Renault Duster

The Renault Duster needs absolutely no introduction. When the original model launched in 2012, it rewrote the rulebook for ‘compact’ SUVs. It told us that SUVs need to be rugged, powerful and have a sense of adventure built in.  

After skipping a full generation, Renault has brought the Duster back to India. An all-new platform, loads of premium features and the promise of some really exciting engine options means Renault is not just being ambitious with the Duster, they’re banking on it heavily to regain lost ground. 

That said, the segment it created now witnesses battles of epic proportions. Huge names such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Maruti Grand Vitara all want a shot at the top spot. What does the Duster do differently? 

When I first saw the Duster, I knew it’d make a lot of competitors sweat. Driving it, simply cemented that belief. Here’s why. 

At first, the Duster might seem a little too simple. But the beauty lies exactly there. It’s not as utilitarian or ‘basic’ like the older model, but it hasn’t lost the soul of the Duster that always lived in its functional aesthetic. It looks modern while retaining all the classic traits, including the muscular bonnet, the flared fenders and that upright stance. Take a good look at the Duster’s design in detailed images here.

Viewed from the front, the large horizontal grille carrying the ‘D U  S T E R’ name grabs attention immediately. It’s a bold choice, not having the Renault logo anywhere on the front. Something, I’m told the Indian design studio had to fight hard for. Chunky full-LED headlamps with the LED DRLs that double up as turn indicators add to the Duster’s no-nonsense vibe. 

Rounding things off is the wide and powerful looking bonnet. The pronounced power domes makes this SUV instantly recognisable as a ‘Duster’. Check how the Renault Duster has evolved over its predecessor here. 

On the side, you see Renault retaining the soul of the OG. The XL-sized fenders, the generous use of cladding and the large glasshouse are a great interpretation of what the Duster stands for. The top-end trim features 18-inch alloy wheels (gloss black on the Launch Edition). Lower variants ride on 17-inch wheels, alloys for the Evolution and Techno variants, and steel wheels with a wheel cap for the entry-level Authentic variant. 

At the rear, the Duster makes a strong statement. A full-width LED light bar (a feature exclusive to the India-spec Duster) makes the rear look wide. Prominent Duster lettering, a chunky bumper and some rugged looking trim on the tail gate complete things here. That said, sequential turn indicators are absent. 

Renault also offers a host of accessories to personalise your Duster as per your taste. You can check them out in detail by tapping on this link. 

Six colour options are available: Mountain Jade Green, Pearl White, Moonlight Silver, Stealth Black, Sunset Red, and River Blue. Dual-tone variants with a Stealth Black roof are available across most higher trims. Mountain Jade Green with the Stealth Black roof is particularly eye-catching and gives the Duster a visual identity unlike most of its rivals. Lighter shades amplify the size of the Duster well. 

Not all colours are available across all variants, check this story to see all the colour options available.

Design and Quality

The Duster’s cabin is the right mix of functional and premium. Earlier, owners would complain about the basic quality of plastics, relatively boring design and lack of features. Not anymore. The design is clearly centered around the driver, giving the Duster’s cabin a cockpit-like vibe. Renault has opted for a mostly dark colour theme. While this looks sporty, it does take away from the sense of space. 

The choice of materials and textures are decidedly a step above the older version. It’s on par with what you’d expect from this segment, too. A cross-hatch pattern on the dashboard and top half of the door cards, a carbon-fibre-like trim across the dash and a leatherette wrap for the mid-pad and some prominent stitching lifts the premium quotient of the cabin. At the same time, there are some durable-but-not-pleasant varieties of plastic used for the indicator/wiper stalks, power window switches, and lower half of the dashboard which could’ve been better. 

On the whole, the Duster might not feel as rich or luxurious as a Seltos or a Sierra. However, it feels like it’s built-to-last, which is always a good thing. 

Front Seats

The front seats are large and supportive of XL-sized individuals. There’s ample support for the shoulder and lower back. The side bolsters are thick, which do a great job of holding you in place while you’re attacking ghats. Cushioning is on the firmer side, something I prefer. I spent over 200km in the driver’s seat and was fatigue free at the end. 

