2026 Renault Duster: Renault has officially confirmed the return of the legendary Duster in India on Republic Day 2026. The first-generation Duster was introduced in 2012, and it was the one that created the midsize SUV segment and encouraged the rivals like Creta, Seltos, and Grand Vitara to play in this segment. So, the third-generation Duster is now ready for India with a redesign, new features, and modern powertrains. This is what you can look forward to in the case of the India-spec 2026 Renault Duster.
Exterior Design
The 2026 Duster is characterized by a rough, muscular appearance along with a more sophisticated and contemporary design language. The SUV measures 4.3m in length, 1.8m in width, and 1.6m in height, and it has a wheelbase of 2.6m. The front of the car features thin LED lights, Renault’s name logo spread across the grille, a heavily cladded bumper, wide air dams, and a sculpted bonnet that, together, give a very aggressive look to the car.
The side view retains the iconic Duster window line. The car’s strong personality is accentuated by the muscular wheel arches, thick black plastic protection strip, and fashionable diamond-cut alloy wheels. The rear side is characterized by C-shaped LED brake lights, a roof spoiler, a large dual-tone bumper cladding, and roof rails that contribute to the boxy, rugged, and sporty look.
Interiors & Features
New Duster’s interior has a rugged yet modern look with a layered dashboard concept. By international model we mean all-black or dual-tone interiors, and the Indian model is likely to have a similar layout with sharp forms and the driver-focused centre console.
Among the expected major features are a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, Arkamys 3D audio, connectivity features, and multiple storage spaces. The Duster might also be the first Renault vehicle in India to feature ADAS, which will include lane support, forward collision warning, and so on.
Engines and Gearbox Alternatives
The Duster will be available in 2026 in a single gasoline engine: a turbo-petrol 1.3 liter with about 156 hp, which can be combined with either a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. The manufacturing is also rumored to be ready for the strong-hybrid variant that is the 1.6-liter engine with two electric motors and the e-CVT gearbox which is expected to output about 140 hp and will be sold later.
At this point, a diesel engine does not seem to be in the picture. The earlier model of Duster had the option of AWD but Renault might not go for the expensive electric rear-axle AWD setup for India owing to the cost factor.
Pricing & Competitors
The 2026 Duster is likely to carry a price tag of around 10 to 20 lakhs rupees (ex-showroom) in the Indian market. It will be competing in the congested mid-size SUV space where Hyundai Creta is the biggest player. Besides, the Duster rivals also consist of the Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder, Tata Curvv and Sierra, Honda Elevate, and MG Astor.
Recap Duster in India
The first-generation Duster came to the Indian market in 2012 and within no time, the Indian customers were ready to accept this vehicle as it had an impressive appearance, a smooth ride, and powerful engines. In fact, Renault was able to sell over 40,000 units of the Duster in the first year itself. Gradually, the company added the option of diesel with AWD, a cosmetic change in 2019, and later, a BS6 turbo-petrol in 2020. Diesel was taken off the list and eventually, the model was out of the market.
The relaunch of the Duster in 2026 is Renault’s intention to once more claim the territory in which it had previously established a modern approach aimed at today’s SUV buyers.
