The third-generation Renault Duster has returned to India, this time featuring a bold redesign, powerful powertrains, and impactful modern technology, ready to make its place in a competitive midsize SUV market.
Renault Duster once held a significant spot in India’s then-growing SUV market, standing at the very helm of the SUV mania that has taken over the country in the past decade. It enjoyed a healthy period of dominance when launched back in 2012, facing limited competition, and ushering the Indian Automobile market into the world of midsize/ compact SUVs.
That was until 2015, when other brands finally caught up and introduced their own versions of Duster rivals. After the advent of the Hyundai Creta and the Suzuki S-Cross, Renault’s Duster started to fall out of favour with the consumer, since its rivals offered much more premium materials and top-of-the-line technology, which on the Duster was very scarce.
Soon after, Renault Duster couldn’t keep up with the ever growing compettion with its rudimentary features and had to retire from the Indian market in 2022. Now, after a brief hiatus, the Renault Duster made its comeback with new tricks and features in its armoury and power-packed powertrain options to mark its spot in the segment it once pioneered.
What Is the 2026 Renault Duster?
The new 2026 Renault Duster is a 5-seater midsize SUV built on Renault’s CMF-B platform, reviving the iconic nameplate after a hiatus. Ready to rival the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos with its rugged looks and modern technology.
Design and Exterior Features
The 2026 Renault Duster features a rugged, boxy design complemented by LED headlamps, “Duster” grille lettering, 18-inch alloys, C-pillar handles, connected LED taillamps, and roof rails.
The 2026 Duster comes in 6 different colour palettes: Jade Mountain Green, Pearl White, Moonlight Silver, Stealth Black, River Blue, and Sunset Red.
What does the interior look like?
The biggest gripe with the old Duster was its archaic cabin, where its rivals offered soft-touch materials and premium features, Renault Duster made do with rudimentary tech and subpar plastics.
But all that has changed for the 3rd Gen Renault Duster, the cabin now features a Dual 10.1-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch driver’s display powered by Google OS, ambient lighting, Arkamys audio, dual-zone AC, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, Type-C ports and Rear AC vents. Offering a plush and premium abode for its passengers.
What safety features does it have?
On the 2026 Duster, Renault offers six airbags, all-disc brakes with ABS, EBD, ESC, hill-hold assist, TPMS, 360-degree camera, and rear sensors as standard across variants. While Level 2 ADAS starts from mid-variants upward.
What are the engine options for the Renault Duster 2026?
Renault offers three petrol-only powertrains for the 2026 Duster:
- 1.0L turbo (100 PS/160 Nm, 6MT),
- 1.3L turbo (163 PS/280 Nm, 6MT/DCT), and
- 1.8L E-Tech hybrid (160 bhp/172 Nm, 8-speed DHT).
At the moment, all three options drive the front wheel, but a future inclusion of an All Wheel Drive model is on the cards.
What is the expected price in India?
While the bookings have already commenced across dealerships in India, with a booking amount of Rs 21,000. However, Renault has not yet disclosed the final prices, with an announcement expected in March.
