Dacia Bigster 4×4 is the latest model from the Romanian brand under the Renault Group — its first foray into the C-SUV world and, spoiler alert, it’s got everything you need. It offers space, good engines including hybrid options (though diesel is no longer available in the Dacia range), and plenty of modern tech. They didn’t equip it with Android Automotive — probably to avoid stepping on Renault’s toes (just kidding). The name essentially means “Big Duster,” but it could also be read as the moment Dacia itself “got big.” It proves that you don’t need a huge budget or flashy gimmicks to make something that works — and that’s even fun — despite humble origins.
The Sleep Pack, a roughly €2,000 option that includes a mattress-support structure, blackout curtains, and smart storage for weekend car-camping adventures, confirms this approach: money well spent. That was the occasion for this test — sleeping in the Bigster — giving me the chance to explore the model deeply, mostly off asphalt and deep in nature.
Dacia Bigster 4×4: our tops & flops
130 hp, and nothing more — with a still fully mechanical all-wheel drive system that makes driving fun, even in this larger trunk version of the Duster. After all, Bigster literally means “Big Duster.”
Bigster marks Dacia’s coming of age — or rather, its desire to explore: whether it’s a new segment or a new audience, always with the same no-frills minimalism that defines its models. Now paired with a winning design and a range of iconic colors, Bigster also brings in well-thought-out outdoor accessories — like the Sleep Pack I tested (and slept in)!
The full hybrid version takes Dacia toward new horizons in terms of equipment, offering a panoramic roof, an electric tailgate, and a surprisingly solid interior quality.
What’s missing? Besides Google services — which probably would have annoyed Renault models (though Waze does get projected into the instrument cluster!) — the all-wheel-drive version could definitely use some grab handles, which you really notice when going hard off-road.
What We Like
- Distinctive and original design;
- Simple yet capable off-roading;
- Excellent equipment for the price
What We Don’t Like
- No off-road grab handles;
- Infotainment system is intuitive but very slow;
- Manual gear lever is too soft
Prices in Scandinavia
Family-Sized Off-road: Dacia Bigster 4×4
As a bigger sibling to the Duster, the Bigster retains the soul of the compact SUV while now also offering all-wheel drive — a recent addition. The 4×4 version is currently only available with the 130 hp mild-hybrid petrol engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox — no automatic option yet. And even with the larger size (great for luggage space), the Bigster climbs surprisingly well. It’s agile and responsive, despite not being a powerhouse — it’s powered by a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system for an extra push.
That said, the original plan wasn’t to go hard off-road — but I took a wrong turn and ended up on a rather challenging trail. While not muddy, it had extremely steep inclines and narrow mountain paths toward Refuge de Meyeres. Yes, the car got dirty — as you’ll see from the photos — thanks to a few muddy puddles. But the real challenge was the terrain itself, especially some nearly vertical climbs. Spoiler: I made it in the end.
Ironically, that wrong turn helped me test the car even better and appreciate it more. Like panettone and other famous recipes supposedly born from mistakes, this detour proved valuable — not that I’m claiming to be an off-road expert. The car is reassuring: smooth, responsive, and equipped with multiple drive modes. There’s an “Auto” mode that adapts to terrain smartly, plus modes for mud, rocks, and steep terrain. A dedicated central display menu shows vehicle tilt and has hill descent control that makes steep downhill sections — like mine — simple and stress-free.
The steering is also improved over the Duster’s: smooth but accurate. You always feel in control, and maneuvering the Dacia Bigster 4×4 is easy regardless of the conditions. There’s just one major flaw for an off-road vehicle — there are no grab handles. I didn’t expect Jeep Wrangler or Land Cruiser-style dashboard-mounted ones, but at least having them above the windows would’ve helped. My poor co-adventurer bounced around quite a bit on the way to the mountain hut.
Under the Stars
Once I arrived at Refuge de Meyeres in the French Alps — about 1,500 meters up, with views of Mont Blanc — another Bigster was waiting. This one was the full hybrid version, already equipped with the Sleep Pack and cleverly positioned so I could fall asleep and wake up to Europe’s highest peak. Admittedly, the view wasn’t very clear due to smoke drifting in from Canadian wildfires (or so they said), but it was still stunning.
The Sleep Pack was first introduced on the Jogger and marks Dacia’s shift in identity. It’s more than a new logo: the brand has embraced nature-inspired aesthetics and leaned into its target audience — people who aren’t interested in fancy extras and, as proven by Duster 4×4 sales, enjoy escaping paved roads occasionally without spending a fortune. Now they get all that plus a more appealing design and matching accessories — water bottles, hats, T-shirts — and the idea that yes, you can even sleep in your car near a campground or mountain hut.
The pack — available for Jogger, the new Duster, and now Bigster — targets young couples and friends who love weekend hikes and nature getaways, and who want to sleep on the spot without relying on hostels (which often aren’t even around). It’s tailor-made: there’s a version for the mild/full hybrid models and a separate one for the LPG variant (not available in Scandinavia). But make no mistake: this is not a camper substitute.
First, it fills the trunk nearly completely, though the wooden structure can be lifted to store backpacks and gear underneath. It’s also quite thick, making it tough to change clothes inside, and two people sleeping side-by-side will be tight on space. That said, you can add proper camping tents that attach to the tailgate to create more room.
But aside from that, it lacks nothing and is smartly designed. It stores items like backpacks, sleeping bags, and pillows, and when opened, it becomes a small table. Dacia has also designed custom blackout covers for all windows, clip-on reading lights for the headrests, and the entire system folds up compactly.
The mattress, while firm, is still comfortable and supports your back well, minimizing the feel of the wooden base. Thanks to the panoramic roof, you quite literally fall asleep under the stars — and with the automatic tailgate, you can open it from the mattress using the key fob and start your day with a direct view of Mont Blanc. That, honestly, is priceless.
