Skoda Kushaq

The Kushaq is powered by two turbocharged petrol engines. The 1.0-litre TSI produces 114 bhp and 178 Nm, while the 1.5-litre TSI makes 148 bhp and 250 Nm. Both versions are front-wheel drive.

The 1.0-litre engine is available with a 6-speed manual or a new 8-speed torque-converter automatic. The 1.5-litre engine gets a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG.

City Driving

The 1.0-litre TSI is well suited to everyday city use. It has enough performance for normal traffic and feels smooth at moderate speeds, while the 8-speed automatic reduces driver effort in stop-and-go conditions.

The Kushaq's compact dimensions and predictable steering also make it manageable in tighter urban spaces. Its firm suspension, however, can transmit sharp edges and deep potholes into the cabin.

Highway Driving

Both engines are capable of maintaining highway speeds without much effort. The 1.5-litre TSI has a stronger mid-range and makes overtaking easier, particularly when travelling with passengers and luggage.

The Kushaq remains stable during lane changes and quick direction changes. Its controlled body movements and predictable steering make it well suited to long highway drives.

Ride & Handling

The Kushaq uses a relatively firm suspension setup. Sharp potholes are noticeable at lower speeds, but the ride settles as speed increases.

Handling is one of its stronger attributes. Body roll is controlled through corners, steering inputs feel predictable, and the SUV remains stable when driven quickly.

The Skoda Kushaq variant range is organised around five main trims: Classic Plus, Signature, Sportline, Prestige and Monte Carlo. The major differences involve equipment, styling and powertrain availability.

Classic Plus: The entry variant gets LED lighting, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, a single-pane sunroof, six airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, hill-hold control, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors and a 7-inch touchscreen with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Signature: This variant adds 17-inch alloy wheels, connected LED tail lamps, an 8-inch digital driver's display, rear centre armrest, a 10-inch infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, an AI assistant, rear camera and front parking sensors.

Sportline: The Sportline mainly changes the visual character of the SUV, with gloss-black exterior detailing, black 17-inch alloy wheels and a darker cabin with aluminium pedals.

Prestige: The Prestige adds a panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, beige leatherette upholstery, an 8-speaker audio system, rear-seat massage, a larger digital driver's display and a 360-degree camera.

Monte Carlo: The Monte Carlo is offered with automatic transmissions and focuses mainly on sportier styling. It gets red detailing, Monte Carlo badging, black exterior elements, a dual-tone spoiler and a black cabin with red accents.

Which Kushaq Variant Should You Choose?

• Classic Plus: For buyers looking for the entry price and essential equipment.
• Signature: For those who want more infotainment, connectivity and convenience features.
• Prestige: For buyers who want ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, rear-seat massage and more premium equipment.
• Monte Carlo: For buyers who prefer its sportier styling and automatic transmission options.

The Skoda Kushaq's claimed mileage ranges from 18.72 kmpl to 19.66 kmpl, depending on the engine and transmission.

The real-world figures can vary substantially with traffic, speed, driving style, load and road conditions. The 1.5-litre TSI also gets Active Cylinder Technology, which can deactivate two cylinders under light loads to improve efficiency during cruising.

The 2026 Kushaq gets a sharper version of the existing design. The biggest changes are at the front, where the SUV gets slimmer LED headlamps, revised DRLs and an illuminated grille strip. The rear now features connected LED tail lamps and illuminated Skoda lettering.

Front Profile

The revised front gets slimmer LED headlamps, sharper DRLs and a redesigned bumper. The grille features an illuminated strip, while LED fog lamps sit lower down. The Monte Carlo adds red detailing and sportier bumper elements.

Side Profile

The Kushaq retains a clean side profile with a prominent shoulder line and limited body cladding. The base variant gets 16-inch alloy wheels, while higher variants use 17-inch wheels.

At 4,225 mm long with a 2,651 mm wheelbase, it remains reasonably manageable in urban conditions. Its 188 mm ground clearance also provides useful clearance over typical Indian speed breakers.

Rear Profile

The rear gets connected LED tail lamps and illuminated Skoda lettering on the tailgate. Sequential turn indicators are standard, while the Monte Carlo adds a dual-tone spoiler and red detailing.

Skoda Kushaq Colours

The Kushaq is offered in Shimla Green, Cherry Red, Steel Grey, Candy White, Carbon Steel, Brilliant Silver, Lava Blue and Deep Black, with availability varying by variant.

The Kushaq's cabin uses a clean, layered dashboard design and a two-spoke steering wheel. Higher variants get leatherette upholstery and additional equipment, while the Monte Carlo uses a black cabin with red accents.

Front Seats

The front seats offer good support for longer journeys, with cushioning that is relatively firm. Higher variants get powered and ventilated front seats.

