The Dacia Duster embraced electrification when it moved into its third generation, adopting not one but two electrified systems: Hybrid 140 and Mild Hybrid 130.
Now, Dacia has replaced those with Hybrid 155 and Mild Hybrid 140 and introduced a unique LPG-powered hybrid option, dubbed ‘Hybrid-G 150 4×4’, which combines LPG, 4WD, and electrification.
During a recent media event, we got a chance to get up close and personal with the Dacia Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4. Here are our first impressions of the new hybrid SUV:
Design
The Dacia Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 features the same authentic SUV design as the standard model. The sub-compact SUV looks modern and upmarket but avoids any form of reductive or quirky flourishes, which have become the norm in recent years.
The upright front and rear fascias, high ground clearance, conventionally shaped rectangular headlamps, tall, powerfully sculpted bonnet, prominent wheel arches, muscular shoulders, and raised roof rails give the Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 a commanding presence. The 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels wrapped in Continental AllSeasonContact 2 225/55 R18 tyres complement the blocky exterior design.
Interior
The modern-tough theme continues inside, defined by a high, vertical dashboard with sharp lines and a Duster-branded concave surface on the passenger side.
The Y-shaped air vents echo the design of the LED DRLs and feature copper inserts in the top-spec Extreme trim. The same angular theme extends to the door cards, which feature a slanted line pattern as well.
The steering wheel and the climate control panel feature regular buttons, and the latter, along with the infotainment system, is tilted towards the driver. Dacia equips the Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 with features like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, four USB Type-C ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility.
Experience in the Dacia Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4
Getting into the Dacia Duster Hybrid feels easy for me as a six-footer. I noticed the chunky, conventional door handles, and I prefer this simple design. The steering wheel adjusts high enough that my thighs do not brush the lower rim, which helps me settle into the driver’s seat without fighting the steering position.
Once seated, the cabin has an outdoorsy theme with rugged-looking surfaces and detailing. The middle section of the dashboard looks slightly nicer than the rest, but I noticed grainy hard plastics across much of the dash. The door plastics also feel basic. That said, for the price positioning, the interior still comes across as good value.
Headroom in the front is excellent. Under-thigh support feels acceptable. The centre armrest does not slide fore and aft, so I could not adjust its position, but the overall driving position feels natural. The front seats use manual adjustment, and I found my seat position quickly.
With the front seat set to my driving position, the rear seat feels tight for a six-footer. The seatbacks are sculpted to create some knee space, but there is still limited room.
Rear visibility and cabin light levels feel good, helped by the large side windows and the rear quarter glass. Back support in the rear feels adequate, but the backrest angle is fixed and cannot be adjusted. The rear seat experience feels better suited to shorter passengers than tall adults.
Specifications
The Dacia Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 has a complex powertrain setup, with a 1.2-litre 48V mild-hybrid petrol engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear, along with a 0.84 kWh battery.
The engine can run on petrol and LPG, and it produces 103 kW (138 bhp) and 230 Nm (170 lb.-ft.) of torque. The electric motor on the rear axle generates 23 kW (31 bhp) and 87 Nm (64 lb.-ft.) of torque. This setup gives the Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 113 kW (152 bhp) of total power.
The engine sends drive to the front wheels via a wet dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission. The rear motor is connected to a two-speed transmission and can engage to power the rear wheels when required.
It remains idle at other times, reducing energy consumption. Dacia says that the Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 can drive in electric mode for up to 60% of driving time.
The new hybrid SUV features a 50-litre petrol tank and a 50-litre LPG tank, and with both tanks full, it can travel 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) without a refuelling stop, as per WLTP.
Release Date
Also Read: First Look Review: 2026 Dacia Spring is better, but remains basic
Dacia has yet to confirm the Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 for the UK. The company is also working on a similar Duster Hybrid 150 4×4, which would be devoid of flex-fuel capability.
