The Renault Duster has made a comeback in India after it was discontinued in 2022. Unlike the international model, which is built on the CMFB platform, the India-spec Duster is built on the RGMP platform, with a new electrical and electronics (E&E) architecture co-developed with Google. It is arguably the most important launch for Renault India in the short term as it is trying to regain lost footing in the Indian market. And for that, the French carmaker has jumped straight into the hotly contested midsize SUV segment to take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Duster SUV ahead of its India launch.
What is the price of the Renault Duster 2026?
Expected to be priced in the Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh bracket
Renault will reveal prices of the 2026 Duster on March 17, 2026, which we expect to fall in the Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh range. Deliveries of the Duster will commence in April.
What engine options are available with the 2026 Renault Duster?
Turbo-petrol engines offered initially; strong-hybrid option to be introduced by Diwali
The 2026 Renault Duster will be available with two engine options upon launch: a 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the smaller Kiger and a 163hp, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol mill. While the smaller engine is offered only with a 6-speed manual transmission, the larger-capacity option also includes a 6-speed DCT.
Notably, a 1.8-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine will debut on the Duster by Diwali 2026, delivering a total system output of 160hp. For now, Renault is not planning to offer a diesel or an AWD option with the Duster SUV.
What are the design highlights of the 2026 Renault Duster?
Gets some design differences compared to the international-spec model
Compared to the international-spec model, the Renault Duster is offered in India with a slightly different design. It gets new LED headlights with eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs and a gloss-black grille with ‘Duster’ lettering instead of the Renault logo. The bumper features large air intakes and fog lamps on the black lower portion. A silver surround on the bumper gives some drama to the front design.
In profile, it gets 18-inch black alloy wheels, C-pillar-mounted rear door handles and body cladding on wheel arches and the lower portion of the doors. At the rear, it gets triangular LED tail-lights connected by a light bar with a Renault logo in the centre, and a black bumper with a contrasting silver surround.
Here are the dimensions and key specifications of the Renault Duster:
Inside, the Renault Duster gets a dual-tone black and green theme with similarly coloured leatherette-wrapped seats. All the seats get adjustable headrests and 3-point seatbelts. The front and rear seat passengers also get centre armrests.
What features does the 2026 Renault Duster offer?
Offers dual digital screens, panoramic sunroof, ADAS, and more
Renault has equipped the 2026 Duster with a lot of modern-day amenities, including a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and a wireless phone charger. It also gets powered and ventilated front seats and 48-colour ambient lighting.
On the safety front, it gets six airbags as standard, level-2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, front and rear parking sensors, and disc brakes on all four wheels. It is offered with a standard warranty of 7 years or 1.5 lakh km (whichever is first).
What are the rivals of the 2026 Renault Duster in India?
Will lock horns with popular models like Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra
The 2026 Duster will rival midsize SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Citroen Aircross and MG Astor. It will also lock horns with similarly priced coupe-SUVs like the Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt.
Prices are ex-showroom, pan-India.
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Saumil Shah
