What is the highest-spec Dacia Duster?

Among the current Duster range, you'll want the Extreme trim. This gets tougher, more rugged styling, plus a host of extras like heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

Which Dacia Duster model is best?

There's a strong case to be made for the entry-level Duster if you're shopping the current lineup. It includes basics like A/C and smartphone mirroring for the infotainment system, so there's little need to step up to pricier trims. Nevertheless, the extra visual impact of the Extreme model might be worth it to some buyers, along with the handful of added luxuries in the cabin.

Which Dacia Duster engine is best?

Dacia has recently started borrowing full-hybrid engines from parent company Renault. These are excellent all-round options as they offer respectable power and responsive off-the-line acceleration, plus smooth operation and fantastic fuel economy.

Models

Dacia Duster models and trim levels explained

• 3 min read

Mike Vousden

Content Editor

Mike is a Content Editor at Motorpoint. He's written for several motoring mags, and worked as an electric car analyst. He likes EVs, V8s and '60s American cars

The Dacia Duster has become synonymous with good-value motoring.

Recent versions have gone fancier and upmarket, but it remains a back-to-basics small family SUV with sensible pricing and durable parts. There have been three generations of Duster to date, all of which were offered with a range of trim and engine options.

We'll talk you through the Dacia Duster lineup in this guide, covering the different generations on sale and what versions have been sold.

Dacia Duster models explained

Dacia's history stretches back to the '60s in its native Romania. However, it wasn't until Renault bought the brand in 1999 and spent the next decade modernising its lineup that it started to make a big impact on the UK's roads. Its early British success was largely influenced by the Duster SUV, which offered family-friendly room for thousands of pounds less than the nearest competition.

As a result, the Duster has proved enduringly popular both here and further afield, and has now entered its second decade and third generation on sale. The most recent model represents a slight shift upmarket, with nicer materials, better standard equipment and a price bump to match.

All Dusters are five-door SUVs with a hatchback-style boot. Basic petrol and diesel options were ubiquitous across the first two generations, while the third-gen car is sold either with petrol or hybrid power in the UK. In foreign markets, this model has also been known as the Renault Duster or Nissan Terrano, while South America has also had the option of a pickup model called the Duster Oroch.

Read our in-depth Dacia Duster review to find out what it's like to own.

Dacia Duster rivals include:

See our full list of the best small SUVs on sale

Dacia Duster trim levels

Current Dacia Duster trim levels:

Expression – entry-level model gets alloy wheels, reversing camera, air conditioning and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Journey – mid-range models adds larger alloys, climate control and built-in sat-nav
Extreme – range topper gets extra off-road styling plus heated seats and a heated steering wheel

Previous Dacia Duster trim levels:

Essential – basic entry-level trim for older Duster models with air conditioning and a radio
Comfort – a mid-range option with alloy wheels, cruise control and an infotainment system with a reversing camera
Prestige – range-topping car with climate control, keyless entry and a 360º parking camera

Dacia Duster generations

Third generation – 2023-present

The latest Duster is a more solid, grown-up car, but the price has risen too
Model code – P1310
Facelift likely around 2027-2028
Dacia's designers developed a new rugged plastic called 'Starkle' for the bumpers and wheelarches
Choice of petrol and self-charging-hybrid engines

Second generation – 2017-2023

Remained the UK's cheapest SUV when it launched, priced from £9,995
Model code – HM
Facelifted in 2021
Despite using roughly the same chassis as the first Duster, every body panel was changed
Choice of petrol and diesel engines

First generation – 2010-2017

In typical Dacia fashion, the Duster's platform wasn't a new design but developed from the Logan saloon
Model code – HS
Facelifted in 2013
The wide wheelarches, upright grille and underbody guard are all inspired by off-roaders
Choice of petrol and diesel engines

What's the best Dacia Duster model?

Dacia Duster in beige, rear three quarter

The latest Dacia Duster is, by far, the best version of this car. It was shown to the world at the end of 2023 but only started arriving on sale in the UK in late 2024. This model represents a massive improvement on previous Dusters, with better comfort and refinement, plus a much more modern design inside and out. The only downside is the price, which has risen noticeably over it predecessors.

Older Dusters are much cheaper on the used market and do a comparable job of ferrying passengers and cargo about. However, you'll immediately spot that it's a much more rugged overall experience, with more road noise and harsher suspension to deal with.

Shop nearly new and used Dacia Duster cars for sale, or read our Dacia Duster review to see what this great-value SUV is like to live with.