The Dacia Duster has been the brand’s best-selling car for years. That’s not surprising when you can buy this brand-new SUV for less than £20,000. Even with a slight price increase from the 2023 Dacia Duster, the current model is still a bargain. There’s just one thing that annoyed me about it.
That said, there is a simple solution to avoid having the same issue, and it could save you even more money. I drove the Dacia Duster 2024/25 for a week to find out if it’s worth buying over the previous model. You can watch more SUV reviews on YouTube.
Pros
- Affordable
- Spacious
- Efficient
Cons
- Lots of plastic
- Laggy transmission
- Awkward cupholders
2024 Dacia Duster Journey First Impressions
2024 Highlights
- Sharp, modern styling
- Reinforced wheel arches and side panels
- YouClip attachments
- 4×4 version with terrain select available
- Choice of powertrains
After being pleasantly surprised by the second-generation Duster I tested previously, I had high hopes for the new one. A design makeover has made it look more rugged and less cheap. Y-shaped LED lights and assertive lines dissect an otherwise boxy SUV design, while rear privacy glass brings a nice contrast against the light Sandstone paint.
Adding to the off-road-ready appearance, Starkle, a sturdy material made with recycled materials that leaves a natural finish from the factory, mimics a snorkel up the side, and surrounds the 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.
How Does The Dacia Duster Hybrid Drive?
The Dacia Duster hybrid 140 uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine. This is classed as a full hybrid, intelligently switching between electric, petrol, and hybrid drive modes, compared to the mild hybrid 130 that only utilizes the electric motors to boost the engine when it’s struggling. Now, this is where my issue lies. While 140 hp is more than enough for a small SUV like the Duster, it gets noisy when you demand power to overtake, for example.
Dacia Duster Journey Hybrid 140 Performance Specifications
| Engine | 1.6-litre petrol hybrid |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 140 HP @ RPM |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel-drive |
| Fuel Economy (CMB) | 56.5 MPG |
| 0-62 MPH | 10.1 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 105 MPH |
That’s probably more to do with the four-speed transmission. Since there are only four gears, it holds onto them for longer than a vehicle with six or seven gears. I faced a similar experience in the MG ZS Hybrid with a three-speed transmission.
However, opting for the mild hybrid 130 engine blesses the car with a manual, giving you full control over the gears and saves you £3,010 across the range. Other than that, the Duster drives well. It’s comfortable, doesn’t feel like a bus on narrow roads, and the hybrid engine is extremely efficient.
Dacia Duster Hybrid Fuel Economy
The Dacia Duster Hybrid has a claimed 56.5 MPG combined. During my testing, I achieved 46.5 MPG—almost as much as the claimed number on the more expensive Ford Kuga PHEV—though, owners who aren’t testing the limits of the car should easily get closer to the claimed values.
| Combined | |
| EPA Rated Economy: | 56.5 MPG |
| Fuel Economy As Tested: | 46.5 MPG |
Interior Design And Comfort
Despite being filled with plastic from door to door, there is a clear attempt to make the interior feel premium. Notice how everything is Y-shaped, even the door panel? A large digital display sits behind the synthetic leather steering wheel, and the cloth seats are spruced up with two-tone colours and a printed Dacia logo.
I loved the optional YouClip attachments (like the phone holder) throughout; they’re quirky, thoughtful, and practical, but technology is what brings the interior to life.
Technology And Ease Of Use
A sleek 10.1-inch touch screen now sits atop the air vents to make it easier to use and safer to view than the lower position in the last model. It has built-in navigation, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a wireless charger to keep you connected on the go.
All Duster trims get rear parking sensors, with Journey and Extreme grades also receiving front sensors, a multi-view camera, and advanced driving assistance systems. You can build your own Duster for a full list of features.
Cargo And Storage Space
There’s a wide opening for easy loading of the boot, but there is a deep load lip that can make lifting heavy items over it difficult. Thankfully, the Journey has a split-level floor that cuts the lip almost in half while providing a secure storage area for valuables.
The rear seats fold down to provide more room for bigger items, and there are plenty of other compartments in passenger areas. Be weary of the centre console arm rest covering a cupholder. Things can get messy…
| Minimum Luggage Capacity | 474 Litres |
| Luggage Capacity Second-Row | 1609 Litres |
Should You Buy A Dacia Duster?
The Dacia Duster is an excellent choice for budget-conscious families who need a bit more space for kids in the back, or for people with mobility issues who need a higher seating position for getting in and out. It’s also an affordable car packed with modern tech that younger drivers will appreciate.
Overall, it’s a well-made, efficient, and reliable car that will get you from A to B effortlessly, as long as you don’t push the full hybrid too hard. I’d choose the Dacia Duster over the MG ZS, but higher trim models have stiff competition at a similar price point.
How Much Does A Dacia Duster Cost?
You can pick up a brand-new Dacia Duster from £18,745 for an Essential trim. Climbing the range for more creature comforts could take you closer to £30,000, which is Kia Sportage territory. My choice would be this Journey trim, as it is the sweet spot of features and price.
| Trim / Engine | Bi-fuel 100 | Mild hybrid 130 | Mild hybrid 130 4×4 | Full hybrid 140 |
| Essential | £18,745 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Expression | N/A | £21,245 | £23,445 | £24,245 |
| Journey | N/A | £22,945 | £25,145 | £25,945 |
| Extreme | N/A | £23,745 | £25,945 | £26,745 |
Why is the Dacia Duster so cheap?
Dacia are able to keep the cost of the Duster low by producing the vehicle in countries with lower operational, material, and labour costs. Plus, they share some factories and parts with Renault, allowing both brands to split costs.