Technical features of the models
Externally and in size, both cars are not very different, if you do not take into account design delights - both have a station wagon body and have approximately the same height. But the Duster is noticeably longer – 4315 mm. versus 4056 mm, which greatly affected, among other things, the comfort of the cabin and the spaciousness of the trunk. It is also a couple of centimeters wider and has a slightly higher ground clearance - 210 mm. versus 200 for the Chevrolet Niva.
Niva is available only with all-wheel drive, one 1.7-liter engine, and a manual transmission. Duster has many modifications - 2 gasoline engines and one diesel, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Which is better in terms of technical components – Chevrolet Niva or Renault Duster? It is worth noting that the Duster offers a greater choice of options, and if we compare the all-wheel drive model with the Niva, it clearly wins. At least because Niva has all the diseases of a domestic car - the low quality of many components, and therefore low reliability. On a long trip, even in a new Niva, you will often have to repair something, and not always on small things. But it has its advantages, and the main thing is cross-country ability.
What is better to choose
If you compare off-road cars, the Russian car gets the advantage. Due to the use of a lower row and permanent all-wheel drive with the ability to lock the center differential, the Niva can move on swampy roads.
On the Duster, torque is transmitted to the rear wheels using a clutch that fixes the slipping of the front axle. Renault's strength is the engine, which has a reserve of power, which is used to overcome obstacles on the road on the move.
For those who like to travel through wetlands, a diesel Duster with a 6-speed gearbox with a short first stage is suitable. But if you frequently use the car off-road, it is recommended to change the oil in the power take-off gearbox to the rear axle, which is prone to overheating. An additional advantage of Renault is the precise operation of the gear shift mechanism - the Chevrolet Niva experiences vibrations while driving, and the shift mechanism needs periodic adjustment.
The cost or availability of spare parts is taken into account when choosing a used crossover.
Please note that parts for Duster are more expensive, and repair work may require special tools or equipment. But the cheapness of parts for the Chevy Niva is “compensated” by the risk of purchasing low-quality products that will break after a few days of use.
A comparison of cars shows that Russian and French crossovers allow you to move around the city and rough terrain. To overcome deep off-road conditions, modifications to the vehicles are required (for example, installing tires with a special tread pattern and increasing ground clearance). Chevrolet Niva has a reduced cost, but the buyer will have to come to terms with the lack of a number of additional options available on the Renault Duster.
Appearance
Both models have one similarity - a station wagon, 5-door, and can accommodate 5 people. But in terms of external design, there are still differences. The Duster is a little wider, higher, and longer, its ground clearance is also 1 centimeter higher - 210 m versus 200 for the Niva.
The difference in the contours of both cars is much more noticeable. Chevrolet looks much simpler; there are no unnecessary details or design delights in its appearance.
Duster looks a little more brutal, more masculine. But this model is much more modern - it began to be produced in 2014, 5 years later than the Niva. Here the designers worked a little more and the car looks quite modern.
Salon and trunk
If we compare the interiors of Chevrolet Niva vs Renault Duster, then both do not differ in any chic that owners of, for example, sedans are accustomed to. The furnishings in them are quite spartan; both models have seats without lateral support. The difference is in the finishing and its quality.
Chevrolet Niva interior
The Niva's trim is mostly plastic, although the parts fit well and don't rattle while driving. The dashboard is simple, familiar to those who have owned other VAZ cars. But there is not enough space for rear passengers - there is nowhere for them to put their legs, the space is too cramped even for a person of average height. And the driver's seat is a bit hard, which is especially noticeable on a long trip. But the review is excellent.
The leather interior of the Renault Duster is more comfortable and noticeably superior, including in terms of convenience for rear passengers. The dashboard is more modern and looks nicer. The review is slightly worse than that of its competitor, but this is perhaps the only negative. Although the interior is more comfortable, it cannot be called spacious - a tall person will feel cramped in it, especially while driving.
