Here are ten reasons why you should buy the Skoda Kushaq in 2026:
1. Strong Build Quality You Can Feel
The Kushaq is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, made specially for Indian roads but based on Skoda's global engineering standards. This gives the car a solid, planted feel on the highway and confidence while handling potholes and rough patches. Many owners say the car does not feel flimsy, even after years of daily use.
2. Excellent Safety Rating
Safety is a top priority for most Indian families today. The Skoda Kushaq NCAP rating stands at 5 stars from Global NCAP, for both adult and child occupant protection. This makes it one of the safer choices in the compact SUV segment. Six airbags come as standard, along with ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, and tyre pressure monitoring. If a strong Skoda Kushaq crash test score matters to you, this car ticks that box well.
3. Two Punchy Turbo Petrol Engines
The Kushaq comes with two turbocharged petrol engine options. The 1.0-litre TSI engine puts out 114 bhp and 178 Nm of torque, perfect for city driving and daily commutes. The bigger 1.5-litre TSI engine makes 147 bhp and 250 Nm, giving you a more spirited drive on highways. Both engines offer strong mid-range performance and remain responsive during city driving and highway overtakes. This is something many owners appreciate about the Skoda Kushaq compact SUV’s driving experience.
4. Decent Fuel Efficiency
Even with turbo power, the Kushaq offers quite good fuel efficiency. If you are concerned about Skoda Kushaq mileage, you can get up to around 19.66 kmpl depending on the variant and engine. Real-world figures usually fall between 14 and 18 kmpl depending on your driving style and road conditions.
5. Choice of Transmissions
Skoda gives buyers multiple choices here. You get a 6-speed manual gearbox for those who enjoy shifting themselves. A smooth automatic option is there for city comfort. In addition, there is a quick 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox with the 1.5-litre engine for a sportier feel. Multiple Skoda Kushaq configurations mean you can pick a variant according to your driving habits and budget.
6. Sharper, Bolder Styling
The 2026 facelift gives the Kushaq a more modern face, with new connected LED tail lights, illuminated Skoda lettering at the rear, and fresh alloy wheel designs. Three new colour shades, including Cherry Red and Shimla Green, have been added to the lineup. If Skoda Kushaq’s style is important to you, this update makes the SUV look more premium than before, both inside and out.
7. Feature-Rich Cabin
Step inside and you get a dual-tone dashboard, a touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting and a round steering wheel. Higher variants add ventilated front seats, a sunroof, wireless charging and a premium sound system. These Skoda Kushaq features make daily driving more comfortable, whether you are stuck in traffic or on a long road trip.
8. Variant Options for Every Budget
The Kushaq lineup includes five main Skoda Kushaq variants, namely Classic Plus, Signature, Sportline, Prestige, and Monte Carlo trim. Prices start from around Rs 10.69 lakh and go up to about Rs 18.99 lakh (ex-showroom), so there is a version to match different budgets and needs. The base Classic Plus itself is well equipped, which is a big plus for value-conscious buyers.
9. Practical and Comfortable for Families
The new Kushaq offers 491 litres of boot space (when measured to the roof), while the space below the parcel shelf is 385 litres. Inside, four adults can travel comfortably, which means the Kushaq is a practical choice for both everyday use and longer journeys.
10. Strong Competitor to Rivals in Its Class
The Kushaq does well against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Volkswagen Taigun. If you are weighing your options, it helps to check a detailed Skoda Kushaq vs Hyundai Creta comparison before deciding, since both cars are strong picks in this segment but suit slightly different priorities.