The Renault Duster is set to make a comeback in India tomorrow, on Republic Day 2026, bringing back the nameplate after it was discontinued in early 2022. The new-gen midsize SUV will also mark Renault’s return to one of India’s most competitive SUV segments.
Renault says this model will be the first India-bound launch under its International Game Plan 2027 and will play a key role in the company’s ‘renault. rethink’ product strategy, which was kicked off with the recent Triber and Kiger facelifts last year.
Renault Duster exterior design
Rugged new look with loads of cladding
The international-spec Duster has a rugged and modern design. It gets an upright stance with squared-off proportions, muscular fenders and heavy body cladding. In terms of dimensions, the SUV sold abroad measures 4.3 metres in length, 1.8 metres in width and 1.6 metres in height and has a 2.6-metre wheelbase.
Up front, it gets sleek LED headlamps, Renault lettering across the grille and a chunky bumper. The side profile retains the familiar Duster window line, while the rear continues the boxy theme with functional roof rails, thick dual-tone cladding, C-shaped LED tail-lamps and a roof-mounted spoiler.
However, the India-spec Duster is expected to look substantially different from the international-spec model, as suggested by official teasers showing unique eyebrow-style LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) and a connected LED tail-light bar. The front and rear bumpers are also expected to be unique on the India-spec Duster.
Renault Duster interior and features
Modern cabin layout; longer feature list expected
The new Duster gets a rugged cabin theme with a modern dashboard design. The interior of the international-spec Duster comes with either an all-black or dual-tone theme. It has a layered look with sharp, angular lines across the dash and a centre console angled slightly towards the driver, along with hexagonal-shaped AC vents.
In terms of features, the new Duster is expected to get a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, wireless charging and a 360-degree camera. Renault is also expected to introduce ADAS on the Duster, which would make it the brand’s first model in India to offer these driver assistance features.
Renault Duster engine and powertrain options
Petrol-only at launch, hybrid under evaluation, no diesel
Engine options for the new Duster are yet to be officially confirmed, but we expect Renault’s 156hp 1.3-litre ‘HR13’ turbo-petrol engine to be a part of the line-up, potentially with a revised state of tune, and paired with manual and automatic gearbox options. The 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from the Kiger could power the entry-level variants, possibly with a power bump.
There are no plans to bring back a diesel option for the Duster at the moment, but Renault India is evaluating a localised hybrid powertrain for the SUV. This could pair a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, for a combined output of 140hp, mated to an e-CVT. While the earlier Duster featured AWD in India, the new model’s electric rear axle AWD system may not be too cost-effective for our market.
Renault Duster platform and generation
Third-gen SUV on new RGMP platform, localised for India
The SUV coming to India is the third-generation Duster, and it marks a significant step forward from the earlier model. The new Duster is underpinned by the new RGMP platform, which supports updated electronics, safety systems and powertrains. Renault is also working on localising the CMF-B architecture for India.
This platform will also be used for Nissan’s midsize SUV. Much like the Nissan Terrano (a badge-engineered version of the old Duster), Nissan will repeat the strategy in 2026 with the Tekton. The Tekton will feature different design elements inspired by larger Nissan models while remaining mechanically identical to the Duster, and it is slated to launch in mid-2026.
Renault Duster price and rivals
Returns to a more competitive and crowded segment
Renault is yet to announce pricing for the new Duster, but it is expected to be priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh.
When the Duster first launched in India in 2012, it created a strong following and helped build the monocoque-based midsize SUV segment. Within the first year itself, Renault sold 40,000 units. But as the new model arrives in 2026, it will enter a segment that is far more crowded and competitive.
Key rivals will include the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Victoris, Tata Sierra and Tata Curvv.
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Saumil Shah
