Dacia Duster

Which Dacia Duster Version Should You Buy?

The Dacia Duster catalogue spans production from 2010 onward, covering three generations and six recorded generation or restyling entries, all with the SUV 5-doors body.

The Dacia Duster catalogue spans production from 2010 onward, covering three generations and six recorded generation or restyling entries, all with the SUV 5-doors body. The best version depends on the job: among entries with measured figures, the third-generation 1.8 i E-Tech AT combines the quickest 0–100 km/h time, 9.4 seconds, with 4.8 l/100 km combined consumption; the third-generation 1.2 TCe MT records the lowest combined figure, 4.5 l/100 km, while still producing 140 hp; and buyers prioritizing AWD can choose anything from early 90 hp diesel models to a third-generation 154 hp 1.2 AT 4WD. Prices, trunk space, engine-oil requirements, reliability, engine problems, coolant specifications, and exterior dimensions are not measured in the supplied data, so they cannot support a buying recommendation here.

Dacia Duster generations: what changed?

The first generation ran from 2010 through 2013 as an SUV 5-doors with seven versions. Its catalogue centers on 1.5 MT diesel and 1.6 MT Gasoline or LPG engines, all using Manual gearboxes. FWD and AWD are both represented. Measured output runs from 90 to 110 hp, combined consumption from 5.0 to 9.1 l/100 km, and ground clearance from 205 to 210 mm.

The first-generation restyling ran from 2013 through 2018, retaining the SUV 5-doors body and expanding the range to 12 versions. It added 1.0 MT and 1.2 MT turbo Gasoline choices, retained 1.6 MT Gasoline and LPG versions, and continued with 1.5 MT diesels. It also introduced the 1.5 EDC with a Robotic gearbox. Depending on version, ground clearance is 200, 205, or 210 mm.

The second generation ran from 2017 through July 2021 as an SUV 5-doors, with 17 versions recorded and 12 shown in the supplied version list. Engine choices include 1.0 MT, 1.2 MT, 1.3 TCe MT, 1.5 MT, and 1.6 MT, using Gasoline, LPG, or Diesel. All shown versions are Manual, with FWD or AWD. The strongest listed model is the 150 hp 1.3 TCe MT, while every shown version has 210 mm of ground clearance and a 50 l tank.

The first second-generation restyling started in August 2021 and contains eight versions, again as an SUV 5-doors. It adds 1.3 TCe EDC and 1.5 dTi MT choices alongside 1.0 MT and 1.3 TCe MT. Output ranges from 91 to 150 hp, Manual and Robotic gearboxes are represented, and every version has a 50 l tank and 210 mm clearance.

The second second-generation restyling started in November 2022 and contains seven SUV 5-doors versions. Its range includes 1.0 TCe ECO-G, 1.5 Blue dCi MT, 1.5 Blue dCi MT 4WD, 1.3 TCe EDC, and several 1.3 TCe MT configurations. Every entry has a 50 l tank and 217 mm clearance—7 mm more than the preceding second-generation entries.

The third generation started in November 2023 as an SUV 5-doors with nine versions. It broadens the catalogue with Gasoline, LPG, and Hybrid power, Manual and Robotic gearboxes, and FWD or AWD. Outputs range from 100 to 155 hp. Ground clearance is not measured, but wheel choices extend to R18, and the recorded range includes 1.0 i Eco-G MT, 1.2 AT 4WD, 1.2 DCT 4WD, 1.6 i E-Tech AT, 1.2 TCe MT, 1.2 TCe MT 4WD, 1.6 i E-Tech AT 4WD, and 1.8 i E-Tech AT.

Dacia Duster engine options and specs

Repeated names are separated below by generation, power, fuel, or drive so that each exact catalogue name remains identifiable.

The best power-per-litre figure is approximately 128.4 hp/l for the third-generation 1.2 AT 4WD. The third-generation 1.2 DCT 4WD follows at approximately 125.1 hp/l, while the 150 hp second-generation 1.3 TCe variants produce approximately 112.6 hp/l.

Performance, mpg and economy comparisons

Among versions with complete measurements, the third-generation 1.8 i E-Tech AT is quickest at 9.4 seconds to 100 km/h. The second-generation 150 hp 1.3 TCe MT has the highest measured top speed at 200 km/h, but needs 10.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h and consumes 6.1 l/100 km combined. The 1.8 i E-Tech AT is therefore 1.0 second quicker to 100 km/h while using 1.3 l/100 km less on the combined figure, although its top speed is 20 km/h lower at 180 km/h.