Rear Seats

The rear bench is most comfortable for two adults. Legroom is adequate for average-height passengers, while two six-footers can sit one behind the other reasonably well. The middle position is less comfortable because of the seat contours.

A rear centre armrest with cupholders is available, while the rear-seat massage function is offered on higher variants.

Features, Charging & Technology

The Kushaq gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on relevant variants, while higher variants get a larger digital driver's display. A Google AI-powered assistant, wireless charging and two-colour ambient lighting are also available.

There are four Type-C charging ports, with two provided for each row. Higher variants add a panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats and rear-seat massage.

The rear-view camera is one of the weaker elements of the cabin technology package, with a relatively grainy image and limited visibility in low light.

Storage & Boot Space

The Kushaq has practical storage in the doors, centre console, cooled glovebox and centre armrest. Rear passengers also get cupholders and seat-back pockets.

The SUV offers a 491-litre boot, with a deep and square shape that can accommodate large suitcases. Folding the rear seats in a 60:40 split increases the available luggage space to 1,405 litres.

The Kushaq gets six airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts and tyre-pressure monitoring as part of its safety package. Hill-hold control and rear parking sensors are also available.

The Kushaq has a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. The rating should be understood in the context of the specific test programme and vehicle configuration assessed by Global NCAP.

Passive Safety

Six airbags are standard, along with ISOFIX child-seat mounts. ABS with EBD helps maintain braking control, while ESC can intervene when the SUV starts to lose grip. Hill-hold control is also provided.

Active Safety

The Kushaq gets tyre-pressure monitoring, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors. Higher variants add front parking sensors and a rear camera, while the Prestige gets a 360-degree camera.

ADAS features are not offered on the Kushaq.

Safety Features by Variant

Note: The attached Team-BHP source lists TPMS as standard safety equipment and specifies additional camera/parking equipment by variant.

The Kushaq competes in the midsize SUV segment against models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, Tata Sierra, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Renault Duster.

The Kushaq's positioning is relatively straightforward: it combines turbo-petrol performance and controlled handling with the practicality expected from a family SUV. Rivals differ in areas such as rear-seat space, powertrain choice, fuel efficiency, features and ride comfort.

Hyundai Creta 

The most successful model in the segment, the Hyundai Creta offers a broader feature and powertrain mix, including diesel and ADAS on relevant variants. It’s also a tad more spacious and offers more features. However, the Kushaq is more fun to drive and even offers the reassurance of 5-star safety rating. 

Kia Seltos

Another popular rival, the Seltos focuses heavily on features, bold modern styling and road presence, along with offering a broader powertrain range. In comparison, the Kushaq is less spacious and doesn’t have a diesel engine option. However, it’s clearly a more fun-to-drive option.

Volkswagen Taigun

 Basically, a mechanical twin of the Kushaq, the Taigun offers the same platform and engine options. Even the driving characteristics are similar. However, the Kushaq offers a better variant spread, while the aesthetics remain a matter of personal taste.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Grand Vitara’s clear advantage over the Kushaq is its strong-hybrid option, which is a lot more fuel-efficient. It’s also a bit more spacious. However, it lacks the finesse seen on many other vehicles in the segment, especially compared to the Kushaq. It’s also nowhere near as engaging to drive. 

Renault Duster

 Slightly more spacious than the Kushaq, the new Renault Duster even has a bolder road presence. Also, it’s almost as fun to drive, while offering a better ride quality. However, the Kushaq’s 1.0-litre engine, when combined with the new 8-speed auto, feels better tuned for urban usage.

Compared with these SUVs, the Kushaq's defining characteristics are its turbo-petrol engines, predictable handling and high-speed stability.

Even though the Skoda Kushaq is among the most engaging cars to drive among its rivals, it doesn’t excel in every aspect. Here’s a quick look at its strengths and shortcomings. 

The Skoda Kushaq makes sense for buyers who want a compact SUV that places noticeable emphasis on driving dynamics without giving up everyday practicality.

The 1.0-litre TSI is adequate for city-focused use, while the 1.5-litre TSI has stronger mid-range performance and is better suited to frequent highway driving. The new 8-speed automatic also gives the 1.0-litre version a convenient option for urban traffic.

Its firm suspension is not ideal for buyers who prioritise a very soft ride over broken roads, and the rear seat is better suited to two adults for longer journeys. The lack of diesel, hybrid and CNG options also narrows the powertrain choice compared with some rivals.

The higher variants bring useful features such as ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera and rear-seat massage. However, buyers who specifically want ADAS will need to look at alternatives.

Overall, the Kushaq's appeal comes from the combination of turbo-petrol performance, predictable handling, highway stability and practical family-SUV packaging.