Skoda Kushaq Facelift Spied: Will Updates Set It Apart from the Kylaq?

The Skoda Kushaq, a key player in the brand’s India line-up since its 2021 debut, is all set to receive its first major update. Fresh spy shots of the facelifted model on Indian roads have given us an early glimpse of what to expect. With sharper design cues, upgraded features, and the anticipated inclusion of ADAS, Skoda is preparing the Kushaq to compete more fiercely in the high-stakes mid-size SUV space—and clearly distinguish it from its new, smaller sibling, the Kylaq.

Spyshots courtesy News9

Sharper Styling, Familiar Foundations

The test mule may be camouflaged, but subtle visual upgrades are evident. A reworked front grille, more aggressive LED headlamps—possibly with connected DRLs—and redesigned bumpers mark a shift toward a sleeker, more contemporary look. At the rear, changes include updated LED tail-lamps and a reshaped tailgate, while new alloy wheel designs and colour options could add freshness for style-conscious buyers.

Although the silhouette remains familiar, the refinements signal a move to keep the Kushaq competitive against flashier, feature-rich rivals. These design changes won’t overhaul the SUV’s identity but will offer enough visual separation from the Kylaq and other mid-size SUVs on the market.

Inside the Cabin: Premium Additions on the Way

Skoda is expected to enhance the cabin experience with several key upgrades. A panoramic sunroof is likely to replace the current single-pane unit, while front seat ventilation and a 360-degree camera system are also expected.

The biggest news is the anticipated debut of Level-2 ADAS—a first for Skoda in India. The presence of radar sensors in the spy shots hints at features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking, helping the Kushaq match up to rivals such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in the safety tech race.

Still Punchy Under the Hood

Mechanically, the Kushaq facelift is expected to retain its proven powertrains—the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI petrol engines, available with manual, automatic, and DSG transmissions. While the lack of hybrid or diesel options may seem like a limitation, the 1.5 TSI’s spirited performance and highway composure continue to be strong selling points, especially for buyers who prioritise driving pleasure over outright efficiency.

Facing Up to Creta, Seltos and Grand Vitara

The mid-size SUV space is crowded, with the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos dominating sales, and the Maruti Grand Vitara offering a strong value proposition. With this update, Skoda aims to plug the gaps in the current Kushaq lineup.

The inclusion of ADAS helps level the playing field on safety—an increasingly important factor for Indian buyers. Similarly, premium features like the panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats, now common in this segment, ensure the Kushaq doesn’t feel left behind. Visually, the sharper lighting elements and redesigned bumpers offer enough presence to remain appealing in a space where style plays a big role in purchase decisions.

Kushaq vs Kylaq: Defining the Difference

Skoda’s newer offering, the Kylaq, sits below the Kushaq in size and pricing, targeting buyers looking for compact city SUVs. The upcoming Kushaq facelift will widen the gap between the two, both in terms of feature content and buyer appeal.

While the Kylaq is limited to the 1.0 TSI engine and offers a more cost-conscious package, the Kushaq will continue to cater to those looking for more performance, space, and a richer feature list. Expect design elements like a chrome-accented grille and connected tail-lamps on the Kushaq, which will contrast with the Kylaq’s sportier, blacked-out design language.

Can Skoda Reignite the Buzz?

With the facelift, Skoda is walking a tightrope—revamping the Kushaq to meet current expectations without losing the qualities that made it appealing to enthusiast drivers in the first place. It also has to ensure the Kushaq doesn’t overlap too much with the Kylaq and cannibalise sales.

If priced between ₹12 lakh and ₹19 lakh (ex-showroom), the updated Kushaq could offer an enticing mix of European build quality, engaging dynamics, and now, the tech features that were missing from earlier versions. It might just tempt buyers away from more established rivals who now lead with equipment and road presence.

As the launch approaches, the question is whether these thoughtful updates are enough to bring the Kushaq back into the limelight. In a market that rewards relevance and punishes missteps, Skoda has little room for error—but also a big opportunity to get things right.