- A camouflaged prototype of the Dacia Sandero Stepway was caught testing in Europe.
- The model features redesigned bits and appears to have a larger infotainment display.
- The facelifted Sandero family could arrive in 2026, likely alongside an updated Jogger.
Dacia is working on an refresh for its best-selling model, the Sandero sub-compact. A lightly camouflaged prototype of what appears to be the facelifted Sandero Stepway, which is the SUV-inspired version of the hatch, has been spotted by our spy photographers, giving us a glimpse of some upcoming changes.
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The current third-generation Sandero debuted in 2020, built on the CMF-B platform, which also underpins Dacia’s entire ICE-powered lineup. In 2022, the subcompact received Dacia’s new corporate identity, followed by an upgrade in 2024 with more advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
What’s New?
From the latest spy shots, it’s clear that Dacia is preparing some noticeable updates. At the front, the Sandero Stepway’s redesigned bumper features a new grille design and a matching pattern for the lower intake. The headlights are expected to get fresh LED graphics, although the outer shape might carry over from the current model.
As for the profile, it looks like the Sandero will keep its familiar silhouette, though we can expect a refreshed color palette and some new wheel designs to enhance its appeal. The Stepway variant, with its crossover styling, will still feature the modular roof rails and plastic cladding that differentiate it from the regular Sandero.
One area where Dacia seems to have dropped the ball on camouflage is the rear bumper, which reveals new inlets and a revised design for the license plate holder. The taillights will also get a makeover, with new LED graphics and a darker finish for the clusters.
Interior Changes Likely On the Horizon
The updated exterior will likely be paired with some interior tweaks as well. Our spy shots of the Sandero Stepway show a larger, free-standing infotainment display mounted on the dashboard. However, expect entry-level trims to stick with a more basic setup, possibly retaining the smartphone holder to keep costs in check.
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The Sandero facelift isn’t the only Dacia model set to receive updates. Expect similar changes for the related Dacia Jogger wagon crossover. While these updates seem to focus on design and tech, it’s unclear if Dacia will tweak the mechanics. We could see a revised chassis or more electrification in the powertrains, but that remains to be seen.
What About The New Generation?
Last year, it was reported that a new generation of the Dacia Sandero would arrive in late 2027, retaining the CMF-B architecture and adding a fully electric powertrain option to the lineup. This leaves a short window for the facelifted version of the current Sandero that could arrive in 2026.
Dacia could either label the facelift as a “new generation,” delay the successor’s launch, or continue selling it alongside the upcoming electric model. Either way, we’ll be watching closely for more revealing shots of Sandero prototypes in the near future.
Despite remaining largely unchanged since its 2020 debut, the Dacia Sandero had its best year yet in 2024, with 309,392 units sold. The Romanian supermini even surpassed the Tesla Model Y to claim the title of Europe’s best-selling passenger car, proving that Europeans still have a soft spot for affordable hatchbacks.
