Renault has officially unveiled the 2026 Renault Duster in India, signalling the SUV’s return to the highly competitive midsize segment and a strategic push to revive the brand’s presence in the market. The latest Duster blends rugged SUV character with modern design and a host of contemporary features tailored to Indian buyers.
Design and Local Adaptations
The India-spec 2026 Renault Duster retains the broad silhouette of the global third-generation model but receives distinctive styling changes for the Indian market. These include redesigned eyebrow-style LED DRLs, a bold grille with a prominent Duster badge, and rugged body cladding over wheel arches. Functional black roof rails and pixel-shaped fog lamps add to its off-road-ready look.
Interior and Technology Highlights
Inside, the new Duster features a modern and ergonomic cabin with a dual-screen layout comprising a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Comfort-focused features include a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, and 6-way powered ventilated front seats. Safety is enhanced with six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS — the first Renault model in India to offer a comprehensive ADAS suite.
Powertrains and Performance
The new Duster will be offered with a range of powertrain options. These include multiple petrol engines — from a 1.0-litre to a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol — with manual and automatic options. Renault has also confirmed a strong-hybrid petrol powertrain that pairs a 1.8-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, enhancing both efficiency and performance. Deliveries for petrol variants are expected to begin in April 2026, while the hybrid model is slated to arrive by Diwali 2026.
Booking and Launch Timeline
Pre-bookings for the SUV have already started with a nominal Rs 21,000 booking amount and introductory benefits such as priority delivery and exclusive merchandise. Final pricing details will be revealed in March 2026, with the new Duster expected to be positioned competitively in the mid-size SUV segment, catering to buyers seeking modern features and strong value.
Market Context and Rivals
The Duster’s return comes at a time when India’s midsize SUV segment is one of the fastest-growing in the country. The all-new Renault aims to compete with popular rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, and others by offering a compelling blend of style, features, and powertrain versatility.
The 2026 Renault Duster marks a significant chapter for Renault in India — reviving an icon with broader appeal and renewed competitiveness in a key growth segment.
