The Renault Duster has made a comeback in India in its third-generation avatar. First launched in 2012, the Duster pioneered the mid-size SUV segment in the country, a space now dominated by models like the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. With its latest iteration, Renault aims to reclaim lost ground by offering a modern design and a feature-rich cabin.
- Offered with two turbo-petrol and a strong-hybrid petrol engine.
- Pre-bookings open at Rs 21,000, with prices to be revealed in March.
- Turbo-petrol deliveries start in April, strong-hybrid before Diwali.
2026 Renault Duster powertrain options
Offers two turbo-petrol engine options, but without an AWD setup
The India-spec Duster comes with a new 1.8-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine option with dual electric motors. With such an engine, it joins the ranks of the Maruti Victoris, Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder to offer a strong hybrid engine. However, the engine will be launched in India by Diwali 2026.
Other than this, it also gets a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 163hp and 280Nm, as well as a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that puts out 100hp and 160Nm. The bigger turbocharged engine is paired with a 6-speed DCT, while the smaller engine is mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
2026 Renault Duster exterior design
Gets new headlights and taillights compared to the global-spec model
While the overall silhouette of the India-spec Duster is similar to the third-generation global-spec model, Renault has made certain changes to the Indian model to make it look different. Among these are the redesigned headlights with eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs that double up as turn indicators. The grille design is also different and features a Duster badge. The front bumper features a protruding silver surround like the first-generation model. There are pixel-shaped fog lamps on both sides of the bumper.
In profile, the new Duster features a rugged black cladding over the wheel arches and the lower section of the body. The rear door handles are mounted on the C-pillar. It also features functional black roof rails.
The rear taillights are connected by an LED light bar, missing on the global-spec model. Renault has also equipped it with a rear wiper and washer as well as a roof-mounted spoiler. The black rear bumper features a silver surround that breaks the monotony of the otherwise simple design.
2026 Renault Duster interior design
Uses leatherette material on the seats, dashboard and door panels
Save for the usage of more premium leatherette materials on the seats, dashboard and door trims, the India-spec gets the same cabin design as the globally-available model. It is finished in black and has some green accents and stitching. The driver-focused dashboard features a 3-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls, a free-standing touchscreen and a digital driver’s display. The AC vents have Y-shaped patterns finished in chrome.
The centre console looks neat with minimal buttons, a small gear shifter and buttons for seat ventilation, all of which have a silver surround for added contrast. The front armrest is slide-adjustable and opens up to reveal a storage compartment, while the rear centre armrest features two cupholders.
2026 Renault Duster convenience and safety features
Gets dual digital screens, a 360-degree camera and ADAS
On the features front, the new Renault Duster is equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, and dual-zone climate control. It also gets a powered tailgate and 6-way powered and ventilated front seats.
Its safety suite consists of six airbags (as standard), a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), level 2 ADAS, an electronic parking brake and disc brakes on all four wheels. Notably, the Duster is the first Renault car in India to get an ADAS suite.
Pre-bookings are open, and prices will be revealed in March, which we expect to be in the Rs 10-20 lakh bracket. The new Renault Duster will rival popular mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder and Skoda Kushaq.
Lenny D'sa
Saptarshi Mondal
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
