Dacia Duster Crowned 2025 Best Value Car
At a time when car prices seem to be spiralling out of reach, one brand continues to stick to its guns, delivering substance without the eye-watering cost. Meet the Dacia Duster – a name that just might be redefining the entire value segment. Fresh off being crowned ‘Best Value Car’ at the 2025 Autocar Awards, the Duster isn’t just a wallet-friendly option. It’s a statement.
Backed by praise from some of the UK’s toughest automotive critics, this go-anywhere SUV is proving you don’t need to break the bank to get a reliable, good-looking, and capable vehicle. From its striking design to genuine off-road prowess and that enticing sub-£20k starting price, the Duster is ticking boxes most competitors forgot existed.
What Makes It a Winner?
So, what exactly sets the Duster apart in such a crowded market? Autocar’s expert judges put it plainly: “The Dacia Duster capitalises on the seemingly obvious idea of offering buyers everything they need, nothing they don’t and just enough of the things they want.”
Mark Tisshaw, Editor of Autocar, continued: “Don’t make the mistake of labelling the Duster as a bare-bones budget car. It’s a fashionable and popular SUV… it really leans into the junior off-roader feel with boxy yet confident looks, big wheels and an expansive bonnet.”
Inside, the rugged theme continues. The dashboard is angular and functional, the view through the narrow windscreen is almost military-grade, and there’s an air of old-school toughness that’s been missing from modern crossovers. And yet, somehow, Dacia has also packed in comfort, infotainment, and safety features in a way that doesn’t feel compromised.
Trim Levels and Powertrains: Something for Everyone
Dacia’s approach is straightforward: keep it simple, but cover all the bases. The Duster is available in four trim levels – Essential, Expression, Journey, and Extreme. Each comes loaded with practical features, and even the base model isn’t stripped bare.
Buyers can choose from three powertrains, including:
- A 1.0-litre TCe turbocharged petrol
- A 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrol
- A 1.6-litre full-hybrid powertrain
Prices start in the UK from just £19,380 on-the-road. Notably, the full-hybrid variant brings fuel economy into the conversation, allowing the Duster to attract more urban and eco-conscious drivers who might never have considered the brand before.
Then there’s the 4×4 option – yes, a true four-wheel-drive system, not just an urban poser setup. It comes with 217mm of ground clearance and a clever 4×4 Terrain Control system offering five drive modes for various road and off-road conditions.
Built Tough, Built to Last
Dacia has always positioned itself as a no-nonsense brand, and nowhere is this clearer than in the Duster’s DNA. Since Renault revitalised the marque in 2004, Dacia has maintained a laser focus on offering only what customers need. And clearly, that approach works.
Luke Broad, Dacia’s UK Brand Director, summed it up: “Every time the Duster wins an award, it’s not just for its incredible value for money, but also for its style and practical design, inside and out. We strive to give our customers everything they need, and nothing they don’t, at the very best price.”
The Duster’s latest win is part of a much bigger picture. Since its European reboot, Dacia has racked up more than 9 million sales globally. It’s the number one retail SUV among private European buyers since 2018, and in 2024, it was the second best-selling car in Europe. Not bad for a so-called “budget” brand.
Dacia’s Rising Stars
While the Duster may be grabbing headlines right now, it’s hardly the only feather in Dacia’s cap. The Sandero, for instance, has been the best-selling retail car in Europe every year since 2017 and clinched the overall top spot in 2024.
Other notable models include:
- Jogger: A flexible C-segment family car that comfortably carries up to seven people.
- Spring: The UK’s most affordable electric car, aimed at first-time EV buyers.
- Bigster: A new large SUV offering for families wanting extra space without the premium price.
Each of these vehicles reflects Dacia’s broader vision: practical, reliable, and accessible cars that challenge traditional price-performance expectations.
Designed for the Real World
Too often, car design gets lost in the pursuit of luxury, technology, or flair. Dacia goes against the grain. Its vehicles are built to reflect real-world driving needs, not marketing dreams. And nowhere is that more obvious than in the Duster.
It’s a vehicle that wears its purpose on its sleeve. Whether it’s tackling potholed rural roads, ferrying gear across job sites, or simply standing up to the daily grind of family life, the Duster’s form always follows function. Even its styling – chunky, upright, unapologetically SUV – reinforces its down-to-earth character.
Global Impact with Local Relevance
Currently sold in 44 countries, Dacia isn’t just making noise in Europe. The brand’s influence is spreading, and its commitment to delivering affordable vehicles without compromise resonates across diverse markets. In an age of rising car costs, that’s a very appealing message.
As electrification becomes the new normal, Dacia’s gradual yet deliberate expansion into hybrid and electric powertrains demonstrates forward thinking without pricing out the majority. They’re managing to innovate while remaining inclusive – a balance many legacy carmakers are struggling to achieve.
An SUV That Deserves the Spotlight
Let’s face it – winning awards in the car world isn’t easy. But doing so while undercutting the competition by thousands of pounds? That’s the magic trick. The Dacia Duster delivers that rare blend of style, utility, and affordability, and it’s doing it without compromise.
This isn’t just another SUV trying to look tough while doing school runs. It’s a genuine all-rounder that’s been carefully designed to meet the real needs of everyday drivers. And judging by its sales figures and accolades, the world is catching on.
The Future Looks Bright for Dacia
Dacia is quickly moving from being the smart buyer’s secret to a front-runner reshaping the affordable car segment. The Duster’s victory at the 2025 Autocar Awards is just the latest chapter in that success story.
Expect more big moves from this once-underdog brand. With new models, smarter powertrains, and a clear understanding of customer priorities, Dacia isn’t just keeping up with the times. It’s steering the conversation about what value in modern motoring really looks like.
