The Renault Duster 2026 has made a strong comeback in India with its third-generation model, unveiled in late January 2026. This rugged yet modern midsize SUV returns after a hiatus since the first-generation model’s discontinuation in 2022.
Renault skipped the second-generation version for India and jumped straight to this updated third-gen model, tailored for Indian buyers with enhanced features, fresh design elements, and new powertrain choices.
This 2026 Renault Duster positions itself as a compelling option in the competitive compact and midsize SUV segment. It targets buyers looking for a blend of bold styling, practical space, advanced technology, and efficient engines. With pre-bookings open at ₹21,000 and full pricing expected in mid-March 2026, excitement is high among SUV enthusiasts.
Design and Exterior
The 2026 Renault Duster sports a bold, assertive look that pays homage to the original model’s rugged DNA while incorporating contemporary touches. It features a new signature front grille, sharp LED headlights and taillights, and muscular lines for a commanding road presence.
Key exterior specs include a ground clearance of 212 mm, which helps with rough roads and light off-roading. The approach angle stands at 26.9 degrees, and the departure angle is 34.7 degrees, making it capable on uneven terrain. The design emphasizes adventure-ready appeal with elements like roof rails and protective cladding.
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Higher variants add premium touches, such as a panoramic sunroof one of the standout India-specific additions not present in some global versions. An electric powered tailgate enhances convenience for loading luggage.
Interior and Comfort Features
Inside, the 2026 Duster offers a spacious and modern cabin designed for family use and daily comfort. It provides generous legroom and headroom, along with a versatile boot space of up to 518 liters (up to the parcel shelf) or 700 liters when loaded to the roof.
The dashboard layout feels premium with a floating 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Renault’s OpenR link with Google built-in apps, including Google Play support. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lower variants get a 7-inch digital driver display, while top trims upgrade to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
Comfort upgrades include dual-zone climate control with a PM2.5 air filter, ventilated and powered front seats (6-way adjustable in higher variants), 48-color ambient lighting, and wireless phone charging. An Arkamys 3D sound system with multiple speakers delivers immersive audio.
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The India-spec model adds several features over some international versions, such as the panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, and larger digital displays, catering to local preferences for premium touches.
Engine Options and Performance
The 2026 Renault Duster offers three powertrain choices, focusing on petrol and hybrid efficiency rather than diesel or all-wheel drive at launch.
- 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol (TCe 100): A three-cylinder engine producing around 100 hp and 160 Nm of torque. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, it targets entry-level buyers seeking affordability and responsive city driving.
- 1.3-litre Turbo Petrol (Turbo TCe 160): This four-cylinder unit delivers approximately 163 hp (or 160 hp in some references) and 280 Nm of torque, the most powerful non-hybrid option. It comes with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) for smoother shifts and better performance.
- 1.8-litre Strong Hybrid (E-Tech 160): A highlight for fuel-conscious buyers, this pairs a naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery pack. Total system output is around 160 hp and 172 Nm, with up to 80% electric mode driving for efficiency. It uses an 8-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). This variant arrives later, around Diwali 2026 (November).
Deliveries for the turbo-petrol variants begin mid-April 2026, while the hybrid follows later in the year. The absence of a diesel engine or AWD is notable compared to the older model and some rivals, but the hybrid aims to deliver strong efficiency.
Advanced Safety and Technology
Safety is a priority in the 2026 Duster, with six airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera.
It introduces Level-2 ADAS with up to 17 features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, and more. These make it one of the more advanced options in its class. Connected-car tech via the My Renault app adds remote features, vehicle tracking, and diagnostics.
Pricing Expectations and Variants
Official ex-showroom prices launch in mid-March 2026, but expectations place the base model around ₹10 lakh (some estimates suggest ₹9.5-12 lakh for entry variants). Top-end trims, especially hybrids, could reach ₹19-20 lakh or higher.
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Variants include names like Authentic, Evolution, Emotion, and Techno, with an Iconic Launch Edition limited to 2026 units featuring special styling like yellow accents and Himalaya-inspired details. On-road prices will vary by location, typically adding 15-20% for registration, insurance, and taxes.