New cut-price off-roader incoming! New 2026 Renault Duster compact SUV comes with manual gearbox & 4WD option to take on Suzuki Jimny and Subaru Crosstrek

A new Renault model, sold under the Dacia brand overseas, is coming to Australia with hybrid options, manual gearbox availability and pricing kicking off well below $40,000.

The 2026 Renault Duster is now available to order starting from $31,990, before on-road costs, with first deliveries of the small SUV expected to start this month.

There are 4x2 and 4x4 versions of the Duster, the latter being more expensive and coming with a mild-hybrid powertrain and manual gearbox. Renault says its “tall suspension and generous off-road clearance” means the Duster is more off-road capable than rivals.

The entry-level variant of the Duster is the Evolution, starting from the aforementioned $31,990, before on-roads, with a 4x2 drivetrain layout. It utilises a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The 1.3-litre engine makes 113kW and 270Nm, driving only the front wheels.

The Evolution can also be had in 4x4, with a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine that makes less power and torque: 96kW and 230Nm.

It puts power to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, but is claimed to be more efficient (5.7L/100km versus the 4x2’s 6.5L).

The 4x4 drivetrain costs a little more, $36,490, but comes with the same standard equipment including dual-zone air-conditioning, a 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen and 7.0-inch driver display, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, USB-C charging ports and a 12-volt socket.

Stepping up to the higher-spec Techno variant brings more kit, though its drivetrain options are the same as the Evolution. Pricing starts at $36,990 for the Techno 4x2 and bumps up slightly to $37,990 for the 4x4, though that version isn’t expected to land until December this year.

The Techno adds features like more ‘premium’ cloth upholstery, tinted rear windows, auto proximity lock and unlock, auto high-beams and 18-inch wheels to replace the base variant’s 17s.

It also adds some safety features not available on the Evolution like blind-spot monitoring, front parking sensors and surround-view parking cameras.

Other standard safety features for both models include pedestrian and cyclist detection for AEB, a safe follow-distance warning, lane-keep and departure warning, driver attention monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring and an ADAS shortcut button for advanced driver assist settings.

Renault Australia says the “Duster will initially arrive in limited numbers” due to demand overseas.

Renault Australia General Manager Glen Sealey said, “Demand for this vehicle in Europe is very strong, so Australia will receive an initial allocation before shipments ramp up next year.

“We ordered as many cars as we could this year, and we are now working closely with the factory to improve our allocation moving forward,” he said.

2026 Renault Duster pricing before on-road costs

Variant	Transmission	Price
Duster Evolution	Dual-clutch auto	$31,990
Duster Evolution	Manual	$36,490
Duster Techno	Dual-clutch auto	$36,990
Duster Techno	Manual	$37,990