The legendary Renault Duster is all set to make a powerful return to Indian roads by end of 2025, and this time it’s not just a facelift—it’s an all-new generation that promises modern design, advanced features, hybrid-ready engines, and improved space.
Once a trailblazer in India’s compact SUV market, the Duster had been discontinued after a decade-long run. But with the growing demand for rugged, value-packed SUVs and increasing competition from Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and others, Renault is now gearing up to make a strong comeback with the third-generation Duster.
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from the upcoming 2025 Renault Duster.
🚙 A Quick Recap: Duster’s Legacy in India
The Duster was first launched in India in 2012 and quickly became a hit thanks to its:
- Rugged and muscular design
- Superior ride comfort with a monocoque chassis
- AWD option (a rarity back then)
- Frugal yet powerful petrol and diesel engines
But over time, the Duster lagged behind in terms of interior tech and modern styling, eventually making way for new players in the segment. Now, Renault is ready to reinvent the Duster for today’s buyers.
🆕 What’s New in the 2025 Renault Duster?
The 2025 Renault Duster will be based on the CMF-B platform (Common Module Family), developed by Renault-Nissan. This architecture allows for petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains, and supports global safety and emission standards.
Here are the expected updates:
🧱 Design and Dimensions:
- All-new design inspired by the Dacia Bigster Concept
- Wider and longer body, offering better interior space
- Muscular stance with high ground clearance (~210 mm)
- C-shaped LED headlamps and tail lamps
- Roof rails, black cladding, and large skid plates
- Bold front grille with new Renault logo
- Dual-tone color options with 17–18 inch alloy wheels
Renault is aiming for an aggressive, off-road-ready SUV look that also appeals to city buyers.
🛋️ Interior and Features: Modern Cabin with Connected Tech
The interior of the new Duster will be completely overhauled to meet today’s buyer expectations.
Expected Interior Features:
- Dual-tone dashboard with soft-touch materials
- 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- 6-speaker Arkamys or JBL audio system (top variant)
- Panoramic sunroof (expected in top trims)
- Ventilated front seats
- Automatic climate control
- Ambient lighting
Renault is also expected to add connected car features via its My Renault app, offering remote vehicle tracking, engine start/stop, and location sharing.
⚙️ Engine Options and Hybrid Technology
While official specs are yet to be announced, Renault is likely to offer multiple powertrain options, including petrol, turbo-petrol, and possibly a strong hybrid variant.
Expected Engine Lineup:
- 1.0L Turbo Petrol (TCE)
- Power: ~100-115 PS
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual/CVT
- Focused on affordability
- 1.3L Turbo Petrol
- Power: ~150 PS
- Gearbox: 6-speed MT or 7-speed DCT
- Same unit seen in previous Duster & Kicks
- 1.6L Petrol Hybrid (E-Tech, international spec)
- Power: Combined output of ~140–145 PS
- Transmission: E-Tech automatic
- Fuel efficiency: Over 20 kmpl (claimed)
This makes the new Duster a strong rival to the Grand Vitara, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and others in the hybrid SUV space.
🛡️ Safety Features and Build Quality
With growing awareness around safety, Renault will equip the Duster with modern safety tech:
- 6 airbags (top trims)
- ABS with EBD
- 360-degree camera with rear parking sensors
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Hold Control
- ISOFIX child-seat mounts
- TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
The new CMF-B platform is designed for 5-star crash safety ratings, which could make the Duster one of the safest SUVs in its class if tested under Global NCAP.
📦 Variants and Trim Options
Though the exact trims will be revealed closer to launch, expect the usual Renault variant strategy:
- RXE (base) – Basic equipment with safety essentials
- RXL / RXT (mid) – More features, touchscreen, alloy wheels
- RXZ (top) – Fully loaded with sunroof, connected tech, 6 airbags
- AWD or Hybrid Variant – Likely to be a dedicated trim with premium pricing
💰 Expected Price in India
Renault has always been competitive with pricing. Considering the segment and features, the new Duster could be priced in the range of:
| Variant Type | Expected Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|
| Base Petrol RXE | ₹10.50 lakh |
| Turbo Petrol Mid | ₹13.50 lakh |
| Top Petrol RXZ | ₹15.50 lakh |
| Hybrid Variant | ₹17.00–₹18.50 lakh |
With localization efforts in India, Renault is expected to price it lower than international versions, making it a value-rich rival to the Creta, Seltos, and Grand Vitara.
📆 Launch Timeline and Availability
Renault has confirmed that the India launch will take place towards the end of 2025, most likely in November or December. Test units are expected to be spotted on Indian roads by early Q4 2025 for validation.
Deliveries are expected to begin soon after launch, with official bookings likely to open around October 2025.
🆚 Competition Check: Who Will the Duster Fight?
The new Duster will face strong rivals in the midsize SUV segment, including:
- Hyundai Creta 2024
- Kia Seltos 2024
- Maruti Grand Vitara
- Toyota Hyryder
- Skoda Kushaq
- Volkswagen Taigun
However, with rugged styling, strong hybrid options, and Renault’s pricing edge, it may find a solid foothold among value-conscious yet style-driven buyers.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The return of the Renault Duster in a bold new avatar is one of the most anticipated launches of 2025. With striking design, modern interiors, potential hybrid tech, and improved safety, the all-new Duster has all the ingredients to reclaim its place in the Indian SUV market.
If Renault gets the pricing and feature mix right, the new Duster could once again become a fan favorite—offering a compelling alternative to established players in the competitive compact SUV space.