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The 2026 Duster Became Weaker Due to Proconve L8 (Now 109 hp on Gasoline and 112 hp on Ethanol; 15.3/15.6 kgfm), but Appeared Below the Price List in the Store (Price R$ 143,990; R$ 139,990 in CVT Promotion and R$ 119,000 in Manual) — Still with 6 Airbags and a 475 L Trunk.
The Renault Duster 2026 arrives on the market with important changes in its mechanical set and a more competitive price. Due to the requirements of Proconve L8, the 1.6 16V naturally aspirated engine lost power and torque, now delivering 109 hp on gasoline and 112 hp on ethanol, with torque of 15.3/15.6 kgfm. Despite the loss of power, the model appears in dealerships below the official price list: the Intense CVT version costs R$ 139,990 (compared to R$ 143,990 on the price list), while the Intense manual was announced for R$ 119,000.
According to an assessment by Stanley Ravagnani, the Duster maintains its proposal for robustness and interior space, now with 6 airbags as standard and a trunk of 475 liters, features that continue to be differentiators in the segment.
Power Drop: Direct Effect of Proconve L8
The main technical impact of the 2026 line lies in the adjustment of the engine to meet the new emissions standard of Proconve L8. Previously, the engine delivered 118/120 hp and up to 16.2 kgfm of torque. Now, the reduction brought lower numbers, but with a slight improvement in ethanol consumption, as reported by the evaluator: 7.2 km/l in the city and 8.1 km/l on the highway, compared to 10.8/11.4 km/l on gasoline, according to data from INMETRO.
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In practice, the Duster became less agile but more efficient in emissions and slightly more economical. Renault bets that consumers will prioritize price and the equipment package instead of pure performance.
Standard Equipment and Features
Even in the Intense version, the Duster delivers a reasonable set of equipment. The low beams are LED (high beams are still halogen), there are DRLs, simple fog lights, rear camera with dynamic lines and rear sensor, multimedia system of about 8” with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless, in addition to 2 rear USB-C ports and one USB-A/C port in the front.
In terms of safety, the model stands out compared to many direct competitors: there are 6 airbags (front, side, and curtain), something still rare in the segment in mid-range versions. The trunk of 475 L reinforces its family appeal, surpassing several rivals. In the structural part, it maintains front disc brakes and rear drum, McPherson front suspension and a torsion beam at the back.
What Works Against the Model
Despite advancements, the Duster retains criticized points. The spare tire is temporary (limited to 80 km/h), there are no front sensors, nor rear air vents or center armrest, features valued by those seeking comfort. Additionally, the high beam is still halogen, contrasting with the LED setup of the low beam.
Another detail that may bother demanding consumers is the absence of a start button and keyless entry: the Duster Intense still uses a key folding system, a basic solution compared to more modern competitors.
Is It Worth Betting on the 2026 Duster?
The Renault Duster 2026 arrives less powerful, but with a more competitive price, enhanced safety, and good interior space. For those looking for a robust SUV, with a large trunk and an affordable price, the offer of R$ 139.9 thousand in CVT and R$ 119 thousand in manual can be attractive.
However, for those prioritizing embedded technology and performance, rivals such as Nissan Kicks, VW T-Cross, and Hyundai Creta may seem more balanced options.
And what do you think, does the loss of power in the 2026 Duster compensate for the reduced price and the 6-airbag package? Or would you pay more for a competitor with superior performance? Leave your opinion in the comments.
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