Renault Grand SUV Comeback Plan: Can It Beat Creta and XUV700 in India?

French carmaker Renault is gearing up for a strong comeback in India’s most competitive SUV segments with two brand-new launches – the third-generation Renault Duster and an all-new 7-seater SUV (likely called the Boreal/Grand Duster). Scheduled for 2026, these SUVs are designed to shake up the dominance of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara in the C-SUV space, while the larger 7-seater will directly challenge Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari. With feature-packed interiors, hybrid powertrains, and aggressive pricing expected, Renault’s new SUVs might just be the comeback India has been waiting for.

The New Renault Duster: Taking Aim at Creta & Seltos

The 2026 Renault Duster is based on the CMF-B modular platform shared with Nissan, giving it the flexibility to support petrol, turbo, and hybrid setups. Globally acclaimed for its ruggedness, the new-gen Duster will be sharper, bigger, and more feature-loaded than ever.

Expected highlights include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Level-2 ADAS, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated seats – features that place it head-to-head with the Hyundai Creta.

On the powertrain front, the Duster will get a 1.3L turbo petrol (manual + DCT) and an entry-level 1.0L turbo petrol. A hybrid version is also planned for late 2026, which could give Renault a big edge as Creta EV arrives.

The 7-Seater Renault Boreal: Built to Challenge XUV700

Renault’s new 7-seater SUV will be based on the Dacia Bigster/Boreal and measure around 4.6–4.7 meters – perfectly positioned against the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, and upcoming Hyundai 7-seater SUV.

Expected features include captain seats (6-seater variant), dual-zone climate control, Level-2 ADAS, rear parking sensors, and plush interiors similar to the Duster. Powering it will be the 1.3L turbo petrol engine with manual and automatic gearboxes, along with an optional AWD drivetrain – a strong value addition against its rivals.

Renault Grand SUV vs. Rivals: How It Stacks Up

Here’s a quick comparison of how Renault’s new SUVs could fare against the Creta and XUV700:

Why Renault Could Beat Creta and XUV700

• Pricing Advantage: Renault has a history of undercutting rivals with aggressive pricing (remember the Kwid). If it does the same with the Duster and 7-seater, it can pull away buyers from Hyundai and Mahindra.
• Hybrid Tech: With a strong-hybrid variant planned, Renault will attract buyers looking for fuel efficiency and future-proof powertrains.
• AWD Option: Both the Duster and Boreal are likely to offer AWD, a feature missing in Creta and available only in select XUV700 trims.
• Freshness Factor: The Creta is due for a facelift cycle and the XUV700 has matured in the market. A brand-new Renault SUV lineup in 2026 could ride on freshness and curiosity.

Conclusion

Renault’s comeback strategy with the Duster (2026) and Grand Boreal SUV has the right ingredients to challenge segment leaders. The Duster can disrupt the Creta-Seltos-Grand Vitara trio, while the Boreal has the potential to dent the XUV700-Safari stronghold. With hybrid tech, AWD, and premium features, Renault has a golden opportunity to make its mark again in India. If priced right, these SUVs might just become the dark horses of 2026.

Also Read –Mahindra XUV 700 EV (XEV 7e) Spotted Again – Can This Game-Changer Beat Its Rivals?