2026 Renault Duster First Drive Review: The OG Is Back

Published: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 12:30 [IST]

The Renault Duster has returned to the Indian market with prices range from ₹10.5 lakh to ₹18.5 lakh, ex-showroom. The new Duster gets a fresh design, new cabin, more features, and multiple turbo petrol engine options.

The first Duster, launched in 2012, helped popularise compact SUVs in India. This new model aims to build on that recall with a more modern look and added technology. We drove the Renault Duster and here's how it performs on the road...

Renault Duster Review – Exterior Highlights

The new Renault Duster has a bold and modern exterior. At the front, it gets a large grille with Duster badging and piano black trim. Silver accents add contrast. Slim headlights with integrated LED Daytime Running Lights give it a sharp face. The fog lamps also act as cornering lights.

Functional air vents help cool the brakes and improve airflow. From the side, the 212 mm ground clearance stands out and should help on bad roads. It gets body-coloured door handles, and ORVMs with built-in indicators. Chunky roof rails complete the SUV look.

The SUV rides on 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Manual variants use all-black alloy wheels with the same 225/55 R18 tyre size. Black body cladding runs along the sides, adding a strong and muscular feel. A large panoramic sunroof stretches over the cabin and adds light.

At the rear, the Duster logo sits prominently above the Renault badge. The car gets a rear camera as part of the 360-degree camera system, along with parking sensors. The connected LED tail lamps form a complete LED unit and give a neat light signature. The turbo petrol version carries "Turbo 160" branding.

The Duster also gets a rear wiper with washer, a defogger, and a high-mounted stop lamp. The boot now opens and closes electrically, which is handy in tight spaces. It offers 458 litres of luggage space, with a finished boot area. Instead of a spare wheel, Renault provides a tyre puncture repair kit.

Renault Duster First Drive Review – Interior Highlights

Inside, the 2026 Duster has a new cabin that focuses on comfort and tech. The rear seats offer good under-thigh support for passengers. Three adjustable headrests are provided in the back. The seat covers get contrast stitching, which lifts the look. There is a fold-down armrest with two cup holders.

Rear passengers get AC vents and two Type-C charging ports. The panoramic sunroof extends above the rear seats and gives a clear outside view. Touch-sensitive roof lamps add to the premium feel. Legroom is adequate even for tall adults. However, rear window sun shades are not included.

The dashboard layout is all new and features a large touchscreen. This system comes with built-in Google services for maps and voice help. It does not always need a phone for basic functions. The driver gets a fully digital instrument cluster, which gives the cabin a sporty feel. Physical knobs and buttons control the dual-zone climate control.

The upper part of the dashboard uses soft-touch materials. There are also carbon fibre-style inserts to break the monotony. Silver touches on the door pads continue the theme. The steering wheel has a double D-cut shape and can be adjusted for both reach and height. It houses controls for audio and driver assist features.

Both front seats are powered and get ventilation with three levels. The seats follow a bucket-style design and also receive neon stitching. A frameless inside rear-view mirror is fitted. Both sun visors get vanity mirrors with lights. Storage areas are well thought out, including space around the electronic parking brake switch, which also supports an auto-hold function.

The Renault Duster is equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems. These functions can assist with steering and speed in specific conditions. The system combines adaptive cruise control and lane centring to reduce driver effort on highways. The driver must still stay alert and keep hands on the wheel.

The ADAS package includes front parking cameras and sensors as part of the 360-degree camera setup. A dedicated physical button lets the driver turn off the ADAS features if needed. These features add an extra layer of driver assistance and safety.

Renault Duster First Drive Review – Specifications & Dimensions – Key Performance Details

The 2026 Renault Duster offers more than one engine option. The main unit is a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine. It produces about 160 PS of power and 280 Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The transmission delivers smooth and quick gear changes.

There is also a smaller 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine on offer. Renault also plans to introduce a strong hybrid version later in the year, around Diwali. The hybrid is expected to give higher fuel efficiency.

Renault Duster First Drive Review – Driving Impressions – On the Road

On the move, the 1.3-litre turbo petrol Duster feels well powered. Initial response is smooth and linear. Once the turbo builds pressure, the mid-range becomes strong. The dual-clutch gearbox shifts quickly without much jerk. Paddle shifters allow manual control when the driver wants more involvement.

The Duster offers different driving modes, including Eco and Comfort. There is also a Multi-Sense mode that can be configured. The suspension is tuned to offer a balance between comfort and control. It does not feel too soft or too stiff in normal use. The steering feels accurate and gives enough confidence at speed.

Renault Duster First Drive Review – Verdict & Final Thoughts – The Return Of The OG

The 2026 Renault Duster shows a clear step up from the older model. It brings a more modern design, a well-equipped cabin, and a comfortable ride. The 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine offers strong performance, and the dual-clutch gearbox works well. Safety and driver assist features add to its appeal in this segment.

Looking at its mix of styling, features, performance, and safety, the new Duster makes a strong case for itself. With prices from ₹10.5 lakh to ₹18.5 lakh, ex-showroom, it sits well among compact SUVs. Based on this package, the Renault Duster is a model worth shortlisting for buyers seeking a practical and feature-rich SUV.