Salon Renault Duster
As for the trunk, its volume in the Renault Duster is 408 liters, while in the Chevrolet Niva it is only 320 liters. At the same time, in Duster it is longer, but narrower, while in Niva it is short and very small. In this regard, the Duster wins noticeably, as it allows you to load not only more, but also put longer things, and not just a couple of square boxes.
Exterior appearance of renault duster and chevrolet niva
Both cars are in the budget class, which, one way or another, is reflected in their appearance.
However, Renault Duster looks much more attractive and modern. However, this is not surprising if we remember that the design of the Chevrolet Niva has remained virtually unchanged since 2002. But let's look at the exterior in more detail.
In 2021, Renault Duster underwent a planned restyling, during which the car received new front and rear optics, a modified false radiator grille and a more stylish plastic body kit.
The crossover profile sports blown wheel arches, a large glass area and roof rails. External dimensions of Renault Duster:
- length – 4.315 m;
- width – 1.822 m;
- height – 1.625 m;
- wheelbase length - 2.673 m.
Compared to the “French” model, the Chevrolet Niva looks a bit boring, and this despite the fact that the SUV underwent its last update in January of this year.
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The “face” of the car is greeted by large head optics, a neat false radiator grille and a laconic front bumper, while the rear flaunts a hinged tailgate and laconic vertically positioned side lights.
The car's profile captivates with large wheel arches and a wide plastic trim that reliably protects the lower part of the side doors from damage. The external dimensions of the domestic “American” have the following parameters:
- length – 4.056 m;
- width – 1.8 m;
- height – 1.652 m;
- wheelbase - 2.45 m.
The Renault Duster's ground clearance is 205 and 210 mm for the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, respectively, but the Chevrolet Niva's ground clearance is noticeably higher - 240 mm, which allows one to count on better geometric cross-country ability.
Engines and transmissions
The main feature that distinguishes both cars is that Duster has more modifications, including with a diesel engine and all-wheel drive or only rear-wheel drive. Niva has no choice - there is only one engine, and all-wheel drive, which cannot be switched off.
Engine Renault Duster
The Duster can be equipped with a 1.6-liter engine producing 102 hp. With. or the more popular petrol 2-liter with 135 hp. With. Less common is a 1.5-liter diesel engine producing 90 hp. s, which, by the way, is extremely economical.
Niva does not provide a choice - a 1.7-liter gasoline engine with 90 hp. With. has been in use for decades, although it has been slightly modified. It was equipped with an electronic gas pedal, exhaust emissions were brought up to Euro-3 requirements, and the layout of some parts was slightly changed. Otherwise, it’s still the same engine that many are familiar with from old VAZ models. By the way, its advantage in the form of inexpensive repairs anywhere and using the simplest means should not be discounted.
As for the drive, the Duster also has options, including all-wheel drive, and it is implemented very reliably. It is almost impossible to burn the clutch, since the all-wheel drive is turned off using a special timer that measures the slipping time and its intensity. The system is very durable and does not cause any complaints. Although this car is not intended to be an SUV, it can cope with many obstacles if necessary.
Niva has no options - all-wheel drive is always and everywhere, which is why the dynamics suffer somewhat and gas consumption is noticeably increased. But the car goes through mud, snow and other difficult places without problems. But there are also problems - all-wheel drive can spontaneously turn off under load, and there are complaints about the smoothness of gear shifting.
Chevrolet Niva engine
By the way, the Duster can be equipped with either an automatic transmission or a manual transmission. Niva – only with a manual 5-speed gearbox.
Dynamics and fuel consumption
As for behavior on the road, the Chevrolet Niva accelerates for quite a long time - in 19 seconds to 100 km/h. The low engine power - only 90 horses - and permanently engaged all-wheel drive have an effect. But the car handles quite well and behaves confidently on the highway.
Renault Duster accelerates to hundreds in just 10.3 seconds, but it also has a more powerful engine. On the highway it behaves no worse than ordinary cars. The acceleration speed comparison is not in favor of the Niva, but otherwise the difference is minimal.
But there is a difference in fuel consumption, and a significant one. Duster consumes 7.8 liters. per 100 km, and Chevrolet Niva - 10.2 liters. But this is according to the passport, but in practice, tourism lovers note the gluttony of the Niva up to 13 liters.
