Skip advert
Advertisement

Dacia Duster review - Interior & comfort

“Cost-cutting is most evident on the Duster’s interior, but it’s at least well-built and the infotainment works well”

Carbuyer Rating

4.2 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Interior & comfort Rating

3.5 out of 5

One area where it’s easy to tell the Dacia Duster is a budget model is in its cabin, because there’s wide use of cheaper plastics that give a low-quality impression. That said, while materials might not be the best, the build quality isn’t bad at all and is a noticeable step up from that of the old Duster.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While it’s clear the Duster has been built to a price, it’s also been thoughtfully designed. Different textures and shapes have been used to give it a modern look, and our Hybrid test car had blue denim-style fabric for a unique look.

Is the Dacia Duster’s infotainment and sat-nav system easy to use?

We found the Dacia Duster’s infotainment system to be fairly simple, load times were respectable and it was intuitive enough. Rather than being a carry-over from parent company Renault, this time the software is a bespoke system developed for Dacia. It’s worth noting that there’s no infotainment screen on entry-level cars – instead, you get a smartphone holder with Essential – but go for an Expression model or above and the software is presented on a 10.1-inch display that’s crisp and responsive.

On Expression models this comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while this system gets an upgrade on Journey and Extreme trims, called ‘Media Nav Live’. Media Nav Live adds an in-built navigation system which stays up-to-date for a maximum of eight years – this isn’t a necessity, however, and we’re sure most buyers will be perfectly happy using their smartphone’s Apple CarPlay or Android Auto feature.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

We’re happy to report that plenty of the car’s features are still accessed via physical controls under the screen, including those for the climate control. That said, we prefer the more intuitive physical dials of the outgoing model, so it’s a shame these weren’t carried over.

Is the Dacia Duster well equipped?

Dacia’s main aim is to offer just the essentials on the aptly named ‘Essential’ entry-level model, so we can’t say it’s especially well equipped. You go without the aforementioned infotainment screen, but you do get rear parking sensors. In reality, though, Dacia says that around 76% of Duster buyers actually go for higher trims, so while the Essential allows the brand to flaunt headline-grabbing low list prices, you’d be better off with at least the Expression model for those expected modern features like the infotainment screen, plus a reversing camera among other features.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Extreme and Journey models sit above this but have a very distinct character from each other. While Journey is about everyday comfort and tech, the Extreme model is geared towards buyers after that outdoors utilitarian capability. Journey gets wireless smartphone charging, an upgraded Arkamys 3D Sound System, electric handbrake and a hands-free keycard. Extreme models sport more easily washable upholstery, rubber floor and boot mats, modular roof bars and copper exterior accents to help it stand out

What options should you choose on the Dacia Duster?

Dacia has offered some interesting packs elsewhere in its range in the past, and its Sleep Pack which first debuted on the Jogger will now be available for the Duster. This is a simple removable box which folds to easily form a double bed in the back of the Duster in about two minutes, as well as a tray table and storage area. It’s a great option for those looking to use their Duster for camping and adventure. For the ultimate camping conversion, it’s offered as part of the ‘In Nature Ultimate Pack’, which also includes a bespoke tailgate tent and black out blinds for the windows for just over £2,000.

The Duster has a full complement of accessories, from side steps (£500) to a protection pack that includes mudflaps, a rubber boot liner and illuminated door sills for under £400. A storage pack for around £150 adds nets, a magnetic phone holder and rear tray tables, while a removable towbar costs just over £600.

Key features

Essential

  • Smartphone holder
  • Fixed roof bars
  • Rear parking sensors

Expression

(Essential plus…)

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Seven-inch digital driver’s display
  • 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Reversing camera

Extreme

(Expression plus…)

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Modular roof bars
  • Washable TEP MicroCloud upholstery
  • Rubber floor and boot mats
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Media Nav Live infotainment with sat nav
  • YouClip 3-in-1 system
  • Copper Brown interior and exterior trim

Journey

(Expression plus…)

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Fog lights
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Hands-free keycard
  • Electric parking brake
  • Wireless smartphone charging
  • Media Nav Live infotainment with sat nav
  • Six-speaker Arkamys 3D Sound System
Skip advert
Advertisement

Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer, as well as publishing content to its social media platforms. He has also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express, DrivingElectric and evo. As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mazda CX-80 review – spacious seven-seat diesel or plug-in hybrid SUV
Mazda CX-80 front quarter cruising
In-depth reviews
22 Nov 2024

Mazda CX-80 review – spacious seven-seat diesel or plug-in hybrid SUV

Audi Q6 e-tron review – smooth and hi-tech electric SUV
Audi Q6 e-tron front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
22 Nov 2024

Audi Q6 e-tron review – smooth and hi-tech electric SUV

Volvo XC60 review – left-field mid-size premium SUV
Volvo XC60 front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
21 Nov 2024

Volvo XC60 review – left-field mid-size premium SUV

New DS electric SUV coming soon with Tesla-beating 466-mile range
DS electric SUV teaser front quarter
News
21 Nov 2024

New DS electric SUV coming soon with Tesla-beating 466-mile range

Have You Considered

Mazda CX-80 review – spacious seven-seat diesel or plug-in hybrid SUV
Mazda CX-80 front quarter cruising
In-depth reviews
22 Nov 2024

Mazda CX-80 review – spacious seven-seat diesel or plug-in hybrid SUV

Audi Q6 e-tron review – smooth and hi-tech electric SUV
Audi Q6 e-tron front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
22 Nov 2024

Audi Q6 e-tron review – smooth and hi-tech electric SUV

Most Popular

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25
Car tax
Tips and advice
4 Nov 2024

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
22 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?
Ford Puma EcoBoost front
Tips and advice
5 Nov 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024