New Delhi: Renault is bringing back the Duster in India on Republic Day 2026. The midsize SUV will return after being discontinued in early 2022 and will mark Renault’s re-entry into one of the most competitive SUV segments in the country. The new Duster will be Renault’s first India-focused launch under its International Game Plan 2027.
It will also be an important part of the brand’s ‘Renault rethink’ strategy, which began with the Triber and Kiger facelifts last year. While the pricing has not been announced, the new Duster is expected to cost between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh. Its competition includes the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, Maruti Grand Vitara, Tata Sierra and many more.
2026 Duster: Exterior design
The Duster sold in international markets has a tough, modern look. It features a tall stance, squared design, wide wheel arches and heavy body cladding. The global model measures 4.3 metres in length, 1.8 metres in width and 1.6 metres in height, with a wheelbase of 2.6 metres.
At the front, it gets slim LED headlamps, Renault lettering on the grille and a bold bumper. The side profile keeps the familiar Duster window shape, while the rear has a boxy design with roof rails, dual-tone cladding, C-shaped LED tail lamps and a roof-mounted spoiler.
However, the India-spec Duster is expected to look different from the international version. Official teasers suggest eyebrow-style LED DRLs at the front and a connected LED tail-light bar at the rear. The front and rear bumpers are also likely to be unique for the Indian market.
2026 Duster: Interior and features
Inside, the new Duster follows a rugged but modern theme. The international model is offered in either an all-black or a dual-tone interior. The dashboard has a layered layout with sharp lines, and the centre console is slightly tilted towards the driver. The AC vents have a hexagonal design.
Feature-wise, the Duster is expected to offer a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging and a 360-degree camera. Renault is also expected to offer ADAS, which would make this the brand’s first car in India with advanced driver assistance systems.
2026 Duster: Engine and powertrain options
Renault has not officially confirmed engine options yet. The 1.3-litre HR13 turbo-petrol engine producing 156 hp is expected to be part of the line-up, paired with either a manual gearbox or a CVT. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from the Kiger could be used for lower variants, possibly with higher output.
There are no plans to bring back a diesel engine for now. Renault is, however, studying a localised hybrid option. This setup could combine a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 140 hp, paired with an e-CVT. While the earlier Duster had an AWD option in India, the new electric rear-axle AWD system is unlikely to be offered due to cost concerns.