Run-in and evaluation of driving properties
In urban conditions, Duster won according to the test results. The dynamics of the Frenchman are higher: in 10.7 s, and the Chevrolet Niva. in 19 seconds, the speed increases up to hundreds. Duster is already far ahead, and Niva is still at the traffic light. In more difficult conditions, both models perform equally well.
A comparison of cross-country ability shows that with increasing steepness of descents and ascents, and with increasing off-road conditions, the Chevrolet Niva takes the lead. This is due to the configuration of the chassis and transmission - all-wheel drive, differential lock, low-range gears and a shortened wheelbase with good clearances when leaving.
The Niva is more nimble than the large Duster. However, downshifting and locking the differential is tiring. Switching does not happen immediately, using a banal poking method. By the way, the instructions on this matter say the following. You need to drive a little backwards or forwards off-road and knock on the lever until it turns on. But what if the car just sits down and doesn’t move? A comparison of cross-country ability clearly showed which is better.
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Hanging the wheels diagonally allows the Duster to pass obstacles perfectly. Niva can't do that. Due to its electronics, which simulate inter-wheel locking, Renault Duster copes with a similar task. Alas, Chevrolet is not so stuffed with electronics.
When side slipping occurs, Renault Duster also wins. The comparison shows that the Niva starts to slide quite well, but the power is not enough to get it out of such a road situation. For Duster, on the contrary, this is not a problem at all. And again, the clutch is controlled electronically, which gives the car dynamism in off-road conditions. This makes it more profitable than a vehicle with a rigid suspension. So which is better?
Handling and maneuverability
On the highway, both cars behave quite well, although the Niva accelerates harder, suffers from vibration at speed, and the sound insulation is not very good. But on ice, snow and other off-road conditions it behaves almost flawlessly and is easy to control. Duster is more convenient on the highway - a more powerful engine provides faster acceleration and better dynamics.
But the Chevrolet Niva's cross-country ability is much higher than that of the Renault Duster, and it is because of this that the domestic SUV, despite all its shortcomings, is often preferred to a more modern, comfortable and reliable foreign one. This is an ideal option for a farmer, hunter, fisherman, and simply lovers of frequent trips to nature.
Therefore, this model can be found more often in rural areas, where it is in its place and will easily carry its owner through any dirt. A reduction gear, all-wheel drive, and decent suspension travel will play a decisive role here.
Renault Duster, even with all-wheel drive, is still not an SUV. This car is good on the highway and in the city. On occasion, it will take you out of the mud, but this is not its purpose, and cross-country ability is not its strong point. Therefore, you shouldn’t specifically drive the Duster off-road - this is the native element of the Chevrolet Niva and other SUVs.
conclusions
Based on the above, you can see that the Niva Chevrolet loses to the Renault Duster on almost all points, but this does not mean that the Chevrolet is a bad car.
The Niva is an all-wheel drive car that has an affordable price and corresponding price/quality ratio. Also, spare parts for domestic cars are much cheaper. Some owners carry out car repairs themselves, which can also save money.
It should also be noted that the Duster is more suitable for driving in the city, while the Niva can also comfortably move off-road. In any case, the choice is yours.
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Safety
Duster is a fairly safe car, equipped with airbags and seat belts. According to the crash tests carried out by Euro NCAP for each model, the Duster received 11 points out of 16, which is quite acceptable.
If we compare Duster and Chevrolet Niva, the latter does not stand up to criticism. The only crash test that was carried out for a production car gave a result of 1.6 points out of 16. In this case, the driver’s legs and the front passenger’s head are particularly at risk. Tests of the improved version, equipped with all security systems, showed the best result - 12 points, but this model never entered production.
Service cost
In terms of maintenance, if you compare Duster and Chevrolet Niva, the first one will cost much more - after all, it is a foreign model, which requires expensive spare parts. Niva, on the other hand, is the familiar Lada to almost everyone, spare parts for which can be found inexpensively in any auto shop and in any market. Repairing it does not require any special skills; the design of the components itself is not so demanding on accuracy.
