The Indian mid-size SUV segment is about to become more competitive than ever. With the return of the New Renault Duster 2026, the iconic comeback of the Tata Sierra, an updated Kia Seltos 2026, and the ever-popular Hyundai Creta, buyers will soon have multiple strong ICE-powered SUV options.
In this detailed comparison, we analyse all four SUVs on key parameters such as dimensions, design, engine options, mileage, interior quality, features, tyres, pricing, and overall value. This guide is designed for long-term readers and Google Discover users looking for practical buying clarity.
1. Exterior Design & Road Presence
New Renault Duster 2026
The 2026 Duster is a completely new-generation SUV based on Renault’s modern CMF-B platform. Unlike the older model, the new Duster looks far more muscular and premium. It carries a boxy SUV stance with squared wheel arches, a bold front grille, Y-shaped LED DRLs, and a high bonnet line.
One major highlight is the availability of a panoramic sunroof, a feature never seen before on Duster in India. The rear design is rugged with LED tail lamps and a chunky bumper, making it ideal for buyers who prefer a tough SUV look.
Tata Sierra
The Tata Sierra revival blends retro inspiration with modern design. The tall glass area, wide stance, and strong shoulder lines give it a unique identity. The front features Tata’s latest LED lighting signature, while the side profile remains clean and futuristic.
Sierra’s design focuses more on lifestyle and comfort rather than hardcore ruggedness, making it stand out visually from typical compact SUVs.
Kia Seltos 2026
Kia Seltos 2026 gets evolutionary updates rather than a radical redesign. It features sharper LED headlights, revised bumpers, a wider grille, and new alloy wheel designs. The sporty GT-Line variant continues to attract younger buyers.
Hyundai Creta
Hyundai Creta follows a bold and polarising design language. The split headlamp setup, connected LED tail lamps, and chrome-heavy styling make it appealing to mass buyers. Creta still enjoys strong road presence despite increasing competition.
2. Dimensions & Size Comparison
Dimensions play a crucial role in cabin space and road comfort.
- Renault Duster 2026 (Expected): Length ~4340 mm, Width ~1810 mm, Wheelbase ~2650 mm
- Tata Sierra: Length ~4300 mm, Wide and tall stance with long wheelbase
- Kia Seltos: Length ~4365 mm, Wheelbase ~2610 mm
- Hyundai Creta: Length ~4330 mm, Wheelbase ~2610 mm
The new Duster and Seltos are likely to feel the most stable on highways due to wider tracks, while Sierra’s tall design may offer better headroom.
3. Interior Design & Cabin Experience
Renault Duster 2026
Inside, the new Duster finally moves into the premium era. Expect a large touchscreen infotainment system, fully digital instrument cluster, improved dashboard materials, and better seat cushioning. The cabin design is practical, slightly rugged, and focused on durability.
Tata Sierra
Sierra is expected to deliver one of the most spacious and airy cabins in the segment. Large windows, premium upholstery, ambient lighting, and a lounge-like rear seat experience will be its main strengths. Tata is positioning Sierra as a comfort-focused family SUV.
Kia Seltos 2026
Seltos continues to lead in cabin technology. Dual screens, premium soft-touch materials, ventilated seats, premium sound system, and sporty interiors make it feel more premium than most rivals.
Interior Space, Seating Comfort & Practicality
Rear Seat Comfort & Legroom
Rear seat comfort is a deciding factor for Indian buyers, especially families. The New Renault Duster 2026 benefits from a longer wheelbase, which translates into improved knee room and under-thigh support compared to the older generation. The upright seating position ensures less fatigue on long drives.
Tata Sierra is expected to offer the most spacious rear seat experience in this comparison. Thanks to its tall roofline and wide glass area, rear passengers will enjoy excellent headroom and a sense of openness. This makes Sierra particularly attractive for chauffeur-driven users.
Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta offer decent rear seat comfort, but taller passengers may feel slightly constrained on long journeys. However, both compensate with well-cushioned seats and rear AC vents.
