The wait is almost over — Renault is bringing back the Duster to India. The 2026 Renault Duster will officially debut on January 26, 2026, aligning perfectly with Republic Day celebrations. After four years, the SUV that kickstarted India’s compact SUV trend is ready for a comeback, and this time it looks tougher, more modern, and feature-rich.
Bold New Design With Strong Road Presence
The new Renault Duster 2026 first appeared in Turkey in 2024, based on the latest Dacia Duster platform. The India-bound model keeps that foundation but adds Renault’s signature styling.
Up front, it sports a redesigned grille with a large Renault logo, Y-shaped LED DRLs, and a chunky front bumper. A silver skid plate, vertical air flaps, and a more upright stance give it a rugged, SUV-ready look.
From the side, the Duster gets 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, thick cladding around squared wheel arches, and roof rails for added practicality. The rear door handles are integrated into the window frame, adding a clean, sporty finish. At the back, inverted V-shaped LED tail lamps, a roof spoiler, and a wide bumper complete the bold, muscular look.
Interior: Premium Yet Practical
Step inside, and the 2026 Duster’s cabin feels completely new. The old, utilitarian layout is gone. In its place is a sleek, minimalist dashboard with Y-shaped AC vents and a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen for infotainment.
The driver gets a 7-inch digital display, while features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, automatic climate control, and a 6-speaker Arkamys sound system make it feel upmarket.
Renault has focused on durability and function, keeping hard-wearing materials and a dark interior theme that’s easy to maintain. The result is a smart mix of ruggedness and refinement.
Engines and Performance
The new Duster will come with petrol-only powertrains — no diesel this time. Globally, it offers several hybrid options, including:
- A 130 PS 1.3-litre mild-hybrid turbo petrol
- A 140 PS 1.6-litre strong-hybrid with a 1.2 kWh battery pack
- A 1.0-litre petrol-LPG version in select markets
For India, Renault is expected to offer the 1.3-litre mild-hybrid turbo-petrol engine, available with manual and automatic gearboxes. The company may later add an AWD (All-Wheel Drive) variant for enthusiasts, depending on demand.
Safety and ADAS
Renault is also focusing heavily on safety this time. The global-spec Duster comes with up to eight airbags, ESC, hill-hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring, and Level-2 ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
While not all features may reach the India version, six airbags, ABS with EBD, and traction aids are expected as standard. The Duster is likely to score higher in safety ratings than its predecessor.
Features and Technology
The Duster now offers several modern conveniences, including:
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 7-inch digital cluster
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
- Automatic wipers and headlamps
- Cruise control and wireless charging
- Rear-view camera
With these updates, Renault has ensured that the Duster matches global standards in tech and comfort.
Expected Price and Rivals
The 2026 Renault Duster will be positioned between ₹10 lakh and ₹16 lakh (ex-showroom).
When launched, it will compete against heavyweights like:
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos (next-gen)
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and VictoriS
- Toyota Hyryder
- Honda Elevate
- Skoda Kushaq
- Volkswagen Taigun
It will also face new entrants like the upcoming Tata Sierra and Nissan Tekton in early 2026.
Can the Duster Reclaim Its Crown?
The Duster nameplate still carries strong nostalgia among Indian SUV buyers. The 2026 version combines that legacy with modern design, new petrol-hybrid powertrains, and a richer feature set.
If Renault adds an AWD variant again, the Duster could quickly become a favourite for both city drivers and adventure enthusiasts — marking a strong comeback for Renault in India’s competitive SUV market.
