Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta: The mid-size SUV battle in India just got hotter. With the official unveiling of the Skoda Kushaq Facelift, Skoda Auto India has made it clear that it is aiming straight at the segment leader — the Hyundai Creta. Packed with segment-first features, new automatic transmissions, enhanced safety, and premium design upgrades, the new Kushaq is no longer just a challenger; it’s a serious disruptor.
If you’re planning to buy a compact SUV in 2026 and are confused between the Skoda Kushaq Facelift and Hyundai Creta, this detailed comparison covers price expectations, engine options, performance, features, safety, and ownership experience — everything you need to know before making a decision.
Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta: Price Expectations
- Skoda Kushaq Facelift:
Prices have not been officially announced yet. However, based on updates and positioning, the facelifted Kushaq is expected to start around ₹11.50 lakh and go up to ₹19 lakh (ex-showroom). Pre-bookings are open at ₹15,000, with deliveries beginning by March 2026. - Hyundai Creta:
The Creta is currently priced between ₹11 lakh and ₹20.15 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on engine and variant.
Verdict: Pricing parity is expected, but Skoda may undercut higher Creta variants by offering more features as standard.
Engine & Performance Comparison
Skoda Kushaq Facelift – Engine Options
- 1.0-litre TSI Petrol
- Power: 104 hp
- Torque: 178 Nm
- Gearbox:
- 6-speed Manual
- Segment-first 8-speed Torque Converter Automatic
- 1.5-litre TSI Petrol
- Power: 147 hp
- Torque: 250 Nm
- Gearbox: 7-speed DSG Automatic
- Features Active Cylinder Technology for better fuel efficiency
- Disc brakes on all four wheels (new addition)
Hyundai Creta – Engine Options
- 1.5-litre Petrol
- Power: 115 bhp
- Gearbox: 6MT / CVT
- 1.5-litre Diesel
- Power: 116 bhp
- Gearbox: 6MT / Torque Converter Automatic
- 1.5-litre Turbo Petrol
- Power: 160 bhp
- Gearbox: 7-speed DCT
Verdict:
- Kushaq wins for driving dynamics and gearbox sophistication
- Creta offers more powertrain choices, including diesel
Interior & Features Comparison
Skoda Kushaq Facelift – What’s New?
Skoda has significantly elevated the cabin experience with a focus on luxury and technology:
- Brand-new panoramic sunroof
- Dual-tone grey & beige premium interior
- Segment-first rear seat massage function
- 6-way electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation
- 10.25-inch digital cockpit (top variants)
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- AI Companion powered by Google (Gemini-based voice assistant)
- Dual-colour ambient lighting
- 491-litre boot space (expandable to 1,405 litres)
- Monte Carlo Edition available from launch
Hyundai Creta – Key Features
- Panoramic sunroof
- Dual digital displays
- Ventilated front seats
- Premium Bose sound system
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
- Ambient lighting
- Powered driver seat (select variants)
Verdict:
Kushaq surprises with segment-first comfort features, while Creta still holds an edge with ADAS availability.
Safety Comparison
Skoda Kushaq Facelift
- 5-star Global NCAP rating
- 6 airbags standard across all variants
- Over 25 safety features standard
- Up to 40 safety features in top trims
- Rear wiper, defogger, rain-sensing wipers & auto-dimming IRVM standard
Hyundai Creta
- 6 airbags standard
- ESC, hill assist, TPMS
- ADAS features in higher trims
Verdict:
Kushaq leads in structural safety and standardisation, while Creta counters with driver assistance tech.
Design & Road Presence
Skoda Kushaq Facelift
- Modern Solid design language
- New front grille with illuminated light band
- Connected LED taillamps with illuminated “Škoda” lettering
- Sequential turn indicators
- New alloy wheels standard across variants
- New colours: Shimla Green, Steel Grey, Cherry Red
- Monte Carlo variant adds sportier aesthetics
Hyundai Creta
- Bold, futuristic styling
- Split LED headlamps
- Wider stance and aggressive front fascia
Verdict:
Design preference is subjective, but the new Kushaq looks more premium and European, while Creta remains bold and futuristic.
Ownership & Warranty
Skoda Kushaq Facelift – Easy to Own
- 4-year / 100,000 km standard warranty
- 4 years roadside assistance
- 4 labour-free services
- Extendable warranty up to 6 years
- 6-year corrosion warranty
Hyundai Creta
- 3-year standard warranty (extendable)
- Wide service network advantage
Verdict:
Skoda now offers one of the best ownership packages in the segment.
