Skoda Kushaq Surpasses 100,000 Sales, Demand Grows for Facelifted Model

Five years after Skoda Auto India entered the midsize SUV market with the Kushaq, the model has surpassed the 100,000-unit wholesale milestone. Launched on June 28, 2021, cumulative sales till end-May 2026 are 100,838 units. An additional 4,632 units have been exported.

The Kushaq, which was the first model to come from Skoda's 'India 2.0' programme of heavily localised and cost-competitive products, was developed exclusively for India. It is the Czech carmaker’s first production model based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, an MQB variant adapted by Skoda for India and used on other Volkswagen Group models in India, which includes the game-changing Skoda Kylaq compact SUV, which has sold 66,826 units since its launch in January 2025 and is now the best-selling Skoda model in India.

The Kushaq’s arrival in the midsize SUV market had an immediate impact. In its first fiscal (FY2022), it sold 21,427 units and accounted for an overwhelming 98.05% of Skoda SUV sales, with the next best being the Kodiaq (381 units). FY2023, with 25,300 units, is till date the Kushaq’s best fiscal year – the 25,300 units were an 18% YoY increase and contributed 94% to Skoda Auto India’s UV sales of 27,005 units.

FY2023 (25,300 units) best fiscal to date for the Kushaq. The facelifted Kushaq (right), launched in March 2026, has begun to uplift sales, and April-May’s 3,161 units are a 121% YoY increase.

FY2024 (23,396 units) was the first fiscal year to see a decline for the Kushaq – down 7.53% YoY – followed by a negative 26% in FY2025 (17,363 units). FY2026 (10,191 units, down 41%) recorded the lowest numbers for the Kushaq. As a result, its contribution to Skoda India’s UV sales progressively dropped from 92.53% to 17% in FY2026, which saw the Kylaq (49,089 units, up 381% YoY) grab an 80% share of Skoda SUV sales.

Admittedly, competition in the midsize SUV segment against the Kushaq has steadily increased over the past few years, and currently this Skoda model battles popular rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Maruti Victoris and the Tata Sierra.

Between March and May 2026, Skoda Auto India dispatched 5,468 units of the new Kushaq to its showrooms across India, marking a 135% YoY increase (March-May 2025: 2,324 units).

Facelifted Kushaq Revs up the Numbers

Skoda India launched the facelifted Kushaq on March 21, 2026, at ex-showroom prices ranging from Rs 10.69 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh. Engine options include a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre and a 4-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 115hp and 178Nm and is offered with either a 6-speed manual or a new 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The larger 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine delivers 150hp and 250Nm and is available only with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DCT). The Skoda Kushaq’s mileage ranges between 18.72kpl and 19.66kpl (claimed figures). Claimed mileage for the 1.0TSI MT is 19.66kpl, for the 1.0TSI AT is 19.09kpl, and for the 1.5TSI DCT is 18.72kpl.

Midsize SUV buyers have responded positively to the new Kushaq, which feels distinctly European and sports revamped styling, more features, a solid build and crisp handling. As per the SIAM-sourced five-month wholesales data table (shown above), between March and May this year, Skoda Auto India dispatched 5,468 units of the new Kushaq to its showrooms across India, marking a 135% YoY increase (March-May 2025: 2,324 units). Nevertheless, it’s early days yet for the facelifted Kushaq, and it remains to be seen whether the current sales momentum continues in a midsize SUV market bristling with strong rivals.

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