A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Current Renault Duster hero image.Current Renault Duster exterior view 1.Current Renault Duster exterior view 2.
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Current Renault Duster exterior view 3.Current Renault Duster exterior view 4.Current Renault Duster exterior view 5.Current Renault Duster interior view 1.Current Renault Duster interior view 2.Current Renault Duster interior view 3.Current Renault Duster interior view 4.Current Renault Duster interior view 5.
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
J7
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
Duster
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
J7
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Duster
J7
Model Introduced Year
2026
2024
Generation
Current South Africa Duster range
Current South Africa J7 range
Facelift History
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Facelift Launched Since
2026
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1451 kg
Not Available
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
Duster
J7
Length
4343 mm
4500 mm
Width
2095 mm
1865 mm
Height
1661 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2658 mm
2672 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
217 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
217 mm
170 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
594 l
584 l
Kerb Weight
1451 kg
1531 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1950 kg
1939 kg
Payload Capacity
499 kg
434 kg
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
1300 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.35 m
5.4 m
Front Headroom
1007 mm
1010 mm
Rear Headroom
974 mm
975 mm
Front Legroom
1050 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
892 mm
910 mm
Spec
Duster
J7
Front Track Width
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Track Width
Not Available
Not Available
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-link
Spec
Duster
J7
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Manual / automatic by trim
Manual / automatic by trim
Power Windows
Standard
Standard
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
594 l
1349 l
AC Type
Manual / automatic by trim
Manual / automatic by trim
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Duster
J7
Engine
1.2-litre Turbocharged Petrol Mild Hybrid
1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
SQRF4J16C
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1200 cc
1600 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Petrol injection
Petrol injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
96 kW
145 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
230 Nm @ 2000 rpm
290 Nm
Combined Power
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Drive Type
4WD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport
Eco, Normal, Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Spec
Duster
J7
Gearbox
Manual
7 DCT
Drivetrain Layout
4WD
FWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
Not Available
7
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Manual clutch
Automatic clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Manual
Electric
Drivetrain
4WD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Available
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Manual
7 DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4WD
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
Not Available
7
Spec
Duster
J7
Claimed Mileage
17.5 km/l
14.3 km/l
City Mileage
14.1 km/l
11.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.3 km/l
16.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Euro VIb
Euro VIb
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Real-world Mileage
17.5 km/l
14.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
50
51
Combined Driving Range
Not Available
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Available
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Available
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Available
Not Applicable
Spec
Duster
J7
Airbags
Front airbags
Multiple airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Duster
J7
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Duster
J7
Seat Material
Fabric or cloth trim
Fabric or cloth trim
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Polyurethane / synthetic
Polyurethane / synthetic
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual
Seat Trim
Fabric
Fabric
Spec
Duster
J7
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
4-6
4-6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
Standard
USB Ports
Front and rear USB where listed
Front and rear USB where listed
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Touchscreen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Spec
Duster
J7
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Standard
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Official Renault South Africa colours vary by model and dealer stock.
Khaki white, carbon crystal black, model green, olive grey, moonlight silver and two-tone colours where listed.
Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Duster
J7
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Standard
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
AWD / 4WD as listed
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
217 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance Min
217 mm
200 mm
Spec
Duster
J7
Tyre Size
Not Available
235/55 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
235/55 R18
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Electronic parking brake
Spec
Duster
J7
CO2 Emissions
129 g/km
163 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
Petrol
Spec
Duster
J7
Service Plan
2 year / 30 000 km
5 Year / 70 000 km
Spec
Duster
J7
Ownership Role
range-specific
entry-value
Price Zar
549999 ZAR
519900 ZAR
Pricing Role
range-specific
entry-value
Starting Price
549999
519900
Starting Price Zar
549999
519900
Spec
Duster
J7
Warranty
5 Year / 150 000 km
5 Year / 150 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Duster and J7 comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Duster 50 vs J7 59.
Efficiency index: Duster 72 vs J7 56.
Safety-equipment index: Duster 91 vs J7 91.
Practicality index: Duster 71 vs J7 67.
Ownership-cover index: Duster not separately scored vs J7 not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Duster leads by 1 points
Duster and J7 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Duster
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
72/100
Safety
91/100
Practicality
71/100
J7
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
91/100
Practicality
67/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexRenault Duster
leads the specification evidence index with 70 pts
vs 69 pts for J7
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Duster leads. However, J7 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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