Top 5 Things We Love About The 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift

Skoda has just launched the first facelift of its mid-size SUV, the Kushaq, in India, starting from a price tag of Rs 10.69 lakh (ex-showroom). Ever since the facelifted model was first revealed in January 2026, it has started to create a layer of hype around itself. We now know that the new Kushaq has a lot to offer and might as well become an enthusiast’s family favourite mid-size SUV. All the details about the car have been revealed now, and some of them really stood out, making the Kushaq an even better offering.

Let's have a look at 5 of these things that completely stood out, and that we really loved about the 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift. 

Design And Styling

The Skoda Kushaq has always been appreciated for its smart yet sporty design ever since its first launch in 2021, and with its first facelift, Skoda has made the Kushaq look even more elegant and appealing with subtle styling changes.

While a lot of cars offer a connected LED strip at the front to provide a modern look, Skoda went in a different direction, sporting individual LED elements in the signature butterfly grille, further merging into the LED headlights, which gives a feel of a connected LED light bar, but in a more sophisticated and elegant manner. 

The same level of elegance with a touch of sportiness is carried at the rear profile as well, where the Kushaq boasts new slimmer connected LED taillights with sequential turn indicators and an illuminated ‘Skoda’ badge in the centre.

Great Value In Base Variant 

Skoda has done a fabulous job in designing the base variant of the Kushaq facelift. You get all the basics covered, along with some really interesting features that no other brand offers in their base trim. Features that are a part of the standard equipment list include a single-pane sunroof, automatic climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 6-speaker sound system, and rain-sensing wipers. You also get LED headlights with DRLs, LED taillights, sequential rear turn indicators, automatic headlights, and 17-inch alloy wheels right from the base variant.

The base variant of the Kushaq facelift is priced at Rs 10.69 lakh (ex-showroom), which gives great value for the features you get at this price. This variant can only be had with the 1-litre TSI engine, but with both options of a 6-speed manual and a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. 

Driving Dynamics 

Being a Skoda, the Kushaq carries the very essence of offering one of the best driving dynamics in the segment. It has the fun-to-drive character, which inspires confidence around corners and while cruising on triple-digit speeds. 

If you have not driven the Kushaq before, the dynamics are sure to impress you, and enthusiasts have loved it since 2021. But all of these fun-to-drive characteristics do not compromise the ride quality at all. The suspension has been tuned to provide a ride quality that is not hard, but not completely soft either. It offers the perfect balance, so as to keep the drive comfortable.

Performance

The Skoda Kushaq facelift continues to offer two turbo-petrol engine options as the outgoing model, and both of them deliver a performance that is a deal breaker. Both engines offer more than enough performance than one would need for daily usage. 

The 1-litre TSI has been tuned specially for city driving with undertones of performance, which makes quick overtakes a breeze. This engine is offered with both a 6-speed manual and a brand-new 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, which has been designed for maximum efficiency in India’s traffic. On the other hand is the enthusiast’s favourite, the 1.5-litre TSI engine, which is known for its outright performance. However, this engine is only offered with a 7-speed DSG gearbox. 

Here are the detailed engine specifications:

Focus On Safety 

Skoda is known for its top-notch safety, and the Kushaq facelift does not disappoint either. Sure, some features like ADAS or a 360-degree camera might be missing, but the long list of safety features does compensate for it.

Most of the safety features, like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, multi collision braking, traction control, hill hold control, rear parking sensors, auto dimming IRVM, and rear wiper and washer are offered as standard across all variants. And not to forget the fact that the Kushaq had also scored a full 5-star safety rating at the Global NCAP crash tests. All of this together makes the Kushaq a very safe offering in the competitive segment. 

ZigSays… 

The facelifted Skoda Kushaq seems all-set to retain its position as a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment. With a new, more elegant styling, refreshed feature list, and key improvements based on customer feedback, it feels more competitive than ever. More standard features, efficient powertrain and transmission options, fun-to-drive character, and balanced pricing further enhance its appeal. Whether buyers prioritise performance, comfort, or features, the 2026 Skoda Kushaq makes a compelling case for itself in an increasingly crowded market. 

What do you love the most about the new Skoda Kushaq? Let us know in the comments section below!