2026 Skoda Kushaq Review
2026 Skoda Kushaq
A refined mid-size SUV by Skoda offering enhanced driving dynamics, updated transmission options, and subtle aesthetic refinements.
How This Score Is Calculated
- Sources analysed: 8 reviews
- Sentiment-only: 8 sources (weighted 1.0×)
- Split: 5 Positive · 2 Mixed · 1 Negative
- Raw weighted average: 7.4
- Formula: Σ(score × weight) ÷ Σ(weight)
- Review period: 2026
- Value sources: 2 of 8 mentioned price or value
- Final score: 7.4/10 (clamped, rounded to 1 decimal)
Algorithmically calculated from source data. No manual adjustments.
- Most reviewed feature8-speed Automatic (8/8)
- Most praisedDriving Dynamics
- Most criticisedLack of ADAS/360 Camera
- Reviewer consensus levelHigh
- Value for moneyGood Value (7.0/10)
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift is a refined, driver-focused SUV that prioritizes handling and high-speed stability over segment-leading feature lists. While the new 8-speed torque converter transmission significantly improves urban drivability and smoothness, the vehicle faces criticism for missing modern tech like ADAS and a 360-degree camera. It remains an ideal choice for those who value build quality and driving engagement, though it may feel less premium or spacious than some key rivals.
🔧 Key Specifications
Specifications sourced from reviewer mentions. Verify with manufacturer for complete details.
- Engine: 1.0L Turbo-petrol / 1.5L TSI
- Transmission: 8-speed Torque Converter Automatic
- Boot Space: 491 Litres
- Safety: High build quality
- Features: Rear seat massaged seats (high trims)
- Missing: ADAS, 360-degree camera, rear seat ventilation
💲 Price Range
Rs 10.61 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh
Prices sourced from reviews. Check current retailer pricing.
📊 What Reviewers Say — Feature by Feature
6 features evaluated across 8 sources.
👍 Key Strengths
- Smooth 8-speed automatic transmission
- Excellent high-speed stability and handling
- Strong 1.5L TSI engine performance
- Solid build quality and safety
- Generous and practical 491L boot space
👎 Key Weaknesses
- Missing ADAS and 360-degree camera
- Poor rear-view camera quality
- Firm ride at low speeds
- Lack of premium interior feel
- Cluttered infotainment interface
💰 Value for Money Analysis
The Kushaq is seen as offering decent value, particularly with improved feature accessibility in base variants. While priced competitively, it faces pressure from rivals offering more tech-heavy packages.
2 of 8 sources commented on price or value.
⚡ Where Reviewers Disagreed
The following areas saw meaningful disagreement across sources.
- Interior Quality: 2 sources praised the premium design and build, while 1 source criticised the excessive use of hard plastics and lack of premium feel compared to older Skoda models.
- Ride Comfort: 1 source lauded the mature and compliant suspension, while 2 sources specifically noted a firm or rough ride quality at low speeds.
🎯 Who This Product Is For
Reviewer recommendations for different target audiences and use cases.
🛠️ Best Use Cases
- Highway CruisingThe excellent high-speed stability and new 8-speed gearbox make it ideal for long-distance travel.Great
- Urban CommutingImproved transmission smoothness aids city driving, though the firm low-speed ride can be felt on poor roads.Good
🔀 Alternatives Mentioned by Reviewers
Maximise this list. Include EVERY single competitor, rival, or alternative product mentioned in any of the source reviews. Do not omit any. More alternatives and longer lists are better.
- Hyundai Creta — Frequently cited as a benchmark competitor that offers a more cushioned low-speed ride and superior size presence. Choose this if you prioritize comfort and road presence over driving dynamics.
- Kia Seltos — Noted for its modern, tech-rich cabin and feature-heavy list that includes items the Kushaq lacks. Choose this if you prefer a 'gadget-filled' experience.
- Renault Duster — Mentioned as a competitive new entry in the compact SUV segment that puts pressure on the Kushaq. Choose this if you are looking for the latest market offerings.
- Skoda Kylaq — Positioned as a cheaper, smaller alternative within the same brand family. Choose this if budget is your primary concern and you can sacrifice space.
Alternatives sourced exclusively from reviewer mentions.
🛒 Buyer's Guide
✅ Buy This If…
- You prioritize driving dynamics and high-speed stability.
- You want a smooth, reliable automatic transmission for city use.
- You appreciate solid build quality and a practical boot.
❌ Skip This If…
- You consider ADAS and a 360-degree camera essential.
- You require a soft, cushioned ride for all passengers at low speeds.
- You want the most premium-feeling interior plastics in the segment.
⚠️ Things to Check Before Buying
- Test drive specifically on rough city roads to see if the firm suspension meets your comfort standards.
- Check the specific trim level for the rear massage seat feature, as implementation has received mixed feedback.
📈 Sentiment Trends Over Time
Reviews for 2026 model year.
- Urban Drivability — The introduction of the 8-speed automatic has significantly improved smoothness and refinement compared to previous transmission units.
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq is an excellent choice for drivers who value a refined, stable, and engaging driving experience. Its new 8-speed transmission is a standout upgrade, though the lack of modern safety tech like ADAS and a 360-degree camera keeps it from being a segment leader. It is a solid, well-built SUV that prioritizes substance over flash. If you prioritize driving dynamics over the latest tech gadgets, this is an excellent buy.
Top Alternative: Hyundai Creta — Choose this if you prioritize a more cushioned ride and larger cabin presence.
