardinthefamily

Reviews SEAT Leon

4.4 (2 Reviews)
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FaBio
4 Jan 2026, 21:30:20

Mechanically the car is fairly well built, apart from the rear axle.
The air conditioning is effective and visibility is good, while the FR setup paired with the 18" wheels, in my view, hurts comfort — getting in and out can be awkward. Once on board, though, the seats are very comfortable. The infotainment is comprehensive, with a generously sized screen and full-link smartphone connectivity; the factory sat-nav does what it can, but obviously Maps is superior in every way.
All in all, a fun/sporty car that also winks at family life thanks to a roomy boot and modest fuel consumption.

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

Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Opel Frontera
VS
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
Dacia Bigster
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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 …
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SEAT Leon
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Dacia Duster
Renault Symbioz
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This quick comparison pits the practical, budget‑minded Dacia Duster against Renault’s forward‑looking Symbioz concept. The Duster is a compact SUV built around affordability, ruggedness and simple, proven technology, while the Symbioz is a showpiece electric concept focused on advanced …
Dacia Duster
Omoda 5
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The Dacia Duster and Omoda 5 are compact SUVs that take different approaches: the Duster prioritizes rugged practicality, simplicity and low running costs, while the Omoda 5 leans on bold styling, tech-rich cabins and a more refined on-road feel. This quick comparison will help you decide whether …
Dacia Duster
Renault Captur
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Choosing between the Dacia Duster and the Renault Captur comes down to whether you prioritise rugged value or urban refinement. The Duster is a no‑nonsense, spacious SUV with strong off‑road ability and low running costs, while the Captur focuses on stylish design, a smoother on‑road ride and more …
Dacia Duster
Suzuki S-Cross
VS
Choosing between the Dacia Duster and the Suzuki S-Cross is about whether you want rugged simplicity and great value or a more refined, comfortable compact crossover. This comparison will focus on real-world space, economy, driving feel and running costs to help you decide which suits your needs.
Dacia Duster
Toyota Yaris Cross
VS
The Dacia Duster and the Toyota Yaris Cross are two popular compact SUVs that take very different approaches: the Duster (commonly just "Duster") focuses on rugged practicality and strong value, while the Toyota Yaris Cross (often "Yaris Cross") prioritises refinement, hybrid efficiency and …
Dacia Duster
SEAT Leon

Costs and Consumption
Price
16,300 - 24,900 £
Price
24,800 - 36,800 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
133 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
107 - 140 g/km
co2
28 - 126 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,377 - 1,559 kg
Curb weight
1,344 - 1,657 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,813 mm
Width
1,799 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
402 - 453 kg
Payload
473 - 521 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
116 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.7 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
85 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
Brand
Dacia
Brand
SEAT
What drivetrain options does the Dacia Duster have?

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