The default driving position is set high, giving you a great view outside. Newer drivers will appreciate that they can see the edge of the bonnet. Both front seats get a 6-way power adjustment function alongside manual lumbar adjustment. 

Rear Seats

Rear seat space is just about adequate, not exceptional. I was comfortable sitting behind my own driving position (I’m 5’11”), but my knees just about grazed the front seats. No issues with headroom, footroom or underthigh support, however. Some might find the seatback to be slightly upright, however. A reclining seatback would’ve made the experience at the rear even better. 

That said, the Duster’s cabin isn’t particularly wide. Therefore, seating three abreast will not be comfortable over longer journeys. The seat has prominent contours for the outboard occupants. This is great for those seated there, but compromises comfort of the middle occupant. The central transmission tunnel also takes away footroom. That said, there’s a proper adjustable headrest and three-point seatbelt for the middle occupant. 

I’d recommend you use the Duster as a very comfortable four-seater. 

Practicality and Charging Options

All four doors of the new Renault Duster 2026 have ample storage space. There’s a very deep glovebox, and some more storage space in the central tunnel. There are two cupholders up front, and two in the rear central armrest. Some more thoughtful storage spaces are available in the form of seat back pockets and a dedicated device slot in the rear armrest. 

To keep your devices powered up, the front half of the cabin provides a 12V charging socket, 2 USB type-C ports and a wireless charger. I like that the wireless charging is Qi2 enabled, and has a magnet that holds the phone in place while charging. There’s a cooling vent right above, which ensures your phone doesn’t heat up. Very thoughtful and innovative! 

Rear occupants get a pair of USB type-C ports as well. 

Boot Space

Renault claims a bootspace of 700-litres (measured up to the roof). Even under the parcel tray, you have a substantial 518-litres of boot space. This is genuinely massive and can accommodate 3-4 check-in sized luggage bags with absolute ease. You don’t need to pack light or use smaller cabin-sized trolleys to make the most of this boot. 

For added versatility, 60:40 split functionality is provided.

For the segment it operates in, the Duster covers all the must-haves and the good-to-haves. Highlights include:  

• Passive Keyless Entry

• Push-button Start/Stop

• Auto Up/Down For All Four Windows

• Automatic Headlamps

• Automatic Wipers

• Auto-dimming IRVM

• Panoramic Sunroof

• Front Seat Ventilation

• Wireless Charging

• Powered Tailgate

The infotainment experience is arguably the biggest leap Renault’s made. The Duster features the ‘OpenR Link’ multimedia system that has Google built-in. 

The 10.1-inch infotainment screen has a high-resolution, great graphics and an easy to understand interface. There’s wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay built-in too. However, with the screen’s Android-like operation and host of apps, you might not need to connect your smartphone to it other than to make calls. It features in-built Google Maps and Google Assistant. So you could very conveniently say ‘Hey Google!’ and have the car assist you. The infotainment unit has a built-in Google PlayStore, which lets you download music streaming and gaming apps. 

While this high-tech screen is great to use, I was happy to see that there are three physical buttons (for power, volume up/down) on the top of the screen. 

This screen is paired with a 6-speaker audio system. Not the most high quality in terms of output, but works for everyday use. If you’re an audiophile, consider upgrading the system. Low frequencies tend to overwhelm the system and also induce unpleasant rattles in the cabin. 

There’s another screen that gets your attention. A 10.25-inch digital driver’s display that offers a minimal interface, selectable views and on-board Google Maps. This screen is legible in direct sunlight, and gives you a host of information including distance to empty, tyre pressures, fuel efficiency etc. Do note that the Authentic variant gets a smaller 7-inch TFT display. 

You also get connected car technology from the Techno variant onwards. Basic functions such as remote locking and unlocking, vehicle tracking, and maintenance scheduling are a part of the package.

Safety features on the Renault Duster include

• Six Airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Electronic Stability Control

• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

• Level 2 ADAS

There are 17 ADAS functions including the must-haves of lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. I could only assess the lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring thoroughly, and felt they were reliable for Indian conditions. Adaptive cruise control, tested briefly, felt natural and intuitive. However, I’d like to drive the car more for a stronger opinion here. 

