Skoda Kushaq 2026: Premium Facelift With Kodiaq-Inspired Design, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, And Google Gemini AI

With a 1.5 TSI engine and striking looks, the 2026 Skoda Kushaq promises to outcompete its rivals. See prices, trims, and what changed in the new SUV.

Refreshed Exterior Design: More Imposing and Inspired by the Kodiaq

The new 2026 Skoda Kushaq receives a complete visual overhaul, designed by Romain Bucaille, giving the model the presence of a mid-size SUV and bringing its styling closer to the iconic Skoda Kodiaq. With a length of 4,229 mm, the Kushaq keeps compact proportions ideal for Indian urban traffic while gaining elements that convey premium sophistication.

Up front, the LED headlights retain the characteristic “four-eyes” look but introduce dynamic light signatures and an LED bar connecting the headlights to the grille, creating the illusion of greater width. Chrome accents on the door handles, window surrounds, and front grille enhance the luxurious appeal, while the rear features narrower taillights joined by a new illuminated strip and a backlit brand logo—a unique touch that sets the model apart from rivals like the 2026 RENAULT DUSTER.

The Monte Carlo variant keeps its sporty spirit with black accents and red highlights on the grille, ideal for buyers seeking personality. The color palette expands to eight options, including the new Shimla Green inspired by Northern India’s landscapes, the Monte Carlo-exclusive Steel Grey, and a vibrant Cherry Red. These details enhance visual appeal and position the Kushaq as a versatile option for families and young professionals in the growing Indian market.

Optimized Dimensions and Proportions for Daily Use

  • Length: 4,229 mm – compact, yet with the presence of a larger SUV.
  • Visually amplified width: Thanks to the connected grille and LED headlights.
  • Modern rear: dark diffuser and illuminated taillight connection.

This aesthetic evolution reflects Skoda’s strategy of learning from local consumers since the original 2021 launch, elevating the Kushaq from an accessible SUV to a premium competitor without excessively raising costs.

Sophisticated Interior and Technology with Artificial Intelligence

Inside, the 2026 Skoda Kushaq transforms the cabin into a premium environment, offering beige trim options for standard versions and Bordeaux with red stitching and faux carbon fiber in the Monte Carlo. Comfort is elevated with optional rear-seat massage, a panoramic sunroof, and other long-distance comforts ideal for Indian highways.

Digital displays dominate the cockpit: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch central touchscreen with Google integration. The standout feature is the AI-powered “Companion App” driven by Google Gemini, an assistant that responds to natural voice commands for navigation, climate control, and entertainment—a segment first that mirrors innovations seen in luxury models like the 2027 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS.

PowertrainPowerTransmissionDetails
1.0 TSI85 kW (115 hp)6-speed Manual or 8-speed AutoNew automatic gearbox with torque converter.
1.5 TSI110 kW (150 hp)7-speed DSGRear disc brakes standard.

These technical specifications balance performance and efficiency, with the base engine now available with an eight-speed automatic—a common request from Indian buyers seeking more comfort in heavy traffic. Production with 95% localization reinforces Skoda’s strategy, positioning India as an export hub with over 700,000 units shipped globally from local factories.

5-Star Safety and Simply Clever Practicality

The 2026 Skoda Kushaq inherits the brand’s safety DNA, targeting a maximum five-star rating from Global NCAP. Standard safety features include six airbags and more than 25 advanced driver-assistance systems, rising to around 40 in top trims, including multi-collision brake, differential lock, and ESC. This robustness places it ahead of many compact competitors.

Practicality remains a Skoda hallmark with “Simply Clever” solutions: a 491-liter trunk (expandable to 1,405 liters), retractable hooks, and smart organizers. Launch commercial packages include a four-year warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance, all designed to build trust in a demanding market.

Although focused on India, the 2026 Kushaq signals global expansion, competing with SUVs like the 2026 MITSUBISHI ASX. Its combination of cost-effectiveness, AI technology, and premium design makes it a strategic choice for buyers who value durability and innovation. With orders open, the model reinforces Skoda’s role in the Volkswagen ecosystem across Asia.

For anyone tracking compact SUV launches, the 2026 Skoda Kushaq shows how a thoughtful facelift can reshape a segment, blending European heritage with emerging market demands.

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