First arriving in 2013 and entering its third, most stylish generation in 2021, the Dacia Sandero Stepway has become a byword for affordable, no-nonsense motoring in the UK. The Stepway is a crossover-inspired version of the regular Sandero hatchback, with a raised ride height, and chunky looks, wrapped up in a package that prioritises value and practicality for British families and drivers on a budget.
The Dacia Sandero Stepway is a sensible choice for buyers seeking maximum space, equipment, and style for their money. It trades premium features for honest practicality and running cost savings, with a generous kit and a comfortable drive. While it can’t match pricier competitors for interior plushness or outright performance, the Stepway is unpretentiously brilliant.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioBrand-new Dacia Sandero Stepway models start from £16,065 for the entry-level Essential TCe 90, with top-spec Extreme SE models reaching £18,365. All versions are competitively priced, undercutting many rivals and offering strong value with generous standard equipment.
On the used market, nearly-new Sandero Stepway models can be found from around £11,000 on AAcars.com.
The Sandero Stepway keeps things simple in terms of its engine line-up.
The mainstay is a 1.0-litre TCe 90 turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, producing 90bhp and 160 Nm of torque. This engine offers nippy enough performance for urban and motorway driving, with a 0–62 mph time of 11.7 seconds (manual). A CVT automatic is also available for those who prefer two pedals.
For those looking to save even more at the pumps, Dacia also offers a bi-fuel TCe 100 engine, which can run on both petrol and LPG. This set-up produces 100bhp and similar torque, with a 0–62 mph time of 11.6 seconds while promising lower running costs for drivers with access to LPG stations.
All Sandero Stepway models are front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel-drive option despite the appearance, reflecting the Stepway’s focus on efficiency rather than off-road ability.
The Sandero Stepway delivers a comfortable, easy-going driving experience. The suspension is well-tuned for UK roads, soaking up potholes and rough surfaces with composure. The steering is light and responsive, making the Stepway easy to manoeuvre in town and park in tight spaces.
Both the petrol and bi-fuel engines provide adequate acceleration for daily driving, but neither is especially quick, and the raised driving position gives a good view ahead.
While not a sporty car, the Stepway feels stable at speed and is refined enough for motorway journeys.
Visibility is excellent, aided by large windows and mirrors, while reversing sensors are standard, with a rear camera option on higher trims.
With its increased ground clearance and supple suspension, the Sandero Stepway copes well with bumps and rough roads, delivering a surprisingly refined ride for the price. It doesn’t offer the sharpest handling in the class, but body roll is well-contained and the car feels predictable through corners.
There are no selectable driving modes or all-wheel-drive systems, but the Stepway’s simple set-up makes it a reassuring and comfortable companion for urban, rural, and motorway driving alike.
Despite being a fairly compact car, the Stepway has a spacious, airy cabin.
The centrepiece of the dashboard is an eight-inch touchscreen on Comfort and Extreme SE trims, offering smartphone connectivity, DAB radio, and navigation. The system is straightforward, though not as slick or fast as some pricier rivals. The Essential has a smaller, simpler seven-inch display with far fewer features.
Materials are tough and easy to clean, with plenty of hard plastics, but the switches and controls feel sturdy and logically arranged. The elevated seating position and well-shaped seats offer good support, and there’s ample space for four adults or a growing family. Isofix mounts are standard on the outer rear seats.
The Sandero Stepway offers a modest 328 litres of boot space with the rear seats in use, but this expands to a very useful 1,108 litres when the 60:40 split bench is folded.
The boot opening is wide and low, making it simple to load larger items, and there’s a false floor for extra hidden storage.
In-cabin stowage is generous, with large door bins, a deep glovebox, cupholders, and a central storage bin on higher trims.
All Stepway models come decently equipped, with the Essential trim offering air conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth, LED headlights, cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
Comfort adds the 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing camera, and alloy wheels. Top-spec Extreme SE brings climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry, wireless charging, and distinctive styling touches.
Options are kept to a minimum, in keeping with Dacia’s simplified approach, but useful extras like a spare wheel and advanced safety pack are available.
The Sandero Stepway is offered in three distinct trim levels: Essential, Comfort, and Extreme SE, each designed to cater to a range of driver preferences and budgets. The entry-level Essential trim provides a straightforward and practical specification, featuring LED headlights, robust steel wheels, and a basic air conditioning system. This trim also includes core safety equipment such as autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning, reflecting Dacia’s focus on essential protection without unnecessary frills.
Moving up to the Comfort trim, drivers benefit from a more refined experience, with the addition of a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system supporting smartphone connectivity and navigation functions, alloy wheels and a reversing camera. Comfort models also bring added convenience with cruise control and traffic sign recognition.
At the top of the range, the Extreme SE trim delivers a premium feel, with heated front seats and climate control. This model is further distinguished by exclusive exterior design elements and unique interior finishes, plus advanced safety and driver assistance features, as well as the option for customisation with expressive colour choices such as Desert Orange and Dusty Khaki, appealing to those who wish to make a bold statement on the road.
Other colour choices include Glacier White, Slate Grey, and Iron Blue, which are offered across the Sandero Stepway model range.
The Dacia Sandero Stepway earned a two-star Euro NCAP rating under the latest, stricter testing regime. In detail, the car scored 42% for adult occupant protection, 70% for child occupant protection, 41% for vulnerable road users (such as pedestrians and cyclists), and 42% for safety assist systems. These results reflect a basic level of protection and equipment, with the car performing better in child occupant safety but falling short in terms of active safety technologies and protection for pedestrians.
While the structure is sound and basic safety kit is standard, some advanced driver aids are only available on higher trims or as options. Key safety features include six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and cruise control.
It’s worth noting, though, that the EuroNCAP test standards were heavily revised in 2022 to incorporate a much greater focus on driver assistance systems.
Dacia enjoys a solid reputation for reliability, with owner surveys praising the durability and simplicity of the Sandero Stepway, and low repair costs further boosting its appeal.
The TCe 90 petrol returns 49.6-53.3 mpg (WLTP), while the bi-fuel TCe 100 offers up to 44.1 mpg on petrol and even better figures when running on LPG. CO2 emissions range from 120 g/km (bi-fuel) to 129 g/km (TCe 90 auto), while road tax (VED) is £195 per year.
Insurance is very reasonable, with groups starting from 10, and servicing is required every 12 months or 18,000 miles. Dacia provides a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, with extended coverage available at extra cost.
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