2025 Renault Duster Review: Goodbye Diesel, Hello Hybrid!

In this comprehensive review, David Taylor dives deep into what makes the 2025 Renault Duster a true contender for your next adventure vehicle. He explores its rugged design, improved interior tech, as well as on- and off-road performance.

The 2025 Renault Duster’s design is striking and holds universal appeal. In an era when most new products seem bigger in every direction compared with their predecessors, the new Duster is only 11 mm wider and 2 mm longer than its predecessor, while the 4×4 gets a nifty 7 mm extra ground clearance and features a different front bumper that offers a better approach angle than the 4×2 variants.

Petrol-only engine line-up

Engine-wise, the much-loved turbodiesel has been discontinued (as is the case in many European brands’ passenger-car line-ups), and there are just 2 turbopetrol offerings – a 1.3-litre turbo for the 4×2 and a mild-hybrid 1.2-litre turbo for the 4×4. Strangely, there is no auto available on the 4×4, and you can also only have the 4×4 in the lower Zen spec, not the Intens spec, which you can have on the 4×2.

The interior of the 2025 Renault Duster has never been about an upmarket ambience and soft-touch materials. The new model continues that trend, with hard (but durable) plastics that feel sturdy.

The infotainment system feels modern, and it’s simple to pair your smartphone with it. It’s got wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as 2 USB-C ports at the front. There is a wireless charger in the front of the cabin, but it didn’t seem to fit a modern smartphone, so make sure to try it out for size.

In front of the driver, you get a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that’s fairly basic to operate and, if you like, you can change the display themes and the colour of the dials’ backgrounds.

Still offers excellent practicality

The Duster’s load bay is comparable to that of the 2nd-gen model – Renault says the 4×2 variants can accommodate 472 litres and the 4×4 can hold litres. All versions come with a full-size spare wheel and, if you need more capacity, you can fold the rear seats down in a 60/40 split to free up 1 696 litres.

With the highly debated mild-hybrid engine and a new focus on capability, can the 2025 Renault Duster still deliver that unbeatable value and go-anywhere spirit Mzansi loves? Watch to find out!