Dusting Off the Competition: The All-New Dacia Duster Reviewed

BACK in 2010, the Dacia Duster arrived on the scene with a refreshing lack of pretence. It was robust, practical, and proudly utilitarian. Over 2.2 million global sales and more than 40 awards later, the latest, all-new Dacia Duster marks the model’s third generation.

It still marches to the beat of its own drum, offering families, adventurers and value-conscious buyers a practical SUV that looks ready for the outdoors but is still a bit of a bargain. It’s no wonder ‘Another One Buys a Duster’ still holds true today . . .

This new model comes with more refined styling, hybrid powertrains and technology updates. It’s still Dacia’s true off-roader offering – when in 4×4 guise – and is positioned above the Sandero and Jogger but below its new sibling, the BigSister. Oh, sorry, I mean the Bigster.

Kerb Appeal

The Duster’s design remains rooted in functionality. Forget flashy chrome, fake vents or showy wheels. The new look is boxier, more assertive, and clearly prioritises substance over style for style’s sake.

Proportions are well-judged. The Duster has a wide stance and an upright front end that looks mean enough. Dacia’s Y-shaped lighting adds modern character, while ruffty-tuffty wheel arches and underbody protection hint at genuine capability. Skid plates made of ‘Starkle’ (a durable, partially recycled plastic) don’t just look the part, they also shrug off the odd scuff or two.

Overall, it’s a pleasing and rugged design that remains modest in every way but still makes an impression.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Dacia now offers four trim levels for the Duster: Essential, Expression, Journey and Extreme. True to Dacia’s ethos, even the entry-level version offers more than just the basics.

Essential (from £19,380) gets LED headlights, cruise control, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors and Dacia’s roof bar system. Instead of a traditional infotainment screen, it features a smartphone dock that uses the Media Control app to integrate navigation and media functions – a smart use of resources but really you want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, right?

Expression (from £21,820) introduces a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wired), a 7-inch digital instrument panel, rear parking sensors, and alloy wheels. It’s expected to be the volume seller and provides a well-rounded package for the price.

Journey (from £23,520) is equipped with a Multiview Camera system along with front and rear parking sensors, High Beam Assist, fog lights, electrically folding wing mirrors, darker tinted windows, auto air-conditioning, sat nav and a 12-volt power socket in the boot

Extreme (from £24,320) adds the likes of washable MicroCloud upholstery, a heated steering wheel, Vehicle Dynamic Control with Hill Start Assist and Descent Control along with heated front seats and lumbar support for the driver. This is the model I’ve been driving for a week, including a trip to Knockhill Racing Circuit – to spectate rather than race!

Powertrain options are varied. The Essential model gets a bi-fuel option which provides 2 fuel tanks – one for petrol and one for LPG. Switching between the two can be done automatically or manually. If range is your thing, then this is worth considering.

The other trim levels get a Mild Hybrid option with 130 bhp, manual gearbox and the option of 4×4. There is also a Full Hybrid option that provides 140 bhp and an automatic gearbox. No 4×4 though. Got that?

Driving

I must admit that I wasn’t expecting too much from the Duster when it came to driving dynamics – but I was pleasantly surprised. Okay, the Duster Extreme 140 that I was provided with wouldn’t be setting any lap records at Knockhill, but the journey to Scotland’s premier race circuit took us through driver-pleasing Scottish countryside, as well as some fast dual-carriageways and the Duster swept away the cobwebs and almost all my doubts.

I say ‘almost’ because I did find the cabin a little noisier than I would like. It wouldn’t be a deal breaker but it’s a sign that some of the savings may have been made on insulation. It was more wind noise than tyre noise though.

However, the ride quality is good. I found the suspension soft without feeling vague, managing potholes and rough tarmac with impressive composure. Even on broken B-roads, it maintains its poise. The Duster lived up to its name while zipping along the service road around the Knockhill track; there were billowing clouds of dust but the Dacia handled the broken surfaces very well indeed and we soon found a great spot to watch the Legends racing.

The Hybrid140, offered only with a smooth automatic gearbox, is ideal for around town. It frequently runs in electric-only mode at lower speeds, and transitions between petrol and electric power are near-seamless.

It’s quiet, efficient, and particularly well-suited to short trips or commutes. The regenerative braking is mild but effective, helping eke out strong fuel economy. I averaged 47mpg in the 7 days I had the Duster and I thought that was pretty good considering the mixed driving I did. I can imagine 50 or over could easily be attained.

The Inside Story

The interior of my Extreme model marks a significant improvement over past Dusters. While still prioritising durability and ease of use, it now feels better constructed and more thoughtfully designed.

The dashboard is clean and upright, with air vents and trim panels echoing Dacia’s new Y-theme. Most plastics are hard-wearing, but the overall fit and finish suggest a product built to last. There are some soft-touch materials and more interesting textures along the main dash and door tops, which help lift the ambiance.

It’s good to see that toggle switches remain for the temperature controls and you’ll find all the important/regular adjustments are just a touch away without having to poke at the screen.

The seating position is good, offering a clear view of the road and easy ingress and egress. The seats themselves provide good lumbar support and bolstering. In the Extreme trim, they’re upholstered in durable MicroCloud material that’s comfortable and easy to clean—a real boon for families or outdoor enthusiasts.

Technology has taken a step forward. The 10-inch touchscreen is angled toward the driver and is intuitive and quick to respond. The inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures easy access to apps and navigation, while the 7-inch driver display is crisp, customisable, and easy to read.

The sporty, squared-off steering wheel feels good in the hands and has plenty of adjustment available to help find the ideal driving position.

The stubby auto gear selector feels and looks a little cheap but works well enough. This full Hybrid model is a doddle to operate, and I particularly liked the smoothness provided by the electric motor when setting off from stationary.

Cabin space is another highlight. Rear seat passengers enjoy generous head and legroom while wide-opening rear doors make installing child seats or loading gear less of a chore.

Storage in the Dacia Duster is practical and plentiful, with deep bins, multiple shelves and clever use of space. Rear USB ports are available, as are cupholders and a decent-sized glovebox.

I found the YouClip system of attaching phones, lamps, cup holders, etc. all a bit gimmicky, but nonetheless interesting. I’m not sure how useful having your smartphone mounted next to the infotainment screen can be but the YouClip has a multitude of uses and could prove a hit with the more outdoorsy user.

The boot is substantial at 472 litres in front-wheel-drive form. It’s well-shaped for loading bulky items, too. Opting for the Sleep Pack accessory transforms the cargo space into a mini camper setup, complete with a fold-out bed and storage compartments—ideal for weekend getaways and I can see this becoming a very popular feature.

Conclusion

The new Dacia Duster delivers on its promise of affordable, capable motoring with very few compromises. It remains one of the most honest vehicles on sale: practical, dependable, and refreshingly free from gimmicks (YouClip, aside).

The Duster combines real-world usability with improved comfort and technology. It also has decent off-road ability if you opt for the 4×4 version.

So, whether you’re hauling gear, exploring the Highlands, or just looking for a no-nonsense family car, the Duster makes a compelling case for itself. It’s still affordable—but no longer feels like a budget buy – and that’s a testament to how far Dacia has come while staying true to what made the Duster so popular in the first place.