Final Verdict: Which SUV Should You Buy?
Choose the Skoda Kushaq Facelift if you want:
- Superior driving dynamics
- Premium European engineering
- Segment-first comfort and safety features
- Advanced automatic gearboxes
- Strong warranty and ownership benefits
Choose the Hyundai Creta if you want:
- Diesel engine option
- ADAS technology
- Proven reliability and resale value
- Extensive service network
Bottom Line
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift is no longer playing catch-up. With bold upgrades, cutting-edge technology, and unmatched safety credentials, it stands as the most driver-focused and value-packed alternative to the Hyundai Creta in 2026.
If you’re waiting for a compact SUV that blends performance, safety, luxury, and long-term peace of mind, the new Kushaq deserves a very close look.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta
1. Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta: Which SUV offers better value for money in 2026?
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift delivers exceptional value by offering several segment-first features as standard, including a panoramic sunroof, rear seat massage, six airbags across all variants, and a longer warranty package. While the Hyundai Creta remains competitive with ADAS and multiple engine options, Skoda’s focus on safety, premium features, and ownership benefits gives it a strong value advantage.
2. Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta: Which SUV has more powerful engine options?
In the Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta comparison, the Creta leads slightly in outright power with its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 160 bhp. However, the Kushaq’s 1.5-litre TSI engine delivers a strong 147 hp with superior torque delivery and refined driving dynamics, making it more engaging for enthusiastic drivers.
3. Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta: Which SUV offers better automatic transmission options?
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift stands out by introducing a segment-first 8-speed torque converter automatic paired with the 1.0 TSI engine, alongside a proven 7-speed DSG for the 1.5 TSI. Hyundai Creta offers a wider range of automatics, including CVT, torque converter, and DCT, but Skoda’s gearboxes are more driver-focused and performance-oriented.
4. Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta: Which SUV is better for long-distance highway driving?
For highway use, the Skoda Kushaq Facelift excels due to its stable MQB-A0-IN platform, turbocharged engines, refined automatic transmissions, and excellent high-speed stability. The Hyundai Creta remains comfortable and feature-rich, but the Kushaq offers a more confident and engaging highway experience.
5. Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta: Which SUV has the better interior quality and cabin experience?
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift introduces a premium dual-tone interior, panoramic sunroof, advanced digital cockpit, and AI-powered voice assistant, creating a more upmarket cabin feel. The Hyundai Creta still impresses with its modern layout and premium touches, but Skoda’s new interior feels more European and sophisticated.
6. Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta: Which SUV offers more advanced technology features?
In the Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta comparison, both SUVs are tech-loaded. The Kushaq features a Google-powered AI Companion, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a large digital cockpit, while the Creta counters with ADAS features. Buyers must choose between smarter infotainment (Kushaq) and driver assistance systems (Creta).
7. Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta: Which SUV is safer for Indian roads?
Safety is a major highlight for the Skoda Kushaq Facelift, which carries a 5-star Global NCAP rating and offers six airbags and over 25 safety features as standard. The Hyundai Creta also offers strong safety equipment and ADAS in higher trims, but Skoda’s structural safety and standardisation give it an edge.
8. Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta: Which SUV has better ride comfort and ground clearance?
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift offers 188 mm of ground clearance, making it well-suited for rough Indian roads and highway cruising. The Hyundai Creta is equally comfortable and slightly more urban-focused. Both SUVs offer excellent ride quality, but the Kushaq feels more planted at higher speeds.
9. Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta: Which SUV is better for family use?
For family buyers, both SUVs are strong contenders. The Hyundai Creta offers a slightly wider cabin and diesel option, while the Skoda Kushaq Facelift impresses with rear seat comfort features like massage function, improved boot space, and superior safety as standard, making it highly family-friendly.
10. Skoda Kushaq Facelift vs Hyundai Creta: Which SUV offers better ownership and warranty benefits?
Skoda clearly leads here, offering a 4-year or 100,000-km standard warranty, four years of roadside assistance, and labour-free services. Hyundai Creta offers a shorter standard warranty but benefits from a wider service network. Skoda’s improved ownership package significantly narrows the service gap.
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