On the other hand, Duster is much more reliable, and repairs are not required as often, of course, if treated with care. However, they choose Niva because it can be repaired literally “on the knee,” anywhere, and at least get to the nearest workshop. With the Duster, stuffed with electronics and modern high-precision technologies, this will not work - if something seriously breaks down, you will have to look for a tug or tow truck. In the forest or in an open field this, of course, is not an option.
Another disadvantage of the Niva is its higher fuel consumption, which makes it more expensive to maintain in modern conditions, when the price of gasoline is rising every day. Therefore, when choosing, you need to find a balance - how often and in what places you will drive, and only then decide which car is preferable. Because the Chevrolet Niva, with all its shortcomings, will not let it disappear in the most disastrous places, but for frequent trips around the city it will clearly not be the best option.
Cost of models and sales statistics. Chevrolet Niva or Renault Duster?
Analyzing the data provided from various sources for 2020, we can conclude that both SUVs are in the top ten most popular cars. But it was in 2021 that Duster made a breakthrough, ahead of Niva.
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This phenomenon is quite paradoxical. Since the release of the SUV from Renault, the cars have been in the same price category (if we take similar configurations). But due to the rise in the dollar, prices for Duster have gone up sharply, because all its components are imported. As a result, Duster was ahead of Niva in cost by 150 - 170 thousand rubles. However, it was at this moment that sales of the French (let’s call it that out of habit) SUV jumped.
The secret of this paradox is that the Chevrolet Niva with its characteristics is in demand by a relatively small segment of car enthusiasts. They are supporters of active recreation. The mass consumer wants to see an SUV adapted to urban conditions, and it is the Duster that meets these requirements to a greater extent. But Niva is not a thing of the past. It steadily maintains its position in the market and, apparently, will remain competitive.
To summarize, I would like to say that in this article we are not forcing this or that car on you, but have tried to objectively evaluate the domestic SUV and French crossover, but the choice is yours!
Price of all configurations
Niva is available in five trim levels - from L to LE+. Their cost ranges from 574,000 rubles in the minimum configuration to 724,000 rubles in the maximum configuration. The latter is equipped with many useful things - a passenger airbag, ABS, improved comfort, even a snorkel for those who like to ford.
Duster has many more configuration options, since its design can be different. This car is more expensive - the price starts from 709,000 rubles and reaches up to a million. But in the maximum configuration, the car is equipped with everything possible - from cruise control to the Era-Glonass system, an advanced audio system, remote start, and rich leather trim.
Which car should you prefer?
If you are thinking about what to choose – Chevrolet Niva or Duster, then first of all decide for what purpose this car will be used. After all, they are completely different, although outwardly they are not so different. They have different purposes.
On the highway, in the city, and generally on the asphalt, the Duster will “rip” the Niva in all respects, from speed and ease of control to comfort and low fuel consumption. This is a good option for the city and rare trips into nature, where you may encounter a puddle or two. No matter what Duster owners say, this is just a raised passenger car with slightly increased cross-country ability.
But in difficult conditions, on muddy fields, on northern winter roads, or in the taiga, Niva already beats Duster in all respects. It will go almost anywhere, low gearing, all-wheel drive and long suspension travel will play their role. In the conditions of northern winter roads, Niva has been saved more than once by Duster, which simply cannot withstand harsh conditions and is not at all as good in cross-country ability. Where the Duster is already starting to catch on its bottom, the Niva will easily pass, and if something happens, it can be easily repaired and move on.
You can travel in both cars, but, again, it depends on which routes you take. Duster is good for long road trips; you can drive it around the whole country, in comfort and at lower costs. But Niva is the choice of those who want to visit places where there are practically no roads, drive through mountains and forests. This is an extreme tourist's car.
Therefore, the choice between Chevrolet Niva and Duster depends on the purpose - if you drive on asphalt, with rare trips into nature, then you should definitely choose Duster. For rural areas and frequent trips to difficult terrain, Niva is better suited.
