Name: Dacia Duster Review
Item: Dacia Duster
Author: Gumtree.com

One of the newer compact SUVs, the Dacia Duster was first launched back in 2010 and has since proved itself as a dream choice for families looking to get the most out of their money. Also known as the Renault Duster in some countries, it’s jointly produced by Renault, alongside Romanian manufacturer Dacia. There’s a wide variety of engine options available, up to a 1.3-litre petrol engine, as well as a 1.5-litre diesel alternative. With its distinctive aesthetic and great fuel efficiency, the Duster is a strong contender for the best value SUV on the market.

See more of this impressive budget SUV on the Dacia Duster model page.

What we think about the Dacia Duster

Though it might be lacking in safety features, the Dacia Duster excels as a budget SUV, with plenty of practicality and style.

Pros

Cheap price point

Great off-roading

Stylish design

Great fuel economy

Roomy, practical interior

Cons

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Entry-level engine is quite weak

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Handling isn’t great

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Poor safety rating

The entry-level version of the 2020 Dacia Duster is a seven-seater – an increase on the five seats sported by previous models. Under the bonnet it has a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, offering around 40 miles to the gallon on average. The appeal of the Duster is that it’s simple and straightforward, but there are four trim levels on offer: Access, Essential, Comfort and Prestige.

Driving performance of the Dacia Duster

Our Driving Rating6 / 10

The Duster isn’t the best car to drive, with a suspension that’s too soft for any excitement and also a little bumpy on occasion. Wind noise can be excessive on longer drives, but the engine is relatively subdued. It might not set the world alight in the speed department, but the Dacia’s handling is a real plus, with power steering that’s light to the touch and highly responsive – perfect for gliding around city streets. The all-wheel-drive and solid chassis provide a much better driving experience when off-roading. It’s definitely tuned to suit passengers more than the driver – no bad thing if you’re using this as a family vehicle.

Safety and reliability of the Dacia Duster

Our Safety Rating6 / 10

Though it’s ideally suited to families in most ways, safety could be the Dacia Duster’s Achilles heel. The SUV achieved a three-star rating when it was last tested by Euro NCAP, which is a full two stars lower than the majority of SUVs on the market. It scored 71% for how well it protected adult passengers, 66% for its protection of children on board and just 37% for safety tech. However, the cheap price point does mean that it’s not too dear to upgrade to more advanced features, like blind-spot monitoring.

Under the bonnet of the Dacia Duster

Our Engine Rating6 / 10

The Dacia Duster’s 1.0-litre entry-level engine is quite weak, providing around 99 bhp and managing 0-60 mph in 12.5 seconds. There’s also a bi-fuel petrol/LPG version of this, which has a lower emissions rating but is even more sluggish, taking 14.4 seconds to reach 60 mph from standing. A better option is the turbocharged 1.3-litre engine, which can do 0-60 in a little over 10 seconds and provide up to 148 bhp. There’s also a 1.5-litre diesel that’s better suited for long-distance drivers, with the 113 bhp giving you a little extra punch to overtake on motorways.

What you'll find in the Dacia Duster

Our Design Rating8 / 10

Bearing in mind that the Dacia Duster is a budget vehicle, it’s way more aesthetically pleasing than it needs to be. It’s even more eye-catching and elegant than many premium SUVs, although the build quality isn’t quite as strong. It has great proportions, smooth lines and a sculpted shape. The sleek front grille and large taillights are particularly distinctive features that make the Duster stand out from the crowd. Only 169 inches long and 72 inches wide, it’s slightly more compact than many competing cars in its class.

Comfort and interiors in the Dacia Duster

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

Looking inside the Dacia Duster is when the low price point starts to make sense, although it’s far from disappointing for a family SUV. Materials are mostly cheap plastics and the design is basic, but the build quality is sturdy and there’s a modern feel to everything. It’s quite a comfortable vehicle to sit in, with plenty of headroom and space for three adults in the back, as well as better padding and adjustability than other budget cars. Boot space is excellent, with a total of 445 litres available – more than most medium-sized cars in its class.

What features you'll find in the Dacia Duster

Our Features Rating7 / 10

The entry-level 2020 version of the Dacia Duster is a lot more basic than many SUVs, with no radio or climate control available. An upgrade to one of the mid-range trims will get you a DAB radio as well as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for mobile device integration. The screen is quite basic and not particularly responsive, but is easy to use. The mid-range versions of the Duster also offer a leather steering wheel and 16-inch alloy wheels, upgraded from the steel ones available in the more basic trims.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Dacia Duster

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

Fuel economy is decent on most of the engines available for the Duster. The best figure you can get is 57.7 mpg, which is possible with the 1.5-litre diesel engine – ideal for drivers who are likely to cover a lot of mileage. The mid-range 1.3-litre petrol can also provide 40 miles to the gallon, which is excellent for an SUV, and the bi-fuel petrol/LPG version offers a little less than that at around 39 mpg.

Running costs of the Dacia Duster

Our Cost Rating9 / 10

The Duster’s great fuel economy makes it cheap to run, regardless of which engine you opt for. Though the bi-fuel petrol/LPG variant offers fewer miles to the gallon than others, it might be worth taking a look at if you’re trying to save money, as LPG is usually around 40% cheaper than petrol. Insurance costs will be low and road tax is about average, which your pockets will thank you for. The standard warranty available from Dacia is three years or 60,000 miles.

Our verdict of the Dacia Duster

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Dacia Duster is one of the best SUV options available for those on a tight budget, and its design and fuel economy are better than many premium rivals.

Dacia Duster Review