New Renault Duster Vs New Kia Seltos: Which One Has The Better Styling? Let’s Find Out…

Renault has re-introduced the Duster in the Indian market in an all-new avatar. The Duster was the one that started the compact SUV segment in 2012. With the new generation now in picture, it can be summarized that Renault has replaced the raw and rugged look of the Duster with a sharper new design with a SUV-ish stance. Being discontinued in 2022, it never got close to competing with the Seltos, a car that was an instant hit in the Indian market and which many families have loved to date. This rivalry is now getting heated up, especially this time, with the Duster being much more capable than before, to prove why it was once the most loved in this segment. 

Kia has recently launched the second-generation Seltos, based on a new platform and with a new identity boasting a boxier and bolder design. With all of these upgrades, the Seltos is ready to take on the compact SUV segment once again. But is it all enough to challenge the newest offering from Renault, which is now equally capable as the Seltos? This comparison is to show which of the two has nailed it with their styling. 

Dimensions

The 2026 Renault Duster and the new Kia Seltos both fall under the compact SUV segment with very similar sizes. But to find out which one might be the better one, let's have a detailed look at their dimensions: 

The new Kia Seltos has really grown in size, thanks to the new platform, and it is clearly evident. The Seltos is longer than the Duster by a respectable margin and also offers a significantly longer wheelbase. It is wider too, which marks a bigger footprint and increased cabin space.

The Renault Duster, on the other hand, has more height but, most importantly, a larger and well-designed boot, which makes it easier to organize and carry all your luggage more efficiently. While the Duster wins in the boot space category, overall, it is the Seltos that makes a bigger impression. 

Kia Seltos Wins!

Front

Starting off with the new Renault Duster’s front profile first, the bonnet has been given a tall and sculpted look with a robust stance with multiple muscular elements to match the bold theme. Taking the centre stage is a large gloss-black grille, with ‘DUSTER’ lettering instead of the Renault logo, showing how big a brand the ‘Duster’ name is. Accompanying this grille is a sleek DRL signature with sharp-looking LED headlamps. The front bumper also gets multiple sharp lines, a massive lower air dam, and vertical cut-outs on both side edges. Adding to the captivating nature of the front profile is a chunky skid plate finished in silver. The lower part of the bumper also houses the foglights and front parking sensors. 

The new Kia Seltos, on the other hand, adopts a far more assertive front end. The bonnet sits higher and flatter, giving the SUV an upright and dominating stance. At the centre is a wide and bold ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, which also incorporates the squared-off LED headlamps, and accompanying this are the vertical LED DRL strips for a design signature that runs along the edges of the bonnet and down the bumper for a futuristic look. Moving towards the lower end of the bumper, it has been sculpted with a chunky air dam and a skid plate, along with LED foglights and front parking sensors.

Side

From the side, the new Renault Duster has a strong stance with a squared-off silhouette, along with a sporty look. The side also sees thick body claddings, tall roof rails and muscular haunches. The rear door handle has been placed on the C-pillar for a cleaner look, and the car sits on stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, which further improve the overall aesthetic. 

At the side, the Kia Seltos has a comparatively lower yet sleeker stance with a lot of strong character lines that make the styling sharper. This strong body profile is what Indian customers really love, and adding value to it are the thick cladding and roof rails. The higher trims also offer flush-fit automatic door handles that further clean up the look. The wheel arches have a more squared-off profile, and the car sits on quirky-looking 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Rear

Moving at the rear end of the new Renault Duster, the design theme is very sharp, sporty, and intriguing, but with a touch of minimalism as well. The tailgate has been given a very sleek and sharp look, starting with a large integrated roof spoiler and a sharply raked rear windshield that further enhances its sporty credentials. Moving down, it sports a new connected LED lighting strip, between the ‘C-shaped’ taillights, which also have a clear lens effect. The tailgate also houses a black applique and the Duster badging. The chunky rear bumper also gets thick claddings and eye-catching elements along with a prominent silver applique. 

From the rear, the Kia Seltos features a very bold yet minimalistic design language with a clean and flat tailgate with fewer cuts and creases. The tailgate houses the taillights and the C-shaped LED-connected light bar that stretches across the width of the vehicle. Adding to the touch of sportiness to the rear is an integrated spoiler. Moving down to the bumper, it has neat detailing with a cleaner reflector layout. All of this makes the Seltos’ rear feel more premium and cohesive.

ZigSays…

Both the Renault Duster and the Kia Seltos appeal to a similar set of audience, but exhibit very different design cues. The Duster was known for its rugged styling, which is now complemented by sharper edges and a more aggressive stance. To further add to the aesthetics, Renault has given the Duster multiple elements, giving it a refreshed presence that looks ready for all types of customers. 

The Kia Seltos, on the other hand, has an advantage in being longer and wider than the Duster, and it lives up to its ‘Badass’ design DNA. But the design is polarising and might not appeal to all people in the first go. The car has been designed to please young enthusiasts with its bold and sporty stance, futuristic touches and muscular proportions. But make no mistake, this bold design of the Seltos gives it strong road presence while also offering a premium appeal. 

Which one of these two SUVs do you like more? Let us know in the comments below!