Renault Duster 7-Seater: Renault’s upcoming 7-seater SUV, officially named Boreal, has been caught testing in Brazil ahead of its global debut later this year.
The French automaker is gearing up to expand its Indian lineup with not just the new-generation Duster, but also this larger sibling that promises to shake up the three-row SUV segment. With spy shots revealing key design elements and Renault confirming the Boreal name, this extended Duster variant is shaping up to be a compelling family hauler that could arrive in India by 2026. And frankly, it’s about time Renault gave us something to get excited about again.
Design and Styling
The heavily camouflaged test mule spotted in Brazil reveals several interesting design cues that distinguish the Boreal from its 5-seater sibling. Up front, you’ll find the signature Y-shaped LED DRLs that have become Renault’s calling card – though honestly, they’re getting a bit predictable now. The test vehicle’s grille remains hidden under thick camouflage, but the new Renault logo’s silhouette is visible through the disguise, hinting at the brand’s fresh design direction.
What’s particularly clever is how Renault has tried to throw off spy photographers with fake rear door handles on the test mule. Classic misdirection! The production version will likely feature hidden door handles integrated into the C-pillar, just like the European Dacia Bigster. The side profile showcases typical SUV proportions with generous plastic cladding, flared wheel arches, and what appears to be 18-inch alloy wheels – nothing groundbreaking, but it gets the job done.
The rear gets Y-shaped taillights that mirror the front lighting signature, along with a unique spoiler design that ditches the center dip found on other Renault SUVs. Overall length is expected to stretch to around 4.6 meters, which should comfortably accommodate that crucial third row without making the SUV feel like a bus.
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Interior and Features
While spy shots haven’t revealed the cabin yet, the Boreal is expected to share most interior elements with the new Duster. This means a minimalist dashboard design anchored by a floating 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and either a 7-inch or 10-inch digital instrument cluster. Nothing too fancy, but it should do the trick for most families.
The feature list should include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (thank goodness), wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The 2+3+2 seating configuration will be the star attraction here, offering genuine space for seven occupants – something that’s becoming increasingly important for Indian families who’ve outgrown their compact SUVs.
Premium variants might get a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system, electronic parking brake, and possibly even Level 2 ADAS features. Though let’s be honest, knowing Renault’s track record in India, the latter’s availability remains a big question mark.
Safety Rating
Euro NCAP has already tested the Dacia Bigster (the European version of what will become the Boreal) and awarded it a 3-star safety rating. The SUV scored 69% for adult occupant protection and an impressive 85% for child occupant protection – not bad, considering the price point we’re expecting.
Standard safety kit includes multiple airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, seatbelt load limiters and pretensioners, lane keep assist, and driver fatigue detection. While a 3-star rating isn’t exactly class-leading in today’s world, it’s respectable for a vehicle targeting the affordable end of the 7-seater segment. Still, one can’t help but wish for that elusive 5-star rating.
Engine Options
Renault hasn’t confirmed powertrain details for the Indian market yet, but the Boreal will likely share engines with the new Duster. European markets get a 1.2-liter three-cylinder mild hybrid producing 128 hp and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder full hybrid system delivering 153 hp.
For India, expect petrol-only options initially – because that’s how we roll here. Possibly including a 1.3-liter turbocharged unit and a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. A mild-hybrid system could follow later, depending on market response and whether Renault feels generous enough. All-wheel drive might be offered on higher variants, complete with terrain modes for different driving conditions – though let’s see if it actually makes it to our shores.
Launch Timeline and Pricing
The Boreal will first debut in Brazil later this year before rolling out to over 70 international markets. India is firmly on the roadmap, with a launch expected in the second half of 2026 – roughly a year after the 5-seater Duster arrives. That’s assuming everything goes according to plan, which, well, this is Renault we’re talking about.
Pricing is expected to be aggressive, with estimates suggesting a range between ₹13-23 lakh (ex-showroom). This would position it squarely against the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Hyundai Alcazar, and MG Hector Plus. If Renault can nail the pricing and actually deliver on their promises this time, they might just have a winner on their hands.
The Boreal represents Renault’s serious intent to reclaim lost ground in India. The original Duster was a runaway success before the brand’s fortunes took a nosedive, and this new 7-seater could be just the ticket to win back family buyers who’ve moved to other brands. Here’s hoping they don’t mess it up this time around.