Renault launched the Duster 2026 in India on January 26, 2026 at Chennai bringing back the SUV after three years with a new design and modern features for families and adventure seekers. Built on the CMF-B platform, it offers a strong build better safety and turbo-petrol engines for quick performance on both city roads and rough paths, there is no diesel option due to emission rules but a hybrid may come later.
The SUV has been tested over 1 million km worldwide, including high-altitude Ladakh, deliveries start soon at around Rs 10 lakh making it a strong rival to the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos for everyday drives or weekend trips.
The New Renault Duster 2026 Design: Tough and Square
The Duster 2026 has a boxy and tough design with sharp lines and a bigger size, it measures 4.35 meters in length, 1.81 meters in width and 1.69 meters in height giving it a strong presence on the road, it has a wide grille, slim LED headlights, daytime running lights and a sturdy bumper that make it look ready for off-road driving with 217 mm ground clearance, it can easily handle rough roads and bumps. The sides have smooth flush door handles while the rear comes with connected taillights and a skid plate for extra protection.
Getting inside is easy with wide doors and upright seats that give a clear view of the road, it can seat five people comfortably with good legroom and a flat floor for luggage. A 7-inch digital display is placed in front of the driver along with a steering wheel for control and footrests for comfort. Buyers can choose from colors like Glacier White or Tornado Red with a light weight of 1,200 kg, the SUV feels nimble and easy to drive both during the day and at night.
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Expected Price in India
| Component | Amount (Rs) |
|---|---|
| Ex-Showroom Starting Price (Base Variant) | Around 10 lakh |
| On-Road Addition (Delhi: Insurance & Registration) | 50,000–80,000 |
| Estimated Total On-Road Price (Delhi) | 10.5–10.8 lakh |
| Estimated Monthly EMI (Financing) | As low as 15,000 |
Compared to rivals:
- Hyundai Creta: Rs 11 lakh
- Kia Seltos: Rs 11 lakh
- Maruti Grand Vitara: Rs 10.8 lakh
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Key Specs: Engines, Range and Power
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.3L turbo-petrol |
| Power | 100 hp / 156 hp |
| Torque | 160 Nm / 254 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual / CVT |
| Mileage | 18–20 kmpl (estimated) |
| Dimensions | 4.35×1.81×1.69 m, 2.66m wheelbase |
| Boot Space | 400L (1,200L folded) |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h | 9–11 seconds |
| Weight | 1,200 kg |
| Suspension | Front MacPherson, rear torsion beam |
| Brakes | Front/rear disc (ABS) |
| Tyres | 215/65 R17 |
Key Features: Tech, Safety, and Off-Road Ease
- Engine Options: 1.0L turbo for city sips, 1.3L for highway punch, hybrid possible later for better greens.
- Design: Wide grille, LED lights, flush handles, high clearance for rough roads.
- Tech: 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 7-inch digital cluster, Arkamys 6-speaker audio.
- Safety: 6 airbags, electronic stability control, hill-descent control, ISOFIX mounts.
- Comfort: Wireless charging, auto AC with rear vents, spacious cabin for five.
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Why the New Renault Duster 2026 Shines in Midsize SUVs
The Duster 2026 brings back Renault’s popular SUV with a strong and rugged build, tested in tough places like Ladakh. It runs on turbo-petrol engines that give quick performance without the noise of diesel and its 217 mm ground clearance makes it easy to handle light off-road trails. The SUV is built on the CMF-B platform which improves safety and driving stability, it has modern screens and connected features for a comfortable trip.
It delivers about 20 km per litre, and Renault expects big sales in India and exports in 2026, the Duster 2026 is a practical SUV for families who want strength and reliability over fancy extras.
Comparison with Rivals: How Duster 2026 Fits In
| SUV | Price (Rs lakh) | Power (hp) | Mileage (kmpl) | Key Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Duster 2026 | 10–15 | 100–156 | 18–20 | Off-road clearance + value |
| Hyundai Creta | 11–20 | 113–158 | 17–21 | Hybrid option |
| Kia Seltos | 11–20 | 113–158 | 17–20 | Bold style |
| Maruti Grand Vitara | 10.8–19.5 | 103–145 | 20–27 | Strong hybrid |
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Final Verdict: Why the New Renault Duster 2026 Revs Up the Return
The Renault Duster 2026 launched in India on January 26, 2026 at Rs 10 lakh, it offers 100–156 hp turbo-petrol engines, a rugged design, high ground clearance and basic ADAS safety features, built for both city drives and rough roads, it delivers value and toughness making it a solid pick for families and adventure seekers. Deliveries start soon marking a strong comeback for Renault in 2026.
