VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
96 kW
Torque
270 Nm
230 Nm
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Towing
—
1500 Kg
Engine
1497 cc
1199 cc
Choosing between the GAC Emkoo and the Renault Duster is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GAC Emkoo delivers 130 kW while the Renault Duster produces 96 kW. On fuel, the Emkoo returns 6.4 l/100km while the Duster uses 5.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R519 900 for the Emkoo and R549 999 for the Duster. 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
130 kW
96 kW
Torque
270 Nm
230 Nm
Top Speed
190 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1199 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
129 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4680 mm
4343 mm
Width
1901 mm
1921-2069 mm
Height
1670 mm
1661 mm
Wheelbase
2750 mm
2658 mm
Ground Clearance
160 mm
217 mm
Kerb Weight
1540 Kg
1495 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
420 l
444 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ 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
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st owne
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
100000
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Emkoo
Fuel Economy
Duster
Value
Emkoo
Practicality
Duster
Pros & Cons
GAC Emkoo
More powerful engine (130 kW)
Lower starting price (R519 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.4 l/100km)
Renault Duster
Better fuel economy (5.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (96 kW vs 130 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Emkoo or Duster?
The Emkoo uses 6.4 l/100km and the Duster uses 5.7 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 Emkoo or Duster?
The Emkoo produces 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque while the Duster delivers 96 kW and 230 Nm of torque. The Emkoo is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Emkoo and Duster?
The Emkoo starts from R519 900 and the Duster from R549 999. The Emkoo is cheaper by R30 099 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Emkoo or Duster?
The Emkoo has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Duster can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Emkoo or the Duster?
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.