Dacia Bigster: The New Hybrid SUV Combining Power, Space, and Off-Roading

Dacia has built a strong reputation for providing rugged, affordable vehicles, and their latest release—the all-new Dacia Bigster—continues this tradition. The Bigster is Dacia’s first foray into the competitive mid-size SUV market, a segment dominated by big names like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. Offering a combination of off-road capability, hybrid power, and excellent value for money, the Bigster aims to be a serious contender. Let’s dive into the details of this flagship SUV and explore whether it lives up to its potential.

Overview of the Dacia Bigster

Segment: Mid-size SUV

Powertrains: Includes full hybrid and off-road-focused options

Launch: Expected next year

Starting Price: Estimated from £27,000

The Bigster expands on Dacia's successful Duster model, bringing a larger, more robust vehicle to the mid-size SUV category. With increased size, advanced technology, and a focus on adventure-ready features, it’s designed to offer buyers a rugged, capable, and budget-friendly alternative to more established competitors.

Rugged and Bold Exterior Design

If the Dacia Bigster looks familiar, that’s because its design is nearly identical to the Bigster concept first revealed in 2021. Built with tough, square proportions and black body cladding, the Bigster’s rugged, go-anywhere aesthetic is both practical and attractive. The car is 230mm longer than the Duster, translating to more space for passengers and luggage, and the extra size only adds to its imposing presence.

The front end is bold and upright, featuring Dacia’s signature Y-shaped headlights on either side of a glossy black grille. Below that, a grey skid plate emphasizes the car's off-road credentials. This tough look is carried through to the sides and rear, where the Bigster sports more of Dacia’s ‘Starkle’ cladding—a durable, unpainted material made from up to 20% recycled plastic. The use of recycled materials not only helps with sustainability but also ensures that any scratches or chips won’t affect the vehicle’s appearance, making it ideal for off-road use.

Spacious and Practical Interior

While the Bigster’s interior borrows much of its design from the Duster, it comes with added space and functionality. The dashboard layout is familiar, with Y-shaped air vents and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard across all models. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity. For the driver, there’s a digital display for key driving information, with a 7-inch version on entry-level models and a larger 10-inch unit available on higher trims.

The rear of the Bigster is where it truly shines. Dacia claims it offers one of the most spacious cabins in its class, and they might be right. There’s ample legroom for passengers, even those over six feet tall, making long journeys much more comfortable than in some of its rivals. In addition, the 667-litre boot is impressively large, outshining competitors like the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, and MG HS. This makes the Bigster an excellent choice for family road trips or outdoor adventures that require substantial storage space.

Dacia has also equipped the Bigster with YouClip anchor points, a clever system for attaching various accessories such as cup holders, tablet stands, or bag hooks. For adventurous drivers, the Dacia ‘Sleep Pack’ transforms the boot into a double bed for impromptu camping trips. Additional options include a rear-mounted tent, a tow-bar cargo box, and a convertible armrest/backpack, adding to the Bigster’s versatility and appeal as an adventure-ready vehicle.

Powertrains: Hybrid and 4x4 Options

Under the hood, the Dacia Bigster shares its platform with the Dacia Duster and Renault Captur, offering a range of hybrid-assisted powertrains. Buyers can choose from three engine options, all tailored to different driving needs.

1. TCe 140 Mild Hybrid

At the entry-level is the TCe 140 mild hybrid, powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a small electric motor. This setup delivers 138bhp through a six-speed manual gearbox, offering solid performance and fuel economy of up to 50.4mpg—making it more efficient than many petrol-powered rivals like the MG HS. This model is perfect for drivers looking for a fuel-efficient, cost-effective SUV for city commutes and light off-road use.

2. TCe 130 4x4

For those seeking more off-road capability, there’s the TCe 130 4x4. While it offers slightly less power at 128bhp, it compensates with four-wheel drive and a variety of off-road modes to tackle different terrains. If you’re planning to use the Bigster for outdoor adventures, this version will likely be the best fit. It provides extra traction and control for challenging surfaces, making it a strong choice for those who enjoy off-road driving or live in areas with rough terrain.

3. Bigster Hybrid 155

At the top of the range is the Bigster Hybrid 155, which uses a full hybrid setup. This model pairs a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a 1.4kWh battery, delivering 153bhp and the best fuel economy in the lineup—up to 57.6mpg. This powertrain is the most advanced, featuring an automatic gearbox that powers the front wheels. The extra electric assistance also means quieter, smoother operation, particularly in city driving, where the car can operate in electric-only mode for short periods.

Pricing and Availability

While official UK pricing for the Dacia Bigster has yet to be announced, it will undoubtedly be Dacia’s most expensive model when it goes on sale next year. Dacia has been clear that the Bigster will stay true to the brand’s core values of affordability and practicality, and early estimates suggest a starting price of around £27,000.

For comparison, that positions the Bigster below the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, while offering better value for money than similar models in the mid-size SUV segment. The Hybrid 155 variant, with its advanced technology and extra power, is expected to cost closer to £35,000.

Should You Consider the Dacia Bigster?

The Dacia Bigster represents a bold move for the brand, expanding its portfolio into the lucrative mid-size SUV market while retaining its focus on value and practicality. With rugged off-road capabilities, spacious interior design, and a range of hybrid powertrains, the Bigster is well-suited for families, adventure enthusiasts, and those looking for an affordable alternative to pricier SUVs.

Key Strengths:

• Affordable pricing compared to rivals
• Generous interior space with ample legroom and boot capacity
• Hybrid powertrains offering strong fuel economy
• Off-road-ready features, including 4x4 and various outdoor accessories

If you're in the market for a reliable, budget-friendly SUV with the capability to handle off-road adventures, the Dacia Bigster is definitely worth considering. It offers the kind of versatility and ruggedness usually reserved for more expensive models, all while keeping costs down and staying true to Dacia’s value-driven ethos.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Bigster’s official pricing and release date. This is one SUV that could shake up the mid-size market when it hits showrooms next year.