Skoda Kushaq facelift launch in India in January 2026, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos-rival

The Skoda Kushaq facelift is expected to be feature-rich in its new avatar. (Representative image)

Skoda Auto India will launch the facelifted version of its Kushaq SUV in the country in January 2026. The Kushaq initially entered the market in June 2021, as the maiden model under the carmaker's India 2.0 Project.

The Skoda Kushaq is based in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment and rivals the likes of the 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 updated model will also face competition from the new Tata Sierra.

Built on the India-centric MQB-AO-IN platform, the Kushaq gets two engine options -- 3-cylinder 1.0-litre TSI (115PS and 178Nm) and 4-cylinder 1.5-litre TSI (150PS and 250Nm). The 1.0-litre unit has 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT options, while the 1.5-litre unit only has a 7-speed DSG. We expect the new Kushaq to get these powertrains in addition to a manual transmission for the 1.5-litre unit that was available at the time of the initial launch in June 2021.

In terms of equipment, the Kushaq currently offers ventilated front seats, electric driver and co-driver seats, leatherette upholstery, an 8-inch instrument cluster, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging. Convenience features include an electric sunroof with a bounce-back function, cruise control, automatic wipers with a rain sensor, an auto-dimming interior mirror, a cooled glovebox and a rear-view camera with static guidelines.

The Kushaq has also secured a 5-star safety rating at Global NCAP. It comes equipped with six airbags, ESC, hill-hold control, traction control, rollover protection, brake disc wiping, ISOFIX child-seat anchors and tyre pressure monitoring.

In terms of performance and overall safety, the Kushaq is well-regarded among mid-size SUV buyers. However, it does fall short on features compared to rivals such as the Creta, Seltos and even the Curvv, all of which offer more extensive equipment lists.

Skoda was widely expected to address this gap in the facelift to enhance the SUV's appeal. Based on spy images circulating on social media, the updated model appears to gain new LED headlights and taillights, refreshed bumpers, redesigned alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof. The carmaker also seems to have added a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS.

The Kushaq is currently offered in six variants -- Classic, Onyx, Signature, Sportline, Monte Carlo and Prestige -- with prices ranging from Rs 10.61 lakh to Rs 18.69 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on powertrain and trim. While the variant structure may remain similar, prices are likely to increase with the updates.