The Renault Duster is one of the most talked-about SUVs making a strong comeback in India in 2026. After years away from the market, Renault is re-introducing this iconic nameplate with modern design, advanced features, and powerful engines. The new Renault Duster 2026 aims to compete with the most popular mid-size SUVs in India like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and others.
There has been a lot of buzz around its engine, performance, AWD capability, mileage, features, and price. Some early reports and sources even mention a starting price from around ₹2.69 lakh in India, but this figure seems more like a deal or entry offering rather than the confirmed official price for mainstream variants.
Below is a simple and clear overview of the Renault Duster 2026 launch, covering design, performance, features, expected pricing, and more.
Overview Table: Renault Duster 2026 (Expected)
| Feature | Details (Expected / Reported) |
|---|---|
| Model | Renault Duster 2026 |
| Launch Date | January 26, 2026 (Republic Day) |
| Body Type | Mid-Size SUV |
| Engine | Turbo Petrol (1.3 L approx.) producing ~156 HP |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD possible (select variants) |
| Transmission | Manual / CVT Automatic (expected) |
| Mileage | Estimated ~14–18 km/l (varies by engine) |
| Features | Touchscreen, ADAS, Dual Airbags, Hill Assist etc. |
| Expected Price | Reported low as ₹2.69 Lakh claim — official likely higher |
Design & Style
The Renault Duster 2026 looks modern, bold, and athletic — a big step up from its older version. This new generation SUV is designed on Renault’s updated CMF-B platform, which is also used by other global Renault-Nissan vehicles.
Here’s what stands out:
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Muscular front fascia with bold grille and strong bumper lines.
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Sharp LED headlamps and neat tail lamp design.
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Clean SUV stance with bigger wheel arches and roof rails giving it an adventurous look.
Inside, the interior looks more premium than before, with dual-tone themes, soft-touch elements on the dashboard, and neat styling. Some reports mention eye-catching colour options and comfortable seating that adds to a modern SUV feel much better than the older Duster model.
Engine & Performance
One of the most exciting parts of the new Duster is the turbo petrol engine. Renault is expected to offer a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine producing around 156 hp, which is a healthy figure for a mid-size SUV in this segment.
This engine is likely paired with:
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A 6-speed manual gearbox and
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A CVT automatic transmission (in higher trims).
While exact performance figures (like 0-100 km/h timing) are not yet final, this turbo petrol engine is expected to deliver strong acceleration and better mid-range torque compared with older, naturally aspirated engines.
Some reports also mention that AWD or 4×4 capability might be offered on select variants, which means Duster could suit off-road use and rough terrain just like earlier generations.
Ride & Handling
The new Duster is designed to be comfortable on city roads as well as highways. Its suspension setup should be balanced — tuned to absorb bumps without being too soft or too stiff.
If AWD variants do come to India, they will give the SUV more confidence on muddy, uphill, or loose surfaces. The ground clearance and off-road details (like hill-descent control) also make it a capable SUV for weekend adventures and highway touring.
Steering feels expected to be responsive, and overall handling should be composed even at higher speeds, thanks to the updated platform and modern suspension design.
Features & Tech
The 2026 Duster is expected to be packed with technology and safety features. Some typical offerings that have been mentioned include:
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Large touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
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Digital instrument cluster for easy readability.
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Dual airbags, ABS + EBD, ESP, Hill Start Assist for safety.
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Rear-view camera, automatic air conditioning, and soft-touch dashboard elements.
In higher trims, advanced features such as some forms of ADAS (driver assistance tech) might be available, which adds convenience and safety for long drives.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
While exact official mileage figures for the turbo petrol engine are not yet disclosed, a reasonable expected range for a turbo petrol SUV of this size is around 14–18 km/l in real-world driving. The claimed figure of 90 KMPL mentioned in some user posts or speculation is not backed by official sources and is highly unlikely for a turbo SUV of this performance level. Experts estimate more realistic efficiency when driven in city and highway conditions based on engine size and weight.
Price & Variants
There has been a lot of online talk about a starting price “from ₹2.69 lakh”, but this is almost certainly incorrect or misleading — such low prices are not realistic for a modern SUV with turbo engines and features. Early reports from reliable automotive sources suggest the new Duster’s official price in India is expected to start much higher — likely in the ₹10–20 lakh range (ex-showroom) once all variants are revealed.
Price may vary based on:
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Petrol vs turbo petrol engine
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Manual vs automatic transmission
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Feature packs and safety tech
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Optional AWD systems
Higher variants with advanced features and AWD or hybrid technology could go into higher price brackets, but even base models will likely stay competitive within the segment.
Final Verdict
The Renault Duster 2026 is a big comeback story for Renault in India. With a modern look, powerful 156 hp turbo petrol engine, updated features, and a possible AWD option, it aims to attract buyers who want a confident SUV for both city and highway driving.
While the quoted ₹2.69 lakh price figure does not align with official expectations, the new Duster is expected to be reasonably priced for its segment, making it a strong competitor to other popular mid-size SUVs.
For anyone who loved the original Duster’s rugged charm and is looking for a better-equipped SUV in 2026, the new Renault Duster promises to deliver modern performance, comfort, and value.