The 2026 Dacia Bigster has officially arrived as the Romanian carmaker’s biggest and most expensive model to date. Despite its size and premium positioning within Dacia’s lineup, the Bigster continues the brand’s philosophy of offering exceptional value for money. Positioned against popular family SUVs such as the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, and Škoda Karoq, the Bigster delivers comparable space at a significantly lower price point.
Dacia Bigster Design and Dimensions
Built on the Dacia Duster platform, the Bigster adopts familiar styling cues but stretches 23 cm longer than the Duster. The result is a five-seat SUV with an emphasis on space rather than seven-seat versatility (for which buyers must turn to the Dacia Jogger).
- Boot capacity: Up to 667 litres (Hybrid 140 version), surpassing rivals like the Sportage and Karoq (approx. 580–590 litres).
- Practicality: Capable of fitting 10 suitcases under the parcel shelf compared to the Duster’s seven.
- Flexibility: Rear seats split 40:20:40, allowing individual folding for greater versatility.
The Bigster also features a height-adjustable boot floor, underfloor storage, and easy-release seat-back levers for user-friendly practicality.
Dacia Bigster Cabin Space and Comfort
Rear-seat occupants benefit from impressive legroom, with enough clearance for passengers over six feet tall, though headroom is slightly restricted with the panoramic sunroof option. While Citroën C5 Aircross and Renault Symbioz rivals offer sliding/reclining rear seats, the Bigster’s fixed arrangement remains competitive for the segment.
Interior quality is functional rather than premium. Hard plastics dominate, but build quality is robust and controls are logically arranged with physical buttons for key functions such as climate control.
Technology includes:
- Central touchscreen (responsive but less refined than rivals)
- Smartphone cradle for convenience
- Generous storage in the cabin, with larger bins and cupholders
- Optional cool box (available on Journey and Extreme trims with Hybrid 155 engine)
Engine Options and Driving Experience
The Dacia Bigster lineup features both hybrid and mild-hybrid petrol engines:
- Hybrid 155: 1.8L petrol with dual electric motors, returning up to 48.8 mpg (real-world).
- Mild Hybrid 140: Best balance of performance and efficiency.
- Mild Hybrid 130 4×4: The only all-wheel-drive variant, expected to deliver capable off-road ability.
On the road, the Dacia Bigster prioritises comfort and compliance over agility. Its suspension smooths most bumps, though larger impacts are felt more than in premium competitors. Steering is light and easy in town but lacks feedback at higher speeds. Handling is secure but less polished than the Sportage or Karoq.
Compared to the MG HS, the Bigster feels better controlled, offering a more reassuring ride.
Equipment and Trims
The Dacia Bigster offers strong value across its trim levels:
- Expression (entry-level): 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, heated/electric mirrors.
- Journey: Heated seats, heated steering wheel, upgraded sound system, electric tailgate.
- Extreme: Adds copper-coloured styling accents and hill descent control.
Safety and Reliability
Euro NCAP awarded the Dacia Bigster three out of five stars. While crash protection is solid, the rating was impacted by limited active safety systems.
Reliability prospects are strong, with Dacia finishing 6th out of 31 brands in recent surveys, ahead of MG, which ranked last. Every Bigster is backed by Dacia’s Zen Warranty, covering up to 7 years or 75,000 miles with regular dealer servicing, a package superior to many rivals.
Verdict
The 2026 Dacia Bigster offers a rare combination of large-SUV practicality, comfort, and affordability. While rivals like the Kia Sportage and Škoda Karoq deliver more polish and higher safety scores, they also cost thousands more.
For buyers seeking a spacious, robust, and budget-friendly SUV, the Bigster emerges as one of the best-value options in its class.
Also Read –
