The Dacia Sandero is a supermini that has been a cornerstone of the Dacia range since 2007, embodying the brand's commitment to providing excellent cars at an unbeatable cost. Its rugged sibling, the Dacia Sandero Stepway, is a crossover based on the same winning formula, offering a more adventurous spirit since its European launch in 2009.
Now in their third generation, both models continue to be among the most affordable new cars on the market. The Sandero's incredible value proposition has been consistently recognised, most recently winning the coveted "Best Small Car for Value" at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards for both 2024 and 2025.
Our comparison of the Dacia Sandero vs Stepway will take you through the latest 2025 models to highlight their similarities and where they differ, helping you choose the perfect fit for your needs.
Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway are built on the versatile Renault-Nissan CMF-B LS platform. While central to Dacia's lineup, this platform is also used for other vehicles in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, including the Renault Taliant and the upcoming Lada Iskra.
The key design changes that set the Sandero Stepway apart are its raised ride height and clever modular roof bars, which can be easily converted into a roof rack for extra practicality. This gives the Stepway a more commanding presence and a higher driving position, which can make entering and exiting the vehicle easier.
As part of the 2024/2025 model year updates, both cars received fresh styling to incorporate Dacia's new branding on the grille and steering wheel. The Stepway also gained an exclusive new Safari Beige paint colour, while new wheel designs like the two-tone Atara Flexwheels and Randia diamond-cut alloys were introduced across the range.
Inside, Dacia prioritises simplicity and user-friendliness over complicated systems. The focus is on providing the features you need in a straightforward and accessible way. For 2025 UK models, the Sandero and Sandero Stepway have a front USB-A data/charge port (with Media Display/Nav) and add a rear USB-C on higher trims.
Both models offer excellent visibility thanks to narrow pillars and a high windscreen. In terms of practicality, you'll find a generous 328 litres of boot space with all five seats in use. This is competitive for the class, offering more room than the hybrid version of the Renault Clio (301 litres) but slightly less than the petrol Clio (391 litres) and the Ford Fiesta (403 litres).
Fold the rear seats flat, and the space opens up to an impressive 1,108 litres, which is actually more than the Clio's 1,069 litres. If you occasionally need that extra room for larger items, both the Sandero and Stepway are fantastic options.
On Essential models, Dacia offers its clever Media Control system. Instead of a built-in infotainment screen, it uses your smartphone as the central hub. Simply slot your phone into the purpose-built dashboard dock, and through the free Dacia Media Control app, it becomes your interface for navigation, media, and phone calls, all controlled safely via Bluetooth and steering wheel controls.
Higher trim levels feature an integrated 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, automatic air conditioning, and electric rear windows. The Sandero Stepway has the clear advantage of offering the top-of-the-range Extreme trim. This model is generously equipped with keyless entry, heated front seats, an electrical parking brake, front and rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera, and the Extended Grip system for improved traction on tricky surfaces.
In the UK, both the Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway are available with the same efficient engine options: the TCe 90 petrol and the TCe 100 Bi-Fuel.
The TCe 90 is a 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 92 hp. Paired with a manual gearbox, it delivers excellent fuel economy, achieving up to 53.3 mpg in the Sandero and 50.4 mpg in the Sandero Stepway.
Dacia's innovative TCe 100 Bi-Fuel engine runs on both petrol and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The car switches between the two fuels seamlessly, or you can do it manually. Running on LPG boosts power to 100 bhp and lowers CO2 emissions, offering a powerful and economical alternative.
While both models are primarily designed as city cars, they are perfectly capable on the motorway for longer journeys. For those seeking more rugged, off-road capability, the larger Dacia Duster is the natural next step up.In its 2021 Euro NCAP assessment, the Sandero received a two-star rating. It scored reasonably well for adult (70%) and child (72%) occupant protection, but lower scores for vulnerable road user protection (41%) and safety assistance systems (42%) impacted the overall result.
However, for the 2025 model year, Dacia has significantly enhanced the standard safety equipment across the entire range to comply with the new Global Safety Regulation II (GSR II). New standard features now include:
These crucial updates demonstrate a clear commitment to improving safety for drivers, passengers, and other road users.
Both the Dacia Sandero and Dacia Sandero Stepway are great choices for your new car thanks to being good value for money and budget friendly at even the highest trims. This will get you some great equipment levels although the Dacia Sandero Stepway has an extra trim level that gives you that little bit more and a raised driving position.
For more information, or to book your test drive of either model, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable and friendly team at John Clark Dacia in Aberdeen.
