Renault New Duster – Feature Quality: What’s Really Right & What’s Not

The Renault New Duster has returned with strong ambitions in the compact SUV segment, positioned to deliver ruggedness and utility rather than bling and flash. With its bold appearance, substantial size, and value-priced positioning, it appeals to buyers seeking a no-nonsense SUV. But like any vehicle, it comes with both strengths and trade-offs. In this blog, we explore what the New Duster gets right and where it falls short when it comes to quality, features and everyday practicality.
 

A Bold and Rugged Road Presence That Commands Respect
 

The first impression of the New Duster is its muscular road presence. With squared shoulders, high ground clearance, prominent wheel arches and rugged styling cues, the car clearly communicates utility and adventure. Buyers who want to be seen arriving in something purposeful will be drawn to it instantly. On Indian roads, where many SUVs tend to soften their form and styling, the Duster stands out for its robust and no-frills design. This strong physical identity is a definite plus for those who prioritise rugged looks over slick show-car glamour.
 

Spacious Cabin and Comfortable Seats Suited for Long Journeys
 

Opening the doors reveals a cabin that caters impressively to comfort. The seats are upright and supportive, the second row offers very good headroom and legroom, and the wide footprint means three adults can sit fairly comfortably across the bench. For families or travellers who regularly undertake long journeys, this level of space is a key asset. The relatively large boot, combined with ease of ingress and egress, further emphasises the Duster’s practicality. Renault clearly emphasised utility and real-world usability in the design rather than purely premium finesse.
 

Feature Package That Covers Essentials with Some Surprises
 

In terms of features, the New Duster offers a well-balanced list. While it may not be the most tech-heavy SUV in its segment, it provides a thoughtful package: modern infotainment, decent connectivity, comfortable convenience features, and safety gear such as airbags and stability control. For many buyers, the value proposition is strong: you get an SUV that covers your daily needs and weekend adventures without obligatory “flashy” extras that increase cost and complexity.
 

Ride Comfort and Stability Catering to Both City and Highway Driving
 

On the move, the Duster delivers a ride profile tuned more for comfort and composure than sporty handling. The suspension absorbs the typical road irregularities with poise, and the higher ground clearance gives confidence when venturing off beaten paths or navigating rough roads. On highways, the bulk of the car adds to a sense of stability rather than nervousness. All of this makes the Duster ideal for families, rural usage or buyers seeking capability rather than corner-carving performance.
 

When Performance Expectations Clash With Practical Realities
 

That said, the New Duster’s performance package does show its limitations. The engines are competent but not exuberant, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded or on steep inclines. The handling, too, while stable, lacks the nimbleness or dynamism found in some rival SUVs tuned for city-sport driving. If your priority is swift acceleration, agile urban manoeuvres or overtaking with stiffness, the Duster might feel slightly reserved. This is a tradeoff inherent when comfort and utility are prioritised over sporty dynamics.
 

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs: Realistic, Not Spectacular
 

While the Duster’s build and features are geared for utility, the weight and size do impact running costs. In real-world driving, fuel consumption tends to be good but not class-leading—especially in mixed city traffic. Buyers who expect compact-SUV efficiency may feel slightly disappointed. However, when considered against its value, space and capability, the trade-off seems reasonable. It simply means you should align your expectations: the Duster isn’t a gas-sipping city cruiser but a large functional vehicle with reasonable economy.
 

Interior Quality and Materials: Good Basics With Room for Improvement
 

Step inside and the Duster cabin impresses with space and functionality, but when it comes to material quality, the experience is mixed. Many surfaces are robust and practical, yet some plastics feel less premium and some trims could align better with rivals in overall finesse. This is not a deal-breaker for its audience, but if you compare it directly with high-premium SUVs, it may fall short in finish. Carrying out of the box quality and build feel is largely good, but long-term durability and the “premium-feel” factor could be stronger.

Technology and Infotainment – Balanced but Not Overwhelming
 

The Duster’s infotainment and digital systems are well-executed with user-friendly interfaces, decent connectivity and clear displays. Yet, unlike some competitors, the Duster does not rely exclusively on large disruptive displays or gimmicky features—it focuses on usability. Some buyers may feel that the technological “wow” factor is lower than in flashier rivals, but for practical day-to-day use it works well. Buttons and physical controls complement the screen—making operations easier for many users.
 

Handling, Corners and Off-Road Capability: A Mixed Bag

Because the Duster is built with comfort and capacity in mind, cornering sharpness is not its strong suit. It leans more than sporty SUVs around turns, and drivers used to tight feedback may feel the difference. That said, where it truly gains is in versatility—it can handle unpaved roads, uneven surfaces and light off-roading far better than many rivals. If your preference is off-road flexibility rather than slalom agility, the Duster offers genuine advantage.
 

Final Verdict: A Practical, No-nonsense SUV That Delivers Value
 

In conclusion, the Renault New Duster offers a compelling package for buyers who prioritise space, comfort, features and rugged presence over outright performance and premium finishes. Its strong points are its size, usability, comfortable ride and sensible feature list. Its compromises lie in performance, fuel economy and ultra-premium surface quality. For many families, long-distance travellers, and buyers wanting SUV practicality without the luxury price-tag, the Duster remains a very smart choice. But if your focus is sporty handling, peak fuel economy or ultra-premium materials, you may want to explore alternatives.

FAQs – Renault New Duster (Features, Quality, Pros & Cons)
 

1. Is the Renault New Duster worth buying in 2025?
 

Yes, if you prioritise rugged looks, spacious interiors, a comfortable ride and a strong value-for-money package. It may not be the most premium-feeling SUV, but it excels in practicality and everyday usability.
 

2. Does the New Duster have good build quality?
 

The body structure and overall build feel sturdy, especially on rough roads. However, some interior plastics and trims feel less premium compared to higher-priced rivals.
 

3. How is the performance of the Renault Duster?
 

The performance is adequate for city and highway use. It is tuned more for comfort and practicality rather than sporty acceleration or aggressive handling.
 

4. Is the New Duster fuel efficient?
 

Fuel efficiency is decent but not best-in-segment. Its heavy build and SUV stance slightly reduce mileage, especially in dense city traffic.
 

5. Are the features up to modern SUV standards?
 

The New Duster covers all essential features with some pleasant additions. It doesn’t chase flashy tech but focuses on ease of use and real-world practicality.
 

6. How comfortable is the Renault New Duster for long drives?
 

Very comfortable. The seats are supportive, the cabin is spacious, and the suspension setup is tuned to absorb bumps effectively—making it ideal for long journeys.