For minimum measured combined consumption, the third-generation 140 hp 1.2 TCe MT leads at 4.5 l/100 km. Its 0–100 km/h time is 9.9 seconds and its top speed is 180 km/h. The third-generation 1.6 i E-Tech AT records 5.0 l/100 km and 10.1 seconds, while the 1.8 i E-Tech AT records 4.8 l/100 km and 9.4 seconds. On these figures, the 1.8 i E-Tech AT uses 0.2 l/100 km less and accelerates 0.7 second faster than the 1.6 i E-Tech AT.

Diesel buyers can compare the second-restyling 1.5 Blue dCi MT at 4.8 l/100 km with the 1.5 Blue dCi MT 4WD at 5.3 l/100 km. Both make 115 hp and 260 Nm and reach 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds. Choosing AWD adds 0.5 l/100 km to the combined figure and reduces top speed from 180 to 175 km/h.

Several figures remain unavailable. For the third-generation 1.2 AT 4WD, acceleration, top speed, and consumption are not measured. For the third-generation 1.6 i E-Tech AT 4WD, acceleration, top speed, and consumption are not measured. For the first-restyling 1.0 MT versions, acceleration and consumption are not measured.

Dacia Duster dimensions, weight and ground clearance

Exterior length, width, height, wheelbase, and trunk space are not measured for any version in the supplied data.

The second-generation restyling 2 provides the clearest off-road-related comparison because all seven versions have 217 mm clearance. That is 7 mm more than the 210 mm recorded throughout the original second generation and its first restyling. Within the early first generation, FWD versions generally show 205 mm while some AWD versions reach 210 mm; the first-generation restyling varies from 200 to 210 mm.

Every second- and third-generation entry with a measured tank has a 50 l capacity. First-generation tank capacity is not measured.

Kerb weight affects the performance available from each horsepower. The third-generation 1.8 i E-Tech AT weighs 1454 kg, or approximately 9.4 kg/hp. The third-generation 1.2 DCT 4WD weighs 1505 kg, or approximately 10.0 kg/hp. The second-restyling 150 hp 1.3 TCe EDC weighs 1264 kg, or approximately 8.4 kg/hp, giving it the strongest measured weight-to-power result among these newer comparison candidates. Its gross weight is 1778 kg.

Adding AWD can raise weight. The second-restyling 1.5 Blue dCi MT weighs 1350 kg, while 1.5 Blue dCi MT 4WD weighs 1439 kg: an 89 kg increase. Their gross weights are 1798 and 1850 kg respectively. In the first second-generation restyling, the 1.5 dTi MT rises from 1395 kg in FWD form to 1480 kg with AWD, an 85 kg increase.

Wheel sizes are not measured for most second-generation restylings. The original second-generation entries with wheel data use 215/65 R16 or 215/60 R17. Third-generation choices include 215/70 R16, 215/65 R17, 215/60 R18, 225/60 R17, and 225/55 R18, depending on version.

Which Dacia Duster should you buy and why?

Choose the third-generation 1.8 i E-Tech AT if measured acceleration and combined economy matter most together. Its 155 hp is the highest measured output in the catalogue, its 9.4-second acceleration is the quickest, and its 4.8 l/100 km combined figure is lower than that of every listed version except the 140 hp 1.2 TCe MT.

Choose the third-generation 140 hp 1.2 TCe MT if the lowest measured combined consumption is the priority and a Manual FWD layout suits you. It returns 4.5 l/100 km, reaches 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds, and has a measured top speed of 180 km/h.

Choose the second-restyling 1.5 Blue dCi MT 4WD if you want an AWD Diesel backed by complete comparison figures. It produces 115 hp and 260 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds, consumes 5.3 l/100 km combined, and has 217 mm clearance. The FWD 1.5 Blue dCi MT is lighter by 89 kg and consumes 0.5 l/100 km less, so AWD is the measurable trade-off rather than a free upgrade.

Choose the second-generation 150 hp 1.3 TCe MT if maximum measured speed is more important than minimum consumption. It reaches 200 km/h, produces 255 Nm, and records 6.1 l/100 km combined. The later second-restyling 150 hp 1.3 TCe MT FWD makes 250 Nm, reaches 180 km/h, and consumes 6.2 l/100 km; it trades 20 km/h of measured top speed for 7 mm more ground clearance.

Choose the first-generation-restyling 1.5 EDC if a Robotic Diesel gearbox is required in the older range. It provides 110 hp and 240 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds, and records 4.8 l/100 km combined. Its 200 mm clearance is 10 mm below the 210 mm of the AWD 110 hp 1.5 MT, whose combined consumption is 5.1 l/100 km and acceleration time is 12.9 seconds.

Price is not measured, so the data cannot show what any upgrade costs or calculate value per dollar. Reliability, engine-failure risk, warning lights, engine oil, coolant, manufacturer details, Iceland suitability, USA availability, and model-year-specific market specifications are also not measured. The defensible choice must therefore rest on the recorded engine, drive, performance, consumption, weight, clearance, tank, and wheel data above.