Renault has announced that the Duster SUV will return to India on Republic Day 2026. Launched in 2012, the first-gen Duster gave birth to the popular midsize SUV segment as we know it today, and inspired launches like the Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara, and so on. The third-generation Duster was revealed for global markets in 2023, but the SUV for India is likely to have some changes over the model on sale abroad. Here’s what we can expect from the upcoming India-spec Renault Duster.
How does the 2026 Renault Duster exterior design look like?
Gets butch looks with muscular fenders and loads of cladding.
The Duster features a rugged, modern look in its third generation, and in terms of dimensions, the SUV on sale abroad is 4.3m long, 1.8m wide, and 1.6m tall, with a 2.6m wheelbase. The international model’s front gets sleek LED headlights and Renault branding spaced out across the grille. The front bumper comes with loads of cladding, with wide air dams and circular fog lamps, and the bonnet gets sculpted lines, lending an aggressive front-end.
Coming to the side profile, the window line is reminiscent of the previous-gen Duster. The sides are characterised by muscular front and rear fenders, cladding across the wheel arches and doors, and diamond-cut alloys.
The rear also continues with the boxy, muscular theme, with a roof-mounted spoiler, C-shaped LED tail lamps, and thick dual-tone cladding for the rear bumper, which houses the reflectors and reversing lights. The tailgate gets the Renault logo, with the Duster branding lower down in the centre. There are also functional roof rails.
What interiors and features will the 2026 Renault Duster come with?
Rugged interior theme with a long feature list and ADAS
The interior of the international-spec Duster comes with either an all-black or dual-tone theme. The cabin gets a layered look, with sharp, angular lines across the dash. The centre console is slightly angled towards the driver, with hexagonal-shaped AC vents. The interior layout of the India-spec Duster is expected to be similar.
In terms of features, expect the Duster to come with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, a wireless charger, an Arkamys 3D sound system, a 360-degree camera, and more. The Duster could be the first Renault model to have ADAS tech in India.
What engine and gearbox options will the 2026 Renault Duster feature?
A single petrol powertrain followed by a strong-hybrid launch later on. No diesel on offer
Initially, the Renault Duster will only come with a petrol powertrain. This will be a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol unit, which in international markets, produces 156hp and is mated to a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic. However, later on, Renault could launch a strong-hybrid powertrain, comprising a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, with a total power output of 140hp, mated to an e-CVT automatic. There’s no confirmation of a diesel engine, and while the earlier Dusters featured AWD, the new model’s electric rear axle AWD system may not be too cost-effective for our market.
What is the estimated price of the 2026 Renault Duster, and what cars will it rival?
Expect the Renault Duster to be priced in the range of Rs 10-20 lakh.
Expect the Renault Duster to be priced in the range of Rs 10 lakh-20 lakh. The Duster will compete in the popular mid-size SUV segment, which is currently dominated by the Hyundai Creta. Other rivals include the Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara and Victoris, Toyota Hyryder, Tata Sierra and Curvv, Honda Elevate and the MG Astor.
Renault Duster in India: A brief history
The first-gen Duster came to the Indian market in 2012 and became the first monocoque mid-size SUV and popularised the segment as we know it today.
Within the first year itself, Renault successfully sold 40,000 units. Engine options included petrol and diesel powertrains. AWD versions were launched in 2014 solely with diesel engines. A facelift was introduced for the Duster in 2019 with subtle exterior changes, and a new turbo-petrol powertrain came later in 2020 which met BS6 norms, but saw the discontinuation of the diesel engine.
With the return of the Duster, Renault India hopes its fortunes will reach the same heights as the brand comes back to compete in the segment it began in the first place.
