The Dacia Sandero 2026 arrives on the market with a discreet facelift, but full of novelties in powertrain and technology. Recognized as Europe’s best-selling hatchback, the model now features electrified versions and a gas engine with automatic transmission, promising to expand its success.
Renewed Design with Modern Touches and Gas Friendly
Despite maintaining its general lines, the Dacia Sandero 2026 focuses on details that bring its look closer to the robust style of the Duster SUV. The new LED light signature, shaped like an inverted “T,” is the frontal highlight, also present in the Sandero Stepway, which incorporates a matte black spoiler and redesigned bumpers, emphasizing its adventurous character.
At the rear, the taillights now feature LED pixels, offering more technology and a clean style. The Stepway adds lively elements for outdoor use, such as fender protectors made of “Starkle” material, developed with 20% recycled plastic. This initiative contributes to the vehicle’s sustainability and carbon footprint reduction.
Internally, the hatchback follows the Duster trend, gaining Denim fabric upholstery and blue details in some versions, while the Extreme model features green and black microcloud finishing, proving that comfort can go hand-in-hand with durability. Another highlight inside is the new 7-inch digital dashboard and the multimedia center with a 10.1-inch central screen, adding connectivity and easy access to features with navigation support and induction charging.
Powertrain: Advanced Hybrid and Automatic LPG Engine
The main novelty for the 2026 lineup is under the hood. The Sandero Stepway debuts the hybrid engine with 155 hp, combining a 109 hp 1.8 gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery. This setup allows up to 80% of urban travel to be done in pure electric mode, reducing consumption by 10% compared to the previous model. Another innovation is the always electric start, ensuring silence and efficiency in the first few meters.
Furthermore, for those seeking a flexible and economical solution, the launch includes the Eco-G 120 engine, Dacia’s first LPG system with a 6-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. The 120 hp 1.2 three-cylinder turbo-flex engine delivers up to 1,590 km of autonomy, thanks to the enlarged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks. This option promises to be a key differentiator for consumers who want to reduce emissions without giving up the practicality of an automatic.
The TCe 100 gasoline engine has also been revised and gained 10 hp, increasing from 90 to 100 hp, maintaining the TCe 110 and SCe 65 versions in the portfolio to meet various market needs. This diversified range ensures an alternative for all profiles, from urban use to more dynamic driving.
Features and Safety: Modernity and Practicality for Daily Life
The new Sandero 2026 features differentiators that improve the driving experience and occupant safety. The multimedia system with connected navigation facilitates routes and integrates latest-generation digital functionalities, while YouClip, the brand’s exclusive system, allows accessories to be modularly attached inside — a practical solution for organizing accessories and personal items.
Among the options, highlights include the multi-view camera, electric rearview mirrors with smart folding, and headlights with automatic control, which increase safety and comfort, especially in urban environments and winding roads.
Regarding active safety, all models incorporate current technologies such as automatic emergency braking with detection of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, in addition to a fatigue warning system, and a “My Safety” button that allows quick access to preferred driving assistance settings, promoting a personalized and safe experience.
The prices have not yet been officially released for the 2026 Sandero launch, however, currently in the German market, the model starts at 12,490 euros, while the Sandero Stepway has a starting price of 15,190 euros — making them one of the most accessible options within the European segment with a high standard of equipment.
For those interested in hybrid versions, it is worth checking out the complete technical specification of the Dacia Jogger 2026 hybrid, which complements the brand’s electrified offer with family space and versatility.
For those looking for affordable electric cars, the Dacia Hipster is an innovative alternative that also deserves attention.
To understand how the Sandero facelift positions itself in the market and within the Renault lineup, see our special coverage of the Renault Clio 2026, which uses a common platform with future launches.
And to complete the Dacia universe, also check out the Dacia Bigster 2025, which expands the brand’s offering with a large SUV and great cost-benefit ratio.
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, he dedicates himself to exploring the automotive universe with depth and passion. A car and technology enthusiast, he produces technical content and in-depth analyses of national and international vehicles, combining quality information with a critical eye for the public.