Renault India has officially unveiled the third-generation Duster, marking the return of one of the most influential SUVs in the Indian market. First launched in 2012 and discontinued in 2022, the Duster was instrumental in shaping India’s mid-size SUV segment. Its return signals Renault’s renewed focus on the country under its International Game Plan 2027.
The all-new Renault Duster was revealed in Chennai on Republic Day 2026 and introduces major updates across design, technology, safety and powertrains, while retaining the rugged DNA that made it a household name.
Renault has opened pre-bookings for the new Duster at Rs 21,000. Official prices will be announced in March 2026.
Price announcement: March 2026
Turbo-petrol deliveries: April 2026
Strong-hybrid launch: Around Diwali 2026
The third-generation Duster retains its upright stance, squared-off proportions and muscular wheel arches, ensuring continuity with earlier models. Extensive black cladding reinforces its SUV character.
The India-spec model stands apart from the global version with:
Redesigned LED headlamps
Eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs doubling as turn indicators
Trapezoidal grille with prominent Duster badging
Bold silver front bumper insert inspired by the first-generation Duster
Pixel-style LED fog lamps
18-inch black alloy wheels
Functional roof rails rated for 50kg
212mm ground clearance
Strong approach and departure angles for light off-road use
At the rear, India gets a connected LED tail-lamp bar, C-shaped LED elements, roof spoiler, rear wiper and washer, and a black bumper with silver accents—features not available on the global model.
Renault will offer a unique Mountain Jade Green shade inspired by Himalayan forests, along with dual-tone roof options for a premium appearance.
Inside, the new Duster introduces a driver-focused cockpit with sharp lines and a layered dashboard design. The cabin adopts a rugged yet modern theme with improved material quality.
Leatherette upholstery on seats, dashboard and door panels
Black interior theme with contrast stitching and green accents
Chrome-finished Y-shaped AC vents
Raised centre console with electronic gear selector
Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel
Minimal physical buttons for a clean layout
Sliding front armrest
Large door pockets
Rear cupholders
518-litre boot capacity (up to parcel shelf)
The new Duster is positioned as a more premium offering with features such as:
Panoramic sunroof
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Powered tailgate
Six-way electrically adjustable front seats
Ventilated front seats
The SUV gets a dual-screen setup comprising:
10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster
The infotainment system runs Renault’s OpenR Link interface and supports:
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto
Over-the-air (OTA) updates
Wireless phone charger
360-degree camera system
Connected car technology
Ambient lighting
Premium Arkamys sound system
Renault will offer the new Duster exclusively with petrol powertrains in India. Diesel and AWD options have been ruled out.
Power: 100bhp
Torque: 160Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power: 163hp
Torque: 280Nm
Transmission options:
6-speed manual
6-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT)
The highlight of the range is the Strong Hybrid E-Tech system, featuring:
1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
Electric motor and hybrid starter generator
8-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT)
1.4kWh battery
Renault claims the hybrid system can run in electric mode for up to 80% of city driving, offering improved fuel efficiency and smoother performance. This variant will arrive around Diwali 2026.
All variants are built on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), engineered specifically for:
Indian road conditions
Extreme temperatures
Long-term durability
The platform has been designed to meet 5-star safety standards.
The new Duster becomes Renault’s first India model to offer Level 2 ADAS, including:
Adaptive cruise control
Lane-keeping assist
Autonomous emergency braking
Traffic sign recognition
Six airbags
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Front and rear parking sensors
Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Hill descent control
Electronic parking brake
Disc brakes on all four wheels
Once launched, the new Renault Duster will compete against:
Tata Sierra
Hyundai Creta
Kia Seltos
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
Maruti Suzuki Victoris
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
Skoda Kushaq
Volkswagen Taigun
MG Astor
The return of the Duster marks a strategic reset for Renault India, focusing on:
Higher localisation
Electrified petrol powertrains
Advanced safety and technology
With its strong brand recall, modern features and upcoming hybrid option, the new-generation Duster aims to reclaim its lost ground in the competitive mid-size SUV space.