The Renault Duster will be launched in its third-generation avatar in India on March 17, 2026. The India-spec Duster was revealed on January 26, 2026, marking the mid-size SUV’s comeback after it was discontinued in 2022. The Duster is an important model for Renault, which the manufacturer hopes will gradually bring them back to the bestselling car list in India.
- Offered with turbocharged 1.3-litre and 1-litre petrol engines upon launch
- 1.8-litre strong-hybrid engine to be launched by Diwali 2026
- Features include dual digital screens, panoramic sunroof and level 2 ADAS.
2026 Renault Duster: Powertrain options
Gets two turbo-petrol and one strong-hybrid petrol engine options
The Renault Duster is being offered with two turbo-petrol and one strong-hybrid petrol engine in India. These include a 100hp 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the smaller Kiger, and a segment-best 163hp 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. While both engines are paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, the bigger turbo-petrol mill is also available with a 6-speed DCT option.
A 1.8-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine producing 109hp will also be offered. It works with a 49hp electric motor and a 20hp hybrid starter generator, powered by a 1.4kWh (280V) battery. Combined, the total system output stands at 160hp. However, unlike the turbo-petrol engines, the strong hybrid option will be available from Diwali 2026.
2026 Renault Duster: Exterior design
India-spec model gets unique LED headlights and tail lights
The India-spec 2026 Duster keeps the global model’s silhouette but adds local tweaks. Up front, it gets eyebrow-style LED DRLs (doubling as turn indicators), a bold grille with ‘Duster’ lettering without the Renault logo, a silver bumper surround, and pixel-shaped fog lamps.
In profile, it features black body cladding, C-pillar rear door handles, 50kg roof rails, up to 18-inch alloys, and 212mm ground clearance. At the rear, a connected LED light bar, roof spoiler, and silver-accented bumper complete the look. Approach and departure angles stand at 26.9-degree and 34.7-degree, respectively.
2026 Renault Duster: Interior design and features
Gets dual-digital screens and a feature-loaded cabin
Compared to the global-spec model, the India-spec 2026 Duster features a completely redesigned dashboard with a dual-screen setup, soft-touch materials, silver accents, and green contrast stitching, while retaining physical buttons for key functions. It also gets a sliding front armrest and rear armrest with cupholders.
Features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, powered tailgate, and 6-way powered, ventilated front seats. Its safety kit comprises six airbags (standard), a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, TPMS, electronic parking brake, four-wheel disc brakes, and Level 2 ADAS.
The Renault Duster is expected to be priced in the Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh range and will rival mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq and Honda Elevate.
