2026 Dacia Sandero: The Best-Selling Car in Europe Is Receiving a Makeover | Carscoops

      The Romanian supermini and its crossover variant are anticipated to receive enhancements both externally and internally.

      A disguised prototype of the Dacia Sandero Stepway has been observed undergoing tests in Europe.

      This model showcases redesigned features and appears to have an enlarged infotainment screen.

      The updated Sandero lineup is expected to be unveiled in 2026, likely alongside a refreshed Jogger.

      Dacia is in the process of updating its top-selling model, the Sandero sub-compact. A lightly camouflaged prototype, presumably the facelifted Sandero Stepway, which is the SUV-style version of the hatchback, was captured by our spy photographers, revealing some forthcoming modifications.

      The current third-generation Sandero was introduced in 2020, built on the CMF-B platform, which also supports Dacia’s entire gasoline-powered range. In 2022, the subcompact adopted Dacia’s new branding, followed by an enhancement in 2024 that introduced advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

      What’s New?

      From the latest spy photos, it is evident that Dacia is gearing up for noticeable updates. At the front, the redesigned bumper of the Sandero Stepway features a new grille layout and a corresponding design for the lower intake. The headlights are likely to receive new LED graphics, although their overall shape may be retained from the current generation.

      Regarding the side profile, it seems that the Sandero will maintain its recognizable shape, though a refreshed color palette and new wheel designs are expected to enhance its attractiveness. The Stepway variant, true to its crossover aesthetic, will continue to showcase modular roof rails and plastic cladding, setting it apart from the standard Sandero.

      One area where Dacia's camouflage appears less effective is the rear bumper, which reveals new air inlets and an updated design for the license plate holder. The taillights are also set for a redesign, featuring updated LED graphics and a darker finish for the light clusters.

      Interior Changes Likely Coming

      The updated exterior will likely be accompanied by several interior adjustments. Our spy images of the Sandero Stepway indicate a larger, stand-alone infotainment screen mounted on the dashboard. However, it is anticipated that entry-level trims will maintain a simpler setup, possibly keeping the smartphone holder to control costs.

      The Sandero facelift is not the only Dacia model due for updates; similar revisions are expected for the Dacia Jogger wagon crossover. While these updates primarily seem to emphasize style and technology, it remains uncertain whether Dacia will modify the mechanical aspects. A revised chassis or increased electrification in the powertrains could be forthcoming, but that remains to be clarified.

      What About The New Generation?

      Last year, reports indicated that a new generation of the Dacia Sandero is slated to debut in late 2027, retaining the CMF-B architecture while adding a fully electric powertrain option to the lineup. This creates a brief window for the facelifted version of the existing Sandero, likely to launch in 2026.

      Dacia might either designate the facelift as a “new generation,” postpone the release of the successor, or continue offering it alongside the forthcoming electric model. Regardless, we will be keeping a close eye on forthcoming images of Sandero prototypes in the near future.

      Despite remaining mostly unchanged since its 2020 introduction, the Dacia Sandero achieved its best performance yet in 2024, with 309,392 units sold. The Romanian supermini even outperformed the Tesla Model Y, securing its status as Europe’s best-selling passenger car, demonstrating that Europeans still appreciate affordable hatchbacks.