You also get front and rear parking sensors, along with a 360° camera. This makes parking and navigating tight spots a lot easier. While reversing, the camera feed moves in the direction of steering input, making parking that much more convenient. That said, the camera quality has scope for improvement. The feed is grainy and low res, and will struggle in low light conditions.

That being said, the Renault Duster has been crash tested by Bharat NCAP. And the good news is that it has secured a 5-star safety rating for both Adult and Child Occupant Protection. 

Engine Performance

The Duster has always been a driver's machine at heart, and Renault hasn't abandoned that ethos with the new generation.

Renault is offering two turbocharged petrol engines for now, and will introduce a strong hybrid version in a couple of months. 

DCT- Dual Clutch Transmission, DHT- Dedicated Hybrid Transmission

Duster 1.3 Turbo Drive Experience

This engine might not be the largest in terms of displacement, but it definitely packs a punch. The power output is class-leading, and a quick drive is certain to plaster a smile on your face. 

Despite being a four-cylinder engine, you’d notice that the engine is slightly thrummy in nature. It isn’t silky smooth like a Hyundai or a Honda. The engine begs you to push it and drive it hard. If you’re an enthusiast, you’d really enjoy extracting the most out of this engine. 

With a turbo, comes turbo lag. This is quite noticeable under 2000rpm. You’d pick on this more in the manual version, where you’ll find yourself shuffling between first and second gear repeatedly in city traffic. The clutch is heavier compared to the Korean and Japanese cars in the segment, and the gear throws are sure-slotting but heavy too. There’s a learning curve in figuring out the bite point of the clutch too. I won’t blame you if you stall the Duster manual unexpectedly (because I did, multiple times!). 

Which is why I’d pick the DCT. It’s not as quick as say Volkswagen's DSG, but it gets the job done. There’s some hesitation at lower speeds, but it almost always picks the right gears otherwise. For instance, on the winding incline roads that lead up to Tehri from Dehradun — it occasionally upshifted where I’d have preferred to stay in a lower gear. Similarly, in crawling traffic you can sense it shuffling between D1 and D2. Again, nothing that breaks the experience, just something that could do with a little more finesse and polish. 

The highway is the natural home of the Duster. You can sit at triple digit speeds all day long without breaking a sweat. Overtakes, even at triple digit speeds, are dealt with ease. 

From a mileage standpoint, the Duster 1.3 Turbo has an ARAI-certifed claimed efficiency of 18.45 kmpl. Realistically, it is expected to deliver between 10-12kmpl in the city and 16-18kmpl on the highway. Driving in heavy bumper-to-bumper city traffic might see the fuel efficiency drop to single digits.

Ride And Handling

212mm of ground clearance and Renault’s legendary suspension engineering background can mean only one thing. The Duster’s suspension tune is PERFECT for Indian conditions. There’s absolutely nothing I would change about it. It strikes the best balance between comfort that the Japanese rivals offer, and the precision of the Germans. 

I drove it over roads that witnessed landslides a few days prior, roads that were butter-smooth, and bumpy unpaved surfaces — this SUV gobbled all of them up with ease. Over broken roads and potholes too, the Duster remains unfazed.

What’s actually surprising is that the comfort hasn’t come at the cost of handling. The Duster turns in quickly, holds its line predictably and plasters a wide grin on your face in the process. Body roll is well controlled and the steering is just right too. After stitching a few corners together in the Duster, I had the confidence to push it harder. I was impressed by the sheer mechanical grip that the platform has to offer, the calibration of the ESP and how dependable the brakes felt. 

1-litre turbo-petrol

By segment standards, this engine isn’t the most powerful when compared to rivals with a similar displacement, and yet, it has more performance than most people would ever need.

It is a three-cylinder engine, which means it isn’t as refined as the bigger four-cylinder engine. You feel vibrations on the floorboard while idling, and the engine does feel a little gruff under acceleration, but both are not to the point that it’ll make you feel uncomfortable. Renault has done some work on the insulation, and the difference is noticeable compared to the Kiger.

Even in terms of performance, Renault has worked on the engine management software and it also gets an additional gear with 6 ratios to choose from. All these changes come together to give you an experience which is smooth and usable in the city but also enjoyable when you want it to be.

