Skoda Kushaq facelift: Changes, upgrades over the old model explained

Skoda Auto India has just revealed the much-anticipated Skoda Kushaq facelift SUV in the Indian market. The prices are expected to be announced in February, and the deliveries are scheduled to begin in March 2026. The pre-bookings are already underway. Interested customers can book the new Kushaq online or by visiting the nearest dealership. This is the first facelift for the Kushaq since its debut in 2021 and features cosmetic changes on the outside, a tweaked interior with additional features, and more. In this article, let’s take a look at the changes and upgrades the new Kushaq gets over the old model.




Skoda Kushaq facelift: New appealing design

The earlier Kushaq looked quite similar to the smaller Kylaq, with very little to set the two apart apart from their overall size. However, the updated model now appears far more premium and upmarket, with design inspiration from the larger Kodiaq. Up front, it now features a redesigned grille with chrome accents, slimmer headlamps, and a new LED DRL signature that extends across the grille. The lower section gets a fresh skid plate, while the bumper adopts a honeycomb-style design.

Changes along the sides are subtle, limited to newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels and thicker black cladding that enhances the SUV’s road presence. At rear, it gets re-designed tailgate with new connecting LED taillights and a glowing ‘SKODA’ lettering. Other highlights include a shark fin antenna, silver skid plate, rear wiper with washer, roof rails, integrated spoiler and more.

Skoda Kushaq facelift: A panoramic sunroof

Earlier, the Kushaq was limited to a single-pane sunroof, while several rivals offered larger panoramic units. Skoda has now addressed this gap with the facelift. The updated model gets a panoramic sunroof on the higher-spec Prestige and Monte Carlo variants. It’s worth mentioning that even the base variant comes equipped with a single-pane electric sunroof, ensuring this feature isn’t limited to higher trims.

Skoda Kushaq facelift: Rear massaging seats

Massaging seats are commonly seen in premium luxury cars, not in this category. With the Kushaq facelift, Skoda has introduced a massage function for the rear seats, making it the only midsize SUV in India to offer this feature. The top-spec Prestige and Monte Carlo variants are expected to get this feature.

Skoda Kushaq facelift: Fully digital driver's cockpit

The Skoda Kushaq facelift now features a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster. The earlier model got a smaller 8.0-inch unit with thick bezels. The updated digital instrument cluster also adds turn-by-turn navigation with many customisable features. Moreover, this feature is offered starting from the Signature variant, positioned just above the base trim.

Skoda Kushaq facelift: AI-integrated infotainment screen

The Skoda Kushaq facelift features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, along with connected car tech. This infotainment system gets an AI companion app built on Google-powered technologies, which features advanced digital capabilities to the vehicle, including intuitive voice-based control of key functions enabled by Gemini AI.

Skoda Kushaq facelift: New 8-speed Auto gearbox

As part of the update, Skoda has introduced a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission for the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, replacing the earlier 6-speed unit. The new gearbox is expected to improve fuel efficiency, while also delivering smoother shifts and reducing fuel loss during acceleration and deceleration compared to the outgoing transmission.

The 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbo petrol produces 115 hp and 175 nm torque. Another engine is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel with 150 hp and 250 nm. Gearbox options include only a 7-speed DSG for the 1.5.