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Renault Rafale vs Dacia Bigster comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 158 HP), boot space and price (37,700 £ vs 20,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault Rafale or Dacia Bigster?

Renault Rafale vs Dacia Bigster: Key differences

Renault Rafale

4.9 (9 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Dacia Bigster

4.6 (10 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • visibly lighter
  • marginally more trunk space
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

Rafale

Renault Rafale vs Dacia Bigster: A Comprehensive Comparison

As the automotive landscape evolves, two notable SUVs are vying for attention in the mid-sized segment: the Renault Rafale and the Dacia Bigster. Both models offer unique features and innovative technology, catering to a range of consumers looking for practicality, efficiency, and performance. In this article, we'll delve into the technical specifications and innovations that set these two vehicles apart.

Bigster

Design and Dimensions

When it comes to size, the Renault Rafale measures 4710 mm in length, 1886 mm in width, and 1613 mm in height, making it a striking presence on the road. In contrast, the Dacia Bigster is slightly smaller, at 4570 mm in length, 1813 mm in width, and 1705 mm in height. Both SUVs feature five doors and a generous interior space, comfortably accommodating five passengers.

Rafale

Engine Performance and Efficiency

The Renault Rafale offers a range of powertrains, including full hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, producing between 200 hp and 300 hp with an automatic gearbox. Its fuel consumption is impressive, with figures as low as 4.7 L/100 km and an electric-only range of 97 km. With a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.4 seconds, the Rafale promises not just efficiency but also performance.

On the other hand, the Dacia Bigster, set to debut in 2025, presents a choice of petrol MHEV, full hybrid, and LPG engines. The power output ranges from 130 hp to 155 hp, coupled with manual and automated transmission options. Its fuel efficiency also stands out, with consumption figures between 4.7 to 6.1 L/100 km. However, its 0-100 km/h acceleration is a bit lagging compared to the Rafale, clocking in at around 9.7 to 11.2 seconds.

Bigster

Driving Dynamics and Features

The Renault Rafale is designed for a smooth and responsive driving experience, utilizing front-wheel drive. The SUV boasts a maximum speed of 180 km/h and offers advanced safety features along with cutting-edge infotainment systems. Its CO2 efficiency class ranges from C to B, making it an environmentally friendly option.

Conversely, the Dacia Bigster is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, providing versatility for varied driving conditions. It matches the Rafale in top speed but offers different torque figures, peaking at 230 Nm, which translates to slightly lower performance in everyday driving scenarios.

Rafale

Interior and Cargo Space

Inside, the Renault Rafale excels in comfort and technology. With a trunk capacity of 627 liters, it easily surpasses the Bigster's maximum trunk space of 667 liters. The Rafale is designed with traveler comfort in mind, featuring high-quality materials and premium finishes.

The Dacia Bigster, designed to be budget-friendly, offers ample space but focuses on practicality over luxury. Its interior features are straightforward, catering to families and individuals looking for functional storage solutions rather than high-end luxury finishes.

Bigster

Conclusion

In summary, the Renault Rafale and Dacia Bigster represent two different philosophies within the SUV market. The Rafale may appeal to buyers seeking performance, cutting-edge technology, and efficiency, while the Bigster serves as a cost-effective choice with decent utility and versatility. Ultimately, the decision will rest on personal priorities: whether luxury and performance or practicality and value take precedence in your automotive journey.

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

Rafale

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Dacia Bigster is clearly cheaper – starting at 20,600 £ , while the Renault Rafale costs 37,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 17,152 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Renault Rafale uses 2 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Dacia Bigster with 4.7 L/100km. The difference is about 2.7 L/100km.

Bigster

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Renault Rafale offers clearly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 142 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault Rafale is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 6.4 s, while the Dacia Bigster takes 9.7 s. That’s about 3.3 s quicker.

Rafale

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, Dacia Bigster is visibly lighter – 1,425 kg compared to 1,734 kg. The difference is around 309 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Dacia Bigster offers marginally more boot space – 667 L compared to 627 L. That’s a difference of about 40 L.

When it comes to payload, the Dacia Bigster carries very slightly more – 465 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 21 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Renault Rafale is decisively ahead 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 £37,700
Rafale

Renault Rafale

  • Engine Type Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 200 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2 - 5 L/100km
  • Electric Range 97 km
Renault Rafale
Dacia Bigster

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Renault Rafale

The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.

details

Dacia Bigster

The Dacia Bigster is a straightforward, value-driven SUV that emphasizes space, practicality and low running costs rather than flashy tech. It’s a sensible choice for buyers who want a roomy, well-built family car with rugged styling and easy-to-use features at an affordable price.

details
Renault Rafale
Dacia Bigster

Costs and Consumption

Price
37,700 - 49,700 £
Price
20,600 - 28,100 £
Consumption L/100km
2 - 5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
97 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
43 - 108 g/km
co2
106 - 134 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
1,734 - 2,025 kg
Curb weight
1,425 - 1,611 kg
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Trunk capacity
444 - 667 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,886 mm
Width
1,813 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
415 - 444 kg
Payload
434 - 465 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Power HP
140 - 158 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.7 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
-
Torque
230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Power kW
103 - 116 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
Brand
Renault
Brand
Dacia
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.