2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Vs Kia Seltos: Which One Should You Buy And Why?

Interested in buying the Skoda Kushaq facelift? Here’s our Ultimate Buying Guide!

Skoda India had launched the 2026 Kushaq facelift in India last month with a refreshed exterior and an updated feature list that enhances its appeal as compared to the previous Kushaq. One of the Kushaq’s top rival, Kia Seltos, also got a new generation upgrade, which offers larger dimensions and more space, along with an additional engine option over the Kushaq. Both offer powerful engines, a slew of creature comforts and strong safety packages, but which one has the edge in a head-to-head on-paper battle?

If you are considering any one of these compact SUVs, take a closer look at how they compare in terms of design, interior, and engine options, and which one is better.

Skoda Kushaq Vs Kia Seltos: Price

• Kushaq’s base variant is Rs. 30,000 cheaper than the Seltos

• The top-spec variant of the Seltos is more expensive by around Rs. 1.2 lakh.

• Both cars are overall similarly priced as they cater to a similar audience, but the Kushaq is clearly the more valuable and affordable option of the two. The difference between them lies in their dimensions, space, and the features they offer.

Let’s find out what you get in each car for similar money:

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Skoda Kushaq Vs Kia Seltos: Dimensions

• As seen in the comparison table, the Kia Seltos is the outright winner here, which is larger in every dimension, which also means that it has a more spacious cabin.

• This difference translates into the Kia Seltos having a better road presence than the Skoda Kushaq.

• The Skoda Kushaq has also been one of the smallest cars by length in this segment, and the same has been carried on with the facelift as well.

• The maximum difference lies in length and width, whereas in terms of height and wheelbase, there is just a small amount of difference between the two mid-size SUVs.

• There is a significant difference in the boot space figures, with the Seltos boasting an additional 62 litres of space.

Skoda Kushaq Vs Kia Seltos: Powertrain Options

• Both cars offer a wide range of engine and transmission options to choose from.

• The Kushaq offers only turbo petrol engines, whereas the Seltos packs in a diverse range with a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbo petrol, and a diesel engine.

• When comparing the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engines of both cars, the Seltos has the upper edge on paper with slightly more power and torque (by a whisker).

• The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine on the Kushaq comes with cylinder deactivation technology, which helps it extract better fuel economy.

• For buyers who demand more torque, do frequent highway trips, and need the best fuel economy, the Seltos’s diesel engine is a great option to look at.

Skoda Kushaq Vs Kia Seltos: Features And Safety

• As seen in the comparison table above, both cars are very well equipped, offering a long list of features spanning from essential to convenience tech like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital driver’s display, wireless charging, and a well-equipped audio system.

• The equipment list on the Seltos, however, feels a bit stronger with advanced features like a 360-degree camera, Level-2 ADAS, adaptive cruise control, and an electronic parking brake. The Seltos also offers a larger infotainment screen and dual-zone climate control.

• One feature that chauffeur-driven buyers would love is a rear-seat massage function, which is available on the Skoda Kushaq, which is a segment first.

CarDekho Says…

The Skoda Kushaq facelift keeps things less complicated and simplified with its limited engine options, and with the facelift model in pictures, the updates could appeal to existing customers who want a sophisticated design instead of a loud one, which is the case with the new Kia Seltos. So it may attract buyers of the Seltos in terms of looks, but that is completely subjective.

In comparison, the Kia Seltos offers larger dimensions, a spacious cabin, a more tech and feature-packed interior, and most importantly, it offers a wider choice of engines, including a diesel, which makes the Seltos more versatile as an overall package.

Overall, the Seltos does have an advantage on paper due to its added space, features, and powertrain, but the Kushaq facelift also turns out to be attractive for buyers seeking a sportier and elegant design and a performance-oriented feel.

Other Options To Consider

While the Kushaq and Seltos are both very great products, you can still have a look at some of the alternatives to these cars in the segment and what they offer:

• Renault Duster: For its great ride and handling performance, combined with dominating appeal and strong road presence. This is the one who started this segment and has now made a comeback (Kushaq vs Duster compared here).

• Tata Sierra: For its iconic nameplate and a retro-inspired design backed by diverse powertrain options, a spacious cabin, and a long list of modern features (Kushaq vs Sierra compared here).

• Hyundai Creta: For a well-rounded package which has established itself as the best seller, with a feature-rich cabin and comfortable ride quality (Kushaq vs Creta compared here).

• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder / Maruti Grand Vitara: For buyers who want strong fuel efficiency with hybrid tech, along with AWD, and a peaceful ownership (Kushaq vs Grand Vitara compared here / Kushaq vs Hyryder compared here).

• Maruti Victoris: Same qualities as the Grand Vitara, but with an elegant design, better boot space, and a premium cabin experience (Kushaq vs Victoris compared here).

• Honda Elevate: For its reliability and an overall valuable package, along with a spacious cabin and a reputed 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (Kushaq vs Elevate compared here).

• Volkswagen Taigun: The Kushaq’s sibling with similar qualities but a more elegant styling and an engaging drive experience (Kushaq vs Taigun compared here).
• Tata Curvv: If you want an unique-looking model with a sloping roofline that sets it apart from its rivals (Kushaq vs Curvv compared here).
• MG Astor: For those looking for a premium interior experience at a lower price point than most of its rivals (Kushaq vs Astor compared here).