The 2026 Skoda Kushaq has been unveiled with a range of new features that were absent in the pre-facelift model. Having said that, there are still some notable misses that prospective buyers should be aware of – some of these features are already available in rivals. Without further ado, let’s examine the features that the updated Skoda Kushaq does not offer.
1. Level 2 ADAS
Most models in this segment now come with ADAS.
ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) is becoming increasingly common in mass-market cars, even featuring in models that are a segment below the Skoda Kushaq. Therefore, it is not surprising that many offerings in its space, including the Honda Elevate and MG Astor, come equipped with Level 2 ADAS. In the Astor, for example, Level 2 ADAS features include forward collision detection with auto-emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control, among others.
2. Surround-view cameras
Even the top-spec trim of the Kushaq facelift omits 360-degree cameras.
Almost all of its rivals, including the Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Tata Sierra, now offer more than just a reversing camera on their higher trims. However, the 2026 Skoda Kushaq is still not available with a surround-view camera system. In fact, even cars from a segment or two below the Kushaq, which include compact SUVs and hatchbacks, are now available with 360-degree cameras. While not a replacement for driving skills, surround-view cameras make manoeuvring in heavy traffic or parking in tight spots a hassle-free experience, especially in inclement weather.
3. Premium-branded audio system
Most rivals in this segment offer either a Bose or a JBL unit.
The Tata Sierra, for instance, comes equipped with a 12-speaker JBL Black audio system with a centre soundbar as well as a dedicated subwoofer, along with Dolby Atmos integration. Similarly, Kia offers the Seltos with a premium 8-speaker Bose sound system. However, the Kushaq facelift uses a Skoda sound system with 6 speakers and a subwoofer.
4. Dual-zone automatic climate control
Even the top trims are limited to a single-zone system.
Higher trim levels of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos come with dual-zone climate control, which the 2026 Skoda Kushaq misses out on. Even the top Prestige and Monte Carlo trims of the Kushaq facelift come only with a single-zone automatic air-conditioning system, controlled via a touch-sensitive HVAC panel.
5. Powered tailgate
Compared to manual tailgates, powered ones boost versatility and premiumness.
Unlike the 2026 Skoda Kushaq, the Tata Sierra and Tata Curvv are both available with a powered tailgate. However, the Sierra features a gesture-activated tailgate. Such a hands-free tailgate is especially useful when you are carrying items in your hand. In the case of the Sierra, waving a foot underneath the rear bumper triggers the opening mechanism of the tailgate. While it is not as big as the Sierra, the Skoda Kushaq facelift could have benefited by having this feature of convenience.
6. Electronic parking brake
EPB can make driving in stop-and-go city traffic less cumbersome.
The 2026 Kushaq’s rivals, like the Maruti Victoris and MG Astor, are offered with an electronic parking brake (EPB). When its auto-hold function is engaged, EPB prevents the vehicle from accidentally rolling forward or backwards. Similarly, it automatically disengages when you hit the accelerator pedal. This is far more convenient than pulling and stowing the manual handbrake every time you are stuck in traffic.
7. Rear sunshades
No trim of the updated Kushaq gets this useful feature as standard.
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Considering that a vast majority of the country receives plenty of sunshine and heat, rear sunshades come in really handy when you are being driven around. They also provide a degree of privacy for rear-seat passengers. While the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara get rear-window sunshades on some trim levels, it is not available on any trim of the 2026 Skoda Kushaq as standard.
8. Ventilated rear seats
Skoda could have become the first to introduce the feature in this segment.
Just like rear sunshades, ventilated rear seats would have come in handy during the hotter months of the year. Unfortunately, it is not just the 2026 Skoda Kushaq that misses out on this feature; none of the cars in this segment get cooled rear seats. Skoda has integrated a massaging function for the updated Kushaq’s rear outer seats, which is a segment-first feature. While it is a welcome addition, Skoda could have supplemented that with ventilation.
Uday Singh
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
