{"id":440,"date":"2025-01-19T14:28:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-19T15:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sacueta.com\/?p=440"},"modified":"2025-01-30T14:02:20","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T14:02:20","slug":"jeep-avenger-vs-dacia-duster-which-budget-small-suv-deserves-your-money","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sacueta.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/19\/jeep-avenger-vs-dacia-duster-which-budget-small-suv-deserves-your-money\/","title":{"rendered":"Jeep Avenger Vs Dacia Duster: Which Budget Small SUV Deserves Your Money?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Small SUVs are the new rulers of European roads, dominating streets and driveways across the continent. Practically every automaker has at least one contender in this flourishing segment, usually a scaled-up version of their subcompact hatchbacks. But what if you crave something with more rugged vibes instead of city-slicker charm? Enter the Jeep Avenger and the Dacia Duster<\/a>, two small SUVs that embrace the off-road aesthetic with gusto.<\/p>\n

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More: Jeep CEO Is Really Interested In Bringing The Avenger To North America<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

After thoroughly reviewing both of these rivals, we decided it was time for a proper head-to-head comparison. By examining their strengths and weaknesses across key categories, we’ll help you figure out which of these SUVs best fits your needs—or, at the very least, which one you’ll regret buying less.<\/p>\n

The Battle Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Our comparison<\/a> pits the Jeep Avenger against the Dacia Duster across five essential categories: design, practicality, performance, safety, and price. Each contender brings a distinct personality to the table, but which one ultimately offers the better overall package? First, let’s set the stage with a quick look at their specs.<\/p>\n

Quick Facts<\/h5>\n
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Model<\/strong><\/td>\nJeep Avenger 1.2<\/strong><\/td>\nDacia Duster 1.0 Eco-G<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Powertrain<\/strong><\/td>\n1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbo (gas)<\/td>\n1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbo (gas+LPG)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gearbox<\/strong><\/td>\n6-speed manual (FWD)<\/td>\n6-speed manual (FWD)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Output<\/strong><\/td>\n99 hp (100 PS) and 260 Nm (191.8 lb-ft)<\/td>\n99 hp (100 PS) and 170 Nm (125.4 lb-ft)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
0-100 km\/h (62 mph)<\/strong><\/td>\n10.6 seconds*<\/td>\n13.2 seconds*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Top Speed<\/strong><\/td>\n184 km\/h (114 mph)* <\/td>\n168 km\/h (104 mph)* <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fuel Consumption<\/strong><\/td>\n7.5-8 lt\/100 km (29-31 mpg)*<\/td>\n9-9.5 lt\/100km (25-26 mpg)*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Length<\/strong><\/td>\n4,084 mm (160.8 inches)<\/td>\n4,343 mm (171 inches)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Width<\/strong><\/td>\n1,776 mm (69.9 inches)<\/td>\n1,813 mm (71.4 inches)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Height<\/strong><\/td>\n1,528 mm (60.2 inches)<\/td>\n1,656 mm (65.2 inches)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wheelbase<\/strong><\/td>\n2,560 mm (100.8 inches)<\/td>\n2,657 mm (104.6 inches)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight<\/strong><\/td>\n1,182 kg (2,606 lbs)*<\/td>\n1,276 kg (2,813 lbs)*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>
*Manufacturer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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SWIPE<\/span><\/p>\n

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Design: Jeep Avenger Takes the Spotlight<\/h5>\n

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Styling preferences are always subjective, but we’d argue the Jeep Avenger<\/a> has the upper hand in the looks department, even though both contestants are considered handsome. <\/p>\n

Jeep’s European design team has delivered what might be the prettiest model in the brand’s current lineup—particularly at the front—with its sculpted fenders, modern split LED headlights, and compact, athletic proportions. Furthermore, its tiny footprint which is a full 259 mm (10.2 inches) shorter than the Dacia, contributes to a sportier stance, especially when paired with the 18-inch wheels.<\/p>\n

The Dacia Duster, to its credit, has upped its game considerably in recent years. Its oversized skid plate and quirky side gills (crafted from recycled plastic) lend it a rugged charm that feels genuine rather than forced. But the Duster’s styling doesn’t have the same depth of character or rich heritage that the Jeep exudes.<\/p>\n

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Review: Jeep Avenger EV Is A Fun Little Gem That’s Too Small For US<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Shared touches between the two include hidden rear door handles and playful Easter eggs. However, while Jeep sprinkles its signature touches everywhere, the Duster’s single Easter egg feels like a half-hearted attempt, almost as if the designers remembered it at the last minute.<\/p>\n

Space and Practicality: Dacia Duster’s Domain<\/h5>\n
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Step inside, and the Duster’s size advantage becomes immediately apparent. With its longer wheelbase, it offers more space for passengers, especially in the back. The Jeep may feel roomy for its compact footprint, but the Dacia flat-out feels like a class above.<\/p>\n

The most notable difference is in boot capacity. The Dacia Duster offers up to 474 liters (16.7 cubic feet) of cargo space in its mild-hybrid version, which is comparable to SUVs from larger segments. In contrast, the Jeep Avenger provides a more modest 380 liters (13.4 cubic feet), putting it closer to the storage capacity of a supermini (sub-compact). <\/p>\n

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Furthermore, the Renault Group-owned carmaker offers the optional YouClip system, which allows for mounting a variety of compatible accessories, plus a camping-friendly Sleep Pack<\/a> (retractable bed) and a tailgate tent, making the Duster a more versatile adventure companion.<\/p>\n

