Dacia Duster III (2023 – 2025)

Reliability score : 8.2/10

Expert Warning Regarding Diesel: You have targeted the diesel engine. It is crucial to note that the Dacia Duster III marks the definitive abandonment of the diesel engine (1.5 Blue dCi) in the European market and most global markets. To meet anti-pollution standards (Euro 6e / Euro 7), Dacia has replaced this offering with mild-hybrid (MHEV) and full-hybrid (HEV) powertrains. General Presentation: The third-generation Dacia Duster (codename P1310) represents a revolution for the Romanian manufacturer. Now based on the modern CMF-B platform (shared with the Clio V, Captur, and Jogger), it makes a spectacular leap forward in terms of road handling, onboard technology, and safety, while retaining its excellent off-road capabilities (in 4x4 version). Its design becomes more muscular and asser

✅ Strengths

CMF-B platform offering transformed comfort and dynamism
Very successful and robust exterior design (Starkle materials)
Retention of a true 4x4 version, very capable off-road (with the TCe 130)
Unbeatable running cost of the ECO-G 100 (LPG) version
Physical ergonomics retained (real buttons for air conditioning)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Total disappearance of the Diesel engine (penalizing for very heavy towing)
No automatic gearbox available with 4x4 transmission
Interior plastics still hard (though well-assembled)
Price of the Hybrid 140 version moving away from the 'low-cost' spirit
Highway sound insulation still perfectible

🎯 Verdict

The Dacia Duster III is a highly recommendable purchase. It has matured into a modern, safe, and pleasant-to-drive compact SUV, while retaining its affordable adventurer DNA. For those who miss Diesel, the transition can be frustrating. If you did a lot of long-distance driving or towing, the 1.2 TCe 130 MHEV (especially in 4x4) is the only credible alternative, offering decent torque thanks to mild hybridization. If your goal was pure fuel economy, turn to the ECO-G 100 (LPG), which remains the most rational and reliable choice in the range. The Hybrid 140 is excellent for the city, but its higher purchase cost needs to be calculated.