Renault has finally launched the much-awaited Duster in India at ₹10.49 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). Available in five variants — Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+ and Iconic — and with two engine options — a 1-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol — the new Duster tops out at ₹18.49 lakh. The former is available only with a manual transmission, while the turbo-petrol is offered with both a manual and a DCT.
With a limited-period ‘R Pass’, customers can avail themselves of discounts on the SUV, bringing the starting price down to ₹10.29 lakh, along with reductions across all variants. However, this offer is only valid until 31 March 2026. Prices for the 1.8-litre hybrid engine will be announced later this year.
Here are the full prices of the Duster, with and without the R Pass:
Exteriors
The 2026 Duster is based on the 3rd generation global Duster. Renault says it is “Made for India”, with the Indian-spec model getting 90 per cent parts bespoke to India. It gets a rugged exterior with a silhouette reminiscent of the first-gen Duster, with a high bonnet and strong, muscular lines along its side profile. It gets full LED headlamps, LED taillamps, LED fog lights and an LED rear light bar. It gets 18-inch black “Outback” diamond cut alloy wheels and a black roof with roof rails.
Renault has also made sure the Duster stays true to its off-road credentials with a 34.7° departure angle and a 26.9° approach angle, with 212 mm of ground clearance.
Engine and gearbox
Renault has launched the Duster with 2 engine options. The base 1-litre turbo petrol engine produces 99bhp, and the higher-powered 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine produces a class-leading 161bhp and 280Nm of torque. Both engines can be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the top 1.3-litre engine can be optioned with a 6-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.
Renault has also announced a new 1.8-litre engine that will come later this year with strong hybrid tech. It will be coupled to a 1.4kWh battery, producing a combined 158bhp. This will allow an 80 per cent electric drive in the city. The hybrid variant is already sold out for the 2026 model year, and Renault will announce the pre-booking for the 2027 model later this year.
Interiors
On the inside, the Duster is equipped with a 10.1-inch touch screen infotainment system with in-built Google services, along with a 10.25-inch digital driver's display. Lower models are equipped with a 7-inch TFT display. The dashboard is smartly laid out with ambient lighting and physical tactile buttons for the climate control and other features.
The front seats are ventilated and are 6-way electrically adjustable with manual lumbar support; the rear seats offer plenty of space with creature comforts like rear AC vents, an armrest with cup holders and two Type C charging ports to charge up your devices, and Isofix child seat mounts. The boot space is also impressive at 518 litres (under the parcel shelf) and up to 700 litres when packed up to the roof.
Other features include a panoramic sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an electric-powered tailgate, electric automatic dual zone climate control, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming ORVMs, an Arkamys 6-speaker sound system and multiple other features.
Warranty and subscription program
Renault is offering a first-in-class 7-year, 1,50,000 km warranty, which will be transferable to the next buyer. Renault has also announced the Renault subscription program for young buyers. This program will give customers the chance to own a Duster with no down payments, just a monthly subscription model, and will allow them to buy the car after a certain time period, return it, or change it for another car from the Renault portfolio.
Pricing and rivals
Renault has priced the Duster at ₹10.49 lakh ex-showroom, with the top variant going up to ₹18.49 lakh. With these competitive prices, it goes up against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and the Tata Sierra. Prebookings are now open, and the deliveries are scheduled to start from April 2026.
