Renault Duster 2025: Are you ready for the return of a legend? The Renault Duster is making a comeback to Indian shores, and it’s bringing a fresh new attitude along with some serious upgrades. After being discontinued in India a few years ago, this beloved SUV is set to reclaim its position in the competitive compact SUV segment with its third-generation avatar. Expected to launch by June 2026, the new Duster promises to blend rugged capability with modern tech in a package that won’t break the bank. Let’s dive into what makes this upcoming model so exciting and whether it’s worth holding out for.
The original Duster carved out a reputation for being a no-nonsense, capable SUV that could handle India’s diverse road conditions with ease. It was like that reliable friend who never complained, no matter how rough the journey got. Now, with Renault confirming plans to launch five new cars in India over the next two years, the Duster is positioned to be the headliner of this ambitious strategy. But what exactly can we expect from this reimagined icon? Let’s find out.
Design and Exterior: Rugged Meets Modern
The 2025 Renault Duster has undergone a significant design overhaul while maintaining its recognizable silhouette. Renault recently unveiled a design concept that gives us a clear glimpse of what to expect. The new Duster sports narrow Y-shaped LED DRLs that give it a distinctive face, complemented by a chrome-accented grille and vertically stacked air vents. The muscular lower bumper adds to its commanding presence, ensuring that this SUV won’t be mistaken for anything else on the road.
The side profile retains the rugged character that made the original Duster so popular, featuring squared wheel arches, large alloy wheels, and practical roof rails. The sloped rear quarter glass adds a touch of dynamism to the otherwise boxy design. At the rear, sharp Y-shaped LED tail lamps create a modern, cohesive look that ties the design together beautifully.
Built on the CMF-B modular platform-shared across Renault, Dacia, and Nissan vehicles-the new Duster benefits from modern engineering while maintaining the robust character that made it a favorite among Indian consumers. The platform allows for better space utilization, improved safety, and more efficient powertrains.
Dimensions and Practicality
The new Duster measures 4,341mm in length, 1,804mm in width, and stands 1,693mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,673mm. These dimensions place it firmly in the compact SUV segment, making it ideal for navigating both urban traffic and off-road trails. With an impressive ground clearance of 217mm, the Duster is ready to tackle challenging terrain without breaking a sweat.
Practicality has always been a Duster strong suit, and the new model continues this tradition with a generous boot space of 472 liters. This makes it perfect for weekend getaways or the occasional IKEA haul. As one owner of the international model noted, “The dimensions are ideal for city traffic. It’s not too big, similar in size to our Creta. Maneuvering through traffic is a breeze, and visibility is excellent.”
Interior and Features: A Tech-Forward Cabin
Step inside the new Duster, and you’ll find a completely redesigned interior that addresses one of the main criticisms of the previous generation-dated cabin design and features. The dashboard now sports a more contemporary layout with a dual-tone theme and improved materials, though hard plastics are still present in keeping with its rugged, utilitarian character.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity on the go. This is complemented by a 7-inch digital driver’s display that provides all essential information at a glance. For audiophiles, there’s a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system that promises an immersive listening experience.
Other notable features include:
- Wireless phone charging
- Type-C USB ports
- Connected car technology
- Automatic climate control
- Cruise control
- Ventilated front seats (though these might not make it to the Indian-spec model)
The elevated driving position provides excellent visibility, making it easy to navigate through traffic or spot obstacles when venturing off-road. Physical buttons for climate controls ensure that essential functions remain accessible without diving into touchscreen menus-a thoughtful touch that enhances everyday usability.
Safety Features
Safety gets a significant boost in the new Duster, which comes equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Traffic sign recognition with speeding alert
- Lane keep assist
- Rear parking assistance
- 360-degree camera
It’s worth noting that the international-spec third-gen Duster secured a 3-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests. While this isn’t class-leading, it represents an improvement over the previous generation and should provide adequate protection for occupants.
Powertrain Options: Hybrid Power Comes to Duster
The 2025 Renault Duster offers multiple powertrain options globally, though it remains to be seen which ones will make it to the Indian market. Here’s what we know so far:
| Engine Type | Displacement | Power Output | Transmission Options | Expected Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turbo-petrol with mild hybrid | 1.2-liter | 130 PS | 6-speed manual | 24.5 kmpl (claimed) |
| Strong hybrid petrol | 1.6-liter | 140 PS | Automatic | Not specified |
| Petrol-LPG | 1.0-liter | 100 PS | 6-speed manual | Not specified |
The most interesting option is the 1.6-liter strong hybrid system, which pairs a petrol engine with two electric motors powered by a 1.2kWh battery pack. This setup is similar to what we see in the Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Honda City e:HEV, promising excellent fuel efficiency without compromising on performance.