Boot Space & Storage
Boot space plays a crucial role for highway travellers. The Renault Duster 2026 is expected to offer a practical boot capacity suitable for weekend trips and family luggage. Tata Sierra, due to its lifestyle positioning, may offer flexible seating layouts with enhanced cargo usability.
Seltos and Creta already provide usable boot space, making them reliable choices for daily urban and highway use.
Hyundai Creta
Creta offers a balanced interior with good quality materials, comfortable seats, and user-friendly controls. While not the most futuristic, it remains practical and reliable for daily use.
4. Engine Options & Performance
Renault Duster 2026
- 1.3L Turbo Petrol
- 1.5L Diesel (Expected)
- Manual & Automatic Gearboxes
Duster is expected to offer strong low-end torque, making it suitable for rough roads and highway cruising.
Tata Sierra
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol
- 2.0L Diesel (Expected)
Sierra’s engines are expected to focus on smoothness rather than aggressive performance.
Kia Seltos 2026
- 1.5L NA Petrol
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol
- 1.5L Diesel
Hyundai Creta
- 1.5L Petrol
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol
- 1.5L Diesel
Driving Experience & Engine Behaviour
City Driving
In city conditions, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos deliver the smoothest driving experience due to refined engines and light steering setups. Their automatic gearboxes are well-tuned for bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Renault Duster 2026 is expected to focus on torque delivery rather than outright smoothness. This makes it slightly heavier to drive in traffic but extremely capable on broken roads and inclines.
Highway Performance
On highways, Duster’s suspension tuning and engine torque give it a planted feel at high speeds. Tata Sierra is likely to prioritise comfort-oriented cruising, making it ideal for long-distance touring.
Kia Seltos Turbo and Creta Turbo variants offer quick overtakes and refined performance, suitable for buyers who enjoy spirited driving.
5. Mileage & Real-World Efficiency
- Duster 2026: Petrol ~15–16 km/l, Diesel ~20 km/l
- Tata Sierra: Petrol ~14–15 km/l, Diesel ~18–19 km/l
- Kia Seltos: Petrol ~16 km/l, Diesel ~20 km/l
- Hyundai Creta: Petrol ~16 km/l, Diesel ~21 km/l
Creta and Seltos continue to lead in fuel efficiency, while Duster focuses more on drivability.
Maintenance Cost & Ownership Experience
Long-term ownership cost is often ignored during purchase but becomes critical over time. Hyundai Creta has the advantage of widespread service network and predictable maintenance costs. Kia Seltos follows closely with improving after-sales support.
Renault Duster 2026 aims to rebuild brand trust in India. If Renault improves dealership reach and spare part availability, Duster could once again become a favourite among long-term owners.
Tata Sierra will benefit from Tata Motors’ expanding service network, though premium positioning may result in slightly higher service costs compared to mass-market SUVs.
6. Tyres, Suspension & Ride Quality
All four SUVs are expected to offer 17–18 inch alloy wheels. Renault Duster traditionally excels in suspension tuning, making it ideal for bad Indian roads. Tata Sierra may offer a softer ride, while Seltos and Creta focus on balanced urban comfort.
7. Features & Safety
- Panoramic Sunroof (Duster, Seltos)
- ADAS (Seltos, Creta)
- 6 Airbags Standard
- 360-degree Camera (Expected in Sierra & Seltos)
8. Price & Expected Launch
- Renault Duster 2026: ₹11–17 lakh
- Tata Sierra: ₹12–18 lakh
- Kia Seltos 2026: ₹11–20 lakh
- Hyundai Creta: ₹11–20 lakh
Final Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?
If you want rugged performance and strong road presence, the New Renault Duster 2026 is worth waiting for. For comfort and space lovers, Tata Sierra offers a fresh alternative. Kia Seltos suits feature-hungry buyers, while Hyundai Creta remains the safest all-rounder choice.
