The Indian SUV landscape continues to heat up with a new competitive battleground for buyers who want powerful performance, premium features, high safety standards and bold design. Among the hottest contenders in 2026 are the New Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun — all delivering distinct value propositions.
In this comprehensive specs comparo, we’ll break down how these five SUVs stack up against each other in key performance, comfort, safety, technology and value metrics to help you determine which model suits your priorities best.
🚗 1. Engine & Powertrain: Muscle Meets Efficiency
Renault Duster
The all-new Renault Duster continues to build its reputation as a robust SUV with a strong focus on torque and off-road capability. It typically offers:
- Turbo Petrol Engine tuned for high torque
- Manual and automatic transmission options
- Excellent driveability for both city and highway
Hyundai Creta
The Creta’s engine lineup is balanced for refined performance and daily usability:
- Naturally Aspirated Petrol, Turbo Petrol, and Diesel options
- Smooth automatic gearbox choices
- Great performance across varied driving conditions
Kia Seltos
The Seltos pairs sporty execution with practical performance:
- Turbocharged petrol and diesel engines
- Dual-clutch and conventional automatic transmissions
- Punchy acceleration and mid-range power delivery
VW Kushaq & Taigun
Volkswagen’s compact SUVs focus on German-engineered ride quality:
- Turbo petrol engines (TSI) across trims
- DSG automatic transmission for quick, responsive shifts
- Performance that leans towards torque and refinement
Who Wins?
- For outright city & highway balance: Creta / Seltos
- For road-presence & torque: New Duster
- For refined European feel: Kushaq / Taigun
🛣 2. Performance & Driving Dynamics
Renault Duster
Known for its rugged character, the Duster delivers:
- Confident highway stability
- Strong torque ideal for gradients and challenging conditions
- Suspension tuned for rough roads
Hyundai Creta
The Creta impresses with:
- Smooth ride quality
- Tight handling for urban maneuvering
- Tuned suspension that balances comfort & control
Kia Seltos
Seltos stands out for:
- Sportier feel
- Agile handling
- Slightly firmer ride geared for spirited driving
VW Kushaq & Taigun
In terms of driving dynamics:
- Precise steering and composed ride
- Excellent mid-corner stability
- A more European drive feel compared to rivals
Driving Verdict
- For soft urban comfort: Creta
- For playful dynamics: Seltos
- For composed stability & refinement: Kushaq / Taigun
- For rugged adventure: Duster
🛋 3. Interior, Space & Comfort
Renault Duster
- Spacious cabin with SUV-like seating
- Durable materials, practical layout
- Slightly less premium feel relative to Creta/Seltos
Hyundai Creta
- Premium interiors with soft-touch materials
- Feature-rich dashboard with ambient lighting
- Comfortable seats for long trips
Kia Seltos
- Feature-packed cabin
- Sporty design language
- Great infotainment and seating comfort
VW Kushaq & Taigun
- Minimalistic and driver-focused layout
- High-quality materials
- Comfortable seating with European ergonomics
Comfort Verdict
- Most spacious & comfortable: Creta / Seltos
- Most practical: Duster
- Premium feel and refined layout: Kushaq / Taigun
📱 4. Features & Technology Breakdown
Feature sets vary widely across variants, but modern SUVs increasingly offer:
- Large touchscreen infotainment
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Digital instrument cluster
- Connected car technology
- Ambient lighting and premium sound systems
Feature Highlights by Model
Duster:
- Functional dashboard, essential tech
- Grit over glam
Creta:
- One of the most feature-rich interiors
- Panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera (higher trims)
Seltos:
- Ventilated seats, Bose audio (top trims)
- Smart connectivity suite
Kushaq & Taigun:
- Premium digital interface
- Clean, ergonomic controls
Technology Verdict
- Most tech loaded: Creta / Seltos
- Best minimalist premium: Kushaq / Taigun
- Best for essentials & ease of use: Duster
🛡 5. Safety & Build Quality
Safety continues to be a priority for Indian buyers, and all five SUVs have strengthened their credentials in this area.
Common Safety Equipment:
- Multiple airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control
- Hill-hold assist
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
Model-Specific Strengths
Duster:
- Solid body structure
- Good stance and braking confidence
Creta & Seltos:
- Extensive safety tech on higher variants
- Multiple active safety assists
Kushaq & Taigun:
- European-level build quality
- Strong crash protection focus
Safety Verdict
- Most reassuring build: Kushaq / Taigun
- Best all-round safety tech: Creta / Seltos
- Best rugged crash confidence: Duster
⛽ 6. Mileage & Running Cost
Real-world mileage depends on engine choice, transmission type, and driving conditions.
Expected Trends:
- Diesel variants (where available) generally deliver higher economy
- Turbo petrols focus more on spirited performance than outright economy
- City driving sees slightly lower average mileage than highway cruising
Estimated Mileage Tier
- Most economical: Diesel Seltos / Creta / Duster
- Balanced economy with punch: Petrol Creta / Seltos / Kushaq / Taigun
- Urban friendly: Petrol Duster
💰 7. Price & Value for Money
Pricing is crucial in India’s value-sensitive market. While actual prices vary by state and variant, approximate positioning tends to be:
| SUV | Price Band (Approx) | Value Proposition |
|---|---|---|
| Duster | ₹11–16 lakh | Practical, rugged, torque-focused |
| Creta | ₹10–18 lakh | Feature-rich family SUV |
| Seltos | ₹10–18 lakh | Sporty & tech-loaded |
| Kushaq | ₹11–18 lakh | Premium European feel |
| Taigun | ₹11–18 lakh | Refined dynamics & tech |
Value Verdict
- Best budget SUV: Duster
- Best tech + features per price: Creta / Seltos
- Best refinement per price: Kushaq / Taigun
🔎 8. Which SUV Should You Choose?
Here’s a simplified buyer recommendation guide:
👉 Best for Family Comfort
Hyundai Creta / Kia Seltos
✔ Spacious interiors
✔ Feature-loaded cabins
✔ Strong resale value
👉 Best for Driving Enthusiasts
Volkswagen Kushaq / Taigun
✔ Sporty handling
✔ German engineering feel
✔ Premium build quality
👉 Best for Rugged Use & Value
Renault Duster
✔ Torque-heavy engine
✔ Off-road confidence
✔ Cost-effective SUV
👉 Best All-Rounder
Creta / Seltos
✔ Balanced performance
✔ Strong tech suite
✔ Wide appeal
🏁 Final Words
The New Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos vs VW Kushaq vs VW Taigun comparison highlights that the “best SUV” ultimately depends on your priorities:
- Comfort & Features: Creta / Seltos
- Handling & Refinement: Kushaq / Taigun
- Practical Ruggedness & Value: Duster
Each SUV brings a strong value proposition to the table, and the competition among these top models is set to keep India’s SUV segment vibrant and fiercely exciting in 2026.