2026 Dacia Sandero Stepway III Eco G120 Extreme
By Lorenzo Bianchi February 21, 2026
New 1.2-litre turbo Eco G120 with 120 hp and dual-clutch automatic.
Increased LPG tank capacity delivering up to 20% more LPG range.
Updated LED lighting signature, Starkle protection and new tech features.
Eco G120 Automatic Powertrain
The 2026 Dacia Sandero Stepway III Eco G120 Extreme adopts a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged flex-fuel engine producing 120 hp, replacing the previous 100 hp configuration. For the first time, LPG is paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offered as an alternative to the 6-speed manual.
The gearbox can be controlled via steering-wheel paddles, a first for Dacia. The combination is intended to deliver smoother response in everyday driving while retaining the cost advantages traditionally associated with LPG.
Dacia has also increased LPG tank capacity to 49.6 litres on Sandero and Sandero Stepway, up from 40 litres. This extends LPG driving range by 20%. Total combined range across petrol and LPG reaches up to 1,480 km for Stepway.
In a European market where fuel costs remain volatile, the Eco G120 automatic positions the Sandero Stepway as a pragmatic alternative to entry-level mild hybrids.
Exterior Design and Lighting Identity
Visually, the 2026 Dacia Sandero Stepway III Eco G120 Extreme adopts the brand’s new LED light signature featuring an inverted “T” graphic integrated into the headlamps. The effect is subtle yet recognisable, reinforcing the car’s upright stance and width.
At the rear, vertical LED “pixel” lamps extend the line of the tailgate window, following the contours of the wings and strengthening the Stepway’s sturdy appearance. A new grooved matt black strip runs between the rear lights and redesigned bumper, underlining the crossover-inspired intent.
Protective elements in Starkle — a material containing 20% recycled plastic — appear on wheel arches, lower body sections and fog lamp surrounds. Used untreated and unpainted, Starkle reduces production footprint and improves resistance to everyday scuffs.
The overall silhouette remains familiar: raised ride height, pronounced cladding and a long roofline that continues to distinguish the Stepway within the B-segment.
Cabin Technology and Safety Systems
Inside, the 2026 Dacia Sandero Stepway III Eco G120 Extreme gains a new multimedia system centred on a 10-inch touchscreen with connected navigation, alongside a wireless phone charger. The 7-inch digital instrument cluster adopts a redesigned interface.
Additional equipment now available includes automatic headlamps, a multi-view camera and power-folding door mirrors. Driving assistance systems meet updated European standards, with automatic emergency braking capable of detecting vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and motorbikes, plus a driver attention alert.
The changes are evolutionary rather than transformative. The emphasis remains on functionality and clarity.
Market Positioning
The 2026 Dacia Sandero Stepway III Eco G120 Extreme continues to target value-focused buyers seeking crossover styling without the price premium of electrified rivals. While mild hybrids and full EVs dominate headlines, LPG retains relevance in several European markets where infrastructure is established.
By combining 120 hp output, a dual-clutch automatic and extended LPG range, Dacia reinforces its long-standing formula: practical engineering, measured updates and cost-conscious mobility. It is not a reinvention of the segment. It is a careful recalibration, consistent with the brand’s philosophy.