2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Old: The Emperor Gets a New Empire
The Skoda Kushaq was the car that revived the Czech automaker’s fortunes in India. As the first product under the ‘India 2.0’ strategy, it offered driving dynamics that enthusiasts loved. However, in a market that moves at lightning speed, the Kushaq had started to feel a bit dated against tech-loaded rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Enter the 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift.
Skoda hasn’t just slapped on a new bumper and called it a day. This update brings significant mechanical changes, a modernized design, and features that we didn’t even know we needed (massaging rear seats, anyone?). At MotorCarVerse, we have dissected every inch of the new model to see how it stacks up against its predecessor. Here is the ultimate Old vs. New comparison. Upcoming Cars in India 2026: Complete List of SUVs, EVs & Sedans Launching Soon
Exterior Design: Sharper, bolder, and Illuminated
While the silhouette remains unmistakable, the 2026 Kushaq wears a much more expensive suit than the outgoing model.
The Front Profile
The old Kushaq had a smart face, but the new one is aggressive. The signature butterfly grille is now wider and, taking a leaf out of the Kodiaq’s book, features an illuminated light band that connects the headlamps. The headlamps themselves are slimmer with a new “Eyebrow” LED DRL signature, replacing the L-shaped ones. The bumper has been reworked with a more prominent silver skid plate and angular air intakes, giving it a broader stance.
The Rear & Side
The side profile remains largely similar, but the alloy wheels get a fresh design. The lower variants get 16-inch wheels, while the top trims ride on stylish 17-inch dual-tone alloys. The biggest change is at the rear. The split tail lamps of the old model have been replaced by connected LED tail lamps with sequential turn indicators. A nice touch is the illuminated ‘SKODA’ lettering on the tailgate, adding a premium night-time signature.
New Colours
Skoda has refreshed the palette. Gone is the Honey Orange; in come three sophisticated shades: Shimla Green, Cherry Red, and Steel Grey.
Interior Updates: Tech Meets Luxury
The cabin of the pre-facelift Kushaq was functional but lacked the “wow” factor. The 2026 model addresses this with key upgrades.
Dashboard & Screens
The dashboard layout is retained but modernized. The old 8-inch driver’s display (which had massive bezels) is gone. In its place is a crisp 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster that supports turn-by-turn navigation. The central infotainment remains a 10.1-inch unit but now features a new Google-powered AI companion for smarter voice commands.
Upholstery & Ambience
The old model’s grey-heavy themes are replaced by clearer options. Standard variants get a classy Black and Beige combo, while the Monte Carlo edition gets a sporty Black and Red theme with carbon-fiber-like inserts. The ambient lighting is now dual-colour, uplifting the cabin mood at night.
The Sunroof Upgrade
One of the biggest complaints with the old Kushaq was the small sunroof. Skoda has listened. The 2026 Kushaq Facelift finally gets a Panoramic Sunroof on the higher trims (Prestige and Monte Carlo), making the cabin feel significantly airier.
Features: Segment-First Surprises
Skoda has thrown a curveball with the feature list.
Rear Seat Massage
Yes, you read that right. The 2026 Kushaq introduces a Rear Seat Massage function—a feature typically reserved for luxury limousines. For chauffeur-driven owners, this is a game-changer that no rival (Creta, Seltos, or Grand Vitara) offers.
Powered Seats
The front seats are now 6-way powered and continue to be ventilated, addressing a convenience gap in the old model.
What’s Still Missing?
Despite the upgrades, the Kushaq still misses out on Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and a 360-degree camera, features that are standard on most rivals now.
Powertrain: The 8-Speed Revolution
This is where the comparison gets interesting for the petrolheads.
1.0L TSI Engine
The 1.0L Turbo Petrol (115 PS / 178 Nm) remains the volume driver. However, the old 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic has been scrapped. It is replaced by a brand-new 8-Speed Torque Converter Automatic. This new gearbox promises smoother shifts and better fuel efficiency on highway cruises.
1.5L TSI Engine
The enthusiast’s favourite 1.5L EVO engine (150 PS / 250 Nm) remains unchanged, paired exclusively with the lightning-fast 7-Speed DSG. A welcome update is that all 1.5L variants now get Rear Disc Brakes as standard.
Specifications Comparison Table: Old vs. New
| Feature | Old Skoda Kushaq (2021-2025) | New Skoda Kushaq Facelift (2026) |
| Grille | Standard Chrome Surround | Illuminated Butterfly Grille |
| Headlamps | Split LED with L-shaped DRL | Slimmer LED with Eyebrow DRL |
| Tail Lamps | Split C-shaped | Connected LED Bar + Sequential Indicators |
| Sunroof | Single-pane (Electric) | Panoramic Sunroof (Top Trims) |
| Driver Display | Analog / 8-inch Digital | 10.25-inch Full Digital Cockpit |
| Rear Comfort | AC Vents + Armrest | Segment-First Massage Seats |
| Transmission (1.0L) | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed AT | 6-Speed Manual / 8-Speed AT |
| Boot Space | 385 Litres | 491 Litres (Measured differently) |
| Safety | 6 Airbags (Top trims) | 6 Airbags Standard across range |
Variants & Price Expectations
Skoda has simplified the variant lineup for 2026. The confusing names are gone, replaced by:
- Classic+ (Base)
- Signature
- Sportline
- Prestige
- Monte Carlo (Top Spec)
Price Prediction:
Given the addition of the panoramic sunroof, new gearbox, and premium features, expect a price hike.
- Estimated Starting Price: ₹ 11.00 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
- Estimated Top Price: ₹ 19.50 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift is a significant maturity update. It fixes the biggest flaws of the old car (dull instrument cluster, small sunroof) and adds a mechanical advantage with the 8-speed automatic.
Buy the New Kushaq If:
- You are chauffeur-driven (that massage seat is unique!).
- You want a solid German car with modern tech like a panoramic sunroof.
- You drive mostly in the city and want the smoothness of the new 8AT.
Stick to the Old Kushaq If:
- You are on a strict budget (unsold stocks will have massive discounts now).
- You don’t care for a panoramic sunroof or connected tail lamps.
The Emperor has returned with new clothes and better weapons. The battle for the mid-size SUV throne just got a lot more interesting.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned above are based on the official unveil and comparative analysis. Prices are estimated and subject to the official launch announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift get a panoramic sunroof?
Yes, unlike the older model which had a single-pane sunroof, the 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift features a Panoramic Sunroof on the higher variants (Prestige and Monte Carlo).
2. What is the new transmission in the Skoda Kushaq 2026?
The 1.0L TSI petrol engine now comes mated to a new 8-Speed Torque Converter Automatic transmission, replacing the older 6-Speed unit. The 1.5L TSI continues with the 7-Speed DSG.
3. Does the new Skoda Kushaq have ADAS?
No, the 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift misses out on Level 2 ADAS features, which remains a key advantage for rivals like the Creta, Seltos, and Astor.
4. What are the new colours available for the Kushaq Facelift?
Skoda has introduced three new colours: Shimla Green, Cherry Red, and Steel Grey.
5. Is the new Kushaq bigger than the old one?
The dimensions remain largely identical as it uses the same MQB-A0-IN platform. However, Skoda claims an increased boot space of 491 Litres (likely measured using a different standard filling the space up to the roof) compared to the previous 385 Litres.
