VS
At a Glance
Power
96 kW
125 kW
Torque
230 Nm
350 Nm
Fuel
5.7 l/100km
6.6 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
—
Engine
1199 cc
1956 cc
Choosing between the Renault Duster and the Tata Harrier is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Renault Duster delivers 96 kW while the Tata Harrier produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Duster returns 5.7 l/100km while the Harrier uses 6.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R549 999 for the Duster and R549 900 for the Harrier. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
96 kW
125 kW
Torque
230 Nm
350 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
1956 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.7 l/100km
6.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
129 g/km
174 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4343 mm
4605 mm
Width
1921-2069 mm
1922-2131 mm
Height
1661 mm
1718 mm
Wheelbase
2658 mm
2741 mm
Ground Clearance
217 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1495 Kg
1745 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
444 l
445-815 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
125000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
5
Service Plan Distance
45000
75000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Harrier
Fuel Economy
Duster
Value
Harrier
Practicality
Duster
Pros & Cons
Renault Duster
Better fuel economy (5.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (96 kW vs 125 kW)
Higher starting price
Tata Harrier
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Lower starting price (R549 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Duster or Harrier?
The Duster uses 5.7 l/100km and the Harrier uses 6.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Duster is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Duster or Harrier?
The Duster produces 96 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the Harrier delivers 125 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The Harrier is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Duster and Harrier?
The Duster starts from R549 999 and the Harrier from R549 900. The Harrier is cheaper by R99 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Duster or Harrier?
The Duster has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the Harrier can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Duster or the Harrier?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.