2026 Renault Duster Drive Review: Tough SUV Now More Modern
- Mar 25, 2026
- Views : 6780

Renault has launched the new Duster in the Indian market, bringing back the iconic nameplate in the mid-size SUV space. Prices for the SUV start from Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and it can be had in five variants: Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+, and Iconic.
There are two engine options on offer: a 1-litre turbo petrol and a 1.3-litre turbo petrol with mild-hybrid. It comes loaded with all the modern features that you would want in a car of this price. If that has you intrigued, here's a clear breakdown of what each variant brings to the table so that you know exactly what you're paying for:
Renault has launched the new Duster in India with 5 variants, which are spread across 2 engine options,. Here is the detailed price breakdown for your reference:
|
Variants |
1-litre turbo petrol |
1.3-litre turbo petrol mild-hybrid |
|
|
MT |
MT |
DCT |
|
|
Authentic |
Rs. 10.49 lakh |
- |
- |
|
Evolution |
Rs. 11.69 lakh |
Rs. 12.99 lakh |
Rs. 14.49 lakh |
|
Techno |
Rs. 13.49 lakh |
Rs. 14.49 lakh |
Rs. 15.89 lakh |
|
Techno+ |
- |
Rs. 15.29 lakh |
Rs. 16.69 lakh |
|
Iconic |
- |
Rs. 16.99 lakh |
Rs. 18.49 lakh |
|
Iconic Launch Edition |
- |
Rs. 16.99 lakh |
Rs. 18.49 lakh |
All prices ex-showroom
Interested customers should also note that buyers who hold an R Pass will get an additional discount on the ex-showroom price of up to Rs 40,000. The R Pass can be bought till 31st March 2026.
Renault has also confirmed that a 1.8-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid powertrain will also be introduced on the new Duster by Diwali this year. However, additional details on the specifications and pricing have not been revealed yet.
Available with:
1-litre turbo petrol MT - Rs. 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
Feature Highlights:
7-inch digital driver’s display
Tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel
Automatic headlights
All-4 one-touch up/down windows
Manual AC
Rear AC vents
Black fabric seats with grey stitching
6 airbags
Electronic stability program and traction control
Tyre pressure monitoring system
LED headlights with DRLs
LED taillights
Signature grille with Duster emblem
17-inch steel wheels with wheel cap
Roof spoiler

The Authentic variant is the base variant in the Duster line-up and is available in only the 1-litre turbo-petrol engine with manual transmission. The equipment list is kept to the essentials only but it justifies its pricing. The Duster sports features like tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, all-4 power one-touch up/down windows, 6 airbags, TPMS, and automatic LED headlights right from the base variant.
Available with:
1-litre turbo-petrol MT - Rs. 11.69 lakh (ex-showroom)
1.3-litre turbo-petrol with mild-hybrid MT - Rs. 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
1.3-litre turbo-petrol with mild-hybrid DCT - Rs. 14.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
Feature Highlights: (in addition to Authentic)
10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Navigation projection in the driver display
6-speaker sound system
Steering mounted audio controls
Cruise control
Electronic parking brake (DCT only)
Rear wiper and defogger
Rear view camera
Rear LED light bar
LED rear fog lights
17-inch alloy wheels
Black roof rails
The Evolution variant sits one variant above the base Authentic, but also serves as a base variant for the models that are powered by the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. This variant is available with both engine options with both manual and automatic transmissions. Renault has loaded this variant with a decent list of features that justify its relatively lower pricing.

You also get a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, reverse camera, 6-speakers, cruise control, and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay from this variant onwards. If you’re someone who wishes to settle for basic features and enjoy the 1.3-litre turbo engine while keeping costs in check, this variant might be the one for you.

Available with:
1-litre turbo petrol MT - Rs. 13.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
1.3-litre turbo petrol with mild-hybrid MT - Rs. 14.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
1.3-litre turbo petrol with mild-hybrid DCT - Rs. 15.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
Feature Highlights: (in addition to Evolution):
Panoramic sunroof
Electric-powered tailgate
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Keyless entry and go
Connected car features
Wireless phone charger
Auto-folding ORVMs
Auto-dimming IRVM
Electronic parking brake with auto hold (DCT only)
Paddle shifters (DCT only)
Centre console with cooling storage (DCT only)
Brown seat upholstery with embossed geometrical textile
Brown wrap and wood finish on the upper dashboard
Full LED headlights
LED front fog lights
LED puddle lamps
The Techno variant is the absolute mid-variant in the Duster line-up, and it offers a good amount of features, covering all necessary bits. It is available with both engines, with the 1.3-litre engine being offered in both manual and automatic transmission options.

