Skoda Kushaq facelift teased ahead of January 2026 launch – Autocar India
Skoda has released the first teaser of the upcoming Kushaq facelift ahead of its expected launch this month. The short teaser doesn’t reveal much beyond a veiled view of the SUV’s front end, but it confirms that the midsize SUV is set for a proper mid-lifecycle refresh.
First launched in 2021, the Kushaq rivals models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Honda Elevate and Tata Sierra. The facelift is expected to bring a mix of design tweaks and feature additions.
Spy shots of the Kushaq facelift test mules suggest that the exterior updates will be focused mainly on the front and rear ends. The facelift is expected to get revised headlamps and changes to the front bumper. The moustache-like grille at the front appears to have grown larger with slimmer LED daytime running lamps (DRLs).
The rear part of the test mules shows slimmer tail-lamps that appear to be connected by a protruding section on the tailgate. The SUV has also been seen with a new set of matte-black-painted alloy wheels, likely 17-inchers.
While the cabin has not been fully revealed yet, the Kushaq facelift is expected to receive a longer equipment list to stay competitive. Spy images indicate that it will get a panoramic sunroof on higher trims.
The Kushaq facelift is also likely to get a segment-first massage function for the rear seats, new graphics for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen, and rear disc brakes for 1.5 TSI variants. Even the air-conditioning system is expected to receive updates to improve it over the current model.
Skoda has already indicated that Level 2 ADAS will be introduced step-by-step with facelifts across its models based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. For reference, most segment competitors already offer an ADAS suite; some of them are the new Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Honda Elevate and MG Astor.
A 360-degree camera is also expected to be added, as per earlier reports.
The facelifted Kushaq is expected to continue with the current engine options: the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (115hp, 178Nm) and the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (150hp, 250Nm). The existing gearbox options are also likely to remain at launch: 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic for the 1.0-litre unit and 7-speed DSG for the larger mill.
However, Skoda is also expected to introduce a new localised 8-speed torque converter automatic for the 1.0-litre engine at a later stage, which could eventually replace the current 6-speed unit. The 8-speed transmission should boost fuel efficiency by providing closer-ratio steps between gears, resulting in smoother transitions and less fuel wastage during both acceleration and deceleration. It will also help Skoda meet the stricter upcoming CAFE 3 norms.
2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift to get rear seat massage function
Skoda Kushaq facelift launch likely in January 2026
Neue Klasse BMW i3 prototype (image used for representation only).
