Renault SUV 2026 India: Expected Price, Launch Date, Features & Mileage

The original Duster was the car that taught Indians what a “Compact SUV” really felt like. It had the ride quality of a luxury sedan and the ruggedness of a tank. After a long hiatus, Renault is officially bringing the Third-Gen Duster to India, with a launch expected on January 26, 2026.

But the “Renault SUV 2026” story doesn’t end there. Renault is also prepping the Bigster (likely to be named Boreal)—a 7-seater powerhouse designed to take on the XUV700 and Safari.

Estimated Ex-Showroom Price:

• Renault Duster: ₹10.50 Lakh – ₹18.50 Lakh
• Renault Bigster: ₹14.00 Lakh – ₹22.00 Lakh

2. QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

Feature	Renault Duster 2026	Renault Bigster (Boreal)
Engine	1.3L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Petrol	1.3L Turbo / 1.6L Strong Hybrid
Power	154 BHP	160 BHP
Torque	250 Nm	270 Nm
Transmission	6-MT / 7-speed DCT	6-MT / CVT / DCT
Drivetrain	FWD / AWD (4×4)	FWD / AWD
Ground Clearance	210 mm	220 mm

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3. EXTERIOR DESIGN: Butch, Bold, and Beautiful

The 2026 Renault SUVs move away from the “rounded” look of the old Duster. Instead, you get sharp, “Y-shaped” LED signatures and a very boxy, muscular stance. The Duster looks like it’s been hitting the gym, while the Bigster looks like its elder, more sophisticated brother.

What I love as a journalist is the sustainability angle. Renault is using “Starkle”—a recycled plastic material for the wheel arches and side cladding. It doesn’t just look rugged; it’s scratch-resistant.

Read more : Mahindra XUV 7XO

4. INTERIOR & COMFORT: Finally, A Modern Cabin

If there was one complaint about the old Renaults, it was the “budget” interiors. Not anymore.

• Dashboard: A massive 10.1-inch floating touchscreen oriented towards the driver. It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• Space: The Duster remains a comfortable 5-seater, but the Bigster is the real news. With a 2700mm+ wheelbase, the third row isn’t just for kids; it’s actually usable.
• Key Features: You get a panoramic sunroof (a must for India!), ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and a full ADAS Suite.

5. PERFORMANCE: The Turbo Punch

The highlight for enthusiasts will be the 1.3L Turbo Petrol engine, co-developed with Mercedes. It produces 154 BHP, making it one of the most powerful in its segment.

• City Drive: The steering is light, and the “Stop & Go” traffic is handled well by the DCT automatic.
• Highway Drive: At 120 kmph, the Duster feels planted. The body roll is significantly lower than the previous generation.
• Suspension: This is where Renault wins. It “glides” over Indian potholes where competitors might “thud.”

6. SAFETY: No Compromises

Renault is targeting a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating.

• 6 Airbags as standard.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Hold Assist.
• Level 2 ADAS: Includes Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist.

7. REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

Variant	ARAI Claimed	Real World City	Real World Highway
1.3L Turbo (MT)	18.5 kmpl	11-12 kmpl	15-16 kmpl
1.5L Petrol (Hybrid)	24.2 kmpl	19-21 kmpl	22-23 kmpl

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Note: The Hybrid engine will be the “Mileage King,” specifically designed for those who want EV-like efficiency without the range anxiety.

8. THE COMPETITION: Battle of the Titans

Feature	Renault Duster	Hyundai Creta	Maruti Grand Vitara
Engine Power	154 BHP	158 BHP	103 BHP
Off-road Tech	AWD (Available)	FWD Only	AWD (AllGrip)
Ride Quality	Superior	Good	Average

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Winner: If you want a “Go-anywhere” SUV with a powerful engine, the Duster is the winner. If you want pure tech and resale value, Creta stays strong.

9. FINAL VERDICT

Buy it if:

• You missed the original Duster’s legendary ride quality.
• You want a proper 4×4/AWD system in a mid-size SUV.
• You want a car that looks like a “proper” SUV, not a crossover.

Skip it if:

• You want a Diesel engine (Renault is going Petrol/Hybrid only).
• You want the widest service network (Maruti/Hyundai still lead here).
• You are looking for an immediate purchase (Launch is in early 2026).

Score: 9/10

10. FAQs (People Also Ask)