Renault’s Upcoming 3-Row SUV for India Officially Named ‘Boreal’

Published On: May 4, 2025

Renault is gearing up for a serious comeback in India, and it’s not pulling any punches. Among the five new models the French automaker plans to launch in the next two years, the spotlight is firmly on the all-new Duster. But right behind it is a bigger, bolder SUV – the Boreal. This three-row SUV will take on the premium mid-size SUV space, offering a blend of practicality, size, and powertrain options that could shake things up.

Table of Contents

1 Design
2 Cabin
3 Powertrain
4 Rivals
5 Strategy
6 FAQs

Design

The Boreal’s design roots are closely tied to the Dacia Bigster concept, which gives us a fair idea of what to expect. Think muscular lines, upright stance, and a rugged SUV vibe. But unlike the compact Duster, the Boreal is a stretched version, offering three rows of seats. At about 4.6 metres in length, it’s got the road presence and proportions to compete with bigger names in the market.

The front-end will likely share cues with the next-gen Duster, especially in the headlamp and grille design. But the rear quarter will stretch further to accommodate more space in the cabin, specifically for the third row.

Cabin

Step inside, and the Boreal will aim to be more premium than its Duster sibling. Expect a roomy cabin layout with three-row seating – and at least one variant offering a six-seat configuration with captain seats in the middle row. With these features, the Boreal is clearly targeting family buyers who need space without stepping up to bulky full-size SUVs.

The dashboard and tech interface will likely mirror the Duster’s – featuring a large infotainment touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone connectivity, and premium materials. Renault may also focus on adding creature comforts like rear AC vents for all rows, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assist features.

Powertrain

Under the hood, the Boreal will borrow heavily from the Duster’s setup. Renault has confirmed petrol engines and hinted strongly at a hybrid option. It’s expected that the Boreal will feature a strong hybrid system, much like what we see in the Maruti Grand Vitara or Toyota Hyryder. This means better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance – a winning combo in today’s market.

Here’s a quick comparison with hybrid competitors:

Model	Fuel Type	Hybrid Type	Mileage (Approx)
Renault Boreal (est.)	Petrol + Hybrid	Strong Hybrid	20-22 km/l
Maruti Grand Vitara	Petrol + Hybrid	Strong Hybrid	21 km/l
Toyota Hyryder	Petrol + Hybrid	Strong Hybrid	20.5 km/l
Honda City e:HEV	Petrol + Hybrid	Strong Hybrid	26.5 km/l

Rivals

Renault is clearly building a two-SUV offensive. The Duster will take on compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Toyota Hyryder. Meanwhile, the Boreal steps up a segment, ready to challenge the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV700, and the Kia Carens.

This space is heating up, and Renault seems to have a strong strategy. The Boreal not only adds size and space but offers a greener alternative with its expected hybrid system – giving it an edge in a market that’s moving toward cleaner tech.

Strategy

Renault’s plan isn’t just about new cars – it’s about brand revival. With the Duster and Boreal forming the core of its SUV lineup, Renault is pushing to become relevant again in India’s highly competitive market. The Boreal will first launch in Latin America, but its eventual arrival in India will be key to Renault’s long-term plans.

There’s also talk of a Nissan counterpart based on the same platform, which hints at shared costs and more choices for buyers – a smart move in today’s modular automotive world.

With the Boreal, Renault is clearly saying it’s ready to play in the big leagues. Big space, bold design, and a greener heart – sounds like the SUV Indian families have been waiting for.