Skoda has given the Kushaq a meaningful update for 2026, bringing a fresher design, more technology, improved cabin equipment and a new automatic gearbox option.

The refreshed midsize SUV arrives at a time when buyers in India are looking beyond basic practicality and expecting stronger safety credentials, premium interiors and everyday convenience from their family cars.

A Familiar SUV With a New Attitude

The Skoda Kushaq has always stood out for its European driving character and solid build. In its latest form, the SUV retains that familiar identity but appears more modern and confident.

The front end receives revised styling, including a refreshed grille, altered lighting elements and redesigned bumper detailing. These changes give the vehicle a cleaner, more contemporary presence without moving too far away from the original Kushaq’s proportions.

The update also introduces styling touches influenced by Skoda’s newer “Modern Solid” design direction. That matters because the brand is gradually building a more recognisable visual character across its global range.

The Kushaq may be made for India, but the facelifted model now looks closer in spirit to newer Skoda products seen internationally.

New exterior colour choices such as Shimla Green, Cherry Red and Steel Grey help broaden the SUV’s appeal. These shades give buyers options beyond the traditional white, silver and black finishes that dominate Indian roads.

For people who want their vehicle to feel more personal, the new palette could be one of the smaller but more welcome changes.

Cabin Moves Upmarket

The bigger story is inside the new Kushaq. Skoda has focused on making the cabin feel more sophisticated, more digital and more comfortable for both front and rear passengers.

Higher variants now receive a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, while other versions get an 8-inch digital driver display. This shift away from conventional analogue dials gives the dashboard a more modern appearance and allows drivers to access key vehicle information in a clearer format.

A panoramic sunroof is another major addition. Earlier versions of the Kushaq offered a smaller single-pane sunroof, but the larger glass roof brings a stronger sense of space to the cabin.

It is the kind of feature that has become important for many Indian buyers, especially families who associate it with a more premium ownership experience.

Skoda has also revised interior themes and materials. The new light beige-and-black cabin option is expected to make the interior feel brighter, especially during daytime driving.

This can be especially useful in a midsize SUV, where rear-seat passengers often value an airy cabin more than sporty styling alone.

The facelift also brings a particularly unusual feature to the segment: a massage function for rear-seat occupants. This is typically associated with luxury vehicles rather than mainstream midsize SUVs.

It may not be a deciding factor for every buyer, but it shows that Skoda is trying to make the Kushaq more distinctive in a highly crowded market.

Turbo Engines Continue

Under the bonnet, Skoda has chosen continuity rather than a complete powertrain overhaul. The Kushaq continues with its familiar turbo-petrol engine options: the 1.0-litre TSI and the more powerful 1.5-litre TSI.

The 1.0-litre unit produces 115 PS and 178 Nm, while the 1.5-litre engine delivers 150 PS and 250 Nm. These figures ensure that the Kushaq remains one of the more engaging options for drivers who value performance as much as comfort.economictimes.

The most notable mechanical development is the arrival of an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission for the 1.0-litre TSI engine. It replaces the earlier 6-speed automatic unit.

This upgrade could make a real difference in day-to-day conditions, particularly in city traffic, where smoother shifts and relaxed cruising are important.

The manual transmission remains available for buyers who prefer greater involvement behind the wheel.

The 1.5-litre TSI continues with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. This combination is aimed at buyers who want stronger acceleration and a more spirited driving experience.

It remains one of the Kushaq’s biggest strengths because it gives the SUV a performance-oriented personality that many rivals struggle to match.

Safety and Everyday Confidence

Safety has been central to the Kushaq’s image since its introduction, and the new model continues that emphasis.

Skoda is also offering the Super Care ownership package, which includes a standard four-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty along with four years of roadside assistance. For prospective owners, this could help address long-term concerns around maintenance and support.

The updated Kushaq also benefits from wider availability of equipment across the range. Skoda has worked to make the SUV feel better specified even in lower and mid-level variants, rather than reserving every desirable feature for the top trim.

That approach is important because buyers increasingly compare value variant by variant, not simply by the headline equipment offered in the most expensive model.

Higher variants are expected to be especially attractive for buyers looking for a feature-rich cabin, with equipment such as the panoramic sunroof, digital cockpit and premium comfort features.

The availability of the Monte Carlo version from launch adds a sportier visual option to the line-up, appealing to customers who want a more youthful and aggressive look.

Why the Update Matters Skoda kushaq

The midsize SUV segment in India has become one of the toughest spaces in the passenger-vehicle market. Customers have plenty of choices, and the competition is no longer only about engine power or ground clearance.

Buyers now demand connected features, premium cabins, automatic transmissions, strong safety packages and a polished ownership experience.

The updated Skoda Kushaq responds to those expectations without abandoning what made the original model successful. It still offers turbo-petrol performance, confident road manners and a European-style driving feel, but it now backs those qualities with more visible luxury and technology.

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For buyers who want an SUV that does not feel overly ordinary, the 2026 Kushaq makes a stronger case than before. Its fresh design is not radical, but the added features, upgraded automatic option and more premium cabin give it a clear reason to be considered in the current market.