After being on sale since 2021, both the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq have received their mid-cycle updates in 2026. The facelifts have equipped these midsize SUVs with new features, right from their base-spec trims. So, between the Taigun Comfortline and Kushaq Classic+, which entry-level trim is a better proposition on paper? Let’s find out.
Volkswagen Taigun vs Skoda Kushaq: Base variant engine specifications
Unlike the base-spec Taigun, the Kushaq offers an automatic transmission
Taigun Comfortline vs Kushaq Classic+: Engine and specifications | ||
Taigun Comfortline | Kushaq Classic+ | |
Engine | 1.0-litre turbo-petrol | 1.0-litre turbo-petrol |
Power (hp) | 115 | 115 |
Torque (Nm) | 172 | 172 |
Transmission | 6-speed MT | 6-speed MT | 8-speed AT |
Claimed mileage (kpl) | 19.98 | 19.66 | 19.09 |
Kerb weight (kg) | 1,213 | 1,232 |
The base-spec variants of the Taigun and Kushaq pack the same 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. The 8-speed automatic transmission option, however, is available right from the entry-level Classic+ trim in the Kushaq, while the Taigun offers it from the one-over-base Highline trim. Notably, the Taigun is 0.32kpl more frugal than its Skoda cousin, which could be attributed to its 19kg lighter kerb weight.
Volkswagen Taigun vs Skoda Kushaq: Base variant exterior
Both SUVs get all-LED lighting, but the Kushaq features alloy wheels
Taigun Comfortline vs Kushaq Classic+: Exterior | ||
Taigun Comfortline | Kushaq Classic+ | |
Headlights | Automatic LED | LED |
Taillights | Connected LED | Connected LED |
DRLs | LED | LED |
Front fog lamps | Yes | Yes |
Rear fog lamp | Yes | Yes |
Wheels | 16-inch steel rims with covers | 16-inch alloys |
Powered ORVMs | Electrically adjustable | Electrically adjustable |
Roof rails | Yes, black | Yes, black |
Shark-fin antenna | No | No |
Colour | Single tones | Single tones |
Both the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq offer an all-LED lighting setup, electrically adjustable outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) and black roof rails in their base trims. The difference is that the Kushaq Classic+, with its automatic headlights and alloy wheels, appears more premium than the Taigun Comfortline, which comes with steel wheels with plastic covers.
Volkswagen Taigun vs Skoda Kushaq: Base variant interior, features
The base-spec Kushaq gets a single-pane sunroof, which the Taigun lacks
Taigun Comfortline vs Kushaq Classic+: Interior and features | ||
Taigun Comfortline | Kushaq Classic+ | |
Instrument cluster | Dials with MID | Dials with MID |
Infotainment screen | 7-inch | 7-inch |
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay | Wired | Wired |
Audio system | 6 speakers | 6 speakers |
On-board navigation | No | No |
Sunroof | No | Single-pane |
Climate control | Automatic with rear vents | Automatic with rear vents |
Seat upholstery | Fabric | Fabric |
Wireless phone charger | No | No |
Powered front seat | No | No |
Front seat ventilation | No | No |
Front centre armrest | Yes, sliding | Yes, sliding |
Rear centre armrest | No | No |
Push-button start/stop | No | No |
USB ports | Type-A | Type-A |
Connected car tech | No | No |
Idle start/stop | Yes | Yes |
While a single-pane sunroof is available on the Kushaq’s base-spec Classic+ trim, the Taigun offers it with the midspec Highline Plus and GT Line trims. Other than this distinction, both midsize SUVs share the same suite of features, including a 7-inch infotainment system, an analogue instrument cluster with a monotone MID, 6 speakers, auto AC with rear vents and a sliding front armrest.
Volkswagen Taigun vs Skoda Kushaq: Base variant safety features
The base-spec Kushaq gets a couple more features than the Taigun Comfortline
Taigun Comfortline vs Kushaq Classic+: Safety features | ||
Taigun Comfortline | Kushaq Classic+ | |
Airbags | 6 | 6 |
Camera setup | No | No |
Parking sensors | Rear | Rear |
All-wheel disc brakes | No | No |
TPMS | Yes | Yes |
IRVM | Manual-dimming | Auto-dimming |
Rain-sensing wipers | No | Yes |
Rear wiper, washer | Yes | Yes |
Rear defogger | Yes | Yes |
Hill start assist | No | No |
ESC | Yes | Yes |
Traction control | Yes | Yes |
Except for rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror (IRVM), which are available in the Kushaq Classic+ but lacking in the Taigun Comfortline, both models are decently equipped on the safety front. These include six airbags, rear parking sensors, a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a rear wiper and washer. However, a rear parking camera – a basic safety feature – is missing on both the Taigun Comfortline and Kushaq Classic+.
Volkswagen Taigun vs Skoda Kushaq: Base variant price
The Volkswagen Taigun prices are yet to be revealed
Taigun Comfortline vs Kushaq Classic+: Base-spec trim ex-showroom prices | ||
Taigun Comfortline | Kushaq Classic+ | |
1.0L turbo-petrol MT | Rs 11 lakh (expected) | Rs 10.69 lakh |
| 1.0L turbo-petrol AT | Not available | Rs 12.69 lakh |
The Skoda Kushaq Classic+ is priced at Rs 10.69 lakh for the MT and Rs 12.69 lakh for the AT, and the manual-only Taigun Comfortline is expected to be in a similar ballpark as the former’s MT variant. The base-spec Kushaq is a better option on paper, as it not only offers everything the entry-level Taigun does but also adds a single-pane sunroof, alloy wheels, automatic headlights, an auto-dimming IRVM and rain-sensing wipers. It even offers an automatic transmission option, which is missing on the Taigun Comfortline, making it more appealing to a buyer on a strict budget.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.