2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift unveiled in India: Bookings open, deliveries to start by March-end

Skoda has revealed the 2026 Kushaq facelift.

• Skoda unveils 2026 Kushaq facelift with design and feature upgrades.
• Pre-bookings open at Rs 15,000; deliveries begin by end of March 2026.
• Segment-first rear seat massage, while 5-star Global NCAP safety rating retained.

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Skoda Auto India has unveiled the all-new 2026 Kushaq facelift for the Indian market, introducing major updates in design, features, powertrain options and ownership benefits. The updated mid-size SUV continues to be based on the India-specific MQB-A0-IN platform and retains its five-star Global NCAP safety rating. Pre-bookings for the new Kushaq are now open at Rs 15,000, with deliveries set to begin by the end of March 2026.

The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift features notable exterior revisions aligned with the brand's 'Modern Solid' design language. At the front, the SUV gets a redesigned grille with chrome ribs and an illuminated light band, along with new LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and front parking sensors. The rear design has also been updated with connected LED taillamps featuring sequential turn indicators and illuminated Skoda lettering. Alloy wheels are now standard across all variants.

The updated Kushaq will be offered in three new colours -- Shimla Green, Steel Grey and Cherry Red -- in addition to existing colour options -- Candy White, Carbon Steel, Brilliant Silver, Lava Blue and Deep Black. The Monte Carlo variant will be available from the start of sales.

Under the hood, the new Kushaq introduces a segment-first eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission paired with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine. This three-cylinder turbocharged unit produces 115PS of power and 178Nm of torque, and is also available with a six-speed manual gearbox. The 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine continues unchanged, delivering 150PS and 250Nm, and comes exclusively with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine also gets disc brakes on all four wheels.

Inside the cabin, the 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift brings several comfort-focussed upgrades. A panoramic sunroof has been introduced for the first time on the model, along with dual-colour ambient lighting. The SUV continues to offer electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, a Skoda-branded sound system with six speakers and a subwoofer, and a boot capacity of 491 litres, expandable to 1,405 litres. Features such as Climatronic automatic climate control, electric sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper and defogger, auto-dimming IRVM, LED headlamps and LED taillamps are now standard from the base variant.

The digital experience has also been updated. Higher variants of the new Kushaq feature a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while mid variants get an 8-inch digital cockpit. The SUV is equipped with a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system is powered by Google Automotive AI Agent, offering voice-based controls and real-time information support tuned for Indian English accents.

The SUV introduces a segment-first rear seat massage function, aimed at improving passenger comfort on longer journeys. It continues to offer 188mm of ground clearance, retaining its ability to handle uneven road conditions.

Safety remains a core focus for the updated Kushaq, which has scored a five-star safety rating at Global NCAP. The SUV continues to offer six airbags as standard and over 25 active and passive safety features across all variants, extending to more than 40 safety features on higher trims. Standard safety-related visibility features include rain-sensing wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper and auto-dimming IRVM. The model continues to meet five-star Global NCAP standards.

The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift is backed by the Skoda Super Care package, which includes a standard four-year or 1,00,000 km warranty, four years of roadside assistance and four labour-free services. The warranty can be extended up to six years, along with additional corrosion and paint coverage.

The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift will compete in the mid-size SUV segment against rivals such as the Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Tata Curvv, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor.

The outgoing Kushaq is currently priced between Rs 10.66 lakh and Rs 18.69 lakh (ex-showroom). The updated model is expected to see a marginal revision, with prices likely to start at around Rs 10.70 lakh and extend to close to Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-spec variant.