While this may be the mid variant, this is also the top-end variant for the 1-litre engine models. For the additional price over the lower variant, you start to get features that add convenience to your experience, like a panoramic sunroof, electric-powered tailgate, dual-zone automatic AC, connected car tech, push-button start, and much more. For buyers who don’t wish to extend their budgets but still wish to have a taste of modern features and convenience, the Techno is a good variant to settle on.
Available with:
1.3-litre turbo petrol with mild-hybrid MT - Rs. 15.29 lakh (ex-showroom)
1.3-litre turbo petrol with mild-hybrid DCT - Rs. 16.69 lakh (ex-showroom)
Feature Highlights: (in addition to Techno):
10.25-inch digital driver’s display
Full map replication in the driver’s display
Blind spot warning
Front and side parking sensors
18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
The Techno+ variant sits just one variant below the top-of-the-line Iconic variant. This variant can only be had with the 1.3-litre turbo engine, and it costs Rs. 80,000/- more than the Techno variant, on which this is based. For this added premium, you get a few value additions in the instrument cluster along with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. These extra features are meant to attract buyers who seek the latest technology and do not wish to miss out on them.

Available with:
1.3-litre turbo petrol with mild-hybrid MT - Rs. 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
1.3-litre turbo petrol with mild-hybrid DCT - Rs. 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
Feature Highlights: (in addition to Techno+):
10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google built in
6-speakers ARKAMYS sound system
6-way powered front seats with manual lumbar adjustment
Ventilated front seats
48-colour ambient lighting
3 driving modes: Comfort, Eco and Perso
Engine and steering modes
360-degree camera
Level-2 ADAS suite
Rain-sensing wipers
Mountain jade leatherette seat upholstery with Renault logo pattern
Mountain jade leatherette wrap, carbon finish, and Duster emblem with yellow stitching on the upper dashboard
Grey side embellisher and door decals
The Iconic is the top-of-the-line variant in the Duster line-up and gets all the features that you would desire, leaving very little scope for complaints. This variant is also offered with the 1.3-litre turbo petrol, only with both manual and automatic transmission options.

Costing a hefty premium of nearly Rs. 1.7 to 1.8 lakhs over the Techno+ trim, this variant gets you many value-added features like 6-way powered and ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, a Google-built-in infotainment system, premium interior upholstery, a Level-2 ADAS suite, driving modes, and much more. This variant should appeal more to the younger generation who wish to own a car with all the modern features, and the iconic Duster nameplate is just icing on top. The list of additional features on this variant does justify its cost, making the competition tough for its rivals.

Available with:
1.3-litre turbo petrol with mild-hybrid MT - Rs. 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
1.3-litre turbo petrol with mild-hybrid DCT - Rs. 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
Feature Highlights: (in addition to Iconic):
Himalayan-inspired side embellisher
Yellow accents on the front grille, tailgate, and roof bar
Yellow decal on the door
Yellow stitching on the dashboard
18-inch black alloy wheels
The Iconic Launch Edition variant is a limited edition trim that is based on the Iconic variant. Both variants cost the same and have all the same specifications. Although this variant carries yellow accents on the exterior and interior, and a blacked-out theme for the alloy wheels. This variant will be sold for a limited time till all allocated 2026 units are sold out.

The new Renault Duster takes on the likes of other mid-size SUVs like the Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Victoris and Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, and the Citroen Aircross. It will also compete with its close cousin the upcoming Nissan Tekton.
Renault has done a brilliant job in planning the variants and pricing the car; you get a decent level of equipment right from the base trim, which ensures that each type of buyer gets a taste of modern features. The diverse list of variants, engine and transmission options makes the new Duster appeal to a larger audience, which means there is a Duster available for all types of buyers.
If you simply want a family-oriented mid-size SUV for your daily urban commute, the Evolution variant is fairly well equipped, whereas if you’re a buyer who does not want to leave any box unticked, the top-end variant for sure is a good pick as well. However, we feel that the Techno variant might be the most value-for-money pick, considering the fact that it does not miss out on much as compared to the top-end and still offers an appreciable list of features with a reasonable price..
Which variant of the new Renault Duster did you like the most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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