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Renault Rafale vs Dacia Bigster – Which car suits you better?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Renault Rafale or Dacia Bigster fits your lifestyle better.

Rafale @ Renault Group Media

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 @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

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 @ Renault Group Media

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 @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

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 @ Renault Group Media

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 @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

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

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Dacia Bigster has a decisively advantage in terms of price – it starts at 20600 £, while the Renault Rafale costs 37500 £. That’s a price difference of around 16980 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Renault Rafale manages with 0.60 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Dacia Bigster with 4.70 L. The difference is about 4.10 L per 100 km.

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 Renault Rafale has a convincingly edge – offering 300 HP compared to 155 HP. That’s roughly 145 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault Rafale is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.40 s, while the Dacia Bigster takes 9.70 s. That’s about 3.30 s faster.

There’s no difference in top speed – both reach 180 km/h.

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 curb weight, Dacia Bigster is clearly perceptible lighter – 1425 kg compared to 1734 kg. The difference is around 309 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Dacia Bigster offers hardly perceptible more room – 667 L compared to 627 L. That’s a difference of about 40 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Dacia Bigster performs minimal better – up to 1937 L, which is about 27 L more than the Renault Rafale.

When it comes to payload, Dacia Bigster slight takes the win – 467 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 23 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Renault Rafale proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Renault Rafale is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £37,500
Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Renault Rafale

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 200 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.6 - 5 L
  • Electric Range : 97 km

Renault Rafale

5 (2)
rate

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

5 (1)
rate

The Bigster is poised to redefine the SUV segment with its bold design and spacious interior, catering to the needs of both families and adventure seekers alike. Emphasizing sustainability and practicality, this model reflects a modern approach to automotive engineering, making it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious drivers. With its striking presence on the road, the Bigster not only captures attention but also embodies a new era of versatile mobility.

details
Renault Rafale
Dacia Bigster
Rafale @ Renault Group Media
Bigster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
37500 - 49500 £
Price
20600 - 26600 £
Consumption L/100km
0.6 - 5 L
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
97 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
14 - 109 g/km
co2
106 - 137 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 L
Fuel tank capacity
50 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1734 - 2025 kg
Curb weight
1425 - 1547 kg
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Trunk capacity
510 - 667 L
Length
4710 mm
Length
4570 mm
Width
1886 mm
Width
1813 mm
Height
1613 mm
Height
1705 mm
Max trunk capacity
1826 - 1910 L
Max trunk capacity
1813 - 1937 L
Payload
415 - 444 kg
Payload
383 - 467 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Power HP
130 - 155 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.7 - 11.2 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
-
Torque
230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Power kW
96 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 - 1799 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, C
Brand
Renault
Brand
Dacia
What drive types are available for the Renault Rafale?

The Renault Rafale is offered with All-Wheel Drive or Front-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.