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Reviewer Perspectives & Source Breakdown
2026 Skoda Kushaq Review: Facelift Makes It More Desirable - Smartprix -...
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq remains the segment's premier driver's car, now offering a more mature design and premium features. While it retains some ergonomic flaws, its excellent handling and performance make it a top contender in the C-SUV market.
Pros
- Fantastic driving performance and handling
- Matured and elegant exterior design
- Unique rear seat massage functionality
- Panoramic sunroof and improved digital cluster
- Decent fuel efficiency with cylinder deactivation
Cons
- Frustrating touch-based climate controls
- Inefficient air conditioning system
- No rear cabin lights
- Poor 360-degree camera quality
- Interior uses significant amount of hard plastic
Used car of the week: Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI MT review | Team-BHP - team-b...
Price: Rs. 13.77 lakh (inclusive of charges)
The used Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI MT is a well-maintained, powerful, and feature-rich choice for driving enthusiasts. It offers excellent safety and performance, though potential buyers should note dealership concerns and lack of diesel options.
Pros
- Powerful 148 BHP engine is fun to drive
- Solid European build quality and safety
- Classy styling with premium interior features
- Sorted suspension offers balanced ride and handling
- Eligible for extended warranty up to 8 years
Cons
- No diesel, CNG, or EV version available
- Boot space is smaller than direct rivals
- Fuel efficiency drops significantly when driven hard
- Notorious Skoda dealership and after-sales support
- Lacks street presence compared to some competitors
2026 Škoda Kushaq First Drive Review – More Than A Nip And Tuck? – Car ...
The 2026 Škoda Kushaq facelift offers welcome aesthetic and feature updates while maintaining its core driving pleasure. While it remains a solid mid-size SUV, the lack of ADAS and minor ergonomic issues keep it from being perfect.
Pros
- Punchy and enjoyable 1.5-litre TSI engine performance
- New eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and linear
- Understated yet aggressive refreshed exterior design
- Well-sorted handling and high-speed stability
Cons
- Stiff suspension setup feels rough at low speeds
- Lack of ADAS technology
- Touch-sensitive HVAC controls are less convenient
- Underwhelming rear massage seat implementation
2026 Skoda Kushaq Short Review: What We Liked & What Needs To Improve - ...
Price: Starts at 10.69 Lakh INR
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift refines an already capable SUV with subtle design tweaks, improved transmission smoothness, and segment-first features. While it remains a niche choice, it strengthens its appeal through better performance and a balanced driving experience.
Pros
- Enjoyable driving dynamics
- Segment-first rear massaged seats
- New smooth 8-speed automatic transmission
- Practical boot space usability
- Strong high-speed stability
Cons
- Lacks 360-degree camera
- No ADAS features
- Poor rear camera quality
- Narrow cabin width
- Cluttered infotainment interface
2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Review: Stunning Looks, What Else? - ackodriv...
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift introduces a new 8-speed automatic gearbox and enhanced features across lower variants. While it maintains excellent handling and a stylish design, it faces stiff competition and lacks a 360-degree camera.
Pros
- Stunning new exterior design
- New 8-speed automatic gearbox option
- Alloy wheels standard on all variants
- Rear seat massaging function in higher trims
Cons
- Outdated reverse camera quality
- No 360-degree camera available
- Interior plastics feel less premium than older Skodas
- Lack of rear disc brakes on 1.0-litre models
2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Review: What's it like to drive | Team-BHP - ...
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift offers a refined, fun-to-drive experience with excellent city ergonomics and a smooth new 8-speed torque converter. While it excels in ride quality and handling, enthusiasts may find the steering too light at highway speeds and the kickdown response somewhat leisurely.
Pros
- Refined 1.0L turbo-petrol engine
- Silky-smooth 8-speed torque converter automatic
- Mature and compliant suspension setup
- Excellent straight-line stability and handling
- Good city ergonomics and frontal visibility
Cons
- Soft power delivery at low rpms
- Slow kickdown response from the transmission
- Steering feels too light at high speeds
- Lack of auto-hold function
- Mixed reputation for long-term reliability and service
2026 Skoda Kushaq First Drive Review: Worth a Second Look? | autoX - aut...
Price: Rs 10.61 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh
The Skoda Kushaq facelift offers subtle refinements and improved entry-level value without a radical overhaul. While it maintains excellent driving dynamics, it remains behind some competitors in terms of modern, high-tech feature inclusions.
Pros
- Sophisticated and modern exterior design tweaks
- Improved cruising refinement with the new 8-speed gearbox
- Strong driving dynamics and chassis confidence
- Better feature accessibility in base variants
Cons
- No 360-degree camera system included
- Lack of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
- Poor rear-view camera quality
- No rear seat ventilation or sunshades
2026 Skoda Kushaq 1.0-litre Eight-speed AT First Drive Review - CarWale ...
The new eight-speed automatic improves the Kushaq's urban drivability and maintains its signature engaging handling. However, it falls short of competitors due to missing ADAS, intrusive cabin noise, and average interior material quality.
Pros
- Responsive engine and smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox
- Excellent high-speed stability and sporty driving dynamics
- Generous legroom and practical 491-litre boot space
Cons
- Lacks ADAS and 360-degree camera
- Noticeable road noise and engine vibrations
- Rear seat best suited for only two passengers
2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Review: Not The BEST Family Car Video - 6620 ...
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift offers premium build quality, strong performance, and extensive safety features. While highly regarded for its driving dynamics, it may not be the ideal choice for families seeking maximum utility.
Pros
- Excellent build quality and safety
- Strong engine performance
- Premium interior design
Cons
- Not the most spacious family option
- Competitive segment pressure
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