VS
At a Glance
Power
120 kW
96 kW
Torque
250 Nm
230 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Towing
—
1500 Kg
Engine
1499 cc
1199 cc
Choosing between the Mitsubishi Destinator and the Renault Duster is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mitsubishi Destinator delivers 120 kW while the Renault Duster produces 96 kW. On fuel, the Destinator returns 7.2 l/100km while the Duster uses 5.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R489 990 for the Destinator 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
120 kW
96 kW
Torque
250 Nm
230 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 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
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
172 g/km
129 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4680 mm
4343 mm
Width
1840 mm
1921-2069 mm
Height
1780 mm
1661 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2658 mm
Ground Clearance
214 mm
217 mm
Kerb Weight
1455 Kg
1495 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
444 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ 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
Cruise Control
—
✓ 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
unlimited Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
75000
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Destinator
Fuel Economy
Duster
Value
Destinator
Practicality
Duster
Pros & Cons
Mitsubishi Destinator
More powerful engine (120 kW)
Lower starting price (R489 990)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Renault Duster
Better fuel economy (5.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (96 kW vs 120 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Destinator or Duster?
The Destinator uses 7.2 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 Destinator or Duster?
The Destinator produces 120 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the Duster delivers 96 kW and 230 Nm of torque. The Destinator is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Destinator and Duster?
The Destinator starts from R489 990 and the Duster from R549 999. The Destinator is cheaper by R60 009 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Destinator or Duster?
The Destinator 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 Destinator 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.