If you’ve been holding out for the refreshed Skoda Kushaq, the wait’s almost over. Sources close to the company say the Kushaq facelift is likely to debut in India by the second half of January 2026, bringing with it a dose of modern design, advanced driver tech, and a few under-the-hood tweaks. The compact SUV—Skoda’s challenger to heavyweights like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and MG Astor is gearing up for its biggest update since its 2021 launch.
And if early test mule sightings are anything to go by, the new Kushaq’s going to look sharper, drive smoother, and pack a lot more brains under its skin.
New Look, Familiar DNA
Spy shots from June and November 2025 have already spilled the beans on what to expect visually. The facelifted Kushaq won’t throw its design language out the window—it’s still unmistakably a Skoda—but the changes are clever enough to make you look twice. Expect reworked LED headlamps, a revised front grille with slimmer vertical slats, and possibly a connected DRL setup inspired by the next-gen Skoda Kodiaq.
The front bumper gets a more squared-off air dam, lending the SUV a broader stance. From the side, things stay largely familiar, though matte-black 17-inch alloys and a touch of new detailing on the cladding bring subtle freshness. Roof rails, the shark-fin antenna, and pull-type door handles are expected to carry over unchanged.
At the rear, a set of slimmer tail-lights—potentially connected by an LED light bar—may replace the existing setup, giving the SUV a more global look. The bumper’s heavy camouflage in test images hints at possible styling tweaks or new reflectors.
Inside Story: More Features, Better Tech
If Skoda’s recent updates to the Slavia are anything to go by, the Kushaq facelift’s cabin is in for a few notable upgrades. The company is likely adding new trim materials, dual-tone interiors, and fresh upholstery to keep things premium. But the real talking point? The introduction of Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
That means the SUV could get adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and possibly traffic jam assist—tech that’s fast becoming a standard expectation in this segment. Former Skoda brand director Petr Janeba had earlier confirmed that ADAS 2.0 features would be rolled out “step-by-step” across all models on the MQB A0-IN platform, which underpins the Kushaq and Slavia.
Other expected additions include a 360-degree camera, a larger touchscreen, and the long-awaited panoramic sunroof—a must-have in India’s feature-obsessed SUV market. Skoda had been one of the few in the segment without one, and that’s about to change.
Powertrains: Familiar Turbo Duo, Smarter Gearbox
Under the hood, the Kushaq facelift will continue with its proven turbo-petrol engine lineup:
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0-litre TSI | 115 hp | 178 Nm | 6-speed MT / 6AT (soon to be replaced by 8AT) |
| 1.5-litre TSI | 150 hp | 250 Nm | 6MT / 7-speed DSG |
But there’s something exciting brewing for next year: Skoda plans to replace the existing 6-speed automatic (code-named AQ250) on the 1.0 TSI variant with a new locally produced 8-speed automatic transmission (AQ300).
This upgrade isn’t just for smoother shifts. The 8AT is designed to enhance fuel efficiency, with closer gear ratios helping reduce energy loss during acceleration and deceleration. It’ll also help Skoda meet the upcoming CAFE 3 emission and fuel economy regulations, expected to tighten in 2026.
Competing in a Fierce Segment
Let’s be real—Skoda’s not walking into a friendly neighborhood. The midsize SUV market is currently ruled by the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, both recently refreshed with updated ADAS, panoramic roofs, and new infotainment systems. Add the Honda Elevate, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, and the upcoming Tata Sierra EV, and the battlefield looks tougher than ever.
Skoda’s advantage lies in its solid build, turbo-petrol performance, and European handling dynamics—traits the Kushaq has consistently been praised for. With the facelift layering on more features and driver aids, it might finally address the one big criticism of the original model: feeling a bit too conservative for its price.
Expected Price and Launch Timeline
The Kushaq facelift is expected to hit showrooms in January 2026, with an official unveiling likely in the first half of the month. Prices will naturally see a bump, though industry insiders expect a moderate increase of ₹50,000–₹1 lakh depending on the variant.
Considering the current lineup ranges between ₹11.99 lakh and ₹19.79 lakh (ex-showroom), the facelift could start just under ₹12.5 lakh.
What It Means for Skoda India
The facelifted Kushaq isn’t just another product refresh—it’s a strategic move for Skoda’s India 2.5 plan. The company needs to keep momentum going until its next big step: the all-electric Enyaq iV and the sub-4-metre SUV project co-developed with Volkswagen.
By giving the Kushaq a more feature-loaded, future-ready edge, Skoda is betting big on keeping the compact SUV relevant through the second half of the decade. If they get the pricing right, this could easily be one of the most well-rounded SUVs in the market come 2026.
