Skoda Kamiq vs Dacia Duster: two sensible small SUVs, but only one winner

Skoda has a long-standing reputation for making sensible, affordable cars which major on practicality. The Kamiq is testament to this – a small SUV which is far more spacious than its dimensions would suggest.

However, there is a cheaper option out there which offers even more interior space. That would be the Dacia Duster, a handsome-looking thing which is available with four-wheel drive if you want to venture off the beaten track.

So which should you choose? Well our expert reviews team has spent plenty of time with both cars, so we’re going to compare the stats to help you decide.

Skoda Kamiq vs Dacia Duster: prices and deals

It’s not a subject to bring up at the dinner table, but we’re going to talk about money. Starting with the Skoda Kamiq.

Prices for the Skoda start from just under £25,000, and for that price you get a decent amount of standard equipment including a digital driver’s display, a 9.0-inch infotainment system with smartphone mirroring, LED headlights and a reversing camera.

*Prices correct at the time of writing

It’s even better value for money when you buy through Carwow, with savings of over £5,000 available at the time of writing. You can also lease a Kamiq for as little as £250 per month through Carwow.

The Dacia Duster is cheaper than the Kamiq, with prices starting from just under £22,000. You also get a similar amount of equipment, with basic cars getting 17-inch alloy wheels, a digital driver’s display, smartphone mirroring and a reversing camera.

*Prices correct at the time of writing

You can save just under £1,800 on a new Duster through Carwow at the time of writing. However, it costs around the same as a Kamiq to lease – with prices starting from around £250 per month.

Skoda Kamiq vs Dacia Duster: interior and practicality

The Kamiq is the smallest SUV that Skoda makes, but despite that it’s still impressively spacious inside. There’s enough head and legroom for two adults to get comfy in the back, although it will get a bit cramped with three in the rear.

Boot space is also generous at 400 litres. That’s 50 litres more than you get in a Toyota Yaris Cross, but it’s also over 70 litres less than the Dacia Duster has to offer.

It has a 472-litre boot, and the Duster is also more spacious in the rear than the Kamiq. This comes as no surprise though because the Dacia is physically longer and wider than the Skoda. That also makes it better for carrying three in the back.

As for the interior itself, the Duster has a rugged charm about it. There’s no attempt to pretend to be posh, so all of the plastics are hard-wearing and everything feels like it’s built to last. There are a few funky details to lift things as well, such as the different colours on the dashboard.

The Kamiq’s interior isn’t as cool-looking as the Dusters, but it does feel a bit more premium. You get soft-touch plastic on the dashboard and door tops, and everything feels nicely screwed together.

It’s a close contest, but the Duster edges ahead here. You get more interior space for less money.

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.

Skoda Kamiq vs Dacia Duster: engines and driving

There are three engines to choose from in the Skoda Kamiq. The basic 1.0-litre petrol with 95hp is best avoided unless you drive mostly around town, because it’s pretty lethargic on faster-moving roads.

Then there’s the 116hp 1.0-litre petrol, which is the pick of the range for most people. It’s nippy enough, and it’ll return over 50mpg. There is also a 1.5-litre petrol with 150hp, and this is a great engine if you spend a lot of time on the motorway because it has plenty of punch for overtaking. All bar the 95hp engine are also available with an automatic gearbox.

The Duster gets a 1.2-litre petrol engine as standard with 130hp and a manual gearbox. Unlike the Kamiq, this is also available with four-wheel drive if you need to hit the trails from time to time.

You can also get the Duster with a 140hp petrol hybrid engine, something the Kamiq does without. This is the only way to get an automatic gearbox, and it can shuffle along at low speeds using electric power alone making it ideal for driving around town. It’ll also return over 55mpg according to Dacia.

Out on the road, the Duster is comfortable over bumps and impressively refined on the motorway. That said, the Kamiq is slightly quieter at speed and it’s a bit smoother over rough roads.

If you need to go off-road, the Duster is the clear winner. It’s also the one to go for if you want a hybrid, but if maximum comfort is important to you then the Kamiq is worth a look.

Skoda Kamiq vs Dacia Duster verdict: which should you buy?

The Skoda Kamiq is an excellent small SUV. It’s spacious, easy to drive and well-equipped, plus the cabin feels impressively posh for a car in this class.

However, the Dacia Duster simply offers more car for less money. It’s bigger, more practical and it looks really cool as well. You can also take it off-road thanks to the four-wheel drive system.

The Kamiq will suit if you want something smaller to slot through tight city streets, but overall it’s the Dacia Duster which wins this test.

How I compare cars

As a motoring journalist and massive car nerd, I’ve driven hundreds of different cars over the years and know what makes a good one. I’ve spent time with both the Dacia Duster and the Skoda Kamiq – prodding around their cabins and driving them in a variety of conditions – and I found the Duster to be better value for money.

I’m 6’3”, and in the back of the Duster I had room to sit behind my own driving position with ease. In the Kamiq it was doable, but a bit more of a squeeze. I also found the Duster to be a bit more characterful, so it’s the car I would spend my own money on.

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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