By The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift has finally arrived in India with significant design, tech, and comfort upgrades that aim to keep this popular mid-size SUV competitive in a highly crowded market. Skoda Auto India has begun pre-bookings, with deliveries expected to start by March 2026 and it’s already drawing attention for how it stacks up against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Honda Elevate and others. In this blog, we break down what’s new in the facelift, key specifications, and how the Kushaq compares with its main competitors to help you decide if it’s the right SUV for you.
What’s New in the 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift
The refreshed Skoda Kushaq brings several important visual and feature upgrades over the outgoing model and all this while still holding its strong fundamentals.
Exterior Updates
- Modern Solid design language with a redesigned front grille featuring chrome ribs and an illuminated light band.
- New full LED headlamps, fog lamps, and front parking sensors.
- Connected LED taillights with sequential indicators and illuminated SKODA lettering.
- Alloy wheels standard on all variants and three new colour options alongside existing ones.
Interior & Comfort Upgrades
- Panoramic sunroof on higher trims (single-pane on lower variants).
- 10.25″ digital instrument cluster replacing the smaller analogue cluster.
- 10.1″ touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay and connected car tech.
- Ventilated and powered front seats, ambient lighting and comfort features aimed at elevating cabin experience.
- Segment-first rear seat massage function in top variants
- New 8 speed Automatic Torque convertor Gearbox
Engine & Drivetrain
The Kushaq continues with its proven turbo-petrol powertrains:
| Engine | Power/Torque | Transmission Options |
| 1.0 L TSI Turbo-Petrol | 115 PS & 178 Nm | 6-speed MT / 8-speed Torque Converter AT |
| 1.5 L TSI Turbo-Petrol | 150 PS & 250 Nm | 7-speed DSG |
| Platform | MQB-A0-IN | — |
Safety
With Skoda cars safety remains a priority and here also there is no difference and Kushaq comes with a 5-star Global NCAP rating with features such as ESC, six airbags, hill hold control, TPMS and more.
Expected Pricing & Variant Line up
Skoda hasn’t officially confirmed pricing yet, but market estimates and media reports suggest the 2026 Kushaq facelift will be positioned roughly in the ₹10 – ₹19 lakh range (ex-showroom), depending on engine and trim level.
It will be offered in five variants:
- Classic+
- Signature
- Sportline
- Prestige
- Monte Carlo (sportier styling)
How the 2026 Kushaq Stacks Up Against Key Rivals
The refreshed Kushaq faces stiff competition from other mid-size SUVs that blend performance, features, comfort and value. Here’s a snapshot of how it stacks up:
Main Competitors
- Hyundai Creta – Segment leader with strong brand appeal and broad feature set.
- Kia Seltos – Twin cousin to Creta, popular for its well-balanced performance and tech.
- Tata Sierra – Newer rival with robust design and powerful engine options.
- Maruti Suzuki Victoris – Value-oriented with competitive pricing and exhaustive feature list.
- Honda Elevate – Refined Engine , good road presence and premium tech features
Strengths & Weaknesses Compared to its competetors
| Aspect | Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta / Kia Seltos | Tata Sierra | Maruti Victoris |
| Design | European, premium updates | Modern, contemporary | Bold, rugged | Functional, value-focused |
| Features | Digital cluster, panoramic sunroof, rear-seat massage | Strong tech + safety | Feature rich | Good basic kit |
| Engine | Turbo TSI options | Turbo petrol + mild hybrid | Turbo petrol/diesel | Efficient petrol |
| Safety | 5-star Global NCAP | Strong safety | Competitive | Standard safety |
| Value | Premium feel | Balanced price/features | Powerful spec | Highly value-oriented |
Final Verdict – Should You Consider the 2026 Kushaq?
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, especially in interior comfort, digital tech and design and making it a more compelling choice in the mid-size SUV segment.
Ideal for you if you want:
- A premium driving experience with refined interiors and tech
- Smooth automatic options and confident road manners
- A solid safety pedigree with a strong 5-star rating
- Segment first massager on the rear seats
Overall, the Kushaq facelift is one of the stronger offerings in its class today- blending European-style design, practical upgrades and refined performance.