KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Skoda Kushaq facelift spied on test under heavy camo
- Previous spy shots revealed a panoramic sunroof unit
- Revised front and rear facia along with new features including ADAS
The Skoda Kushaq has carved a place for itself in the compact SUV segment since debuting in 2021, offering strong turbo-petrol performance and European styling. However, with the competition heating up, Skoda seems to be working on a mid-life refresh of its popular SUV. The latest spy shots show the facelifted Kushaq undergoing tests in India, hinting at visual updates, a revamped interior, and an enhanced feature list. The updated SUV is expected to launch sometime in 2026 along with some serious updates all around. Read on to find out what the spy shots reveal, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Skoda Kushaq Facelift: Design Updates
The test mule of the Skoda Kushaq facelift was spotted wearing camouflage on the front and rear ends, suggesting cosmetic changes to key elements like the bumpers, grille, and lighting setup. The facelifted Kushaq is expected to sport new LED headlamps with dynamic indicators, along with redesigned LED taillamps to replace the halogen units on the current model. Up front, a sharper fascia inspired by Skoda's latest design language, as seen on the upcoming Kylaq, could make its way here. At the rear, a tweaked bumper and new detailing for the tail section are likely to keep things fresh without altering the familiar silhouette, as per the recent sighting.
Although the latest spy shots don't reveal the cabin, previous sightings have indicated a big step forward in equipment. Buyers can expect a redesigned dashboard with a larger infotainment screen and a refreshed digital driver's display. A panoramic sunroof, a feature long requested by customers, is also set to finally debut, replacing the current single-pane unit. Other likely upgrades include ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and possibly front parking sensors. While ADAS features can't be confirmed yet, it is highly likely to be incorporated to better compete with rivals such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Powertrain
Under the hood, Skoda is likely to retain its existing turbo-petrol lineup. This includes the 1.0-litre TSI engine producing 115 PS and 178 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual or torque converter automatic, and the more powerful 1.5-litre TSI delivering 150 PS and 250 Nm, offered with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. These engines have been praised for their strong and efficient performance, and no major mechanical changes are expected.
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Expected Price And Rivals
The refreshed Skoda Kushaq will likely command a slight premium over the current model, which is priced between Rs. 10.99 lakh and Rs. 19.09 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will continue to take on well-established rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, MG Astor, Honda Elevate, and its cousin, the Volkswagen Taigun.
Verdict
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift seems to be shaping up as a timely upgrade, addressing key customer demands like a panoramic sunroof and a richer features list while retaining its strong turbo-petrol engines. With a sharper design and enhanced equipment, the refreshed Kushaq could help Skoda strengthen its foothold in the highly competitive compact SUV space, something that it has not been able to do even with strong demand in the market of the compact SUVs.
