The Dacia Bigster is the most ambitious and expensive model the Romanian carmaker has ever produced, yet it still stays true to the brand’s reputation for value. Positioned above the Duster and Jogger in Dacia’s lineup, the Bigster is designed to rival SUVs such as the Kia Sportage, Skoda Karoq, and Nissan Qashqai, but with pricing that makes it one of the most affordable large SUVs on the market. In this review, we explore its design, practicality, performance, interior quality, and overall value to see whether it deserves a place on your shortlist.
A Bigger Step in Dacia’s Lineup
Dacia has built its reputation on budget-friendly vehicles like the Sandero and Duster, and with the Bigster, the brand now offers something closer in size to premium family SUVs. Built on the same platform as the Duster, the Bigster stretches 23 cm longer, giving it a commanding road presence. However, unlike the seven-seat Jogger, the Bigster is strictly a five-seater. That decision allows it to maximize interior and boot space, making it one of the most practical SUVs in its price bracket.
Boot Space and Practicality
One of the biggest selling points of the Dacia Bigster is its enormous boot capacity. Depending on the version, the boot offers up to 667 liters of storage, making it one of the largest in its class. For comparison, the Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq typically provide between 580–590 liters. This means the Bigster not only beats its closest competitors but also surpasses many larger SUVs when it comes to luggage space.
Boot Capacity Comparison
| SUV Model | Boot Capacity (Liters) |
|---|---|
| Dacia Bigster | 667 L |
| Kia Sportage | 580–590 L |
| Skoda Karoq | 588 L |
| Dacia Duster | 445 L |
Practicality goes beyond just numbers. The Bigster comes with a height-adjustable boot floor that eliminates the loading lip for easy access, while split-folding rear seats (40:20:40) make the interior flexible for carrying long items without losing all rear passenger space. With the seats folded down, you can easily load bulky furniture or sports gear, making the Bigster ideal for families.
Rear Passenger Comfort
Inside, the Bigster’s rear seats provide plenty of space for passengers. A six-foot adult can sit comfortably without feeling cramped, and while the panoramic sunroof slightly reduces headroom, it is still generous by class standards. Though rivals like the MG HS offer slightly more legroom, the Bigster balances space with practicality. The seats do not slide or recline, which some rivals like the Citroën C5 Aircross offer, but the inclusion of a foldable center armrest with cup holders and smartphone slots adds a touch of convenience.
Interior Quality and Equipment
Step inside the cabin, and it becomes clear where Dacia has saved costs. The Bigster’s interior shares many components with the Duster, and hard plastics dominate most surfaces. While it cannot match the plush finishes of rivals, the build quality feels sturdy and durable.
On the positive side, Dacia has kept physical controls for climate settings, which many drivers prefer over touchscreen-based systems. The infotainment screen, while responsive enough, lacks the sharpness and smoothness of pricier competitors. Storage options are practical, with door bins, cup holders, and a central armrest that doubles as a storage compartment. Higher trims even offer a cooled box inside the armrest, adding a clever touch.
Trim Levels and Key Features
| Trim Level | Key Equipment Highlights |
|---|---|
| Expression | 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, heated mirrors |
| Journey | Heated seats, heated steering wheel, upgraded audio, electric tailgate |
| Extreme | Copper styling accents, hill descent control, hybrid options |
Engines and Performance
The Dacia Bigster is offered with multiple hybrid options. At the top sits the Hybrid 155, which pairs a 1.8-liter petrol engine with electric motors for smooth performance and real-world fuel economy close to 48.8 mpg. Beneath that is the Mild Hybrid 140, widely considered the sweet spot in the range, offering similar performance at a lower cost. A Mild Hybrid 130 with 4×4 is also available, making it the only version with four-wheel drive—promising solid off-road ability for adventurous drivers.
On the road, the Bigster delivers a comfortable and soft ride. It handles bumps well, though sharper impacts are more noticeable compared to premium SUVs like the Sportage. Steering is light and easy around town but feels vague at higher speeds, limiting driver confidence. Still, it performs better than the MG HS in handling balance, making it a strong all-rounder in this price range.
Value for Money
Where the Dacia Bigster shines is its pricing. Even in higher trims, it significantly undercuts rivals like the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, and Skoda Karoq by several thousand pounds. The only real rival on price is the MG HS, but Dacia’s strong reputation for reliability gives the Bigster an advantage. Backed by a 7-year or 75,000-mile warranty under Dacia’s Zen plan, it provides reassurance that goes beyond what many mainstream rivals offer.
Safety and Reliability
One area where the Bigster falls short is safety. Tested by Euro NCAP, it achieved only three out of five stars, mainly due to its limited advanced driver assistance systems. While its crash protection is reasonable, buyers looking for maximum safety may prefer rivals that score higher.
Reliability, however, is a strong point. In recent surveys, Dacia ranked 6th out of 31 car brands, far ahead of MG, which finished last. This shows that while materials inside may feel basic, the Bigster is built to last.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy the Dacia Bigster?
The Dacia Bigster is not the most refined or luxurious SUV, but it delivers where it matters most: space, comfort, and value. Its huge boot, family-friendly practicality, and affordable pricing make it an unbeatable option for budget-conscious buyers who want a car bigger than the Duster but still cheaper than mainstream rivals.
While cars like the Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq may offer more polish and higher safety scores, they come at a significantly higher price. For those who prioritize practicality and affordability over luxury, the Dacia Bigster is one of the best-value large SUVs you can buy today.
FAQs
Is the Dacia Bigster a 7-seater?
No, the Dacia Bigster is a five-seater SUV. If you need seven seats, Dacia offers the Jogger as an alternative.
How big is the Dacia Bigster boot?
The Dacia Bigster has a boot capacity of up to 667 liters, which is larger than rivals like the Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq.
What engines are available in the Dacia Bigster?
The Bigster comes with hybrid and mild-hybrid options, including the Hybrid 155, Mild Hybrid 140, and a Mild Hybrid 130 with 4×4 capability.
Is the Dacia Bigster four-wheel drive?
Yes, the Mild Hybrid 130 version of the Bigster is available with four-wheel drive. Other versions are front-wheel drive only.
How much will the Dacia Bigster cost?
Exact pricing varies by market, but the Bigster is expected to undercut rivals like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai, making it one of the most affordable large SUVs.
Is the Dacia Bigster reliable?
Yes, Dacia has a strong reliability record, ranking 6th out of 31 brands in recent surveys. The Bigster also comes with a 7-year/75,000-mile warranty.
How safe is the Dacia Bigster?
The Dacia Bigster scored three out of five stars in Euro NCAP safety tests, mainly due to limited advanced driver assistance features.
When will the Dacia Bigster be available?
The Bigster is expected to launch in Europe first, with availability expanding depending on market demand.
Is the Dacia Bigster bigger than the Duster?
Yes, the Bigster is 23 cm longer than the Duster and offers significantly more boot space.
Who are the main rivals of the Dacia Bigster?
The main competitors are the Kia Sportage, Skoda Karoq, Nissan Qashqai, and MG HS, though the Bigster is usually priced lower.