Unlike the manual in the bigger engine, the release point of the clutch with this engine is a lot more manageable, which means you won’t stall the car that easily. And while there is turbo lag below 2,000 RPM, it is still enough to keep pace with slow moving traffic with ease. 

Once the turbo does kick in, the surge in power isn’t sharp. You do feel a difference in acceleration as the car starts to pick up speed with more urgency, but it remains very linear. In the city, between speeds of 30-70 kmph, it feels quick and all your overtakes feel easy. But even beyond city speeds, the engine doesn’t feel like it takes time to hit triple digit speeds, even though its actual 0-100kmph time will be somewhere between 13-14 seconds. In gear acceleration feels enough for you to quickly reach triple digit speeds, and while overtakes beyond those speeds won’t feel particularly effortless, the engine doesn’t feel stressed either. 

Renault should consider offering the option of an automatic with this engine, because from a performance standpoint, it is adequate. All it needs is that convenience for people who have heavy city usage and don’t want to deal with using a clutch and gear lever. The carmaker claims an ARAI-tested fuel efficiency of 19.41kmpl, and while we had very limited time with the car, you can expect a fuel efficiency of around 15 kmpl in mixed driving conditions, given that you aren’t too enthusiastic about your inputs.

The 2026 Renault Duster is available in six variants: Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno +, and Iconic. 

Furthermore, there is also an Iconic Launch Edition available, which builds on the top-spec trim with a few visual tweaks like yellow decals and 18-inch adventure black alloy wheels. Our variant-wise features explainer report will help you narrow down on the right one. 

Renault Duster Authentic

• Gets a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed manual transmission only.

• The exterior sports full LED lighting with LED headlights, LED DRLs, LED turn indicators on ORVMs, and LED reverse lamp. Sits on 17-inch steel wheels that don’t get any covers.

• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel, all adjustable headrests, and 60:40 rear seat split are standard adjustment features.

• Basic cabin styling features all-black theme with grey inserts and silver inserts. 

• Daily-use features include all-four power windows, auto headlights, manual AC with rear AC vents, manual day/night IRVM, keyless entry, sliding front armrest, and a 12 V socket.

• No infotainment system or speakers, but the driver gets a 7-inch TFT display.

• The safety kit gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ISOFIX, and hill start assist.

• More details can be found in our Duster base variant explained report. 

Renault Duster Evolution

• Entry-level 1.3-litre turbo-petrol variant available with both manual and DCT automatic (with paddle shifters) transmission. Also gets the 1-litre turbo-petrol manual powertrain.

• Improved exterior styling with LED rear fog lamps, connected LED tail lights, functional roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a shark-fin antenna.

• Offers better convenience with electrically adjustable ORVMs, cruise control, rear-view camera, four type-C charging ports, and a parcel shelf.

• Adds 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 6-speaker Arkamys sound system, and steering-mounted controls to the feature list.

• Rear wiper and washer, rear defogger, and electronic parking brake with auto-hold (DCT only) improve the safety quotient.

• Find more details about the one-above-base Evolution variant here. 

Renault Duster Techno

• Contrasting silver bumper border and LED front fog lights uplift the exterior styling.

• Black and brown seat fabric upholstery with brown inserts and wood accents improve the look inside.

• Additional features include sunvisors with vanity mirror and illumination for both front occupants, while an e-shifter and a cooled storage are DCT-only additions.

• Other new features include push button start/stop, a panoramic sunroof, electric powered tailgate, dual-zone auto AC, auto-folding ORVMs, a wireless phone charger and auto-dimming IRVM.

• Also gets connected car features.

• Want to take a closer look at the Duster Techno? Tap this link. 

Renault Duster Techno +

• Only comes with the turbo-petrol engine but gets both manual and DCT options.

• Bigger 18-inch alloy wheels are the only change outside.

• Only feature addition - a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.

• Improved safety with blind spot warning, and front and side parking sensors.

• Few more important details of the Duster Techno+ here. 

Renault Duster Iconic

• The exterior design gets a dual-tone roof, grey side emblem and door decals.

• Premium interior with leatherette seat upholstery, leatherette on upper dashboard, carbon-finish door inserts and 48-colour ambient lighting. 

