Renault Declines to Discontinue the Old Dacia Duster, Introduces a Brazilian Update | Carscoops

      Local consumers must make do with the previous generation of the Duster, which has recently received a minor facelift.

      The Renault Duster for the Brazilian market has undergone slight enhancements for the 2026 model year.

      This SUV is based on the now-discontinued second generation of the Dacia Duster and is offered with 1.6 SCe and 1.3 TCe flex engines, available solely in front-wheel drive.

      Although the Dacia Duster has transitioned to its third generation in 2024, Brazil continues to rely on the second-gen model rebranded as a Renault. This model isn't going away anytime soon, having received several updates for the 2026 model year, indicating its ongoing presence in the South American market.

      The second-generation Dacia Duster first launched in 2017, with Brazilian production of its Renault version starting in 2020. While the EU model received a refresh in 2022, Brazil's version was slower to update, only getting its mid-cycle facelift in 2024. Meanwhile, markets like Turkey and South Africa have welcomed the new-generation Renault Duster, while Brazil remains with the older model.

      Updates for the 2026 model year are limited to minor details, including the introduction of a shark fin antenna, a glossy black roof paired with a matching grille, and standard LED headlights across all variants. The top-tier Iconic Plus trim, powered by the turbocharged 1.3-liter engine, features additional visual enhancements, such as glossy black 17-inch Tergan alloy wheels, Megalith Gray skid plates, and roof bars.

      For customers seeking an even more adventurous look for their Renault Duster—though not necessarily enhanced capabilities—the optional Outsider Pack is still offered. This package adds extra lights on the front bumper and additional side moldings. Inside, the SUV remains unchanged, continuing with an analog instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment screen.

      The Renault Duster in Brazil is available with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter SCe gasoline engine that produces 118 hp (120 PS), or the more powerful turbocharged 1.3-liter TCe flex-fuel engine, which generates 161 hp (163 PS) when using ethanol. The former engine can be paired with either a manual or a CVT, while the latter is only available with the XTronic CVT automatic. Notably, all variants of the Brazilian Duster are front-wheel drive.

      The 2026 Renault Duster is priced starting at R$132,990 ($22,900) and reaches up to R$167,690 ($28,900), making it slightly more expensive than the 2025 model. However, if you think the second-generation Duster is outdated, consider the Renault Oroch.

      This four-door pickup version of the first-generation Duster has been available since 2015, featuring a longer wheelbase and a reworked rear end to include a cargo bed. It received a facelift in 2022, but fundamentally, it remains a first-gen Duster with a different purpose, which evidently still appeals to consumers in Brazil.