The Renault Duster is officially back in India. After nearly a decade of shaping and then quietly exiting the midsize SUV segment it once created, Renault has unveiled the third-generation Duster for the Indian market. This isn’t just a global model rebadged for local sale. The India-spec Duster gets distinct styling, a reworked interior and a powertrain strategy tailored to today’s fiercely competitive SUV landscape.
Pre-bookings are now open at Rs 21,000, with prices scheduled to be announced in March 2026. Turbo-petrol variants will reach dealerships first in April, while the strong-hybrid version is slated for launch closer to Diwali.
Powertrain Options: Turbo Petrols First, Hybrid Later
Renault is offering the new Duster with three petrol-based powertrain options in India, including a strong-hybrid setup that will arrive later in the year.
The headline act is the strong-hybrid system, which combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 109hp with a 49hp electric motor and a 20hp hybrid starter generator. Power comes from a 1.4kWh, 280V battery pack. Combined system output stands at 160hp and 172Nm. Renault has confirmed that this hybrid powertrain will be introduced around Diwali 2026, placing it squarely against rivals like the Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Grand Vitara.
Before that, Renault will roll out two turbo-petrol options:
- A 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering 163hp and 280Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.
- A smaller 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 100hp and 160Nm, available exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Notably, none of the variants will offer an all-wheel-drive system, something Duster loyalists may miss given the nameplate’s off-road-friendly reputation.
Exterior Design: Familiar Shape, India-Specific Details
While the third-generation Duster’s silhouette mirrors the global model, Renault has made several design changes specifically for India.
Up front, the SUV gets redesigned headlights with eyebrow-style LED DRLs that also function as turn indicators. The grille is unique to the India-spec version and prominently features Duster branding, replacing the conventional Renault logo. The front bumper includes a protruding silver skid-style element reminiscent of the original Duster, along with pixel-inspired fog lamps.
The side profile looks suitably rugged thanks to chunky black cladding over the wheel arches and lower body. The rear door handles are mounted on the C-pillar, and the SUV rides on up to 18-inch black alloy wheels. Ground clearance is rated at 212mm, and the functional black roof rails can support up to 50kg.
India-exclusive details include Himalayan-inspired motifs on the front fenders and a yellow accent strip on the body cladding with “Iconic” lettering.
At the rear, the Duster gets triangular LED tail-lamps connected by a full-width light bar, a feature not seen on the global model. There’s also a roof-mounted spoiler, a textured number plate surround and a black rear bumper with a contrasting silver insert. Approach and departure angles stand at 26.9 degrees and 34.7 degrees, respectively.
Dimensions (in mm)
- Length: 4,343
- Width: 1,813
- Height: 1,659
- Wheelbase: 2,657
Boot capacity is rated at 594 litres, and kerb weight starts from 1,411kg.
Interior: Redesigned for Indian Preferences
Renault has significantly reworked the interior for India, moving away from the more minimalist European layout. The dashboard is completely new and features a dual-screen setup, premium-looking trim inserts and soft-touch materials across key surfaces.
Leatherette upholstery is used on the seats, dashboard and door panels, complemented by silver accents and contrast green stitching. Unlike many modern SUVs that rely heavily on touch controls, the Duster retains physical buttons on the centre console for core functions, a practical touch for everyday driving.
The front armrest is slide-adjustable and houses a storage compartment, while rear passengers get a centre armrest with integrated cup holders. Boot space measured up to the parcel shelf is 518 litres.
Features and Safety: ADAS Makes Its Renault India Debut
The new Duster is well-equipped by segment standards. Key features include:
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless phone charger
- Dual-zone climate control
- Powered tailgate
- 6-way powered and ventilated front seats
On the safety front, Renault has gone all in. The Duster gets six airbags as standard, along with a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system and disc brakes on all four wheels.
Crucially, this is the first Renault sold in India to feature Level 2 ADAS. The suite includes multiple driver assistance systems aimed at highway safety and urban convenience. Renault has stated that it is targeting a full 5-star crash safety rating and will offer a 7-year or 1,50,000km standard warranty, which would be among the best in the segment.
Launch Timeline and Rivals
Pre-bookings are now underway, with prices expected to be announced in March 2026. Ex-showroom pricing is likely to fall between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, depending on the variant. Turbo-petrol deliveries will begin in April, while the strong-hybrid version will follow later in the year.
The new Renault Duster will take on established midsize SUV players such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, along with upcoming models like the Tata Sierra.
For Renault, the Duster’s return is more than just a model launch. It’s a chance to reclaim relevance in a segment it once defined, this time with modern tech, electrification and a clear focus on Indian buyers.
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