Renault Duster Comeback In 2026 – Design, Interiors, Specs, Price Details
The Renault Duster is making a strong comeback in India, and the wait for the new-generation model is finally nearing an end. After being discontinued in 2022, Renault has been working on reintroducing the Duster in a modern avatar, and the brand has now confirmed that the all-new SUV will officially arrive in early 2026. Built on the new CMF-B platform, the SUV will not just be a replacement of the older model but a game-changer for Renault’s future in India. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming New-Gen Renault Duster.
The new-gen Duster will carry forward the rugged identity that made it popular among Indian buyers, but this time it will feature a much more premium and futuristic design. Inspired by the global Dacia Bigster concept, the SUV will sport a bold new grille, C-shaped LED headlamps, and a more upright stance. The muscular wheel arches, dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails, and connected LED taillamps are set to give the Duster a more aggressive road presence compared to its predecessor. The SUV will also be larger in size, offering more cabin space and improved practicality, placing it in direct competition with strong rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, and VW Taigun.
On the inside, Renault is expected to offer a completely redesigned cabin for the 2026 Duster, focusing on technology, comfort, and premium appeal. The dashboard layout will likely feature a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a fully digital instrument cluster, connected car tech, multi-zone climate control, wireless charging, premium upholstery, ventilated front seats, and an advanced sound system. Renault is also expected to enhance practicality with multiple storage spaces and flexible seating options. In terms of safety, the SUV will meet Bharat NCAP standards and is likely to be offered with six airbags, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, electronic stability control, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are increasingly becoming popular in this segment.
Engine options for the new Renault Duster will be a major highlight. Unlike its earlier diesel-focused lineup, the 2026 model is expected to focus on petrol and hybrid powertrains, aligning with India’s changing emission norms. Renault is likely to offer a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology and a stronger 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine co-developed with Nissan. The SUV may also get a strong-hybrid version, similar to the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder, giving it an edge in terms of fuel efficiency. Transmission options will include both manual and automatic gearboxes, while higher trims may also offer an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, which was one of the Duster’s most unique selling points in the past.
Pricing will be a crucial factor for Renault, as the midsize SUV space in India is extremely competitive. The new-gen Duster is expected to be priced in the range of ₹12 lakh to ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and powertrain. Renault will aim to strike a balance between affordability and premium features to attract a wide set of customers, especially those who appreciated the old Duster for its rugged capability and no-nonsense practicality.
The launch timeline has been confirmed for early 2026, which means Renault will start testing prototypes on Indian roads by 2025. The company is also expanding its production facility in Chennai to prepare for high-volume manufacturing, not just for India but also for exports to other right-hand-drive markets. The new Duster will play a critical role in reviving Renault’s brand image in India, where the automaker has been struggling with a limited product portfolio after discontinuing some of its popular models.
The New-Gen Renault Duster promises to be a completely modern SUV while staying true to its rugged DNA. With its bold design, advanced features, hybrid powertrains, and the possibility of AWD, the 2026 Duster is shaping up to be one of the most exciting launches in the midsize SUV segment. Buyers who loved the original Duster for its toughness and value-for-money appeal can expect a far more refined and feature-rich package this time. As the competition intensifies in India’s SUV market, Renault is betting big on the Duster’s comeback to regain its lost glory.