Renault Duster BNCAP Results Out: Safest Mid-Size SUV in India? Check Adult & Child Scores

Renault Duster has achieved a full 5-star safety rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP).

This makes the Duster a very strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment, especially as it matches the safety benchmarks set by rivals like the Tata Sierra and Kia Seltos.

The rating is based on tests conducted on Evolution, Techno and Iconic variants of the turbo-petrol Duster. Renault says the new Duster was engineered from the outset to meet stringent 5-star safety targets.

Built on the RGMP platform, the SUV features enhanced structural integrity designed to deliver consistent occupant protection across crash scenarios.

BNCAP Score Breakdown

The Duster’s performance was consistent across both categories:

• Adult Occupant Protection (AOP): 30.49 / 32 points
  • It scored a perfect 16/16 in the Side Movable Deformable Barrier Test.
  • In the Frontal Offset Test, it scored 14.49/16, with “Good” protection for the head, neck, and pelvis, and “Adequate” protection for the driver’s chest and feet.
• Child Occupant Protection (COP): 45 / 49 points
  • It achieved full marks in both the dynamic crash performance and the Child Restraint System (CRS) installation.

Safety Features

On the safety equipment front, the Duster comes equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold and hill-descent assist, tire pressure monitoring, and three-point seatbelts for all occupants. ISOFIX anchor points are provided for child seats, although they are limited to the outer rear seats.

Higher variants further enhance safety with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Price

The new Duster is priced in the range of Rs 10.49 lakh and Rs 18.69 lakh, ex-showroom.

RGMP platform

It is underpinned by Renault’s RGMP platform (Renault Global Modular Platform). Designed for emerging markets like India, this comes with a modern electrical and electronics backbone, co-developed with Google, that facilitates various connected and software-driven functions.

Competitors

2026 Renault Duster competes with established models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Tata Sierra and Volkswagen Taigun.