2024 Dacia Sandrider (Prototype) Dimensions, Size & Specs

With a width of 2290 mm (90.2 inches or roughly 7.5 feet), the Dacia Sandrider prototype is wider than many traditional off-road vehicles and urban SUVs. This wide stance enhances off-road stability and traction, important for rough terrains and uneven surfaces, as it reduces body roll and improves control. However, this can pose challenges when navigating narrow trails, tight parking spaces, or urban streets where widths commonly range closer to 1800-2000 mm. Drivers in urban or constrained environments may find parking and maneuvering more demanding, but the design prioritizes off-road performance and ruggedness over compact urban convenience.

The Dacia Sandrider prototype has a height of 1810 mm (approximately 71.3 inches or nearly 6 feet), which is relatively high compared to many road-focused vehicles. This additional height typically correlates with better ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and superior off-road capability. Though exact ground clearance figures aren't specified, the height combined with the off-road wheel setup (17-inch rims) suggests the Sandrider is designed to tackle uneven terrains, large rocks, and obstacles efficiently. The overall height also offers good headroom for occupants and elevated driving visibility, enhancing the driving experience both on and off the road.

Standard residential garages typically range from around 2400 mm to 3000 mm (8 to 10 feet) in width and about 4800 mm (16 feet) in depth. With its substantial width of 2290 mm (90.2 inches or 7.5 feet) and length of 4140 mm (163 inches or 13.6 feet), the Sandrider likely fits in terms of length with some room to spare but could be very tight or borderline concerning the width. Many garage doors are narrower than 2290 mm, so entry might be challenging in some homes without extra-wide garage doors or open garages. Owners might need to consider garage modifications or dedicated off-road parking spaces to comfortably house the prototype.

The Dacia Sandrider is currently a unique prototype model introduced in 2024 with no directly preceding generation under the same name, positioning it as an entirely new entry in Dacia’s off-road lineup. Since it is a prototype, it showcases new design philosophies, particularly emphasizing a wider and taller stance for improved off-road performance. Compared to traditional Dacia off-road vehicles like the Duster, the Sandrider prototype is notably wider (2290 mm vs. roughly 1800 mm for the Duster) and taller, reflecting a distinctive shift towards tackling more rugged terrain and delivering a rugged driving presence. This reveals Dacia’s intent to innovate and diversify its SUV portfolio beyond standard compact off-roaders.

When compared to similar off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Jimny, or Land Rover Defender, the Dacia Sandrider prototype differentiates itself mainly by its extraordinary width of 2290 mm (90.2 inches), which exceeds many competitors that usually range between 1800-2000 mm. This width offers superior lateral stability but at the expense of urban practicality. The Sandrider’s length of 4140 mm positions it in the compact mid-size off-roader segment, slightly shorter than models like the Wrangler but longer than smaller options such as the Jimny. The height of 1810 mm is also competitive, balancing interior space and off-road clearance. Overall, the Sandrider stands out with its bold dimensional emphasis on width and height for rugged terrain handling.

The Dacia Sandrider prototype is equipped with 17-inch rims, a size fairly common among off-road vehicles. These 17-inch wheels strike a balance between tire sidewall height and wheel diameter, allowing for substantial tire sidewall which is crucial for absorbing shocks and impacts during off-road driving. Larger sidewalls provide better traction on uneven terrain and cushioning against rough ground. The choice of 17-inch rims suggests that the prototype is designed to accommodate off-road tires with aggressive tread patterns, enhancing grip and durability essential for challenging surfaces and improving overall off-road capability.

With a length of 4140 mm, width of 2290 mm, and height of 1810 mm, the Sandrider prototype offers a spacious interior footprint by off-road vehicle standards. Its wide body (2290 mm) enables generous shoulder room for passengers, reducing the feeling of confinement often found in narrower off-road vehicles. The relatively tall height of 1810 mm provides ample headroom, improving comfort especially in cases of longer journeys. The combination of dimensions suggests comfortable accommodation for passengers with adequate cargo area, optimized for utility and gear storage integral to off-road adventures. However, as a prototype, detailed interior layout and exact cargo capacity have yet to be fully disclosed.

The 2024 Dacia Sandrider is presented as a prototype with a production period listed as 2024 – 2024, indicating it is primarily a concept vehicle showcased to convey design direction and technological innovation. As a prototype, it is not confirmed for mass production at this stage, and availability to the general market remains uncertain. Typically, Dacia uses prototypes like the Sandrider to gauge consumer interest and assess feasibility for production versions. Future announcements may clarify whether this prototype will evolve into a production model or influence other Dacia vehicles, making it a pivotal step in the brand's off-road vehicle development.

While specific weight figures for the 2024 Dacia Sandrider prototype are not available, the sizable dimensions—especially the wide 2290 mm width and off-road hardware—suggest a heavier curb weight relative to smaller, urban-focused vehicles. Increased width and robust suspension components typically add mass, which can impact acceleration, braking, and fuel efficiency. Off-road vehicles often prioritize durability and capability over efficiency, so one can expect the Sandrider to reflect similar trade-offs. Fuel efficiency would likely be moderate due to these factors, balanced by potentially modern powertrain options that Dacia may consider for production versions to mitigate fuel consumption while maintaining off-road performance.