New Dacia Duster 2026: the low-cost SUV goes electric with more powerful Eco engines

The Dacia Duster renews itself with a more efficient and technologically advanced powertrain lineup. Farewell to two classic engines: introducing the Mild Hybrid 140 and the new Full Hybrid 155, both with the Eco label.

The 2026 Dacia Duster arrives with a bang. The most popular SUV from the Romanian brand takes a decisive step toward electrification, launching a mechanical offensive that positions it squarely against the top contenders in its segment. In addition to its new hybrid powertrains, a surprising bifuel hybrid-G 150 4×4 version is on the horizon, featuring mild-hybrid technology, an EDC dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and electric all-wheel drive. With these moves, Dacia directly targets rivals such as the Ford Puma, Hyundai Kona, Peugeot 2008, and Toyota C-HR.

Farewell to the 1.2 and 1.6 engines: new Eco-Hybrids take over
The Renault Group brand has decided to streamline its lineup by saying goodbye to the 1.2 Mild Hybrid 4×2 with 130 hp, replaced by the new Mild Hybrid 140 hp version. This engine, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, delivers 230 Nm of maximum torque and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h. Its mild-hybrid system improves efficiency, achieving 5.4 l/100 km (WLTP), all while benefitting from the Spanish DGT Eco label.

Meanwhile, the veteran 1.6 Hybrid 140 hp makes way for the new 1.8 Hybrid 155 hp, a larger, more powerful, and more efficient engine. This powertrain comes exclusively with the Multimode automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It also completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds, but with a lower certified fuel consumption of just 4.7 l/100 km — an excellent figure for its class.

More safety and technology across all trims
The new Duster will be available in three trim levels — Expression, Extreme, and Journey — each offering generous equipment. Even the entry-level model includes a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, 17-inch alloy wheels, parking, light, and rain sensors, and six airbags. In terms of safety, it features automatic emergency braking, fatigue detection, lane-keeping assist, distance alert, rearview camera, and traffic sign recognition.

With this update, Dacia strengthens its commitment to electrification without abandoning the “value for money” philosophy that has made it one of Europe’s best-selling brands. The new Dacia Duster 2026 proves that efficiency, technology, and affordability can coexist, even when competing head-to-head with the giants of the SUV segment.