Compact Pickup Redefines Cool with Its Surprisingly Short Bed
The United States boasts a vast array of pickup trucks, available in nearly every conceivable size and style over the years. While we currently lack truly mini or car-based pickups like the Chevy El Camino, there's no shortage of options. A common trait among these trucks is their practical cargo space. Even smaller models or SUV-based pickups might not match the capacity of full-sized trucks, but they still effectively transport substantial loads from one location to another.
A Surprising Entry: The Dacia Duster Pickup
Unexpectedly, we discovered a pickup variant of the Duster, a compact SUV from the Romanian automaker Dacia, which is under the Renault umbrella. This version features an exceptionally short bed—measuring only 41.3 inches in length and 39.4 inches in width—crafted by the Romanian coachbuilder Romturingia. Notably, this isn’t Romturingia’s first conversion; they've previously modified the 2017–2023 Duster models. Unlike their earlier version, which involved extending the bed by welding the rear doors and adding a new bulkhead and cargo box, the latest model retains the rear doors, adopting a double-cab layout similar to the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Instead of extending the body, Romturingia removed the roof and transformed the hatch's lower section into a tailgate. Despite its modest size, the bed can handle up to 948 pounds of cargo, provided it's not overly bulky.
Staying true to the Duster lineage, the pickup is available with hybrid engine options. The Hybrid 140 variant pairs a 94-hp 1.6-liter I-4 engine with two electric motors—one acting as a starter-generator and the other linked to the gearbox, producing an additional 49 hp—for a combined output of around 140 hp. Alternatively, the Mild-Hybrid 130 option combines a 130-hp 1.2-liter turbocharged I-3 engine with a small auxiliary motor for starting and energy recovery during braking. Both engines drive an all-wheel-drive system, and the Duster offers 8.8 inches of ground clearance, ensuring decent off-road capability.
Availability and Pricing
Despite its unique appeal, the Dacia Duster pickup is currently only available in Romania, priced at approximately $31,000 based on current exchange rates. This has sparked curiosity about the potential for a Nissan Kicks-based version in the U.S. market, considering the innovative approach Romturingia has taken with this model.
