The Skoda Kushaq facelift finally broke cover recently, sporting numerous cosmetic differences, a longer list of features, a new 8-speed automatic gearbox option, and more. Unlike the pre-facelift Kushaq, the new model’s sportier Monte Carlo variants will be part of the line-up from day one, sitting at the top alongside the Prestige trim. Here’s what sets the new Kushaq Monte Carlo and Prestige trims apart.
2026 Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo vs Prestige: Exterior design
Monte Carlo gets black trim instead of chrome, unique badging and wheels too
Since the Monte Carlo trim is effectively a sportier version of the Kushaq Prestige, it eschews the chrome fitments on the bodywork in favour of gloss-black trim. Up front, the Kushaq Monte Carlo’s grille slats are blacked out, with two of them painted red to reinforce the sporty theme. A small chequered flag badge can also be spotted between the red slats, and the ridged skid plate is black instead of silver.
Over to the side, the only differentiators on the Kushaq Monte Carlo are unique badges on the front fenders, distinct designs for the 17-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and blacked-out roof rails, outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) and window lines. The rear end, meanwhile, features black ‘KUSHAQ’ lettering and a ‘Monte Carlo’ badge on the boot lid, as well as a blacked-out finish for the boot moulding and skid plate.
Notably, the Monte Carlo is the only trim of the Skoda Kushaq facelift to offer a dual-tone finish (black roof) for the Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Cherry Red, Shimla Green and Steel Grey colour options.
2026 Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo vs Prestige: Interior and features
Sporty black-and-crimson finish for Monte Carlo, premium beige for Prestige
Inside, the Kushaq Prestige features an airy beige colour scheme for the dashboard, door liners and seats, whereas the Monte Carlo gets an all-black cabin with a crimson finish for the central dashboard, centre console and door trim pieces; the black seats have intricate crimson stitching too.
Full parity in creature comforts
Feature sets are identical between the Kushaq Monte Carlo and Prestige trims, so both offer a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a panoramic sunroof, a rear-seat massage function, a 6-speaker sound system, a wireless charging pad, 6-way powered front seats with ventilation, rain-sensing wipers, rear disc brakes (1.5 TSI only), automatic climate control, leatherette seat upholstery, front parking sensors, and more.
2026 Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo vs Prestige: Powertrains
Same turbo-petrol engines
On this front, too, the Kushaq Monte Carlo and Prestige are matched, offering both the 115hp 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol and 150hp 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine options. The 1.5 TSI comes paired solely with a 7-speed DCT, while the 1.0 TSI can be had with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic; only the latter gearbox is confirmed for the Monte Carlo and Prestige trims, though the manual will likely be available, too.
Uday Singh
Rivan RS 
Dhruv Dhaka
