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Dacia Duster vs Suzuki S-Cross comparison

Compare performance (158 HP vs 110 HP), boot space and price (16,300 £ vs 21,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Duster or Suzuki S-Cross?

Dacia Duster vs Suzuki S-Cross: Key differences

Dacia Duster

4.6 (5 Reviews)
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  • markedly cheaper
  • noticeably more power
  • somewhat more efficient
  • somewhat more trunk space
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Suzuki S-Cross

4.7 (5 Reviews)
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  • very slightly 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

Duster

Overview: Dacia Duster VS Suzuki S-Cross — what this matchup is about

Dacia Duster VS Suzuki S-Cross pitches a blunt-value, do‑it‑all compact SUV against a tidy, well‑equipped pragmatic rival. The Dacia Duster plays the role of an honest workhorse: roomy, rugged-feeling and built around usable, low‑fuss features. The Suzuki S‑Cross answers with polished practicality — intuitive controls, generous standard kit and a light‑on‑its‑feet mild‑hybrid character in everyday driving. This comparison looks beyond badges to show how those differences matter in daily life, from rough tracks to school runs and motorway miles.

S-Cross

Character and driving feel

The Dacia Duster drives like a compact SUV that expects to see gravel and muddy tracks, with a higher stance and a focus on effortless progress rather than razor‑sharp handling. The Suzuki S‑Cross feels lighter and more planted in town, its mild‑hybrid set‑up and nimble steering giving it a livelier, more composed feel for commuting and twisty B‑roads. If you plan to head off‑piste or need actual traction options, the Duster’s more robust 4x4 pedigree is a clear advantage; if you prioritise everyday agility and predictability, the S‑Cross is the easier car to hustle. Both avoid sporty pretence, but the Duster leans toward rugged calm while the S‑Cross leans toward civilised efficiency.

Duster

Comfort and long‑distance behavior

On short trips the Dacia Duster’s soft suspension and high seats feel forgiving and easygoing, but on sustained motorway runs the Duster also reveals more wind and tyre noise than some buyers expect. The Suzuki S‑Cross generally rides serenely at moderate speeds and rewards long stints with a steady, relaxed demeanour, though it too can be vocal at higher speeds depending on tyres and trim. Seats in both cars are comfort‑oriented rather than sport‑oriented, but rear bench comfort is a touch more accommodating in the S‑Cross for two adults; Duster rear middle accommodation is less friendly. So for many long‑distance drivers the S‑Cross’s composed cruise will feel less tiring, while Duster owners accept some noise in return for a cushioned ride and utility.

S-Cross

Practicality and everyday usability

The Dacia Duster is the more utilitarian of the two: larger load space, a higher payload feel and hardwearing surfaces that shrug off family life and outdoor kit. The Suzuki S‑Cross counters with a smartly thought‑out boot in its mild‑hybrid guise — a flexible floor and clever packaging that makes daily loading and grocery runs painless, but some of its hybrid options curtail usable luggage room. Inside, Duster’s simple storage touches and optional accessories are purposefully practical, while S‑Cross packs more standard equipment to help daily usability like integrated smartphone mirroring. If you need the biggest, most rugged cargo solution choose the Duster; if you want clever, everyday space management in a compact footprint, the S‑Cross is the better fit.

Duster

Cabin feel, tech and perceived quality

Neither car dresses itself in premium materials, but they reach that functional goal from different angles: the Dacia Duster feels robust and deliberately simple — hard plastics but durable finishes and pragmatic switches — whereas the Suzuki S‑Cross aims for a tidier, more refined presentation with conventional knobs and buttons that make day‑to‑day operation easier. Infotainment on both can feel dated at the high end of expectations, yet the S‑Cross’s standard smartphone integration and familiar controls win points for usability. The Duster’s cabin rewards buyers who value resilience over shine; the S‑Cross appeals to those who want a neater interior and easier tech access even if it isn’t luxurious.

S-Cross

Buyer fit and trade‑offs — who should pick which?

Choose the Dacia Duster if your priorities are maximum usable space, rugged utility, a stronger value proposition and the option of genuine off‑road capability — it suits families, rural buyers and active owners who accept some acoustic and tech compromises. Choose the Suzuki S‑Cross if you favour a lighter, more civilised daily driver with sensible equipment levels, intuitive controls and tidy packaging that makes city driving and commuting pleasant, while still offering optional traction where needed. The trade‑off comes down to utility versus refinement: the Duster gives you more car for the money and more practical muscle, the S‑Cross gives a neater, less raw everyday experience. Below this editorial comparison the technical section dives into drivetrains, boot figures and equipment levels that underline those real‑world differences so you can match exact specs to your needs.

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The Suzuki S-Cross and the Suzuki Vitara take different approaches to the compact SUV segment: the S-Cross leans towards comfort, refinement and value, while the Vitara offers a more rugged look and a livelier driving character. I’ll outline their strengths in space, ride, economy and equipment to …
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Dacia Jogger
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Duster

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Dacia Duster is markedly cheaper – starting at 16,300 £ , while the Suzuki S-Cross costs 21,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,485 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Dacia Duster uses 4.7 L/100km and is somewhat more efficient than the Suzuki S-Cross with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 0.6 L/100km.

S-Cross

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 Dacia Duster offers noticeably more power – delivering 158 HP compared to 110 HP. That’s roughly 48 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Suzuki S-Cross delivers marginally more torque with 235 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 5 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, Suzuki S-Cross is very slightly lighter – 1,280 kg compared to 1,377 kg. The difference is around 97 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Dacia Duster offers somewhat more boot space – 517 L compared to 430 L. That’s a difference of about 87 L.

When it comes to payload, the Dacia Duster carries slightly more – 453 kg compared to 405 kg. That’s a difference of about 48 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Dacia Duster stands well ahead of its rival 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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Dacia Duster
Suzuki S-Cross

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

Suzuki S-Cross

The Suzuki S-Cross is a practical, well-built compact crossover that puts comfort, efficiency and everyday reliability first. With a roomy cabin, straightforward technology and sensible design, it’s a no-nonsense choice for buyers seeking a versatile family car.

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Reviews Suzuki S-Cross

4.7 (5 Reviews)
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Miroljub
6 Nov 2025, 11:17:36

best

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Suzuki S-Cross

Costs and Consumption
Price
16,300 - 24,900 £
Price
21,800 - 34,200 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
107 - 140 g/km
co2
119 - 138 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,377 - 1,559 kg
Curb weight
1,280 - 1,385 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
430 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,813 mm
Width
1,785 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
402 - 453 kg
Payload
395 - 405 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, 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
110 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Torque
235 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
81 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3
Engine capacity
1,373 cm3

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