2026 Skoda Kushaq review, first drive: Is the facelifted Kushaq still the driver's choice of SUV?

In a segment that's sprinted ahead on tech and creature comforts, has the facelifted Kushaq finally caught up on features without losing the driver-first character that made it special in the first place? Let's find out.

When the Skoda Kushaq first arrived, over five years ago, it took a different approach to then booming mid-size SUV segment. I remember driving it back then, when it was fresh off Skoda’s India 2.0 push. At a time when rivals were busy stacking features, the Kushaq leaned into something more fundamental: engineering depth. It felt tight, well-resolved, and unusually engaging to drive for its class. That alone gave it a distinct identity. But the segment hasn’t stood still. Today, the benchmarks are higher, more technology, more comfort, more visual drama. And in that context, the Kushaq’s update isn’t just welcome, it’s necessary.

What’s changed?

The updated Kushaq retains its core proportions, upright stance, short overhangs, and that typically European restraint in surfacing. But the detailing has been sharpened. Up front, the grille is more defined, sitting between slimmer LED headlamps with a crisper light signature. The DRLs are more pronounced now, giving the face a stronger visual identity. The bumper has been reworked with deeper contours and a more upright skid plate element, which lends it a slightly more assertive stance.

In profile, the Kushaq remains clean and uncluttered. The character line running across the doors is still one of the neatest in the segment, and the glasshouse proportions continue to favour visibility over drama. New alloy wheel designs, particularly on the higher trims, add freshness without altering the overall silhouette. In fact, there are a total of six different alloy wheel options, right from the base variant.

At the rear, the changes are subtle but effective. The LED tail lamps feature a revised lighting pattern, and the bumper has been reshaped to visually widen the car. It’s an evolutionary design, but executed with precision.

Step inside, and the updates are more apparent. The dashboard architecture remains familiar, but there are a few subtle updates. There’s a greater sense of polish, especially in the way the textures and colours are layered. The dual-tone treatment feels more cohesive, and the overall fit and finish continue to be among the better ones in this segment. Although some niggles like the flimsy air vents remain.

The infotainment system hasn’t grown in size but has an upgrade in capability, since Skoda has updated the UI and software.

Ahead of the driver sits a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, configurable and clear, adding a layer of modernity that the earlier car lacked. It seems to be borrowed from the T-Roc, and looks fantastic.

Skoda has also broadened the feature list. Two choices for the ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and massage seats for the rear passengers, which is a segment first. There are also front parking sensors now, and the upholstery itself is different on some of the variants, of which there are a total of five - Classic+, Signature, Sportline, Prestige and Monte Carlo. Speaking of which, there are eight colour options, of which three are new - Shimla Green, Cherry Red and Steel Grey.

On the safety front, the fundamentals remain strong. Six airbags, electronic stability control, multi-collision braking, hill-hold assist, and ISOFIX mounts form part of the core package, reinforcing the car’s structural credibility. But, there’s still no ADAS on offer, which is quickly becoming a standard in this particular segment. Importantly, despite the added tech, the cabin hasn’t become complicated. Ergonomics remain intuitive, and the sense of solidity, a long-standing Skoda trait, is intact.

Is it still a driver’s delight?

Mechanically, the Kushaq remains familiar, and that’s largely a good thing. That means dimensions, chassis and suspension setup are the same as the pre-facelift version. The 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI engine continues to be the highlight. Producing 150bhp and 250Nm, it is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that remains one of the quickest-shifting units in this segment.

Performance is immediate and accessible. The turbo spools early, the mid-range is strong, and the gearbox keeps the engine in its optimal band with impressive precision. In short, the drivetrain feels responsive and cohesive. Built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, the Kushaq delivers a level of composure that few rivals match. The steering is accurate without being overly heavy, the suspension is well-judged, and body movements are tightly controlled. Push it through a set of corners, and the car responds with confidence. Even today, this remains one of the most engaging driving experiences in the segment, a rare quality in an SUV at this price point.

The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI continues with outputs of 115bhp and 178Nm, but the introduction of a new 8-speed torque converter automatic alters its character somewhat. In city conditions, the gearbox can feel slightly indecisive. Low-speed responses aren’t always seamless, and there’s a mild hesitation in stop-start traffic that takes some getting used to. It’s not intrusive, but it is noticeable. Out on the highway, however, the additional ratios come into play. The engine settles into a more relaxed rhythm, cruising at lower revs and delivering improved efficiency. The 8-speed unit is capable of returning a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 19.09kmpl.

However, I’m happy to report that the Kushaq continues to strike a commendable balance between ride comfort and handling precision. The suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections without feeling overly soft, and at higher speeds, the car remains planted and reassuring. There’s a sense of mechanical integrity here, the kind that inspires confidence over long distances. Noise, vibration and harshness levels are well managed, and the overall refinement remains competitive.

Verdict

The updated Skoda Kushaq represents a measured and well-judged evolution. The design revisions lend it a fresher appearance without altering its core identity, while the expanded feature list, particularly in the cabin, makes it more competitive in a segment that increasingly values technology and comfort. The strengthened variant lineup, especially the well-equipped Classic+, enhances its accessibility, while the higher trims deliver a more complete premium experience.

Mechanically, the Kushaq remains as compelling as ever. The 1.5 TSI paired with the 7-speed DSG continues to stand out as one of the most engaging powertrains in this space, offering a blend of performance and involvement. The updated 1.0 TSI with the 8-speed automatic improves long-distance usability and efficiency, even if its low-speed behaviour isn’t the smoothest.

What sets the Kushaq apart is its consistency. It continues to prioritise driving dynamics in a segment that is increasingly driven by features. Pricing will be crucial. A slight increase seems inevitable, but if managed well, the Kushaq should continue to offer strong value. It may not lead the sales charts, but it remains one of the most complete driver-focused offerings, even as rivals like the Renault Duster prepare to re-enter the fray.

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