Suzuki Jimny vs Renault Duster Which Budget 4WD to Buy in 2026?

The Suzuki Jimny is Australia's off-road icon. Nearly 10,000 Australians buy one every year. But at close to $45,000 drive-away, there's a new challenger arriving in 2026 that does almost everything it does for $4,000 less. The 2026 Renault Duster is quicker, more comfortable on-road, and still comes with genuine 4WD hardware. So the real question isn't just which is better off-road. It's whether the Jimny is still worth the premium. We tested both back to back on sealed roads, gravel, deep mud and steep off-road terrain to find out which budget 4x4 you should actually buy in Australia right now. Chapters: 0:00 — The New $41k Jimny Challenger 1:04 — Pricing, Powertrains & Running Costs 3:44 — Renault Duster On-Road Review 8:29 — Suzuki Jimny On-Road: The Honest Truth 12:44 — Jimny Off-Road Capability Test 15:59 — Duster Off-Road: Better Than You Think? 20:45 — Interior Comparison: Budget Done Right? 25:50 — Safety Ratings, Tech & Features 28:58 — Boot Space & Overlanding Potential 30:25 — Final Verdict: Which Car Should You Buy? If you are deciding between a small SUV Australia buyers actually use off-road, this breaks down exactly where each wins and where each falls apart. The Suzuki Jimny automatic currently sits at roughly $45,000 while the Renault Duster Evolution 4x4 is priced around $41,000 driveaway. While one offers the rugged charm of a budget 70 series, the other provides a modern turbo powertrain and superior road manners. We test the limits of their ground clearance, low range capability, and real world fuel economy to help you decide which SUV belongs in your driveway. #SuzukiJimny #RenaultDuster #JimnyVsDuster #Budget4x4 #4x4Australia #OffRoadSUV #CarReviewAustralia #SmallSUVAustralia #4WD #DaciaDuster #Carsales Subscribe for the latest advice, reviews and comparison tests 👍 https://www.youtube.com/user/carsales... STAY UP TO DATE AND CONNECT WITH US https://www.carsales.com.au/   / carsales.com.au     / carsalescomau     / carsalescomau   carsales. Buy it. Sell it. Love it.®