The 1.2-liter turbo-petrol with a 48V mild hybrid system offers a good balance of performance and efficiency, while the 1.0-liter petrol-LPG option could be an economical choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Notably absent from the lineup is a diesel engine, which was a popular choice in the previous-generation Duster. Renault has officially shelved diesel engines for the new model, focusing instead on electrified petrol powertrains to meet increasingly stringent emission norms.
Driving Experience
While we don’t have first-hand experience with the new Duster yet, owners of the international model have praised its ride quality. As one owner put it, “Simply put, it’s superb. Despite being slightly firm, you’ll love how it rides. It handles potholes and expansion joints with ease. On highways, it’s a mile muncher.”
The steering is reportedly very light, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic, though it lacks feel at higher speeds. This suggests that the Duster is optimized for comfort and everyday usability rather than sporty handling-a sensible approach for its target audience.
Market Positioning and Competition
With an expected starting price of around ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Duster will enter a fiercely competitive segment. It will go up against established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor, and Citroen C3 Aircross.
The Duster’s key selling points will likely be its robust build quality, off-road capability, and now, modern features and hybrid technology. Its slightly rugged character could help it carve out a niche in a segment dominated by more urban-focused SUVs.
Interestingly, Renault has also confirmed that a three-row SUV called the Boreal, based on the same platform as the Duster, will follow in 2026. This will allow Renault to compete in the larger SUV segment against the likes of the MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar, Kia Carens, and Mahindra XUV700.
Value Proposition
The Duster has always offered good value for money, and the new model seems set to continue this tradition. With features like wireless smartphone connectivity, a digital instrument cluster, ADAS, and hybrid technology, it offers a compelling package at its expected price point.
As one potential customer noted in a review, “With 460 ltr of boot space and 1.6ltr hybrid engine it is a value for money vehicle with all the frills of ADAS, 6 air bags, cruise control, 10″ display, good mileage and what not.”
Conclusion: The Return of a Beloved Icon
The 2025 Renault Duster represents a significant evolution of a model that once enjoyed considerable success in India. With its blend of rugged capability, modern features, and efficient powertrains, it has the potential to recapture the hearts of Indian consumers when it launches in 2026. The addition of hybrid technology and ADAS features brings it up to speed with current market expectations, while its robust character and off-road capability provide a unique selling proposition in a crowded segment.
Like a favorite band returning after a hiatus with new material that honors their roots while embracing contemporary sounds, the new Duster respects its heritage while moving decisively into the future. For SUV buyers willing to wait until 2026, the new Renault Duster could be well worth holding out for-especially if you value character and capability alongside modern conveniences.
FAQs About the New Renault Duster
When will the new Renault Duster launch in India?
The new Renault Duster is expected to launch in India by June 2026. It’s part of Renault’s plan to introduce five new cars in the Indian market over the next two years.
Will the new Duster have a diesel engine option?
No, Renault has officially shelved diesel engines for the new Duster. Instead, it will offer petrol engines with various levels of hybridization, including a 1.6-liter strong hybrid and a 1.2-liter mild hybrid system.
What is the expected mileage of the new Renault Duster?
The most fuel-efficient variant of the new Duster, likely the hybrid model, is expected to deliver around 24.5 kmpl (claimed figure). Real-world efficiency will vary based on driving conditions and style, but it should be significantly more economical than the previous generation.
How does the new Duster compare to the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos?
The new Duster will compete directly with these popular SUVs, offering a more rugged character and potentially better off-road capability with its 217mm ground clearance. While the Creta and Seltos might have an edge in terms of feature sophistication and established service networks, the Duster could appeal to those seeking a more adventurous SUV with hybrid technology.
Will there be an automatic transmission option for the new Duster?
Yes, the new Duster is expected to offer automatic transmission options in India, particularly with the hybrid powertrain. The international model comes with both manual and automatic options, and Renault is likely to bring both to cater to different customer preferences in the Indian market.