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Dacia Duster vs VW Golf Variant – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Duster or VW Golf Variant?

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

Duster @ dacia-presse.de

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Dacia Duster has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 16300 £, while the VW Golf Variant costs 26100 £. That’s a price difference of around 9861 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf Variant manages with 4.30 L and is therefore somewhat more efficient than the Dacia Duster with 5 L. The difference is about 0.70 L per 100 km.

Golf Variant @ Volkswagen

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 VW Golf Variant has a clearly edge – offering 333 HP compared to 140 HP. That’s roughly 193 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf Variant is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 4.80 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.90 s. That’s about 5.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf Variant performs distinct better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Dacia Duster tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf Variant pulls decisively stronger with 420 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 190 Nm difference.

Duster @ dacia-presse.de

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 curb weight, Dacia Duster is barely noticeable lighter – 1351 kg compared to 1366 kg. The difference is around 15 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers to a small extent more room – 611 L compared to 517 L. That’s a difference of about 94 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf Variant performs minimal better – up to 1642 L, which is about 33 L more than the Dacia Duster.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf Variant noticeable takes the win – 547 kg compared to 430 kg. That’s a difference of about 117 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Golf Variant shows itself to be leaves the rival little chance 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 £26,100
DB2021AU00446_medium

VW Golf Variant

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 8.2 L
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Dacia Duster

5 (1)
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The Dacia Duster represents a compelling choice for those seeking an affordable yet robust SUV in the market. With its rugged design and practicality, it tackles both urban commutes and off-road adventures with ease. Inside, the vehicle offers a spacious cabin that ensures comfort, while maintaining its reputation for delivering excellent value for money.

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d220402p @ dacia-presse.de
Dacia_Duster_2 @ dacia-presse.de
d220403p @ dacia-presse.de
d220404p @ dacia-presse.de

VW Golf Variant

The VW Golf Variant represents a seamless blend of practicality and style, catering to drivers who require extra space without compromising on aesthetics. Its refined design and spacious interior make it an ideal choice for families and individuals with an active lifestyle. With advanced technology and a smooth driving experience, this estate car continues to impress within its class.

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DB2021AU00446_medium @ Volkswagen
DB2021AU00624_medium @ Volkswagen
DB2021AU00625_medium @ Volkswagen
DB2021AU00816_medium @ Volkswagen
DB2021AU00818_medium @ Volkswagen
DB2021AU00641_medium @ Volkswagen
DB2021AU00910_medium @ Volkswagen

Similar Comparisons

Dacia Duster
VW Taigo
VS
In an intriguing showdown between the Dacia Duster and the VW Taigo, the Duster shines with its rugged build and exceptional off-road capabilities, offering great value for adventurous drivers. The VW Taigo, on the other hand, boasts sleek design and advanced technological features, catering to those who seek a stylish and connected urban ride. Both models present compelling choices, appealing to different aspects of driving pleasure and utility.
Skoda Octavia Combi
VW Golf Variant
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If your shopping list includes a boot that can swallow flat-pack furniture and weekend sports equipment without complaint, the Skoda Octavia Estate is the sensible giant with massive practicality and smart value, while the VW Golf Estate packages similar underpinnings into a neater, more refined drive. Choose the Octavia for space and no-nonsense family life; pick the Golf if you prefer sharper handling and a classier cabin — both are solid buys, so it comes down to whether you want a cargo champ or a better-behaved commuter.
Dacia Duster
VW Golf Variant
Duster
Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption
Price
16300 - 24800 £
Price
26100 - 48700 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 7.6 L
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 8.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
0.60 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
113 - 148 g/km
co2
114 - 185 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 - 55 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1351 - 1465 kg
Curb weight
1366 - 1621 kg
Trunk capacity
430 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4343 mm
Length
4631 - 4651 mm
Width
1813 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1656 - 1661 mm
Height
1462 - 1487 mm
Max trunk capacity
1545 - 1609 L
Max trunk capacity
1624 - 1642 L
Payload
414 - 430 kg
Payload
489 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
LPG, Full Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
91 - 140 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 14 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
160 - 180 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 250 km/h
Torque
160 - 230 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
67 - 104 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1598 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G, F, C
Brand
Dacia
Brand
VW

Similar Comparisons

Dacia Duster
Vauxhall 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 ability and don’t mind rough edges. If you want a trouble-free everyday SUV that feels like a smart purchase, take the Duster; if you crave raw 4x4 character for weekend trails and enjoy tinkering, the Frontera is the charming, slightly dusty alternative.
Dacia Duster
Dacia Jogger
VS
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 off-road bravado for family-friendly practicality and impressive value, perfect if you need seats and cargo rather than swagger.
Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero
VS
In the battle between the Dacia Duster and the Dacia Sandero, potential buyers must weigh practicality against compact efficiency. The Duster, with its robust SUV-like design and off-road capabilities, offers more versatility for adventurous drivers, while the Sandero shines as a budget-friendly hatchback that's perfect for urban commuting. Both models deliver outstanding value, but your choice ultimately hinges on the lifestyle needs they fulfill.
Dacia Duster
Skoda Karoq
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In the competitive compact SUV segment, the Dacia Duster and Skoda Karoq emerge as strong contenders, each catering to distinct buyer preferences. The Duster offers an impressive value proposition with its rugged design and practical features, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious adventurers. Meanwhile, the Karoq impresses with its refined interior, advanced technology, and dynamic handling, appealing to those seeking a more premium driving experience.
Dacia Duster
Kia Sportage
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Dacia Duster
Suzuki Vitara
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In the competitive crossover market, the Dacia Duster and Suzuki Vitara stand out for their practicality and value. The Duster offers an exceptional amount of space and rugged off-road capabilities, making it a great choice for adventurous drivers. Meanwhile, the Vitara impresses with its stylish design, advanced safety features, and agile handling, appealing to those seeking a more refined urban experience.
Dacia Duster
Fiat Grande Panda
VS
In the world of budget-friendly SUVs, the Dacia Duster and the Fiat Panda Cross present compelling choices for the adventurous on a shoestring. The Dacia Duster shines with its rugged design and commendable off-road capabilities, making it an ideal companion for those seeking true versatility. On the other hand, the Fiat Panda Cross boasts compact agility and a practical interior, perfect for urban explorers who occasionally venture off the beaten path.
Dacia Duster
Dacia Bigster
VS
In the battle of robust and budget-friendly SUVs, the Dacia Duster and the upcoming Dacia Bigster each offer unique appeals for the adventurous driver. The Dacia Duster, renowned for its impressive off-road capabilities and affordability, has long been a favorite among cost-conscious explorers. However, the Dacia Bigster, set to redefine the brand's footprint with its larger size and potential hybrid engine options, promises a fresh blend of ruggedness and innovation aimed at those looking for more space and versatility without breaking the bank.
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.