Renault Duster 2026: The wait is finally over! Renault’s iconic SUV, the Duster, has made its grand comeback in India today. The announcement was made today, January 26th, on Republic Day. This is a new and refreshed version. The company has introduced it as the third generation. The Duster had been absent from the Indian market since 2022. But now it’s back with a new look and new features. This time, the design is more attractive and modern. Several new features have also been added. Renault hopes that the Duster will once again become a favorite among people, just like in its earlier days.
https://x.com/RenaultIndia/status/2015803893196763352
Duster is here for the mid-size family segment
This mid-size SUV segment is quite crowded, but the company is hopeful that the Duster will carve out its own niche. This new model has been developed in collaboration with Nissan. It is built on a platform specifically designed for India. The company says that this has improved the car’s driving quality and comfort. New technologies have also been incorporated. Like the old Duster, this new model is also robust and capable of handling all types of roads. This was the quality that made the car popular in the first place.
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New Duster 2026 Beat Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos?
Expectations are high that the new Duster will adopt an aggressive pricing strategy, making it a strong contender against segment leaders like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and Honda Elevate.
Renault Duster 2026 vs Creta vs Seltos: Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Renault Duster 2026 | Hyundai Creta | Kia Seltos |
| Engine (Top) | 1.8L Strong Hybrid | 1.5L Turbo Petrol | 1.5L Turbo Petrol |
| Max Power | 163 PS | 160 PS | 160 PS |
| Mileage (Est.) | 22-25 kmpl | 17-18 kmpl | 17-18 kmpl |
| Warranty | 7 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Key Highlight | Off-road Ready (AWD)* | Luxury Interiors | Level 2 ADAS |
| Starting Price | ₹10 Lakh (Expected) | ₹11 Lakh | ₹10.90 Lakh |
Note: The 2026 Duster claims to offer the best mileage in its segment with its 1.8L hybrid engine. Additionally, its 7-year warranty makes it a more reliable option compared to the Creta and Seltos.
Renault Duster 2026: Price Revealed and Delivery Details
Renault will reveal the prices of the new Duster in mid-March 2026. Deliveries of the turbo variant are expected to begin the same month, while the hybrid version will be available from Diwali 2026.
Renault Duster 2026: Warranty
Renault is offering a warranty of up to 7 years or 150,000 kilometers on the new Duster under its ‘Renault Forever Program’.
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Renault Duster 2026: Announced Features
Key features of the new-generation Renault Duster include built-in Google Assistant, an electric tailgate, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, front ventilated seats, a comprehensive ADAS package, and a 360-degree camera.
Why the 1.8L Hybrid is a Game-Changer for Mileage Lovers
The Renault Duster 2026 launched in India today will be available with three engine options, including a powerful hybrid engine. These include a 163 PS and 280 Nm Turbo TCe 160 engine, a powerful 1.8-liter GDI hybrid engine with a 1.4 kWh battery, and a Turbo TCe 100 engine.
Renault Duster 2026: Interior
The 2026 Renault Duster SUV features an attractive dashboard display, complemented by accent stitching and ambient lighting throughout the cabin. Exterior features of the 2026 Duster include rectangular LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs, the Duster logo on the grille, faux skid plates at the front and rear, air vents on either side of the front bumper, black plastic cladding all around, C-shaped LED taillights with a central LED light bar, an integrated rear spoiler, rear wiper and washer, a black insert for the tailgate, and a shark-fin antenna.
Renault Duster 2026: Colors
The Renault Duster 2026 SUV is available in six colors – Jade Mountain Green, Pearl White, Moonlight Silver, Stealth Black, River Blue, and Sunset Red. Dual-tone variants will also be available.
Renault Duster 2026: Booking Amount
Pre-bookings for the 2026 Duster have already opened for a token amount of ₹21,000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Renault Duster 2026
Q1. What is the expected price of the new Renault Duster 2026 in India? ‘
Ans: The 2026 Renault Duster is expected to be priced aggressively between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom). By starting under the ₹11 lakh mark, Renault aims to undercut rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Official variant-wise pricing will be revealed in March 2026.
Q2. Does the 2026 Renault Duster come with a Diesel engine option?
Ans: No, Renault has officially moved away from diesel engines for the Indian market. The 3rd-gen Duster is available exclusively with Petrol and Strong Hybrid powertrains. To compensate for the lack of diesel, Renault has introduced a high-torque 1.3L Turbo Petrol and a fuel-efficient 1.8L Strong Hybrid engine.
Q3. What is the mileage of the Renault Duster 2026 Hybrid?
Ans: While official ARAI figures are pending, the Renault Duster 1.8L Strong Hybrid is expected to deliver a fuel efficiency of 22-25 kmpl. Its advanced E-Tech system allows the SUV to run on electric mode for up to 80% of city commutes, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the mid-size segment.
Q4. Is the Renault Duster 2026 available with 4×4 or AWD in India?
Ans: Currently, the India-spec Renault Duster focuses on Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) to keep costs competitive. However, it features Terrain Management Modes (Snow, Mud/Sand, Eco, and Off-road) that optimize traction for mild off-roading. An All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variant may be considered for a limited-edition launch later in 2026.
Q5. When can I book the new Renault Duster and when is the delivery?
Ans: Pre-bookings for the 2026 Duster have already opened for a token amount of ₹21,000. Deliveries for the Turbo-petrol variants are scheduled to begin in late March 2026, while the much-awaited Strong Hybrid versions are expected to reach customers around Diwali 2026.
WheelWires WordBit: The Final Verdict
The Renault Duster 2026 isn’t just a comeback; it’s a total transformation. By shifting from a rugged, basic SUV to a tech-loaded hybrid powerhouse, Renault is playing a smart game. While the lack of a Diesel engine might disappoint the “old-school” fans, the 25 kmpl hybrid efficiency and 7-year warranty are massive game-changers for the modern Indian family. If Renault nails the pricing in March, the Creta and Seltos finally have a rival that can actually take them off the road.