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Dacia Duster vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (158 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (16,300 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Duster or VW Polo?

Dacia Duster vs VW Polo: Key differences

Dacia Duster

4.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly cheaper
  • very slightly more efficient
  • clearly more trunk space
details

VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
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  • visibly more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly lighter
details

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:

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

Dacia Duster is only slightly cheaper – starting at 16,300 £ , while the VW Polo costs 17,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 981 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Dacia Duster uses 4.7 L/100km and is very slightly more efficient than the VW Polo with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 0.4 L/100km.

Polo

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 VW Polo offers visibly more power – delivering 207 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 49 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Polo is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.4 s. That’s about 2.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Polo delivers markedly more torque with 320 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 90 Nm more.

Duster

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Polo is visibly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,377 kg. The difference is around 234 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Dacia Duster offers clearly more boot space – 517 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 166 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Polo carries only slightly more – 457 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 4 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Polo is clearly superior 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 £17,300
Polo

VW Polo

  • Engine Type Petrol
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 80 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
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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
VW Polo

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

4.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
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

VW Polo

The Polo is a well-built, comfortable hatchback that blends a refined cabin and composed manners into a compact package. It's easy to live with day to day, offering sensible space, tidy controls and reassuring quality that make it a practical choice for city or longer trips.

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Reviews VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Dacia Duster
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
16,300 - 24,900 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
107 - 140 g/km
co2
116 - 148 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
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,813 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
402 - 453 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol
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
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Dacia
Brand
VW
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.