Quick Take – What’s New with the Kushaq Facelift?
- Fresh new design touches – cleaner, sharper lines
- Big tech upgrades – Level 2 ADAS, 360° camera coming
- Same trusted engines – but an 8-speed auto is on the horizon
- Launch expected – Late 2025 or early 2026
Intro: Mid-Size, But Not Mid-Level Anymore
Škoda’s Kushaq has always had a strong fan base in India. With its Germanic build quality, turbocharged punch, and premium feel, it hit the sweet spot for many. But with rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos constantly stepping up their game, it was about time Škoda answered back.
And they have.
Spotted testing in India, the new Kushaq facelift doesn’t shout for attention—it quietly evolves. It’s more refined, better equipped, and getting ready to take on 2025 in style. Let’s dive into what’s changing—and what’s not.
Design: Sleek Tweaks Where It Matters
First things first: this isn’t a complete design overhaul. Think of it more like a good skincare routine—subtle improvements that make a big difference over time.
At the front, the headlights are slimmer and sharper, possibly featuring a new LED signature. The grille’s vertical slats look a bit more compact, and the fog lamps have shifted slightly lower for a more assertive look. The air dam also gets a mild revamp.
Move to the side, and you’ll spot brand-new blacked-out alloy wheels—subtle, but sporty. At the rear, Škoda’s going the connected tail-light route with a sleek LED strip bridging both units, giving the SUV a wider and more modern look.
Size & Dimensions: No Change Here – And That’s Intentional
While there’s a lot evolving in terms of design and tech, the Kushaq facelift is expected to retain its existing dimensions. That’s because it continues to be built on the MQB-A0-IN platform—a localized architecture tailored for India—which doesn’t allow for any structural change in size.
So, expect the same road-ready stance:
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,225 mm |
| Width | 1,760 mm |
| Height | 1,612 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,651 mm |
| Boot Space | 385 litres |
| Ground clearance | 188 mm |
This isn’t a drawback—it means the Kushaq will maintain its city-friendly proportions while still offering good interior space. It also keeps costs in check, allowing Škoda to focus its budget on new features and safety tech rather than retooling the car’s body.
Inside Story: Tech Finally Gets Serious
While we haven’t seen the updated cabin yet, it’s safe to say Škoda will build on its current strengths. Expect new colors, revised materials, and most importantly—a tech leap.
Here’s what’s on the way:
- Level 2 ADAS: That means features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, emergency braking and more—things we’ve seen in the Creta and Seltos already.
- 360-degree camera: Great for city parking and tight spots—finally making its way from the larger Kylaq SUV.
These aren’t just gimmicks—they’re practical, everyday tools that enhance safety and convenience. And the best part? You can expect even more to come!
Powertrain: Familiar Engines, Future-Proof Gearbox
Under the hood? No surprises. And that’s actually a good thing.
- The 1.0L TSI (115hp) and 1.5L TSI (150hp) engines continue, paired with their usual transmission options.
- 1.0L – 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter auto
- 1.5L – 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch)
But here’s the exciting bit: Škoda is prepping a brand-new 8-speed torque converter automatic (sourced from AISIN) for the 1.0L variant.
Why does it matter?
This new gearbox promises smoother shifts and better fuel efficiency, especially important as stricter emission and fuel norms like CAFE III come into play.
When is it coming?
Not immediately. Škoda plans to introduce this upgrade sometime in 2026, so early buyers of the facelift may still get the 6-speed auto for now.
At a Glance – What’s Changing
| Category | Current Kushaq | Upcoming Kushaq Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Headlamps | LED projector | Sleeker LED with DRLs |
| Alloys | Silver finish | Sporty blacked-out wheels |
| Tail-lamps | Standard split design | Connected LED strip |
| ADAS | Not available | Level 2 ADAS (speculated) |
| 360° Camera | No | Yes (speculated) |
| Gearbox (1.0L) | 6-speed AT | 8-speed AT (coming in 2026) |
| Engines | 1.0L & 1.5L TSI | Same engines retained |
| Launch Window | – | Late 2025 / Early 2026 |
Final Thoughts: A Smart Step Forward
The updated Kushaq doesn’t try to reinvent itself—it doesn’t need to. It simply refines what already worked and adds what was missing.
More safety tech, smarter gearboxes on the horizon, and a cleaner, modern design—all of this makes the 2025 Kushaq facelift feel future-ready without losing its original charm.
So if you’ve been eyeing a mid-size SUV that feels German-engineered but Indian in sensibilities, the updated Kushaq might be worth the wait.