SUV lovers, your next obsession may have just hit the streets—literally. The Renault Boreal, informally dubbed the 7-seater Duster, has been caught testing in Brazil, and it’s causing quite a stir. With a global rollout on the horizon and India on the roadmap for 2026, this isn’t just a bigger Duster—it’s a new beast altogether.
Think of it as the Duster that hit the gym, went to finishing school, and came back with a tech degree.
What Sets the Renault Boreal Apart?
This isn’t a Duster with a stretched body and a third-row wedged in. The Boreal is a new chapter for Renault, built on the sturdy bones of the Dacia Bigster but dressed in sleeker, more premium Renault styling. And yes, it’s more refined, more spacious, and loaded with future-ready features.
Design That’s All Muscle and Modern
Even with camo covering its curves, the Boreal still looks sharp. At the front, expect a bold grille stamped with Renault’s diamond badge, flanked by aggressive Y-shaped LED daytime lights. The bumper is beefy, the kind that says “I can handle city potholes or weekend trails—take your pick.”
On the sides, muscular wheel arches and 18-inch alloys hint at its adventure-ready DNA. Cleverly tucked rear door handles in the C-pillar add a dash of style, and the rear gets a fresh spoiler, redesigned tail lamps, and what looks like a wider stance overall.
It’s still rugged—but now it’s dressed for dinner.
Inside the Cabin: Built for Families, Tuned for Tech
The interior hasn’t been fully revealed, but here’s what we’re hearing from sources and spy shots: dual-tone themes, digital instrument clusters (7 or 10 inches depending on variant), and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
But it’s not just screens and buttons—Renault is throwing in creature comforts like a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Expect decent storage, an electronic parking brake, and a premium audio system—likely from Arkamys.
Safety gets the full treatment too: multiple airbags, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and a reinforced body structure round out the package.
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Under the Hood: Hybrid Muscle with a Side of Torque
Now for the meat: powertrains.
The star of the show is a 1.2L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing around 130 hp and a solid 230 Nm of torque. There’s also buzz about a 1.3L turbo-petrol option that’ll kick out up to 167 hp in some markets.
Both options aim to strike a balance between punchy acceleration and fuel efficiency—ideal for daily drives, road trips, or even the occasional off-road detour.
Bigger in Every Way
Let’s talk size. The Boreal isn’t just an upsized Duster—it’s a completely new offering in terms of dimensions and interior space.
| Model | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Boreal | 4,570 | 1,810 | 1,710 | 2,700 | 7 (3 rows) |
| Renault Duster (new) | 4,340 | 1,800 | 1,690 | 2,657 | 5 (2 rows) |
| Hyundai Alcazar | 4,500 | 1,790 | 1,675 | 2,760 | 6/7 |
| Mahindra XUV700 | 4,695 | 1,890 | 1,755 | 2,750 | 7 |
The longer wheelbase means better legroom, especially in the third row—something most 7-seaters in India struggle with. So, yes, you can actually put adults in the last row without apologizing.
Feature Rundown: What You’ll Get Inside
Infotainment & Tech
- 10.1-inch touchscreen
- Digital driver display (7″/10″)
- Wireless phone charging
- Arkamys premium sound
Comfort & Convenience
- Panoramic sunroof
- Dual-zone AC
- Ventilated front seats
- Power tailgate (likely)
- Rear AC vents
Safety First
- Multiple airbags
- ADAS suite (adaptive cruise, lane assist, etc.)
- Electronic parking brake
- Reverse camera + sensors
When Is the Boreal Coming and Where?
First stop: Brazil, late 2025.
Then, it’s off to the races—Renault plans to launch the Boreal in over 70 countries, with India expected to get it in 2026.
Once here, it’ll slot right into the 3-row SUV segment, lining up against names like:
- Hyundai Alcazar
- Mahindra XUV700
- Tata Safari
- MG Hector Plus
Why the Boreal Matters
The Renault Duster made a name for itself by being tough, affordable, and honest. But times have changed. Buyers want more—they want comfort, space, style, and tech. The Boreal aims to be that bridge between old-school ruggedness and new-school refinement.
It’s Renault saying: we’re not just back—we’re back with ambition.
Final Word: A Duster, But More Grown Up
The Boreal feels like what the Duster was always meant to become—an SUV that’s versatile enough for everyday chaos and stylish enough for weekend escapes. It’s the car for families who love a road trip, tech lovers who want the latest gadgets, and anyone who thinks an SUV should be both brawny and brainy.
Watch this space—Renault may just have its next big winner.
FAQs: Renault Boreal (7-Seater Duster)
1. When will the Renault Boreal launch in India?
India launch is expected in 2026, after its global debut in Brazil in late 2025.
2. What engine options will it offer?
A 1.2L mild hybrid and a 1.3L turbo petrol are in the pipeline, paired with automatic and manual gearboxes.
3. Is the Boreal just a rebadged Dacia Bigster?
Not quite. It’s based on the Bigster platform but carries Renault’s own styling and features tailored for global markets.
4. Will the Boreal have ADAS and premium features?
Yes, including ADAS, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, and a digital cockpit.
5. Who are its main competitors in India?
The Boreal will compete with the Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, and MG Hector Plus.