Renault Duster vs Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Duster starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Qashqai opens at $34,665. That makes the Renault Duster the more affordable entry point by $2,675.

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 $38,132 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Renault Duster and Nissan Qashqai hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Renault Duster and 91% for the Nissan Qashqai.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 2 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Renault Duster and 7 in the Nissan Qashqai.

The Renault Duster features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Nissan Qashqai gets a 12.3-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 Nissan Qashqai. The Nissan Qashqai counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Nissan Qashqai responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds.

The Renault Duster has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Qashqai is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Renault Duster measures 4,345mm long on a 2,657mm wheelbase, 80mm shorter than the Nissan Qashqai at 4,425mm (2,665mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Qashqai generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 475L in the Renault Duster and 430L in the Nissan Qashqai, giving the Renault Duster a 45L advantage.

For towing, the Nissan Qashqai leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the Renault Duster and $1,853/year for the Nissan Qashqai. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.

Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Renault Duster) vs $1,853 (Nissan Qashqai). The Nissan Qashqai saves you roughly $85 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 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan Qashqai). Both match on warranty length.