Honda HR-V vs Renault Duster
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Honda HR-V starts from $32,900 before on-road costs, while the Renault Duster opens at $31,990. That makes the Renault Duster the more affordable entry point by $910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $32,900 for the Honda HR-V and $34,990 for the Renault Duster.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda HR-V by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda HR-V and Renault Duster hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Honda HR-V and 70% for the Renault Duster.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda HR-V packs more ADAS features with 3 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Renault Duster.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Honda HR-V and 6 in the Renault Duster.
Feature Showdown
The Honda HR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Renault Duster gets a 10.1-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda HR-V stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Renault Duster. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda HR-V uses a Petrol producing 96kW and 172Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Renault Duster responds with a Petrol making 130kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Renault Duster has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda HR-V is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda HR-V measures 4,345mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, matching the Renault Duster at 4,345mm (2,657mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Duster generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 339L in the Honda HR-V and 475L in the Renault Duster, giving the Renault Duster a 136L advantage.
For towing, the Renault Duster leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.9m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Honda HR-V and $1,938/year for the Renault Duster. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Honda HR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Honda HR-V) vs $1,938 (Renault Duster). The Honda HR-V saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda HR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Duster). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda HR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda HR-V if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Renault Duster if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Renault Duster takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda HR-V will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Renault Duster has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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