The “King of Compact SUVs” is finally coming back. After a gap of several years, Renault is all set to re-launch the iconic Duster in India. This is not just a facelift; it is a completely new generation built from the ground up.

The original Duster was the car that started the compact SUV trend in India. Now, the 2026 model promises to be bigger, bolder, and much more advanced to take on strong rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Grand Vitara. With the official launch just around the corner on Republic Day, excitement is at an all-time high.

Here is everything you need to know about the new Renault Duster 2026, including its launch date, expected price, engine specs, and premium features.

When is the Renault Duster 2026 Launching in India?

Renault has officially confirmed that the new Duster will break cover in India on January 26, 2026. Choosing Republic Day for the launch shows how important the Indian market is for the French carmaker.

The car has already been spotted testing on Indian roads multiple times. Dealerships across the country are expected to start accepting unofficial bookings soon, with deliveries likely beginning by February or March 2026.

Expected Price in India

Renault is known for aggressive pricing, and we expect the same for the new Duster. The estimated price range for the 2026 Renault Duster is between ₹10 Lakh to ₹18 Lakh (ex-showroom).

• Base Model: ₹10.00 – ₹10.50 Lakh
• Top Model (Turbo/Hybrid): ₹17.00 – ₹19.00 Lakh

This pricing strategy places it directly in the “sweet spot” of the mid-size SUV segment, making it a tempting alternative to the Kia Seltos and Honda Elevate.

New Bold Design: What Has Changed?

The 2026 Duster looks much tougher than the old model. It is built on Renault’s modern CMF-B platform, which makes the car safer and more spacious.

Exterior Highlights:

• Boxy Shape: It retains the classic rugged, boxy silhouette but with sharper lines.
• Lights: The front features new Y-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). The rear also gets connected LED tail lamps, which is a popular trend in India right now.
• Wheels: Higher variants will come with stylish 17-inch or 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
• Size: It is slightly longer and wider than the previous version, offering better road presence.

Interior: A Premium Cabin Experience

The biggest complaint with the old Duster was its dated interior. Renault has fixed this completely. The 2026 model feels premium and modern inside.

The dashboard now features a “driver-centric” layout. You will get a large 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver.

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For the first time, the Duster is expected to feature a panoramic sunroof, a feature that Indian buyers love. Other comfort features include ventilated front seats, wireless charging, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and a premium Arkamys sound system.

Engine Options: Petrol and Hybrid Power

Renault has moved away from diesel engines. The new Duster will likely launch with two petrol engine options, with a hybrid version following later.

1. 1.0L Turbo Petrol: This will be the entry-level engine, likely producing around 100-120 BHP. It is focused on city driving and good mileage.
2. 1.3L Turbo Petrol: This powerful engine is for enthusiasts. It can generate around 156 BHP, making the Duster one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.
3. Hybrid Option (Expected Later): A 1.6L strong hybrid engine is expected to join the lineup by mid-2026. This will compete directly with the Grand Vitara Hybrid, offering mileage of over 25 km/l.

Note: There will be no diesel engine option.

Safety and ADAS

Safety is a top priority for the 2026 Duster. The SUV is expected to come with 6 airbags as standard across all variants.

Top-end models will likely feature ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) Level 2. This includes smart safety features like:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Keep Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring

Rivals: Who is the Duster Fighting?

The mid-size SUV market is crowded. The Renault Duster 2026 will directly compete with:

• Hyundai Creta (The Segment Leader)
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Kia Seltos
• Toyota Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq & VW Taigun

While the competition is tough, the Duster has a loyal fan base in India who value its excellent ride quality and “bad road” capabilities.

Is a 7-Seater Duster Coming?

Yes, but not immediately. Renault is working on a 7-seater version of the Duster, globally known as the “Bigster”. This bigger SUV is expected to launch in India towards the second half of 2026 or early 2027 to rival the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari.

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