A new generation of one of the most popular small SUVs in India has arrived with the 2026 Renault Duster. The Duster, which is scheduled for an official reveal on January 26, 2026, is anticipated to go on sale in March 2026. It has major upgrades that improve its performance, style, and technology. Constructed on the CMF-B platform, the new Duster deviates from the more functional appearance of its predecessor with a bold and muscular design. The updated exterior features a segment-leading ground clearance of 217 mm, connected tail lamps with a light bar, and a boxy silhouette with a Y-shaped LED DRL.
The Duster now has a more contemporary dashboard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system. Performance and fuel efficiency are enhanced by the hybrid and full hybrid engine options. The 2026 Duster has a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system, wireless charging, and Level 2 ADAS, among other tech and safety features designed to improve comfort and convenience.
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement | 1498 |
| Max power (bhp) | 105 bhp@5600rpm |
| Gear box | 5-Speed |
| Max torque (Nm) | 142 Nm@4000rpm |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 14.19 |
| Fuel Type | petrol |
| Hybrid powertrain options | |
| 217 mm ground clearance | |
| 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system | |
| Level 2 ADAS safety suite |
| Popular Variants | On-Road Price*in Delhi |
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The 2026 Renault Duster appears to be a strong development of a model that has long been renowned for its toughness and usefulness. The exterior design and interior upgrades demonstrate the shift towards a more upscale and contemporary SUV experience. The new model offers a more comfortable and sophisticated driving experience, particularly on highways, while maintaining the Duster's tough, off-road capability.
| Design | 4/5 | |
| Paint Quality | 4/5 | |
| Panel Gaps | 5/5 |
| Design | 4/5 | |
| Space | 5/5 | |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| No. of Airbags | 6 | |
| Features | 5/5 |
| Stability | 4/5 | |
| Eng. Response | 5/5 | |
| Clutch & Gears | 4/5 |
| Pros | Rugged exterior with a strong presence and high ground clearance | Strong off-road capability with plenty of ground clearance and 4x4 options | Fuel efficiency is good with mild hybrid and full hybrid engine options. | Large cabin with lots of seating and a roomy boot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cons | There are fewer engine options because diesel engines are no longer available. | The lack of third-row seats restricts the number of passengers. | Certain interior materials seem more practical than high-end. | More expensive than some competitors, particularly for the top-tier models |
"I recently drove the Duster on a long trip, and it worked perfectly. The ride is comfortable, and the highways are smooth to drive on. The ADAS and other tech and safety features are great. I just wish there was more space in the back."
"The exterior of the Duster is tough, and it feels very stable on rough roads. The new mild hybrid engine is a good change because it uses less gas. The 360-degree camera and other safety features help you drive in tight spaces."
"I wanted a car that could handle both city traffic and rough terrain, and the Duster does both. The tech is great, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that work without wires. The price is a little high, but that's the only bad thing."
"The Duster has everything I need: safety, comfort, and performance. The hybrid engine makes the car very fuel-efficient, and driving it is a breeze. The price is a little high for this type of product, but the features make up for it."
"The Duster is a great car for driving in the city and on the road. The new hybrid engine runs smoothly and uses less fuel. The modern technology inside is great, and the 4x4 is perfect for weekend trips. The price, on the other hand, is a little high compared to competitors."
"The design and tech upgrades look promising from teasers and reviews, but Renault needs to get pricing and after-sales right. The Duster name carries a lot of legacy, so expectations are naturally high."
"I have only seen the global-spec videos and Indian preview images, but the cabin looks like a big upgrade. The digital driver display and larger touchscreen look well integrated. Hoping the material quality in the Indian version matches what’s shown in videos."
"From the launch images and walkaround videos, the new Duster looks far more modern and rugged than the old one. The boxy stance, LED lights, and upright design make it feel like a serious SUV again. Waiting to see it in person, but first impressions are strong."
Yes, the 2026 Renault Duster will be launched in India in March 2026.
No, the new Duster will only offer petrol hybrid engines. Diesel engines will not be available.
The Duster will be offered with mild hybrid and full hybrid petrol engine options, providing both power and fuel efficiency.
Yes, the mild hybrid version of the Duster will be available with 4x4 capabilities.
Ex‑showroom prices are expected to range from ₹12.00 lakh to ₹20.00 lakh, with on‑road prices between ₹14 lakh to ₹24 lakh.
Key features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 7-inch digital display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, and more.
The Duster comes with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, and 360-degree camera, with Level 2 ADAS on higher trims.
With its 217mm high ground clearance, 4x4 option, and rugged design, the Duster remains a capable off‑roader.