The Renault Duster has a strong reputation for durability and ride quality. It feels rugged and practical, especially for our road conditions. Its suspension makes rough roads and long drives comfortable. With fewer electronics, maintenance is easier and cost-effective. A smart choice if you prioritize a tough, reliable SUV with good driving comfort.

JD•24 Apr 2026

3/5

I have a Duster petrol 1.5 L. I'm confused about installing a CNG kit as CNG gives good average compared to petrol.

Yashvir G•24 Apr 2026

4/5

I own a Duster diesel 2013 model. Mostly driven single handedly, used for city and long trips. Experience has been amazing except for a power steering failure. No engine issues. Fuel economy is 18-21 kmpl. Superb ground clearance and ruggedness. Company servicing is 3x more expensive than outside workshops.

Suresh•22 Apr 2026

5/5

I own a 2017 Duster and have already clocked 355000 km. It's still going strong with a mileage of 21 km.

Somesh Handa•22 Apr 2026

5/5

Please go with Duster 1.3 turbo if you want to stay happy for rest of your life!

Ichit Phaldessai•22 Apr 2026

1/5

During a test drive of the Renault Duster with the 1.3 engine, the vehicle started knocking and showed an engine failure warning. The executive claimed it was due to low fuel, but there was no prior warning. We had to park it and walk back to the showroom.

Prem chand•21 Apr 2026

5/5

I am using the Duster from 2011. It is a super vehicle with great performance and maneuverability.

Puneet Singh Gill•20 Apr 2026

3/5

I test drove the Duster DCT. It looks amazing in everything, the looks, the feel, but the turbo lag is a bit disappointing. I really want the new Duster but I am worried about Renault's after sales service and the car's reliability since it is a new product in the market with no actual on ground feedback.

Ved•20 Apr 2026

4/5

I have a Duster RXS diesel and its service cost doesn't cross 15k.

Renault Duster Expert Reviews

Autocar score

We like

Outstanding ride comfort
Refined and punchy 1.3 turbo petrol engine
Large 518-litre boot

We don't like

Cabin not as spacious as rivals
No spare tyre as standard
Infotainment interface not intuitive to use

View Expert Reviews

Renault Duster Images

Cabin Lamps Conventional, Leds Image - 33845

Interior Colours Black, Green Image - 32499

Co Passenger Height Adjustable Seat Image - 33861

Color Green, Black, Yellow Image - 32514

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Questions you may find useful

Balasubramanian

•2d

I recently upgraded from a Skoda Rapid Diesel DSG to a Honda Elevate ZX CVT. I drive around 62 km daily in Mumbai (Navi Mumbai to Andheri) in bumper-to-bumper traffic. I like everything about the Elevate except its 40-litre fuel tank, due to which I need to refuel every 4-5 days, which is becoming frustrating. I am even considering changing my car by the end of the year to the Renault Duster (which is expected to have a larger 50-litre tank). I also need sufficient boot space. I understand the Duster may not offer a spare wheel (stepney), though space might be available to carry one. While the Duster Hybrid is tempting, the lack of boot space and a proper spare tyre could be deal-breakers, especially since I take occasional long drives to the South where a spare tyre feels essential. Given this situation, should I continue with the Elevate or consider switching? What would you suggest?

Autocar India

•2d

If you're looking to replace the Honda Elevate CVT with a Renault Duster, make sure you opt for the hybrid version. The Duster's 1.3-litre turbo-petrol-DCT combination isn't likely to deliver respectable fuel efficiency, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic; hence, your fuel stops are likely to be as frequent, if not more so. A hybrid, on the other hand, will remain in EV mode while idling or at low speeds, which will significantly reduce fuel consumption. While Renault provides a puncture repair kit, a spare tyre will certainly come in hand in the event of a sidewall cut, which is a possibility on long drives and unfamiliar roads. Hence, you could purchase an extra tyre and place it in the boot, however that is likely to compromise luggage space.Alternatively, you could consider retaining your Honda Elevate. It is a very sensible, no-nonsense car. Also, keep in mind that because it isn't a popular model, resale value is likely to be on the lower side, hence you will have to add a fair bit from your pocket, to make the new purchase.

Renault Duster

Honda Elevate

Dr Biswas PP

•4d

Will the Renault Duster hybrid have any body changes compared to the ICE Duster? Especially since it has to accommodate the battery pack. Will rear seat legroom decrease? I’ve booked one and am worried about this.

Autocar India

•4d

In most modern strong-hybrid setups, the battery is packaged low in the floor or under the boot area, not under the rear seats. This means rear seat legroom and seating position remain largely unchanged. Even globally, the Duster sold as the Dacia Duster hybrid manages its battery packaging quite well, with minimal impact on cabin space. So, from a passenger comfort point of view, it should feel very similar to the ICE version.Where you may see a change is in the boot area. To accommodate the battery, the boot floor can be slightly raised, something we have already seen in cars like the Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Grand Vitara. This can reduce usable boot depth a bit, but manufacturers usually integrate it neatly, so the impact is not drastic.

