2026 Skoda Kushaq First Drive Review: Worth a Second Look?

When it was launched in 2021, the Kushaq immediately gave Skoda Auto a much-needed boost in sales. The heavily localised SUV struck the right balance between price, performance, and everyday usability, and in doing so, gave Skoda a much-needed push in the Indian market. Fast forward to 2026, however, and the Kushaq finds itself being overshadowed by its more affordable sibling, the Kylaq, offering a similar driving experience at a lower price point. While the Kylaq has been racking up the numbers, the Kushaq hasn’t quite kept pace. This facelift, then, isn’t just about freshening things up; it’s about staying relevant in a segment that already has some tough competition and helping the Kushaq rake in more buyers. So, how effective are the updates that come with the new Kushaq?

2026 Skoda Kushaq Review: Exterior Changes

I have always liked the design of the Skoda vehicles over their Volkswagen counterparts. They are more dynamic and interesting to my eye. The Kushaq was already a good-looking SUV, and with this facelift, it has received minor tweaks to look more modern.

I especially like the updated grille that now has a thin strip of light running across. It is designed to look like it is connected to the DRLs inside the headlamps at both ends. Also, there is no longer a thick border running around the grille, which makes it look more modern. Both bumpers have been revised, and while the changes are subtle, they work well.

While I am not a fan of the current trend of putting connected taillights in all new vehicles, I do think that Skoda’s execution on the Kushaq looks good. The integration of the Skoda badge within the light bar, along with the neat detailing on either side, adds a premium touch. You also get directional turn indicators now, and importantly, they come as standard across variants.

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Another welcome addition is the inclusion of alloy wheels as standard. The base variant gets 16-inch units, while higher trims come with 17-inch alloys. The Monte Carlo version, in particular, stands out with its sportier design. Overall, the Kushaq continues to be a handsome SUV. The updates subtly elevate its design, giving it a hint of Skoda Kodiaq-like presence and making it feel a bit more upmarket.

2026 Skoda Kushaq Review: Interior Equipment Changes

The updates on the inside are rather interesting. This SUV now comes with a panoramic sunroof. In fact, you get an electronic sunroof, albeit a smaller one, in the base variant, while the other trims get the full-sized one. Buyers who desire this feature in their SUV will be very happy to hear that. I am more impressed by the size increment in another area – the instrument cluster.

The Kushaq now comes with a 10.25-inch multi-colour MID that has a simple and effective UI design. You can even display turn-by-turn navigation on it. Disappointingly, Skoda has not equipped the Kushaq with a 360-degree camera, which I feel is a big miss. There is a front parking sensor at least. The quality of the rear camera has also not improved.

Move to the second row, and you will see that the seats here come with a massage function that actually works well. I liked how effective it was, although I can’t help but feel that Skoda would have been better off giving seat ventilation for the second row. There are no sunshades here either. 

2026 Skoda Kushaq Review: Driving Experience

Mechanically, the Kushaq remains unchanged, with the same 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre engines doing duty. The gearbox options, however, have been revised. The 1.5-litre Kushaq now only comes with a 7-speed DCT across the range. It is a bit sad to see the omission of the manual, but I understand that most people prefer the convenience of an automatic. The smaller engine continues with a 6-speed manual, while the earlier 6-speed torque converter automatic has now been replaced with an 8-speed unit. Crucially, this new automatic is available right from the base Classic+ variant, which is a sensible move.

Out on the road, the new 8-speed gearbox does not feel dramatically different from the older unit, but there are some improvements. The engine feels smoother while cruising, with minimal vibrations and very little noise filtering into the cabin. At around 80km/h, the drivetrain feels slightly more relaxed. You can also manually shift through the gears, and the jump from 6th to 7th drops engine speeds from around 2,000rpm to roughly 1,500rpm. The additional gears also contribute to a marginal improvement in fuel efficiency — now rated at 19.09km/l compared to 18.09km/l earlier. The initial lag in the lower rev range is somewhat masked by the new gearbox, although you do suffer from headnods as the power suddenly surges through the drivetrain with the rising revs. Gearshifts aren’t significantly smoother either. So, while the update doesn’t transform the experience, it does make it slightly more refined without introducing any drawbacks.

The driving dynamics of the Kushaq remain largely the same as before and are rather enjoyable. It glides over bumps and inspires confidence through corners thanks to a competent chassis and suspension setup. The steering could do with a bit more feedback at higher speeds, but it remains easy to use in the city. The addition of rear disc brakes on the 1.5-litre variant is a welcome upgrade, offering better bite and more confidence under braking. While not mandatory, I think that having the option of ADAS in the higher trims would have helped stand toe-to-toe with other competitors in the segment.

2026 Skoda Kushaq Review: Verdict

The Kushaq facelift may not be a radical overhaul. I cannot help but feel that the Kushaq still lacks in terms of offering features compared to other manufacturers. While some are gimmicks, others are genuinely helpful and could have made the Kushaq easier to recommend. The core strengths of the SUV – solid driving dynamics, a comfortable ride, and strong engine options – remain intact, while the updates add just enough polish to keep it relevant.

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What really works in its favour now is the improved value proposition at the lower end of the range. Much like the Kylaq, the Kushaq now offers more features in its entry-level trims, making it more accessible to a wider audience. For buyers who like what the Kylaq offers but need more space, the Kushaq becomes a very sensible step up.