Written by Prashant Pathak,
Published: 02 November 2025
2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift: A Smarter, Safer and More Feature-Packed SUV for Indian Buyers
The Indian SUV market seems to be getting a bit hotter with all the carmakers making a beeline to get the smarter and safer vehicles on the road first. In line with this evolution, Skoda Auto India is all set to launch the 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift, a major update to the Czech carmaker’s best-selling mid-size SUV in the country. Here is a summary of the reports from The Ayodhya Times covering the top highlights.
Modern Features and Advanced Technology in the 2026 Skoda Kushaq
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq promises to offer a more premium and connected on-road experience. The standout feature, however, that the redesign is expected to introduce is ADAS , including a 360-degree surround-view camera, affording drivers greater safety and comfort on Indian roads. Skoda plans to make the Kushaq’s cabin feel more premium as well. The all-new design will feature a larger touchscreen infotainment screen, a completely digitised instrument cluster, and enhanced connectivity options. The new SUV will have a tidier dashboard with new soft-touch materials and ambient lighting.featuring a stylish vertical tail design with upgraded premium materials and leather-inspired decorative details.
This is also the first time that Skoda might offer a panoramic sunroof in the higher trims, something many Indian buyers have been waiting for. Skoda has to provide a premium sound system and wireless smartphone integration. Skoda will introduce sharper LED headlamps and taillamps on the outside with a bold new grille and sporty alloy wheels. The bumpers will also be updated to ensure that the SUV appears more aggressive and modern.
Powerful Engine Options and Performance Upgrades
However, as far as the performance is concerned, the Kushaq facelift would retain its currently available powertrain options — the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. The 1.0-litre TSI engine is power charged to deliver 115 PS and the 1.5-litre brings 150 PS of power. A decent enough engine for city drives, the Kushaq options have always provided ample power—the powertrain is smooth and the engine pick-up is punchy, adequate for city and highway roads.
The 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, and 7-speed DSG are still the choices for the buyers of the new Rapid. Skoda is likely to re-tune the package slightly to ensure more fuel efficiency and get rid of the self-lag. As mentioned, there will be no diesel engine, as Skoda works on cleaner petrol engines and will likely soon introduce a complete or semi-hybrid in the Indian market.
Expected Launch Date and Price Range in India
According to The Ayodhya Times, the 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift will probably arrive at Indian showrooms by early 2026, which is likely to be between January and March 2026. The starting price of the vehicle is estimated to be around ₹11 lakh, with the highest price going all the way up to ₹19 lakh depending on the variant and feature list.
Key Highlights of the 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift
- ADAS and 360 Eye for safer and smarter driving.
- Upgraded to international standards. -better interior display: ambient lighting with a blend of premium interiors, Panoramic sunroof.
- Modern infotainment system with a premium sound system. -Besides, refreshed LED lights attractive than ever, new available alloy wheels.
- Fresh skin paint with sportier looks.
- Priced ₹11–19 lakh* ex-showroom -Early 2026 launch expected. -competition with Creta, Seltos, Astor, and Elevate in the mid-size SUV segment.