Handling And Performance: Jeep Avenger<\/h5>\n

The Jeep Avenger comes as a pleasant surprise, delivering nimble handling and sporty road manners that give it a clear edge in driving dynamics. Jeep’s engineers nailed the suspension setup, making this one of the most refined applications of the widely-used Stellantis<\/a> platform to date.<\/p>\n

The numbers don’t lie and with just 99 horses behind that pretty face, the base Avenger’s turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder isn’t exactly a pants-knocker, not by a long shot. But for daily city driving, it’s punchy enough to get the job done. Meanwhile, the fully electric version steals the spotlight as the quickest in the lineup. Finally, the only AWD option is the flagship Avenger 4Xe featuring a mild-hybrid setup.<\/p>\n

Review: Jeep Avenger Proves ICE And Manual Combo Can Still Be Compelling<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Dacia Duster offers a slightly more comfortable ride, which makes it more pleasant for light off-roading and tackling uneven terrain. However, its dull steering does little to encourage drivers to fully explore the potential of its otherwise solid Renault<\/a>-derived chassis.<\/p>\n

The entry-level 1.0 ECO-G engine doesn’t do the Duster any favors, feeling noticeably sluggish compared to the Jeep’s turbocharged motor, even though both produce an identical 99 hp. The real difference lies in the torque figures—170 Nm (125.4 lb-ft) for the Dacia versus the Jeep’s much punchier 260 Nm (191.8 lb-ft)—which leaves the Duster struggling to match the Jeep’s performance. <\/p>\n

For Duster fans, your best bet would be the more powerful mild-hybrid 1.2 TCe paired with the optional AWD system, a combination that make the Dacia a more compelling machine.<\/p>\n

Safety And Features: Tie<\/h5>\n

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Comparing base trims reveals some clear disparities. The Jeep Avenger Longitude is well-equipped, while the Dacia Duster Essential lives up to its name; it’s as bare-bones as they come and doesn’t even have an infotainment display. That said, if we add pricing into the mix, the comparable trims have similar standard kit.<\/p>\n

The standard 10.25-inch infotainment of the Jeep is slightly more compelling than the available 10.1-inch screen of the Dacia. The same applies to the traditional volume knob rather than the Duster’s oddly placed volume buttons. Both SUVs have physical shortcuts on the center console and available digital instrument clusters with limited customization options.<\/p>\n

More: Dacia Duster Soul Of Dakar Concept Could Inspire Future Special Edition Models<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

As for interior quality, both SUVs are dominated by hard plastics, a necessary evil in this price bracket. However, the Jeep manages to feel a bit more premium overall, thanks to its more refined interior design and noticeably better seats.<\/p>\n

In terms of safety, both the Jeep and the Dacia earned a lackluster three-star rating in the Euro NCAP<\/a> tests. Checking their respective scores, the Jeep is slightly better on Adult Occupant Protection (79% over 70%), the Dacia prevails in Child Occupant Protection (84% over 70%), and both have below-average scores on Safety Assist.<\/p>\n

From our experience with the flagship trims of these small SUVs, the Jeep Avenger clearly has the edge when it comes to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). It offers a more comprehensive suite of features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, something the Dacia Duster notably lacks, leaving it trailing behind in this department.<\/p>\n

Price: Dacia Duster for the Win<\/h5>\n

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This one’s an easy win for the Dacia Duster, as it’s generally much more affordable than the Jeep Avenger. In Greece, the base Duster trim costs about €4,000 ($4,200) less than the Jeep, and the gap widens in Germany, where the price<\/a> difference jumps to €6,650 ($7,000). While the margin narrows with better-equipped trims, the Duster still holds its crown as the best value-for-money option in this comparison.<\/p>\n

Below is the indicative price range for both SUVs in the German market. To keep this comparison fair, we’ve excluded the fully electric Jeep Avenger and the North Face limited edition, as these variants are significantly more expensive than the rest of their respective lineups. <\/p>\n

For American readers, keep in mind that European car prices typically include <\/span><\/em>value-added tax (VAT)<\/strong>, which significantly inflates sticker prices compared to the US, where MSRPs exclude <\/span><\/em>delivery fees and state taxes<\/strong>. For example, Germany adds a 19% VAT, while Greece tacks on an even heftier 24%, often paired with additional car taxes. In contrast, U.S. sales tax rates are much lower, ranging from 0% to 8.25%, with a national average of just 5%. Comparing prices across markets isn’t exactly a fair fight.<\/p>\n

Indicative German prices with VAT:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dacia Duster<\/strong> – from €18,950 ($19,900) to €27,350 ($28,700)<\/p>\n

Jeep Avenger <\/strong>– from €25,600 ($25,200) to €33,600 ($32,300)<\/p>\n

Verdict<\/h5>\n

Adding it all up, we have a tie between the two SUVs<\/a>, as they gathered an equal number of points. The Avenger stands out with its sharper styling, sporty handling, and engaging personality—not to mention the added appeal of a more premium badge on the hood, if that’s important to you. On the other hand, the Duster excels in practicality, interior space, and undeniable affordability. At the end of the day, the comes down to the buyer’s priorities, and the reality is that you can’t go wrong with either.<\/p>\n

Finally, it’s worth mentioning another ICE-powered alternative in the Jeep vs. Dacia showdown: the Suzuki Vitara<\/a>. While getting long in the tooth, the recently facelifted Vitara remains one of the few small SUVs to offer an AWD option, combining its no-nonsense character with solid performance and practicality. It’s a reliable choice for those who value function over flash.<\/p>\n

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Note: <\/strong>The pictured Jeep Avenger is the fully electric variant, though the ICE-powered versions look nearly identical—apart from the badges and tailpipe<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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