A Fresh Start for Renault in India
For years, the Renault Duster was the go-to SUV for those who wanted rugged styling and performance without breaking the bank. It made off-roading cool for everyday drivers and earned a reputation for being unshakably tough. But with changing market demands and a growing appetite for tech-loaded, family-focused SUVs, it started feeling dated.
Enter the all-new Renault Duster 7-seater, codenamed Boreal. Set to launch in India in 2026, this isn’t just a stretched-out version of the old Duster—it’s a completely reimagined SUV built to modern global standards. With hybrid power, bold design, three-row comfort, and Level 2 ADAS, it’s aimed at buyers who want everything in one package.
Let’s explore what this family-sized SUV brings to the table.
What’s the Expected Launch Timeline for India?
Globally, the Duster 7-seater will be revealed by mid-2025. For India, Renault has slotted its launch around the festive season of 2026. It will arrive shortly after the standard 5-seater Duster, which is scheduled for early 2026. Renault is expected to brand the SUV either as the “Duster 7-Seater” or go with the global name—Boreal.
Either way, it’s designed to directly challenge three-row SUVs already doing rounds on Indian roads.
How Much Will It Cost?
Renault is known for offering aggressive pricing without skimping on features. That’s expected to continue here. The starting price is likely to hover around ₹14–15 lakh for the base petrol model, while the higher-end hybrid variants with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive could go up to ₹20 lakh.
That places it right in the sweet spot—between the affordability of the Hyundai Alcazar and the performance-packed Tata Safari or Mahindra XUV700.
Bigger, Bolder, and Built for Indian Families
The 7-seater Duster is significantly larger than the current 5-seater. Stretching close to 4.7 meters in length, it offers more road presence and extra space for third-row passengers.
Design-wise, it looks tough and contemporary:
- Large grille with Y-shaped LED DRLs
- Muscular wheel arches and 18-inch alloy wheels
- Roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, and wider rear glass panels
- Rear LED taillights with a futuristic signature
The SUV feels ready for both the urban jungle and Himalayan trails.
Engine Options: From Turbo to Hybrid
Renault plans to offer multiple powertrains in the Duster 7-seater:
- A 1.2L or 1.3L turbo-petrol engine making around 140–156 bhp. This will likely be offered with both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmission.
- A strong hybrid version based on a 1.6L petrol engine paired with an electric motor. Expect around 140 bhp, along with increased fuel efficiency and smoother acceleration.
- All-wheel drive is also on the cards for higher variants, keeping the Duster’s off-road DNA alive.
This blend of powertrains will cater to both performance seekers and mileage-conscious families.
Step Inside: Modern, Tech-Rich, and Practical
If you were underwhelmed by the old Duster’s interiors, get ready to be surprised.
The new cabin will feature:
- Two large displays—a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a 10-inch digital driver cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- A panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting
- Rear AC vents, wireless charging, push-button start
- Premium seat upholstery and configurable second-row seats
Third-row passengers will enjoy extra legroom and headroom thanks to the longer wheelbase. Renault has clearly focused on comfort, practicality, and a premium feel.
Loaded with Safety & Driver Assistance
The Duster Boreal will be the safest Renault SUV sold in India.
Standard and top variants will include:
- Six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, and hill-start assist
- Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring
- A 360-degree camera and front-rear parking sensors for tight Indian roads
Global crash tests rate this platform well, and the India-spec model is expected to match or exceed that standard.
Built for Indian Roads: Terrain Modes and Ground Clearance
Renault hasn’t forgotten its roots. The Duster 7-seater will retain its all-terrain capability with:
- High ground clearance (expected around 210 mm)
- Drive modes like Auto, Eco, Snow, and Off-Road
- All-wheel drive for those who love the occasional weekend trail
It’s not a soft-roader—it’s an SUV with real muscle underneath.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
Here’s how the Duster 7-seater will compare to its rivals:
| Feature | Renault Duster 7-Seater | Hyundai Alcazar | Tata Safari | Mahindra XUV700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | ~4700 mm | 4500 mm | 4661 mm | 4695 mm |
| Engine Options | Turbo Petrol + Hybrid | Petrol + Diesel | Diesel Only | Petrol + Diesel |
| AWD Availability | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | Level 2 (Top Variant) | No | Partial | Level 2 |
| Expected Price Range (₹) | 14–20 lakh | 16–21 lakh | 16–24 lakh | 14–27 lakh |
From this, it’s clear that the Duster 7-seater hits a sweet spot—especially if Renault can undercut rivals in pricing without compromising on features.
Why Indian Buyers Should Pay Attention
Families are growing. So are their expectations from vehicles. People want a car that’s equally at home on a highway, in traffic, or on hilly getaways. They want something spacious, tech-savvy, fuel-efficient, and still rugged enough to handle bad roads.
The upcoming Duster 7-seater aims to tick all those boxes:
- Genuine third-row space
- Hybrid option for better mileage
- Safety features that rival luxury brands
- A modern, bold look that stands out
It’s not a rehash of the old formula—it’s a reboot designed for today’s India.
FAQs
Q: Will the new Duster 7-seater be petrol or diesel?
It will launch with turbo-petrol and strong hybrid powertrains. No diesel is planned initially.
Q: Is the Duster 7-seater suitable for long family road trips?
Absolutely. It offers three rows of comfortable seating, rear AC, ample boot space (especially with third row folded), and multiple drive modes for varying terrain.
Q: What about infotainment and tech features?
Expect dual digital screens, connected car features, wireless phone connectivity, voice commands, and even OTA updates.
Q: Can I expect good mileage from the hybrid?
Yes, strong hybrids usually offer significantly better fuel economy—likely 18–20 km/l under real-world conditions.
Q: Is it worth waiting for the Duster 7-seater?
If you’re planning to buy a 3-row SUV in 2026, the Duster Boreal will be among the most complete and value-packed options available.
Final Thoughts: A New Duster, A New Benchmark
The original Duster changed the game in 2012. The 7-seater Boreal is ready to do it again in 2026. With its global platform, feature-rich cabin, family-friendly third row, and serious powertrain options, it checks all the right boxes.
It’s stylish without being flashy, capable without being overpriced, and comfortable without being boring.
For anyone searching for a family SUV that blends utility with sophistication, this one’s worth the wait.
