2026 Renault Duster Breaks Cover

The Renault Duster has returned to India in its third-generation form, pre-bookings for the new Renault Duster are now open, with prices expected to be announced in March. The SUV is likely to be priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom), and deliveries are scheduled to begin in April 2026.

- Pre-bookings can be done for a token amount of Rs 21,000
- Features include wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charger, and Level 2 ADAS
- Rivals the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder

Engine and powertrain options

The headline act is the strong-hybrid petrol engine, which Renault has now officially confirmed for India. This setup combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 109 PS with a 49 PS electric motor and a 20 PS hybrid starter generator (HSG), powered by a 1.4kWh (280V) battery. The combined system output stands at 160 PS and 172 Nm. However, this hybrid variant will arrive later, with its India launch scheduled around Diwali 2026.

Alongside the hybrid, the Duster will be offered with two turbo-petrol engines. The more powerful option is a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol unit delivering 163 PS and 280 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. The smaller 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 100hp and 160 Nm and is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Interior and features

The new Duster features a dual-screen setup with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, along with a wireless phone charger and dual-zone climate control.

The cabin gets soft-touch materials on the dashboard, silver trim inserts and contrast green stitching, lending it an upmarket feel. Renault has also retained physical buttons for key functions on the centre console, striking a balance between digital interfaces and usability. Comfort features include a slide-adjustable front armrest with storage, a rear centre armrest with cupholders, a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, and 6-way powered and ventilated front seats. Boot space stands at a generous 518 litres (measured up to the parcel shelf).

On the safety front, the new Duster is well-equipped with six airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, TPMS, an electronic parking brake and disc brakes on all four wheels. It also becomes the first Renault car in India to offer level 2 ADAS. Renault is targeting a full 5-star crash safety rating and is backing the SUV with a class-leading 7-year/1,50,000km standard warranty.

Exterior design highlights

While the overall silhouette mirrors the third-generation global Duster, the India-spec model gets several visual tweaks. Up front, there are redesigned headlights with eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs that also function as turn indicators. The grille is unique, featuring a prominent 'Duster' badge instead of the Renault logo. The front bumper gets a protruding silver surround reminiscent of the first-generation model, along with pixel-style fog lamps.

In profile, the Duster sports rugged black cladding around the wheel arches and lower body, C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, functional black roof rails with a 50kg load capacity, up to 18-inch black alloy wheels and a 212mm ground clearance. India-specific touches include Himalayan motifs on the front fenders and a yellow accent strip on the cladding with 'Iconic' branding.

At the rear, triangular LED taillights are connected by a full-width LED light bar, a feature absent on the global model. There's also a roof-mounted spoiler, a textured finish for the number plate housing and a black rear bumper with a silver insert. The Duster offers a 26.9-degree approach angle and a 34.7-degree departure angle, underlining its SUV credentials.

 It will take on rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq and the upcoming Tata Sierra.