Dacia Duster III (2023 – Présent)

Reliability score : 7.5/10

Dacia Duster III (2023-2025) The third-generation Dacia Duster (project code P1310) marks a true revolution for the Romanian manufacturer. Now based on the modern CMF-B platform of the Renault-Nissan Alliance (shared with the Sandero, Jogger, and Renault Captur), it makes a spectacular leap forward in terms of road handling, safety, and onboard technology. Aesthetically more robust and assertive, it incorporates recycled materials (Starkle) and modernizes its interior with digital screens. Mechanically, it's a historic break: total abandonment of diesel (Blue dCi) in favor of hybridization (48V mild hybrid and full E-Tech hybrid). Although it moves upmarket and in price, it remains one of the compact SUVs with the best price/performance ratio on the market. Expert's overall rating: An extr

✅ Strengths

Very successful, robust, and appealing exterior design ('mini-Defender' look).
CMF-B platform offering transformed comfort, sound insulation, and road handling.
Retention of a true 4x4 version (with Terrain Control driving modes) with very high off-road performance.
Exceptional running costs for the ECO-G 100 version (factory LPG).
Well-thought-out interior ergonomics (very practical YouClip system, modern multimedia interface).

⚠️ Weaknesses

Total disappearance of the Diesel engine, penalizing high-mileage drivers and those who tow heavy loads.
Ubiquitous hard interior plastics (though textured and accepted).
High price for the Hybrid 140 version for Dacia's philosophy (exceeds €28,000 in high trim).
No automatic gearbox available on conventional thermal powertrains (ECO-G and TCe 130).
Average rear visibility (narrow rear window, thick C-pillars).

🎯 Verdict

Expert's Verdict The Dacia Duster III is an undeniable success that transitions the model from the 'Low-Cost' era to that of intelligent 'Essentialism'. It is more attractive, safer, and more pleasant to drive than its predecessors. However, the revolution under the hood calls for caution. The abandonment of diesel will frustrate purists of the model. For an immediate purchase, the 1.0 ECO-G 100 engine is the sensible choice: ultra-proven, economical at the pump, and without unpleasant surprises. The new 1.2 TCe 130 is very promising (especially for accessing 4x4) but still requires 1 to 2 years of hindsight to validate the reliability of its mild hybridization and timing system. As for the Hybrid 140, although relevant in the city, its higher purchase cost and the known quirks of its dog-clutch gearbox suggest negotiating or waiting for full software maturity.