Nissan’s Duster twin lands at Rs 10.49 lakh with bolder, Patrol-inspired styling and a boxier face. Here’s how the two SUVs actually differ underneath.
Renault and Nissan have just handed Indian buyers an odd little puzzle. Both companies have launched midsize SUVs at exactly the same starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh, built on exactly the same platform, with exactly the same engines under the bonnet. The Renault Duster arrived first, in March 2026, and the Nissan Tekton has now followed in July, wearing a Patrol-inspired face instead of the Duster’s own.
Also Read: Nissan Tekton Launched in India at Rs 10.49 Lakh; Gets Two Engine Options
It’s badge engineering, plain and simple, but the two SUVs are different enough on the outside and inside that picking one over the other isn’t just a coin toss. Here’s what separates them.
Nissan Tekton Vs Renault Duster: Design
The biggest distinction lies in the styling. Renault has redesigned the India-spec Duster with slimmer LED headlamps, eyebrow-style daytime running lamps, Duster lettering on the grille, a revised front bumper and connected LED tail-lamps. The SUV also gets 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and a launch-exclusive Mountain Jade Green shade with India-inspired detailing.
The Tekton, meanwhile, wears a completely different face. Inspired by the Nissan Patrol, it gets a taller grille with chrome slats, a full-width C-shaped LED DRL signature, a flatter bonnet and cleaner tailgate treatment without the contrasting black panel seen on the Duster.
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From the side, the similarities remain obvious, although Nissan has added new alloy wheel designs and different trim elements to separate the two. Dimensionally, the differences are negligible. The Duster measures 4,343mm in length, while the Tekton is 4,348mm long. Width, height and wheelbase remain nearly identical, making cabin space virtually unchanged.
Nissan Tekton Vs Renault Duster: Interior
Renault has opted for a black-and-green cabin theme, while Nissan uses a rose gold and burgundy finish. Both SUVs feature a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, panoramic sunroof, leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control.
The Tekton adds a powered tailgate and blind-spot assist with its 360-degree camera system, whereas the Duster counters with 48-colour ambient lighting.
Safety equipment is almost identical, including six airbags, Level 2 ADAS, electronic parking brake with auto hold, front and rear parking sensors, all-wheel disc brakes and a 360-degree camera.
Nissan Tekton Vs Renault Duster: Engine
Both SUVs offer the same petrol engine choices at launch. The entry-level 1.0-litre turbo-petrol produces around 99bhp of Tekton and comes paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Ranging up, the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol produces 161bhp and 280Nm, and is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT).
However, Renault has one important advantage waiting in the wings. Later this year, the Duster will receive a strong-hybrid powertrain combining a 1.8-litre petrol engine with electric assistance, producing 158bhp and 172Nm. Nissan has confirmed that this hybrid option will not be offered with the Tekton.
Nissan Tekton Vs Renault Duster: Spec Comparison
Parameter
Renault Duster
Nissan Tekton
Starting Price (Ex-showroom)
Rs 10.49 lakh
Rs 10.49 lakh
Length
4,343mm
4,348mm
Width
1,813mm
1,815mm
Height
1,659mm
1,674mm
Wheelbase
2,657mm
2,657mm
Ground Clearance
212mm
212mm (expected, shared platform)
Boot Space
518 litres
Not specified
Entry Engine
1.0-litre turbo-petrol, 99bhp
1.0-litre turbo-petrol, 100bhp
Top Engine
1.3-litre turbo-petrol, 161bhp
1.3-litre turbo-petrol, 163bhp
Transmission Options
6-speed MT / 6-speed DCT
6-speed MT / 6-speed DCT
Hybrid Option
Yes, 1.8-litre strong hybrid (arriving by Diwali 2026)
No
Touchscreen Infotainment
10.1-inch
10.1-inch
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch
10.25-inch
Sunroof
Panoramic
Panoramic
Front Seats
Powered and ventilated
6-way adjustable and ventilated
Airbags
Six
Six
ADAS
Level 2
Level 2
360-degree Camera
Yes
Yes, with Blind-Spot Assist
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Electronic Parking Brake
Yes, with Auto Hold
Yes
Safety Rating
5-star Bharat NCAP
5-star Bharat NCAP
Cabin Theme
Black and green dual-tone
Rose gold and burgundy dual-tone
Exterior Character
Modern SUV with India-specific styling
Patrol-inspired, boxier SUV design
Nissan Tekton Vs Renault Duster: Price
Both SUVs start at Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom), making pricing straightforward at the entry level. The Renault Duster range extends up to Rs 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom) for the fully loaded Turbo TCe 160 DCT variant. Nissan is expected to follow a similar pricing structure across its higher variants, although the absence of the hybrid model means the Tekton’s line-up remains petrol-only.