New Delhi: Renault has officially reintroduced the Duster in the Indian market, marking its return to the competitive mid-size SUV segment. The 2026 Renault Duster was launched on Tuesday, March 17, with a starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom). For customers who pre-booked the SUV using the R-Pass, the introductory price is set slightly lower at Rs 10.29 lakh.

Bookings for the new Duster are currently open, and deliveries are expected to commence soon. The model is set to compete with established rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

The 2026 Renault Duster is available in five variants — Authentic, Evolution, Tecno, Tecno+, and Iconic. The top-end variant is priced at Rs 18.09 lakh. Compared to its international counterpart, the India-spec model features several design updates, including redesigned headlamps with eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs.

Inside the cabin, the SUV offers a premium layout with modern features such as a dual-screen setup, a three-spoke steering wheel, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Additional features include ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and push-button start/stop functionality.

In terms of safety, the Duster comes equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with EBD, a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors, disc brakes on all four wheels, an electronic parking brake, and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The SUV is offered with multiple powertrain options. These include a 1.8-litre four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine paired with a strong hybrid system, delivering 160 bhp and 172 Nm of torque. A 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine is also available, producing 160 bhp and 280 Nm of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The base variant is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine that generates 100 bhp and 160 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Renault is also offering a seven-year warranty with the new Duster, enhancing its value proposition in the segment.