Renault‘s latest SUV is the Boreal, which has specifically been developed for markets outside Europe. While currently introduced in five-seat spec, the SUV, which is expected to make it to Indian shores later, is also likely to be sold in seven-seat configuration. The Boreal is underpinned by Renault’s RMP platform, which has been described as an evolution of the CMF-B LS platform on which the Duster is based. This got us thinking, how different are the two models? Let’s find out.
Also Read: Renault Boreal SUV Debuts; 7-Seat Model Set For India Launch In 2026
Renault Boreal vs Duster: Exterior
The Boreal is larger than the Duster in every dimension
The biggest changes between the Renault Duster and the Boreal are in the packaging. For starters, in terms of dimensions, the Duster measures 4,343 mm long, and 1,813 mm wide (mirrors excluded), with a wheelbase of 2,657 mm. The Boreal, on the other hand, measures 4,556 mm long and 1,841 mm wide with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. When it comes to boot space, the Duster has a volume of up to 478 litres, while that of the Boreal is 586 litres.
The Boreal and the Duster have very different approaches when it comes to the design
When comparing the two vehicles from a visual perspective, the Duster appears to be the more butch offering, with generous use of cladding around the wheel arches, prominent haunches and chunkier bumpers with grey highlights. The Boreal, on the other hand, features a more elegant design, which is completely different from the Duster’s. While the Duster features more conventional headlamp clusters up front, the Boreal gets a split setup, with the headlamp clusters stacked underneath the upper daytime-running lamp units. The SUV features several lighting elements up front, which include those underneath the headlamps and the units integrated into the grille. The Boreal is also characterised by metallic accents around the side windows.
The taillamp setup on the Boreal is sleeker than the units on the Duster
Towards the rear, the Boreal gets sleeker taillamps while the Duster features Y-shaped units.
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Renault Boreal vs Duster: Interior
The Duster and Boreal have similar interior layouts, although some differences are noticeable
While the interior of the Boreal does resemble the Duster’s interior layout to a certain extent. There are a few noticeable differences. While the screens in the Boreal are merged and are both 10-inch units, the ones in the Duster are separated and measure at 10 inches (infotainment screen) and 7 inches (digital instruments display). The other noticeable change is the difference in panelling on the dashboard. The Boreal also sports more metallic finishes in the cabin. The buttons beneath the AC vents, however, appear to be the same in both SUVs.
Also Read: Renault’s 7-Seat Duster Set To Be Named ‘Boreal’; First Teaser Out Ahead Of Unveil
Powertrain
The Renault Boreal will be powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine available in both Petrol and flex-fuel forms across different markets. The engine generates a maximum power of 160 bhp in the flex fuel model and a peak torque of up to 270 Nm. The Duster, meanwhile, is offered with a raft of powertrain options that include a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid (140 hp, 148 Nm), a 1.2-litre petrol-hybrid (130 hp, 230 Nm) and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol motor (100 hp, 160 Nm).