• Better comfort with manual front seat lumbar adjustment, 6-way powered front seats with ventilation.

• Improved tech with in-built Google in infotainment system, a 6-speaker Arkamys sound system, and full map replication in driver’s display.

• Other feature additions include PM 2.5 cabin filter with AQI display and ionizer, and rain-sensing wipers.

• Safety kit also gets a 360-degree camera and ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking.

• Read more about this variant in our detailed explainer. 

Renault Duster Iconic Launch Edition

• The special edition follows a visual-only treatment, no new features or safety equipment.

• Features a Himalayan-inspired side plate, yellow decals on roof bar and side skirts, and blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels.

• You can take a look at these design elements here. 

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• Skip the base variant, and go for the one-above-base Evolution variant if you’re on a budget. It offers you all the basics you would expect from a modern-day car, including an infotainment system. It is also the entry-level variant for the bigger turbo-petrol engine.

• The mid-spec Techno variant is one of the best value-for-money variants in the entire segment. It offers you premium looks with a good mix of functional, creature comforts and safety features.

• The top-spec Iconic variant is competitively priced. If you want all the features that the Duster has to offer, then you’ll get good value with this variant. Pick the Launch Edition only for the aesthetic appeal.

The Duster has very small chinks in its rugged armour. It’s not the most spacious car in the segment, and the plastic quality could be a little richer in certain places. Are they likely to be dealbreakers? Possibly not. Because on the whole, the Renault Duster is a package that’s hard to ignore. It has the looks and the tech to get your attention. However, the stand out metric is the way it drives and the way it makes you feel behind the wheel.

If you enjoy driving, the Duster is the SUV to pick. The balance between ride, handling and comfort is unparalleled in the segment. The sense of robustness and abuse-friendliness the Duster carries is comforting in its own manner.

Other Options To Consider

Kia Seltos (Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos comparison)

Reasons To Consider

• Bigger size

• Feels more premium

• Option of a diesel engine

Reasons To Ignore

• More expensive

• Not so rugged looking

Hyundai Creta (Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta comparison)

Reasons To Consider

• Gets a more premium cabin

• Has an option of a diesel engine

Reasons To Ignore

• Top-spec crosses Rs 20 lakh

• Polarising design splits opinions

Tata Sierra (Renault Duster vs Tata Sierra Comparison)

Reasons To Consider

• Gets a diesel engine

• More features including triple screens

Reasons To Ignore

• Significantly more expensive

• Screens are prone to glitches

Maruti Victoris (Renault Duster vs Maruti Victoris comparison)

Reasons To Consider

• Comes with AWD and a strong hybrid powertrain

• Similar features that work well

Reasons To Ignore

• Not as powerful

• Cabin quality is not so premium

Maruti Grand Vitara (Renault Duster vs Maruti Grand Vitara comparison)

Reasons To Consider

• Multiple powertrain options include hybrid and AWD

• Fuel efficient NA petrol and hybrid

Reasons To Ignore 

• Interior quality is not its strong forte

Note: These reasons are also applicable to the Toyota Hyryder (Renault Duster vs Toyota Hyryder comparison)

Honda Elevate (Renault Duster vs Honda Elevate comparison)

Reasons To Consider 

• Refined petrol engine

• Comfortable ride quality 

• Good interior quality

Reasons To Ignore 

• Performance with a full-load is not the best

• Misses out on niceties

MG Astor (Renault Duster vs MG Astor comparison)

Reasons To Consider

• Premium interior

• Top variant is significantly more affordable 

Reasons To Ignore

• Not as fun to drive

• Misses feel-good features like ventilated seats

Volkswagen Taigun (Renault Duster vs VW Taigun compared)

Reasons To Consider 

• A fun to drive alternative 

• Sporty looking design 

Reasons To Avoid 

• Cabin best suited for 4 adults 

• A size smaller than the Duster

Skoda Kushaq (Renault Duster vs Skoda Kushaq compared)

Reasons To Consider 

• Sophisticated elegant-looking design

• Great alternative for those who love to drive

Reasons To Avoid

• Smaller in size 

• Rear seats best for two occupants