What to know
- When it comes to transmission options, both the Nissan Qashqai and Dacia Duster offer a choice between a manual and an automatic transmission.
- The Qashqai is available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the Duster comes with a five-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
- The Qashqai offers a few more features as standard, such as a rearview camera and a sunroof.
The Nissan Qashqai and Dacia Duster are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. They offer a great blend of practicality, affordability, and style, making them ideal for a wide range of drivers. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Nissan Qashqai against the Dacia Duster to determine which one comes out on top.
Performance and Powertrains
The Nissan Qashqai offers a range of engine options, including a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine, and a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine. The Dacia Duster, on the other hand, comes with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, a 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine, and a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.
In terms of power, the Nissan Qashqai has a slight edge over the Dacia Duster. The 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine in the Qashqai produces 115 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine generates 130 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Dacia Duster’s 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine produces 115 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine generates 110 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque.
When it comes to transmission options, both the Nissan Qashqai and Dacia Duster offer a choice between a manual and an automatic transmission. The Qashqai is available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the Duster comes with a five-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Fuel Efficiency and Emissions
The Nissan Qashqai is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Dacia Duster. The Qashqai’s 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine returns an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine gets 34 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. The Dacia Duster’s 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine gets 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
In terms of emissions, the Nissan Qashqai also has a slight advantage over the Dacia Duster. The Qashqai’s 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine produces 138 grams of CO2 per kilometer, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine emits 115 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The Dacia Duster’s 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine produces 165 grams of CO2 per kilometer, while the 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine emits 135 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
Interior and Comfort
The Nissan Qashqai and Dacia Duster offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Qashqai has a slightly more upscale interior with higher-quality materials and a more modern design. The Duster’s interior is more basic, but it still offers plenty of space and comfort for passengers.
Both the Qashqai and Duster come standard with a range of features, including air conditioning, power windows, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The Qashqai offers a few more features as standard, such as a rearview camera and a sunroof.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The Nissan Qashqai and Dacia Duster both offer a range of safety and driver assistance features. The Qashqai comes standard with features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The Duster comes standard with features such as hill start assist, traction control, and electronic stability control.
The Qashqai also offers a few more advanced safety features as options, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition. The Duster does not offer any of these features.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Dacia Duster has a slight advantage over the Nissan Qashqai in terms of off-road capabilities. The Duster has a higher ground clearance and a more rugged suspension, making it better suited for tackling rough terrain. The Qashqai is still capable of handling light off-roading, but it’s not as well-suited for serious off-road adventures as the Duster.
Price and Value
The Nissan Qashqai is slightly more expensive than the Dacia Duster. The Qashqai starts at $24,990, while the Duster starts at $21,990. However, the Qashqai offers a more upscale interior, more standard features, and more advanced safety features.
Recommendations: The Verdict
The Nissan Qashqai and Dacia Duster are both excellent compact SUVs with a lot to offer. The Qashqai is the more refined and upscale choice, while the Duster is the more affordable and rugged choice. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
- Which SUV is more fuel-efficient, the Nissan Qashqai or the Dacia Duster?
The Nissan Qashqai is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Dacia Duster.
- Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Nissan Qashqai or the Dacia Duster?
The Nissan Qashqai and Dacia Duster offer spacious interiors, but the Qashqai has a slightly more upscale interior with higher-quality materials.
- Which SUV has better off-road capabilities, the Nissan Qashqai or the Dacia Duster?
The Dacia Duster has better off-road capabilities than the Nissan Qashqai.