Skoda Auto India has pulled the covers off the refreshed Skoda Kushaq facelift 2026, giving its mid-size SUV a sharper look, a richer equipment list, and stronger value appeal. The updated model arrives as competition in the compact SUV segment tightens, with rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and others raising the stakes with feature packed launches.
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift sharpens its appeal with updated LED lighting, a redesigned grille and new alloy wheels outside, while inside it adds larger digital screens, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and refined upholstery for a more premium feel.
Let’s see what new in Skoda Kushaq facelift 2026
Powertrain: Goodbye 6AT, Hello 8AT
Let’s start with the metal, not the plastic. The biggest news hides under the hood. While the engine options remain the familiar 1.0-litre TSI (115 PS) and the punchy 1.5-litre TSI (150 PS), the transmission logic has changed.
Skoda has ditched the 6-speed torque converter automatic for the 1.0 TSI engine. In its place sits a brand-new 8-speed torque converter automatic. This is a significant upgrade.
Two extra ratios mean the engine can stay in its powerband more often while cruising at lower RPMs on the highway. Expect better fuel efficiency and smoother city shifts. The 1.5 TSI continues with its lightning-fast 7-speed DSG, now bolstered by rear disc brakes-a feature enthusiasts have screamed for since launch.
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Exterior: The Modern Solid Facelift
Skoda calls it Modern Solid. The front profile looks sharper with a redesigned grille that now houses an illuminated light band, bridging the gap to the new segmented LED DRLs. It mimics the visual width of its big brother, the Kodiaq.
A continuous LED strip links the C-shaped tail lamps, featuring sequential turn indicators and an illuminated SKODA wordmark, as we seen in the trailer. It’s theatrical, modern, and exactly what the Indian market demands.
For those who want to stand out, Skoda has added three new colors: Shimla Green, Cherry Red, and Steel Grey. The Monte Carlo trim returns instantly at launch, sporting blacked-out badges, red brake calipers (on the 1.5L), and new 17-inch Vega dual-tone alloys.
Interior: Massage Seats & Sky Views
This is where Skoda throws a curveball. The mid-size SUV segment is usually driver-focused, but the new Kushaq wants to pamper the passengers.
Rear Seat Massage: Yes, you read that right. The 2026 Kushaq is the first in its segment to offer a massage function for the rear bench. For a car often used for city commutes, this is a killer feature that rivals like the Creta and Seltos simply do not have.
The cabin airiness gets a massive boost with a new panoramic sunroof, replacing the smaller single-pane unit on higher trims.
Up front, the driver gets a new 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with a new interface and a Google-powered AI companion.
End of Bare-Bones Base Model
Skoda knows it cannot win on top-end specs alone. The battle is often lost in the brochure’s base columns. This time, the entry-level Classic+ variant is not a stripped-down compromise.
The manufacturer has standardized seven high-value features across the entire range. Even if you buy the cheapest Kushaq, you walk away with:
- Electric Sunroof (Single-pane on lower trims)
- Alloy Wheels (16-inch on base)
- LED Headlamps with DRLs
- Automatic Climate Control
- 6 Airbags
- Rain-Sensing Wipers
- Rear Wiper & Defogger
This is a direct shot at the Hyundai Creta E and EX variants, which often look basic in comparison.
Where is the ADAS?
No car is perfect, and the Kushaq Facelift leaves a few boxes unchecked. In a year where Level 2 ADAS is becoming the norm (thanks to the Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos), Skoda’s omission of a full ADAS suite on confirmed specs feels like a missed opportunity. Furthermore, the absence of a 360-degree camera-a boon for Indian parking conditions-is baffling given the premium positioning.
Launch & Competition
Pre-bookings are open now, with prices dropping in March 2026. Expect a slight premium over the outgoing model, likely starting around Rs. 11.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
The 2026 Kushaq steps back into the ring against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and the upcoming Tata Sierra. While it may lack some of the electronic wizardry of its Korean rivals, it counters with superior mechanical engineering and a newfound focus on passenger luxury.
Is It Worth the Wait?
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift is no longer just the driver’s choice. With the 8-speed automatic and rear-seat comforts, it has matured into a well-rounded family SUV. If you value how a car drives and how it treats your passengers over how many beeps and warnings it can produce, this might just be the upgrade you were waiting for.
