In the Indian mid-size SUV segment, there are cars that sell on “features” and then there are cars that sell on “feeling.” The Skoda Kushaq Facelift, expected to launch in mid-2026, is attempting to master both. Since its 2021 debut, the Kushaq has been the darling of driving enthusiasts, but it often faced criticism for a “simple” interior and missing features like a panoramic sunroof.

The real truth is: Skoda has finally listened. The 2026 Facelift isn’t just a bumper job; it’s a strategic upgrade designed to take back the throne from the tech-heavy Hyundai Creta and the stylish Kia Seltos. With an expected ex-showroom starting price of ₹11.11 Lakh, it remains one of the most accessible ways to enter the world of European engineering.

1. QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

2. EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

Skoda has adopted its new “Modern Solid” design language for this facelift. While the silhouette remains familiar, the details are far sharper.

• The Grille: The signature butterfly grille now features a more 3D effect with chrome or piano black surrounds depending on the variant.
• Lighting: You get the new “Crystalline” LED headlamps. Raat mein rasta bilkul din jaisa dikhta hai. The rear features a connected LED tail-lamp strip, which is the current trend in India.
• Wheels: The 17-inch alloy wheels have a new “Aero” design that looks premium and helps slightly with fuel efficiency.
• Road Presence: It still isn’t the biggest SUV in its class (the Creta and Elevate look bulkier), but it looks the most “planted” and athletic. It turns heads because of its clean, sophisticated lines, not loud styling.

3. INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

If you found the old Kushaq cabin a bit “plain,” the facelift will surprise you.

• Dashboard: The 10-inch touchscreen now features smoother graphics and integrated wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The plastic quality has improved, with more soft-touch materials on the mid-dash.
• Space: The 2651mm wheelbase ensures excellent legroom. However, the real truth is: the Kushaq is still a 4-seater + 1 child car. Three healthy adults at the back will be a tight squeeze.
• The “Big” Additions:
  • Panoramic Sunroof: Finally! The single-pane unit is gone.
  • Massage Seats: A segment-first massage function for the rear seats is rumored for the top-end Monte Carlo trim.
  • ADAS Level 2: Includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist for those long highway runs.
  • 360-Degree Camera: Making parking in tight Indian alleys much easier.

4. ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

Is it worth the price tag? For a driver, the answer is a resounding YES.

• City Drive: The 1.0L TSI is surprisingly punchy. The new 8-speed automatic (replacing the old 6-speed) makes crawling in Mumbai or Bangalore traffic much smoother. The steering is light at low speeds, making U-turns effortless.
• Highway Drive: This is where the 1.5L TSI shines. It produces 150 BHP and 250 NM of torque. You can cruise at 100-120 km/h all day without the engine feeling stressed. Body roll is minimal compared to the softer-sprung rivals.
• Suspension: The suspension is tuned for Indian roads. It’s slightly on the firmer side, which means it doesn’t “float” like a boat, but it absorbs potholes easily with a muted “thud” rather than a bone-jarring rattle.

5. SAFETY (The Gold Standard)

Safety is the Kushaq’s strongest card.

• NCAP Rating: The Kushaq holds a 5-star Global NCAP rating for both adult and child occupants.
• Build: The MQB-A0-IN platform is built with high-strength steel. The doors close with that reassuring European “thud.”
• Safety Kit: 6 Airbags (Standard on top trims), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Multi-collision brakes, and ISOFIX child seat mounts come as standard or widely available across the range.

6. REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

Don’t go blindly by the brochures. Here is what you will actually get in Indian conditions:

*The 1.5L engine features Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) which shuts down 2 cylinders during light cruising, making it more efficient than the 1.0L on highways!

7. THE COMPETITION (Auto-Selected Rivals)

Skoda Kushaq vs Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos

Winner: If you love driving and want the safest car for your family, the Kushaq wins. If you want a mobile “gadget” on wheels with a diesel option, the Creta is the better VFM.

Read More : Toyota RAV4 6th Gen 

8. FINAL VERDICT

Buy it if:

• You prioritize safety above all else.
• You want an SUV that feels like a driving machine on the highway.
• You appreciate a timeless design and European build quality.

Skip it if:

• You frequently travel with three adults in the rear.
• You want the highest possible resale value (Maruti/Hyundai still lead here).
• You want a Diesel engine for very high monthly running.

Score: 8.5/10

9. FAQs (People Also Ask)