The Skoda folks look like they’re gearing up for a pretty decisive swing in early 2026, and if the buzz inside the industry is even half accurate, the refreshed Kushaq isn’t just a touch-up job. It feels more like Skoda wants to remind everyone especially the Creta and the newly revived Tata Sierra crowd—that it’s still here, still competitive, and still hungry for attention. The most eyebrow-raising update? A rear seat massage function. Yes, in a midsize SUV. In India. In this segment. That’s a first.
What’s New on the 2026 Kushaq Facelift
Spy shots drifting across social media over the past few weeks made it pretty clear Skoda wasn’t tinkering for fun. The facelifted model looks set to pack in a panoramic sunroof on the higher trims, which finally places it shoulder-to-shoulder with rivals that have been flaunting glass roofs for years now. Interestingly, Skoda isn’t stopping at aesthetic improvements—they’re also refreshing the graphics on both the digital instrument cluster and the central touchscreen.
The 1.5 TSI variants are in for a braking upgrade too, getting rear disc brakes in place of the outgoing drum setup. The brand has also reworked the air-conditioning system—something owners of the present model have occasionally grumbled about—so this tweak should land well with the practical crowd.
Behind the scenes, industry chatter suggests the new Kushaq could add Level 2 ADAS and a 360-degree camera system. Nothing officially confirmed yet, but these additions would bring the SUV closer to what the urban, tech-friendly buyer expects heading into 2026.
Key Feature Additions (Expected)
| Update | Details |
|---|---|
| Rear seat massage | Segment-first addition |
| Panoramic sunroof | Likely on top variants |
| New screen graphics | Instrument cluster + infotainment |
| Rear disc brakes | For 1.5 TSI |
| Updated AC system | Improved performance |
| ADAS Level 2 | Likely addition |
| 360° camera | Expected |
Engine and Gearbox: Minor Tweaks, One Big Upgrade
Skoda isn’t touching the core engines—there was no real reason to. The 1.0-liter turbo (115hp) and the beefier 1.5 TSI (150hp) continue unchanged. What is expected to evolve is the smaller engine’s automatic gearbox. The long-running 6-speed torque converter could make way for a new 8-speed unit, potentially improving both smoothness and efficiency.
The 7-speed DSG for the 1.5 TSI isn’t going anywhere, and neither is the 6-speed manual available on both engines.
Powertrain Options Table
| Engine | Power | Current Gearbox | Expected Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 TSI | 115hp | 6AT / 6MT | New 8-speed AT |
| 1.5 TSI | 150hp | 7-speed DSG / 6MT | No major change |
Exterior Design: Evolution, Not Reinvention
From the test mules prowling around Pune and Aurangabad, it’s pretty clear Skoda isn’t rewriting the playbook. The body shell stays mostly intact, but both the front and rear styling look sharper, with new lighting clusters, reworked bumpers, and a slightly revised grille setup. Even the alloys seem refreshed—16-inch blacked-out wheels were spotted on one of the prototypes.
This is typical mid-cycle treatment: tweak the visual identity just enough so the car feels new at a glance, without going back to the design studio for a complete overhaul.
The Current Kushaq: Pricing Snapshot
For reference, the current model sits between roughly ₹12.36 lakh and ₹21.35 lakh on-road, depending on where you buy and which variant you’re eyeing. Mileage figures hover between 18 and 20 km/l under ideal conditions, and the lineup spans from the Classic 1.0 TSI all the way to the Monte Carlo trims.
With this facelift, prices will almost certainly creep upward—rear seat massage systems and ADAS don’t magically pay for themselves—but Skoda will need to keep things competitive to prevent losing ground to rivals who’ve been loading on features aggressively.
Why This Facelift Matters Now
The midsize SUV world in India is probably the most unforgiving battlefield in the auto business right now. The new Tata Sierra is stirring up nostalgia and curiosity. Hyundai’s Creta remains the segment’s star performer. Even newcomers keep playing the “more features per rupee” game. Skoda can’t afford to stroll into 2026 with a warmed-over version of what it already has.
So the company seems to be leaning hard into premium touches—things like massage seats, sharper tech, and a stronger feature lead—while keeping its reliable turbo-petrol engines untouched.
The official pricing announcement is expected next month, and if Skoda times this well, the facelifted Kushaq could find itself back in the spotlight.
FAQs
Yes, it’s expected to be a segment-first addition.
Yes, spy shots have already revealed it on higher trims.
No changes to power output, but the 1.0-liter automatic may shift to a new 8-speed gearbox.
Revised headlights, taillights, bumpers, grille, and new alloy designs.
The launch is expected in January 2026, with pricing soon after.
