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Dacia Duster vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (158 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (16,300 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Duster or Subaru Forester?

Dacia Duster vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Dacia Duster

5 (2 Reviews)
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  • substantially cheaper
  • somewhat more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly lighter
  • very slightly more trunk space
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Subaru Forester

4.4 (4 Reviews)
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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 substantially cheaper – starting at 16,300 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 34,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 18,428 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Dacia Duster uses 4.7 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 3.4 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Dacia Duster offers somewhat more power – delivering 158 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 22 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Dacia Duster is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 9.4 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 2.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Dacia Duster delivers markedly more torque with 230 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 48 Nm more.

Duster

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, Dacia Duster is markedly lighter – 1,377 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 316 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Dacia Duster offers very slightly more boot space – 517 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 9 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries only slightly more – 492 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 39 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Dacia Duster 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 £16,300
Duster

Dacia Duster

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 115 - 158 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Dacia Jogger
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The Dacia Duster is the rugged, no-nonsense compact SUV that feels ready for gravel tracks and weekend escapes without costing the earth — pick it if you want a bit of adventure in a brutally honest, affordable package. The Dacia Jogger, by contrast, is a clever, spacious seven-seater that trades …
Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero
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If you need a proper SUV silhouette, more room and rough-road confidence, the Dacia Duster is the sensible adventurer — higher ride height, optional 4x4 and a generous boot make it the one to choose for family trips and gravel tracks. But if you mainly commute, squeeze into city parking and care …
Dacia Duster
Subaru Forester

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 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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Reviews Dacia Duster

5 (2 Reviews)
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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

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4.4 (4 Reviews)
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Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Suzuki Vitara
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The Dacia Duster still shocks with back-to-basics toughness and an unbeatable price — real off-road chops and a cavernous boot for a fraction of the bill — while the Suzuki Vitara answers with sharper handling, nicer interior materials and smarter tech that feels a touch more grown-up. Choose the …
Dacia Duster
Renault Captur
VS
Think of the Dacia Duster as the bargain-basement SUV that treats rough roads like a challenge and your wallet like a VIP—rugged, simple and brutally practical. The Renault Captur, by contrast, is the fashion-forward city slicker with sharper looks, more tech and a softer ride, ideal if you want …
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 Yaris Cross
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The Dacia Duster feels like a rugged, no‑nonsense bargain—roomy, high‑riding and ready to tackle dirt tracks for a fraction of the price, while the Toyota Yaris Cross is the clever city SUV: compact, efficient and wrapped in Toyota’s polished hybrid refinement. Choose the Duster if you want space …
Dacia Duster
Skoda Kamiq
VS
In an enticing showdown between value and versatility, the Dacia Duster takes on the Skoda Kamiq, two compact SUVs that cater to discerning budget-conscious buyers. While the Duster boasts an impressive amount of interior space and rugged capability, the Kamiq shines with its refined design and …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Dacia Duster
VS
In the fiercely competitive subcompact SUV segment, the Citroen C3 Aircross stands out with its bold design and customizable interior options, appealing to urban drivers seeking both style and practicality. Meanwhile, the Dacia Duster offers remarkable value for money, boasting robust off-road …
Dacia Duster
Kia Sportage
VS
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, …
Dacia Duster
Peugeot 2008
VS
In the compact SUV showdown between the Dacia Duster and the Peugeot 2008, both contenders bring unique attributes to the table. The Dacia Duster stands out with its rugged, off-road-ready design and unbeatable value for money, making it a favorite for adventurers on a budget. Meanwhile, the …
Dacia Duster
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
16,300 - 24,900 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
0.6 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
107 - 140 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,377 - 1,455 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
4,343 mm
Length
-
Width
1,813 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
1,656 - 1,659 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,414 - 1,609 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
402 - 453 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Dacia
Brand
Subaru
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.