The Renault Duster will be launched in its third-generation avatar in India on March 17, 2026. The India-spec Duster was revealed on January 26, 2026, marking the midsize SUV’s comeback after it was discontinued in 2022. The Duster is an important model for Renault, which the manufacturer hopes will gradually bring it back to the list of bestselling cars in India.
- New Duster to be launched with 1.3L and 1.0L turbocharged petrol engines
- 1.8L strong-hybrid engine expected to be introduced by Diwali 2026
- Features include dual digital screens, panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS
2026 Renault Duster: Powertrain options
Offers two turbo-petrol engine options and a strong hybrid
In India, the Renault Duster will be offered with the choice of two turbo-petrol engines and a strong-hybrid petrol powertrain. The turbo-petrol mills are a 100hp 1.0-litre engine from the smaller Kiger and a segment-best 163hp 1.3-litre unit. While a 6-speed manual transmission will be available with both, the bigger engine will also be offered with a 6-speed DCT option.
The 1.8-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine producing 109hp will join the line-up around Diwali 2026. It works with a 49hp electric motor and a 20hp hybrid starter generator, powered by a 1.4kWh (280V) battery. The combined system output is 160hp.
2026 Renault Duster: Exterior design
India-spec model gets unique LED headlights and tail-lights
The India-spec 2026 Duster keeps the global model’s silhouette but adds local tweaks. Up front, it gets eyebrow-style LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) that double as turn indicators, a bold grille with ‘Duster’ lettering without the Renault logo, a silver bumper surround and pixel-shaped fog lamps.
In profile, it features black body cladding, C-pillar rear door handles, roof rails with 50kg load-bearing capacity, up to 18-inch alloys and 212mm ground clearance. At the rear, a connected LED light bar, roof-mounted spoiler and black bumper with silver accents complete the aggressive look. Approach and departure angles stand at 26.9 degrees and 34.7 degrees, respectively.
2026 Renault Duster: Interior design and features
Gets dual-digital screens and a feature-loaded cabin
Compared to the global-spec model, the India-spec 2026 Duster features a completely redesigned dashboard with a dual-screen setup, soft-touch materials, silver accents and green contrast stitching while retaining physical buttons for key functions. It also gets a sliding front armrest and rear armrest with cup holders.
Features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate and 6-way powered and ventilated front seats. Its safety kit comprises six airbags (standard), a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), an electronic parking brake, four-wheel disc brakes and Level 2 ADAS.
The Renault Duster is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh and will rival midsize SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq and Honda Elevate.