Every Dacia Duster rival, ranked

The Dacia Duster is our favourite cheap SUV. It looks good, drives well, and offers unbeatable value. There are even proper 4×4 models if you need to go off road or live out in the sticks. It’s so good that not only does it hold a coveted 9/10 rating on Carwow – reserved for cars that are nearly perfect – but it won the Smart Spender category in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year awards.

As good as the Duster is, there are plenty of alternatives that are also worth a place on your shortlist. Whether your priority is style, space, or comfort, one of our other favourite affordable SUVs should suit you. All five are worthy alternatives to the Duster, and we rate them a strong 8/10.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1. Citroën C3 Aircross

Citroën’s baby-SUV is good enough to make you think carefully before committing to the Dacia. It looks great, and somehow just about has space for seven. That’s something you can’t say of the five-seat Duster.

Mind you, the engines are quite weedy, especially if you have a passenger for every seat. If you do carry seven good luck finding space for any luggage, but as a cheap-to-run five-seater with room for two more at a pinch, the C3 Aircross is very appealing.

2. Renault Captur

It’s not as cheap as the Duster or as quirky as the C3 Aircross, but the Renault Captur is a very capable small SUV. The Renault is a handsome car and the hybrid model offers respectable performance and impressive economy.

We’d steer clear of the weedy 1.0-litre petrol, and whichever engine you choose the suspension is too firm for comfort around town. The huge boot is a big plus, though, and the infotainment system is excellent.

3. Skoda Kamiq

While it may not be very stylish or exciting, the Skoda Kamiq makes up for that with a wide choice of engines, a roomy interior, and lots of standard equipment.

You’ll have more fun driving a Seat Arona – the Kamiq focuses on comfort rather than thrills. The rear-seats are roomy enough for adults, although some alternatives have bigger boots. It’s a shame there’s no full-hybrid model like you get with the Duster, though.

4. MG HS

Not only is the MG HS very cheap to buy, but it’s also unusual for such a cheap SUV in offering a plug-in hybrid model. That car promises rock-bottom fuel bills so long as you can plug in at home.

The MG is sleeker and less tough-looking than the Duster and there’s no 4×4 version, which will disappoint country-dwellers. On the other hand, the HS has lots of space inside both front and rear. The boot is very big, too, making the MG a practical choice.

5. Volkswagen T-Cross

The Volkswagen T-Cross is not as cheap as some of the cars on this list. Certainly, it can’t touch the Duster for value. But although the VW is no bargain it counters with lots of space for people and luggage.

Park one next to the Duster and nobody will look at the T-Cross – the design is quite conservative. However, there’s a choice of frugal and efficient engines, and you don’t have to buy one of the more expensive models to enjoy a healthy list of standard kit.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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