The third generation Renault Duster has secured a 5 star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests, with the rating applicable across all variants of the SUV. This milestone comes shortly after the model was launched in March 2026, following its reveal earlier in January this year.
The latest iteration marks the return of one of Renault’s most iconic SUVs after a gap of four years. At the time of its reveal, Renault executives had stated that the new platform and engineering focus would enable the SUV to achieve top safety scores. With the official results now out, the Duster has delivered on that claim.
Renault Duster – Adult Occupant Protection
In the adult occupant protection category, the Renault Duster scored an impressive 30.49 out of 32 points. During the frontal offset deformable barrier test, the SUV demonstrated adequate protection for the driver’s chest, knees, and feet. Protection levels for the head, neck, and tibia were rated as good. For the front passenger, the Duster offered good protection across all tested areas. The vehicle scored 14.49 out of 16 in this specific test.
In the side deformable barrier test, the SUV achieved a full score of 16 out of 16, indicating strong side impact protection. It also successfully passed the side pole impact test with good ratings, further reinforcing its safety credentials in real world crash scenarios.
Renault Duster – Child Occupant Protection
In the child occupant protection category, the Duster recorded a total score of 45 out of 49 points. This places it on par with key rivals in terms of safety performance.
The SUV achieved a perfect 24 out of 24 in the dynamic performance assessment, highlighting excellent protection for child occupants during crash simulations. It also scored a full 12 out of 12 in the child restraint system installation category, indicating ease and reliability of child seat fitment.
In the overall vehicle assessment, the Duster received 9 out of 13 points. The tests were conducted using 18 month old and 3 year old child dummies, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation across different age groups.
Renault Duster – Safety Features
The Duster is equipped with a wide range of safety features. These include six airbags, electronic stability control, and a level 2 advanced driver assistance system suite. Additional features include a 360 degree camera, hill assist, electronic parking brake, auto hold function, and all wheel disc brakes. The SUV also comes with ISOFIX child seat mounts, ensuring better safety for younger passengers.
Renault Duster – Design and Interior Highlights
The new Duster features a completely redesigned exterior with LED headlamps and eyebrow shaped LED daytime running lights. It measures 4346 mm in length, 1815 mm in width, and 1703 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2657 mm.
The SUV gets squared off wheel arches, giving it a robust stance. At the rear, it features connected tail lamps, while the front grille carries Duster branding instead of the traditional Renault logo. The Renault badge is positioned at the rear. Ground clearance stands at 212 mm.
Inside the cabin, the Duster offers a 10.1 inch touchscreen and a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster. Physical buttons for essential controls such as HVAC are retained. The steering wheel gets contrast stitching and integrated controls, while the dashboard features carbon fiber accents.
Other highlights include an electric tailgate, power adjustable driver seat with ventilation for both front occupants, panoramic sunroof, and built in Google Assistant.
Renault Duster – Engine Options and Pricing
The Duster is currently offered with two petrol engine options, a 1.0 litre turbo petrol and a 1.3 litre turbo petrol. Deliveries for both variants have already begun, with the first unit handed over in Chennai recently.Renault has also confirmed that a hybrid version will be introduced around Diwali this year, with bookings and pricing expected to be announced closer to launch. In terms of pricing, the Duster starts at Rs 10.49 lakh and goes up to Rs 18.49 lakh for the top variant.
Renault Duster – Market Positioning and Rivals
The Duster competes in the mid size SUV segment against models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Grand Vitara and Victoris, Skoda Kushaq, and Honda Elevate. With a 5 star safety rating now confirmed, the Duster strengthens its position as a strong contender in this competitive segment.