Renault Duster hybrid takes on Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid in mid-size SUV segment

The long-awaited Renault Duster hybrid has finally been launched in India with a strong-hybrid powertrain. In the mid-size SUV segment it competes directly with the Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid, which is already established in the market. Both vehicles have automatic transmissions and similar mileage, and they are closely matched on engine, features and price.

The Renault Duster has a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery. The hybrid system delivers a maximum of 158 hp, and the traction motor produces 208 Nm of torque. It has an 8-speed dual-mode hybrid transmission (DHT), and power goes to the front wheels.

The Maruti Suzuki strong hybrid has a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with one electric motor and a 0.60 kWh battery. The hybrid unit produces 114.4 hp and 141 Nm of torque. It has an e-CVT automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. With the bigger engine, an extra electric motor and a larger battery pack, the Duster is clearly ahead on power output.

The newly launched Duster strong hybrid is also slightly ahead on mileage. Its ARAI-claimed figure is 29 km/l, against 28.65 km/l for the Victoris. The difference of just 0.35 km/l is very small. Despite using different hybrid technologies, the two vehicles deliver similar mileage, and the Duster has managed to stay ahead despite its larger 1.8-litre engine and two electric motors.

The Duster strong hybrid comes in three versions: Evolution, Techno and Emotion. Its ex-showroom price starts at Rs 16.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 19.49 lakh. The starting price of the Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid is somewhat lower than Renault's. Its base variant VXI starts at Rs 16.43 lakh, while the top-spec ZXI Plus (O) strong hybrid goes up to Rs 19.99 lakh. The starting prices of the Duster hybrid are introductory and apply to deliveries made up to December 31, 2026.

Variant by variant, at the entry level the Duster Evolution costs Rs 16.99 lakh and the Victoris VXI Rs 16.43 lakh. At the mid level, the Duster Techno costs Rs 18.99 lakh and the Victoris ZXI Rs 18.00 lakh. At the top, the Duster Emotion costs Rs 19.49 lakh and the Victoris ZXI Plus (O) Rs 19.99 lakh.

On features, the Renault Duster has a 10.25-inch digital driver display, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control and ventilated front seats with 6-way power adjustment. Higher variants also get a powered tailgate. Safety features include 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors and Level 2 ADAS.

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris has a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging and a powered tailgate with gesture control. Safety features such as Level 2 ADAS and 6 airbags are available on select automatic variants. Buyers will need to check the separate list for each variant to see which features come with the strong-hybrid variants.