Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos
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 Renault Duster starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Seltos opens at $31,250. That makes the Kia Seltos the more affordable entry point by $740.
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. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $35,189 and $34,375 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Renault Duster and Kia Seltos hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Renault Duster and 85% for the Kia Seltos.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Seltos packs more ADAS features with 4 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 Renault Duster and 6 in the Kia Seltos.
Feature Showdown
The Renault Duster features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Kia Seltos gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Renault Duster stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Kia Seltos. The Kia Seltos counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Renault Duster uses a Petrol producing 130kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.2 seconds.
The Kia Seltos responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Renault Duster has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Seltos is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Renault Duster measures 4,345mm long on a 2,657mm wheelbase, 40mm shorter than the Kia Seltos at 4,385mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Duster generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 475L in the Renault Duster and 312L in the Kia Seltos, giving the Renault Duster a 163L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Seltos leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg 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 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,938/year for the Renault Duster and $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Renault Duster.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Renault Duster) vs $1,967 (Kia Seltos). The Renault Duster saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Duster) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Duster if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Renault Duster and Kia Seltos trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Renault Duster will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Renault Duster has a clear edge. The Kia Seltos adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. 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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