The Renault Duster has long been a household name in India, known for its rugged build, affordability, and SUV-ready attitude. After a brief hiatus, Renault has brought back the Duster in January 2026, and this time, the company has gone all-in to ensure the SUV reclaims its spot in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment. With a bold New design, advanced technology, and hybrid powertrains on the horizon, the Duster’s comeback is nothing short of spectacular.
Design: Rugged Yet Refined
The new Duster has been completely redesigned to appeal to modern buyers while retaining its adventurous DNA.
- Exterior Styling: Aggressive LED DRLs, a muscular bonnet, and bold “Duster” lettering across the front fascia give it a commanding presence.
- Ground Clearance: At 212 mm, it remains one of the most capable SUVs in its class, ready for both city streets and rough terrain.
- Angles: Approach angle of 26.9° and departure angle of 34.7° enhance off-road capability.
- Details: Connected tail lights, roof bars with 50-kg load capacity, and an electric panoramic sunroof add sophistication.
Renault has clearly aimed to make the Duster look premium while keeping its rugged charm intact.
Interiors & Features
Inside, the Duster has undergone a major transformation:
- Dashboard: Modern and feature-rich, with a new infotainment system powered by openR link multimedia and Google built-in.
- Comfort: Six-way powered front seats, premium upholstery, and four-zone climate control.
- Safety: Equipped with 17 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), making it one of the safest SUVs in its segment.
- Warranty: Renault offers up to 7 years or 1,50,000 km under its Forever Program, boosting buyer confidence.
Powertrain Options
Renault has pulled out all the stops under the hood as well:
- Petrol Engines: At launch, buyers can choose between a 100 hp entry-level petrol and a 163 hp turbo-petrol option.
- Hybrid Future: A strong hybrid powertrain is expected by Diwali 2026, filling the gap left by the absence of a diesel variant.
- Transmission: Dual-clutch automatic available with the turbo-petrol, ensuring smooth performance.
Pricing & Positioning
The new Duster is priced competitively:
- Range: ₹9.50 lakh – ₹19.00 lakh (ex-showroom).
- Segment Rivals: Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Kia Seltos.
- USP: While rivals emphasize hybrid or diesel options, Renault is betting big on turbo-petrol and upcoming hybrid tech.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rugged design with premium touches | No diesel option at launch |
| Advanced ADAS features | Hybrid only arriving later in 2026 |
| Competitive pricing | Fierce competition from established rivals |
| Strong ground clearance and off-road angles | Limited initial engine choices |
Verdict
The 2026 Renault Duster is a bold comeback that blends rugged SUV character with modern sophistication. By offering advanced ADAS, premium interiors, and competitive pricing, Renault has ensured the Duster appeals to both loyal fans and new buyers. While the absence of a diesel engine may disappoint some, the upcoming hybrid option promises to make the Duster future-ready.
Renault has indeed pulled out all the stops—this isn’t just a return, it’s a reinvention.
