The Renault Duster is all set to make a grand comeback in India, and SUV lovers can’t wait. Known for kickstarting the affordable SUV craze in the country years ago, the Duster has always been loved for its rugged looks, spacious interiors, and value-for-money pricing. Now in 2025, Renault is preparing to launch the all-new Duster with modern styling, hybrid engines, and fresh features to take on big rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
The next-generation Duster has already been spotted testing on Indian roads in Bangalore, wrapped in camouflage but revealing several new design details. Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming SUV.
Design and Styling
The 2025 Renault Duster is built on a completely updated design, borrowing styling cues from its international version. Despite being covered in camouflage during road tests, key elements are already visible.
At the rear, the SUV features V-shaped LED tail lamps, chunky wheel arch cladding, a shark-fin antenna, roof rails, and a raked windshield with a rear wiper and washer. These touches give it a more premium yet rugged feel.
The front fascia looks bold and upright, with Y-shaped LED daytime running lights, a muscular sculpted bonnet, and a bull bar-style grille. The overall look is sportier and tougher, perfect for buyers who want their SUV to make a statement on the road.
Other design highlights include polygonal wheel arches, ORVMs with integrated turn signals, blacked-out B-pillars, and conventional door handles. The design clearly shows that Renault wants to keep the Duster’s rugged DNA intact while adding more style to attract new-age buyers.
Features and Technology
The new-generation Duster is expected to pack several modern features to keep up with segment rivals. While Renault hasn’t revealed the India-specific features yet, the international model gives a strong hint of what to expect.
We could see a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital driver’s display, automatic climate control, connected car features, and premium interiors with improved upholstery.
On the safety front, expect multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, a rear camera, and possibly advanced driver-assistance features in higher trims.
Engine and Transmission Options
The biggest update in the 2025 Renault Duster comes under the hood. Globally, the SUV is offered with three different powertrain options, and India could get a mix of them:
- A 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing around 130 PS of power.
- A 1.6-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery pack, delivering 140 PS peak output.
- A 1.0-litre petrol-LPG engine producing about 100 PS, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with all-wheel-drive capability.
This variety ensures that buyers will get both fuel-efficient and performance-friendly choices, something Indian SUV buyers increasingly demand.
Price and Seating Capacity
The new Renault Duster is expected to be priced competitively, starting at around ₹10 lakh and going up to ₹15–18 lakh (ex-showroom) for the higher variants. This aggressive pricing will put it right against bestsellers like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder.
For now, the SUV is expected to launch in a 5-seater layout, which is practical for families while keeping the pricing affordable. Renault may consider a 7-seater version in the future, depending on market demand.
Why It Matters
The Duster was once a cult favorite in India and even gave rise to the compact SUV craze. However, it eventually lost ground to rivals due to fewer updates over the years. Now, with a fresh design, hybrid technology, and competitive pricing, Renault hopes to revive the Duster’s golden run.
If Renault manages to pack the right features and keep the prices attractive, the 2025 Duster could become one of the hottest SUVs in its segment.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Renault Duster is shaping up to be a game-changer in India’s mid-size SUV space. With bold new styling, hybrid engine choices, premium features, and pricing starting around ₹10 lakh, it has the potential to shake up the market once again.
Spotted testing in Bangalore, the Duster looks nearly ready for its official debut. If you are waiting for an SUV that balances ruggedness, modern features, and fuel efficiency, the new Renault Duster could be worth the wait.
