The all-new Renault Duster is finally here, to take the baton of being the first-ever compact SUV in India. This is not a car that has been refreshed to stay relevant. This is a car that has been rebuilt with a clear purpose to dominate the tough SUV space in India at a price that makes rivals genuinely nervous. And we have now driven it for the first time. So, here’s everything we know about the new Duster!
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First Impressions – Renault Duster Drive Review
The moment you see the new Duster in person, you know something has changed. The new design is sharp, confident, and genuinely striking. It carries itself with the kind of road presence that makes people turn and look. The new Renault Duster 2026 does not try to win you over with gimmicks.
It feels like a proper SUV the moment you get behind the wheel. A tall commanding driving position, 212 mm of ground clearance, and that familiar Duster ride and handling balance make it glide over broken roads and hill curves in a way most Creta and Seltos rivals cannot match. But Renault has not ignored the feature list either. Specifically engineered for India’s real roads first, and the spec sheet second.
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Features
The new Duster arrives with a list of features. The top variant gets a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with light, Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and built-in Google Maps with Google Assistant. The flat-bottom and flat-top steering wheel feels sporty and premium in hand.
Features that give the Duster the edge over rivals: Ventilated front seats with lumbar support make long drives genuinely comfortable; six parking sensors at both the front and rear; Electric Boot and gas struts supporting the bonnet, so it opens and closes effortlessly; acoustic windshield; interior lamp motion sensor; ADAS camera defogger.
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How Is It To Drive?
This is where the new Duster separates itself from every rival in its segment. The car we tested came equipped with the 1.3 litre turbocharged petrol engine, the same unit that shares its engineering lineage with Mercedes-Benz through the Renault-Nissan-Mercedes alliance. The result is an engine that feels smooth, refined, and responsive in a way that genuinely surprises you for the price. The steering is well-weighted, not too light or too heavy, and not tiring, which makes it genuinely enjoyable to drive on a twisty road.
Power delivery is strong across the RPM range. The engine does not feel strained at highway speeds and pulls confidently from low RPMs in city traffic. But the highlight is the ride quality. On rough Indian roads, whether it is broken tarmac, speed breakers, or unexpected potholes, it glides. The suspension absorbs the worst surfaces. This is clearly an SUV tuned specifically for Indian road conditions, and the result is a driving experience that feels both capable and comfortable.
It comes with two engine options available across the range. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol is competent and efficient for city use, though it does exhibit some vibrations that more refined rivals manage to suppress better. The 1.3 litre unit we tested is the sweet spot, the one we would recommend, and you can expect mileage between 12-13 kmpl. And then there is the 1.8-litre strong hybrid variant, expected to arrive around Diwali 2026.
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Negatives
None of the cars is perfect, and the new Duster has a few areas where it lacks, like the original Duster’s 4WD capability, which was one of its defining characteristics. Automatic gearbox, while smooth in everyday driving, can feel slightly slow to respond when you need a quick overtake or sudden acceleration. It does its job well in comfort and eco modes, but a sport mode that sharpens the responses would have completed the package.
In terms of features, the 360-degree camera delivers average image quality compared to rivals like the Kia Seltos. It is functional rather than impressive. And the centre tunnel in the rear limits the middle seat’s usability.
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Who Should Buy the Renault Duster?
The new Duster is an easy recommendation for buyers who prioritise driving dynamics and ride quality above everything else in this segment. If you spend significant time on highways or rough roads, the Duster will make you smile every single day with a driving experience that genuinely cannot be matched.
It is also the right choice for buyers who want something that feels different from the mainstream. The Creta and Seltos are excellent cars, but they are everywhere. The Duster has character, personality, and a distinctiveness that set it apart in a sea of similar-looking crossovers. If you are waiting for the hybrid variant and fuel efficiency is your primary concern, then you have to wait till Diwali. So, “Buy it for the drive. Buy it for the ride. Because nothing else at this price feels quite like this on an Indian road.” (Rachit Hirani).
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Hi, I’m Ravindra Meena , a bike and automobile enthusiast. I share honest reviews, mileage tests, and latest updates about bikes, cars, and EVs to help you make the right choice. Stay connected for real-world insights and trending auto news! 🏍️🚗