Renault and Nissan’s New SUVs Are Coming to Take On the Hyundai Creta

Renault and Nissan are preparing to step up their game in India’s competitive midsize SUV market, which is currently ruled by the ever-popular Hyundai Creta. Both automakers are gearing up to launch their respective SUVs in the coming months, hoping to carve out a significant share of the market and give the Creta a run for its money. (ALSO READ: Nissan Motor’s Major Crisis: Massive Layoffs and Factory Shutdowns Announced!)

Renault’s All-New Duster: What’s in Store?

Renault is bringing the iconic Duster back to India with a third-generation makeover. This new Duster will be built on the CMF-B platform, developed by the Renault-Nissan alliance, which is known for its flexibility. The updated Duster promises to be a more modern and stylish competitor in the crowded midsize SUV space.

The new Duster has already been revealed internationally, and it’s looking sharp. It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, it offers features like satellite navigation, a wireless phone charger, and USB-C ports. While it’s not offering a panoramic sunroof like some competitors, there are whispers that Renault might add one for the Indian market.

When it comes to size, the Duster has grown a bit. It’s now 4,343 mm long, 1,921 mm wide, and 1,616 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,657 mm. It also offers great ground clearance—209 mm for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version and 217 mm for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. It’s perfect for those who want a little more confidence on Indian roads.

What to Expect Under the Hood

Safety is clearly a priority with the new Duster. It’s equipped with six airbags, a driver fatigue detection system, Lane Change Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition with Speed Alerts. However, it’s missing a surround-view monitor, which some other SUVs in the segment offer.

On the performance side, the Duster will come with a 1.3-liter turbocharged petrol engine, delivering around 154 horsepower and 254 Nm of torque. There will be options for a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT, plus an AWD version for those who want to tackle a bit of rough terrain.

What This Means for the Indian Market

With both Renault and Nissan looking to enter the midsize SUV battle, the segment is about to get even more competitive. The Duster and Nissan’s new model will hit Indian roads by early 2026, and it’ll be interesting to see how they fare against the Hyundai Creta, which has long been the market leader in this space.

These new SUVs are expected to offer a great mix of style, tech, and performance—all at competitive prices. If Renault and Nissan can deliver on their promises, we could see a major shake-up in the Indian midsize SUV market.

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