​Dacia Duster Retains Best Value Car Title for 2026

​In a new car market that grows more complicated and expensive by the day, Dacia’s iconic SUV has proven that true value never goes out of style. The Duster has officially retained its crown as the ‘Best Value Car’ at the 2026 Autocar Awards, taking the coveted trophy home for the second consecutive year.

This back-to-back victory sends a clear message to UK drivers: you don't have to break the bank to drive a capable, stylish, and robust family car.

Keeping the Magic Alive

The annual Autocar Awards celebrate the absolute finest vehicles on UK roads. This year, judges praised the Duster for staying true to its roots, delivering everyday toughness, immense practicality, and a distinct personality that stands out in a crowded SUV market.

Autocar Editor, Mark Tisshaw, commended Dacia for evolving the SUV without losing what made it a fan favorite in the first place:

"One of the cleverest things about the latest Dacia Duster is that its creators avoided messing it up. Better than that, they refined and improved it while maintaining its very attractive price and its singular character – a real feat in a car market stuffed with me-too affordable crossovers."
"Dacia has managed to maintain its singular, almost mystical persona as an interesting and slightly offbeat machine... To have maintained such a subtle and elusive quality while changing so much on and under the skin is a mighty achievement."

Built for Real Life

With living costs remaining a top priority for British motorists, Dacia’s "no-nonsense" philosophy makes more sense than ever. For Dacia, value isn't just about a low price tag, it’s about giving drivers smart engineering and cutting-edge essentials without forcing them to pay for gimmicks.

Lina Ribeiro, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, added:

"Winning a value award once is a great result. Keeping hold of it is even better, because it shows Duster is still delivering where it really counts for drivers. Value has always been about more than price for Dacia. It’s about giving people a car that is useful, robust, well equipped and ready for real life, without asking them to pay for things they don’t need."

Find Your Match: Trims and Tech

The award-winning Dacia Duster lineup offers something for everyone, packed with the latest safety features, driver assistance tech, and everyday comforts across three distinct trims:

Expression: Well-equipped and ready for the daily grind.

Journey: Designed for longer trips with premium comfort and smart cabin tech.

Extreme: Built for the great outdoors with rugged styling and durable finishes.

Under the hood, drivers can choose between two highly efficient, electrified powertrains: the clever Mild Hybrid 140 or the full Hybrid 155 for maximum fuel economy around town.

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