Renault Duster Old Vs New: What All Has Changed

2026 Renault Duster: The Renault Duster has made a comeback in the Indian market in an all-new third-generation form after being discontinued in 2022. The SUV once played a huge role in popularising the compact SUV segment in India, but it slowly lost its appeal after the diesel engine was dropped due to BS6 norms and the competition became stronger. Renault skipped the second-generation model for India, and the new 2026 Duster now arrives with a completely fresh platform, new design language, hybrid powertrain options and a much more premium cabin.

With its return, the Duster will once again enter the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment, where it will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, upcoming Tata Sierra and Nissan's upcoming SUV. The new model aims to bring back the rugged character of the original while adding modern technology and comfort features that buyers now expect in this segment. Check out what are the key differences between the previously available and the new Duster below and join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.

Read more:2026 Renault Duster Launched At Rs. 10.49 Lakh (Ex-sh): Details

2026 Renault Duster: Pricing (Variant-wise) & Versions

The new-generation Duster now comes with a detailed variant lineup, unlike the older model which had a simpler trim structure. Renault is offering multiple trims with different engine options, manual and DCT gearboxes, and special pricing for customers who booked the SUV through the R-Pass programme. The starting price of the new Duster is Rs. 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom), making it competitive with other mid-size SUVs in the segment.

The variant lineup includes Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+, and Iconic, and buyers can choose between the Turbo TCe 100 manual, Turbo TCe 160 manual, and Turbo TCe 160 DCT powertrains depending on the variant.

Turbo TCe 100 MT

• Authentic: Rs. 10.49 lakh (Rs. 10.29 lakh with R-Pass)
• Evolution: Rs. 11.69 lakh (Rs. 11.39 lakh with R-Pass)
• Techno: Rs. 13.49 lakh (Rs. 13.19 lakh with R-Pass)

Turbo TCe 160 MT

• Evolution: Rs. 12.99 lakh (Rs. 12.69 lakh with R-Pass)
• Techno: Rs. 14.49 lakh (Rs. 14.19 lakh with R-Pass)
• Techno+: 915.29 lakh (Rs. 14.99 lakh with R-Pass)
• Iconic: Rs. 16.99 lakh (Rs. 16.59 lakh with R-Pass)

Turbo TCe 160 DCT

• Evolution: Rs. 14.49 lakh (Rs. 13.99 lakh with R-Pass)
• Techno: Rs. 15.89 lakh (Rs. 15.49 lakh with R-Pass)
• Techno+: Rs. 16.69 lakh (Rs. 16.29 lakh with R-Pass)
• Iconic: Rs. 18.49 lakh (Rs. 18.09 lakh with R-Pass)

Compared to the old Duster, which was priced between Rs. 9.86 lakh and Rs. 14.25 lakh in its final phase, the new model is offered in a wider price band due to the addition of turbo engines, automatic gearbox options, premium features and hybrid-ready architecture.

This wider variant spread also shows that Renault is positioning the new Duster not just as a rugged SUV, but as a more premium and technology-loaded product to compete with the top models of the Creta, Seltos and Grand Vitara.

Engine Options

The new Duster gets completely revised engine options compared to the older model. The outgoing version in India was available with naturally aspirated and turbo petrol engines, and earlier it also had a diesel motor that was very popular among buyers. However, the 2026 Duster focuses on turbo-petrol and hybrid powertrains, in line with global trends and stricter emission norms.

The new SUV is also based on Renault-Nissans CMF-B platform, which is more rigid and supports electrified powertrains. This change is expected to improve performance, fuel efficiency and overall driving dynamics compared to the older model.

• Old Duster engines
  • 1.5-litre petrol (106 PS)
  • 1.3-litre turbo petrol (156 PS)
  • 1.5-litre diesel (before BS6)
• 2026 Duster engines
  • 1.0-litre turbo petrol (~100 PS)
  • 1.3-litre turbo petrol with mild-hybrid (160+ PS)
  • 1.8-litre strong hybrid petrol
  • Manual, automatic and hybrid transmission options expected

Renault Duster Old Vs New: Design & Size

In terms of styling, the difference between the old and new Duster is very noticeable. The earlier model had a simple and rounded look, while the new generation adopts a sharper, more muscular and upright design. The front now gets a slimmer grille, modern LED lighting and a flatter bonnet, which makes the SUV appear wider and more planted.

From the side, the classic Duster silhouette is still visible, but the new model looks tougher with squared wheel arches, thicker cladding and larger alloy wheels. The rear also looks completely different, with a more sculpted tailgate, modern tail-lamps and a more rugged bumper design. Overall, the new Duster looks bigger, stronger and more premium than the older one, even though it still keeps the original SUV character.

Renault Duster Old Vs New: Interiors

Inside the cabin, the change is even more significant. The old Duster always focused more on practicality than luxury, which meant the interior looked functional but not very premium. The dashboard design was simple, the screen was small and the instrument cluster was mostly analog.

The 2026 Duster moves in a completely different direction. The dashboard now has a wider and more layered design, giving the cabin a more modern feel. The infotainment screen is larger and placed higher, the instrument cluster is fully digital, and the materials used inside look more upmarket. Renault has also improved seat quality, storage spaces and overall comfort, making the new model feel closer to its rivals in terms of cabin experience.

2026 Renault Duster: Feature List

The feature list has grown massively in the new generation, bringing the Duster in line with modern SUVs. The older model offered only the basic convenience features, while the new one adds several premium and technology-focused elements.

• Old Duster features
  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • Cruise control
  • Auto climate control
  • Basic connectivity
  • Keyless entry (top variants)
• 2026 Duster features
  • Large touchscreen infotainment system
  • Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
  • Digital instrument cluster
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Wireless charging
  • Ambient lighting
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Powered seats
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Powered tailgate

Safety Kit

Safety is one area where the upgrade feels the biggest. The old Duster offered only the basic safety equipment, which was acceptable at that time but now feels outdated. The new model is expected to come with several advanced safety features, including driver-assist technologies that were never available earlier.

The addition of multiple airbags, electronic stability control and ADAS functions should make the new Duster much safer than the previous generation. It also gets better rear-seat safety with three-point seatbelts and ISOFIX mounts, which were missing earlier.

2026 Renault Duster: Timeline of Duster in India

The Renault Duster has had an interesting journey in India. It was first launched in 2012 and quickly became one of the most popular SUVs in the country. A facelift arrived later with cosmetic and feature updates, and the turbo-petrol engine was introduced towards the end of its lifecycle. However, the diesel engine was discontinued due to BS6 norms, and the model was eventually taken off sale in 2022.

Globally, Renault introduced a second-generation Duster, but it never came to India. Now, the company has brought the third-generation model directly, which is why the difference between the old and new versions feels very large.

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