Renault Duster vs Volvo XC60

Price and cost per week

Standard features per $10,000: not ranked, too few features are known for both cars. On the rated figures, the Renault Duster leads on price per kw: $283 per kW on RRP for the Renault Duster; $410 per kW on RRP for the Volvo XC60. On the rated figures, the Renault Duster leads on price per litre of boot: $68 per litre of boot on RRP for the Renault Duster; $155 per litre of boot on RRP for the Volvo XC60. These ratios are not part of the CarSorted Score.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Volvo XC60 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Renault Duster features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC60 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volvo XC60 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Renault Duster gets cloth upholstery while the Volvo XC60 offers leather.

Drivetrain

The Renault Duster uses a Petrol producing 113kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.

The Volvo XC60 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 making 183kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The Volvo XC60 has the clear power advantage at 183kW vs 113kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volvo XC60 is 2.3s 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, 363mm shorter than the Volvo XC60 at 4,708mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC60 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 472L in the Renault Duster and 483L in the Volvo XC60, giving the Volvo XC60 a 11L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo XC60 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Renault Duster's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 10.9 m against 11.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Renault Duster costs about $1,901 a year (6.5 L/100km, at $1.95/L petrol) and fuel for the Volvo XC60 about $2,394 a year (7.6 L/100km, at $2.10/L premium petrol). That is $493 a year less for the Renault Duster.

The weekly and 5-year figures in the price section above add repayments, rego, servicing and tyres to this; use our Fuel Cost Calculator for your own driving.

Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km (Renault Duster) and 5 years / unlimited km (Volvo XC60). Capped-price servicing: no data (Renault Duster), 5 years (Volvo XC60).

Where each one leads

The Renault Duster: the lower starting price ($31,990 against $74,990) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,901 a year against $2,394).

The Volvo XC60: more power (183kW against 113kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (483L against 472L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 1,500kg).

The Verdict

Renault Duster scores higher, 70 vs 69

The Renault Duster scores 70 to the Volvo XC60's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Renault Duster ahead by 15 points), performance (Volvo XC60 ahead by 15 points), fuel economy (Renault Duster ahead by 10 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Renault Duster costs about $493 less (6.5 L/100km against 7.6 L/100km, at $1.95/L petrol and $2.10/L premium petrol).

Common questions