Renault Duster

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Kathiravan Anandan

•5d

I’m Kathir from Chennai. I have been following Autocar for many years, and it has always been interesting and useful, with clear explanations. I often recommend Autocar to others for reliable information, so thanks to the entire team! I currently drive a 2008 i10 1.2 Magna, and my wife drives a 2016 Grand i10 Asta automatic, which has now covered 92,000 km. We are planning to sell this car and buy a new automatic petrol car within a ₹20 lakh on-road budget. Earlier, choosing a car was easier, but now it feels more confusing. We like Hyundai cars but now, we are open to trying other brands. We have test-driven the Ertiga AT, Victoris AT, Creta AT, and Carens AT, and are also planning to test Volkswagen and Skoda models. I like the Sierra, Duster, and XUV 7XO, but I am not fully confident about buying them. I am also unsure whether to buy a new car or consider a used one. Please suggest both a new car option and advice on buying a used car.

Autocar India

•4d

You are upgrading from a Grand i10 automatic and want something that is easy to drive, comfortable for family use and reliable for long-term ownership. The Creta ticks all those boxes. The IVT automatic is smooth and effortless in city driving, the ride is soft and comfortable which your family will appreciate, and Hyundai’s aftersales experience is something you are already familiar with. It also feels like a proper step up in space, comfort and overall refinement without being intimidating to drive.The Grand Vitara automatic is a good alternative if fuel efficiency is a priority. It is smooth and easy to drive, but the engine feels less responsive and overall it does not feel as premium or as refined as the Creta. The Ertiga and Carens Clavis are practical, but they are more MPV-focused and since you do not specifically need a third row, they are not the best fit.Cars like the Sierra, Duster and XUV 7XO are interesting, but your hesitation is valid. They are either new or evolving products, and compared to the Creta, they do not offer the same level of proven reliability and ownership peace of mind yet.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Anil

I am planning to upgrade from my current Suzuki Baleno top-spec Alpha variant. I am looking for higher ground clearance, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and a smoother transmission (unlike my current AMT). I am considering the Duster, Seltos, Victoris, and Creta. My annual driving is mostly in the city and under 10,000 km. Kindly suggest the best option.

Autocar India

•4d

You are looking for higher ground clearance, smoother automatic, cooled seats and a more premium experience, and the Seltos delivers on all of these. The IVT gearbox is very smooth in city traffic, a clear step up from your current AMT, and the naturally aspirated petrol is refined and easy to drive for your low, city-heavy running. Being a newer generation car, it also feels more premium inside and out, offers better space and has a well-sorted ride that suits both city and occasional highway use.The Duster is a strong alternative if you prioritise driving feel. The turbo petrol with DCT is more engaging, but in daily city use it will not feel as smooth as the Seltos IVT, and fuel efficiency will also be lower. The Grand Vitara is efficient and easy to drive, but it does not feel as premium and the engine and gearbox combination is not as strong or responsive as the Seltos. It is also not as spacious. The Creta shares a similar powertrain, but being the older car, it does not feel as fresh or as premium inside, is slightly less spacious and costs similar money, which makes the Seltos the better pick.

Kesar

I have upgraded from a Fiat Punto 90 HP to a Fronx because of spares issues, as my car had clocked 2,50,000 km. But the ride on the Fronx is not as nimble as compared to the Punto. Can you recommend an upgrade, as I do a lot of highway runs, mostly in the mountains? My budget is approximately ₹18 lakh.

Autocar India

•1w

Check out the the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Signature. It will feel closer to your old Punto than the Fronx does. The steering has good weight and the car turns in eagerly, so it is easy to place in tight bends and hairpins. The suspension takes rough patches well without tossing you around, and the car feels steady at highway speeds. The 115hp turbo petrol has strong pull once spinning, so quick overtakes on climbs are simple, and with the manual, you have full control of gears on steep sections. It also has a solid safety record, which matters on hill roads.A couple of things to note. At very low revs, you may need a downshift to get going cleanly on an uphill, so keep it in the right gear. Also, Skoda’s service reach is not as wide as Maruti’s, so check dealer support in your town.Other alternatives include the Renault Duster Techno Plus 1.3 Turbo, which feels tough, comfortable and characterful, but not as nimble, and as it's a brand new product which means its reliability is yet to be proven. You could also check out the Citroen Basalt X 1.2 Turbo AT, which is excellent value for money, but its dealer network is even smaller than Skoda's, so that needs to be borne in mind.