Dacia prepares the successor to the Sandero Stepway: a small SUV below the Duster

For years, the Dacia Sandero Stepway has been a version of the Romanian brand’s compact that has attracted the interest of those who want a model of these characteristics that is somewhat more robust and closer to the SUV body style. It isn’t really one, but it gives that impression. Now, Dacia is considering offering a model that has this look and that is truly an SUV. That said, it will be somewhat smaller than the Duster, the reference model in that segment at Dacia.

This compact SUV will reach the market in 2027 and will sit below the Duster. The Duster remains a small-sized SUV, within segment B, but its size has grown across its successive generations. This leaves room for a model positioned beneath it, the future model Dacia is already working on.

In this way, the new model could have a length of around 4,150 mm, compared with the 4,343 mm of the current Duster. Above it, we are awaiting the arrival of the Bigster, a larger SUV that will begin to be sold in 2025.

Dacia’s plans involve clearly differentiating this new model from the Sandero Stepway. Several models already on the market combine SUV characteristics in a reduced size. A third model with this body style in the lineup will allow Dacia to offer a new option to those who want a car designed for both asphalt and unpaved roads, yet compact and affordably priced.

The option proposed by the Romanian brand will offer more interior space than the Sandero Stepway, without sacrificing the crossover capabilities this type of vehicle needs. Ground clearance and plastic underbody protection will allow it to venture off-road with greater confidence.

This new compact SUV is expected to use the same Renault CMF-B platform that underpins most of the brand’s models. It will also share components with other Dacia cars, helping to keep costs low. Inside, it will feature the brand’s YouClip system, which makes it easier to personalize the cabin.

As for powertrains, it is expected to offer a conventional combustion engine, a mild-hybrid option and a full hybrid, as well as the possibility of running on LPG. It is not yet known whether it will offer all-wheel drive or be limited to front-wheel drive, as small SUVs from other brands do.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackDacia Sandero23 versions · from 13,520 €