The King is Back: 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Breaks Cover with Panoramic Sunroof and 8-Speed AT
The mid-size SUV segment just got a lot more exciting. Skoda Auto India has officially pulled the wraps off the 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift, introducing the most significant update to the SUV since its market debut in 2021. With a sharper design, a long-awaited panoramic sunroof, and a brand-new gearbox, the Kushaq is ready to reclaim its throne against rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Here is everything you need to know about the new 2026 Skoda Kushaq.
Exterior: A Modern “Solid” Makeover
Skoda has refined the Kushaq’s European aesthetics using its latest “Modern Solid” design language. The changes are immediately visible:
- New Front Fascia: A wider, gloss-black ‘butterfly’ grille is flanked by slimmer LED headlamps.
- Connected Lighting: Following the global trend, the Kushaq now features a segmented LED light bar running across the grille and a fully connected LED taillamp cluster at the rear.
- Illuminated Branding: The traditional rear badge is replaced by an illuminated ‘SKODA’ wordmark, giving it a premium, high-tech night signature.
- Fresh Colors: Three new shades join the palette: Shimla Green, Cherry Red, and Steel Grey.
Interior: The Panoramic Revolution
The biggest criticism of the previous Kushaq was the lack of a panoramic sunroof—a feature Indian buyers love. Skoda has finally listened.
- Panoramic Sunroof: The top-spec variants now feature a large panoramic glass roof, making the cabin feel significantly airier and more premium.
- Segment-First Luxury: In a surprising move, the facelift introduces rear massaging seats, a feature usually reserved for luxury sedans.
- Updated Tech: The cabin now boasts a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a revised 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with an AI-integrated voice assistant.
Performance: New 8-Speed Gearbox
While the reliable 1.0L and 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol engines remain, the hardware driving them has seen a major upgrade:
- 8-Speed Torque Converter: The 1.0L TSI engine now comes with a new 8-speed automatic transmission (replacing the old 6-speed unit), promising smoother shifts and better fuel efficiency.
- 1.5L TSI Powerhouse: The 150hp engine continues with the lightning-fast 7-speed DSG. Notably, the 1.5L variants now come standard with all-wheel disc brakes for superior stopping power.
Pricing and Availability
Skoda has officially opened pre-bookings starting today, January 20, 2026. While the official price announcement is slated for February, industry experts expect the range to sit between ₹11 lakh and ₹19.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Deliveries are scheduled to begin in March 2026.
| Feature | 2026 Kushaq Facelift |
| Engine Options | 1.0L TSI (115hp) & 1.5L TSI (150hp) |
| New Gearbox | 8-Speed AT (for 1.0L) |
| Key Additions | Panoramic Sunroof, Rear Massage Seats, ADAS |
| Booking Status | Open Now |
Final Verdict
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift isn’t just a cosmetic “touch-up.” By adding the panoramic sunroof, upgrading the automatic gearbox, and enhancing the safety suite, Skoda has addressed every minor gap in the previous model’s armor. It remains the “driver’s choice” in the segment, now with the features to match its performance.
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