2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Vs MG Astor: Can The Refreshed Kushaq Outshine The Astor?

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

The compact SUV segment has become more competitive than ever, with buyers now expecting a mix of premium feel, modern features, and strong road presence from their SUVs. To stay relevant in this space, Skoda recently updated the Kushaq with a facelift, bringing in subtle styling and feature revisions over the older model.

On the other hand, the MG Astor, although it has been around for a few years now, still offers a feature-rich package at a relatively accessible price point, including features like ADAS.

While both SUVs target buyers looking for an upmarket compact SUV experience, they go about things quite differently. So how do they compare on paper? Let’s take a closer look at their dimensions, engine options, features, and pricing.

Price

• The Astor has a significantly lower starting price at Rs 9.79 lakh which undercuts the Kushaq by a massive Rs 90,000. Being priced lower than Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom), it will also benefit from lower road tax rates in some states.

• The top-spec variant of the Astor is more affordable than the Kushaq by Rs 3.40 lakh. However, do note that the Astor does not offer a true top-end variant with a more powerful engine like the Kushaq does.

Dimensions

• The MG Astor is bigger in overall size, as it is longer, wider, and taller than the Kushaq. This gives it a slightly stronger road presence and makes it appear more substantial on the road.

• The Kushaq, however, benefits from a longer wheelbase, something that could help free up slightly better cabin space for rear-seat passengers.

Colour Options

*Also available with a black roof in select variants

• Both the Kushaq facelift and MG Astor offer a good mix of colour options, including shades like white, silver, red, and black that are commonly preferred in this segment. However, the Kushaq offers a wider palette overall.

• The updated Kushaq also introduces newer shades such as Shimla Green, Cherry Red, and Steel Grey, which help give it a fresher appearance. Take a look at their variant-wise split here.

• Select colour options on the Kushaq can also be had with a dual-tone finish featuring a contrasting black roof. Meanwhile, the Astor offers a dual-tone option with its White Black shade.

Powertrain Options

AT- Automatic Transmission (torque converter), DCT- Dual Clutch Transmission (automatic)

CVT- Continuously variable transmission (automatic)

• The Kushaq continues to focus on turbo-petrol performance with both its engine options. This may give it a more responsive and lively character, especially during quick overtakes and highway driving.

• The Astor, on the other hand, takes a more relaxed approach with its naturally aspirated petrol engine. The power delivery may feel more linear, which could suit buyers who mainly drive within the city and prefer a calmer driving experience.

• Even on paper, the Kushaq holds a noticeable advantage with higher power and torque figures, clearly positioning itself as the stronger performer between the two.

Features

• Both SUVs come loaded with features that buyers now expect in this segment. From touchscreen infotainment and wireless smartphone connectivity to ventilated seats and panoramic sunroofs, both the Kushaq and Astor manage to offer a comfortable and modern cabin experience.

• The Kushaq, however, leans more towards creating a richer in-cabin atmosphere. Its larger digital driver’s display, ambient lighting, and front parking sensors add a slightly more premium touch to the overall experience.

• The Astor takes a different route by putting more emphasis on safety and convenience tech. Features such as a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and ADAS give it an advantage for buyers who value additional driver assistance features.

Verdict 

The Skoda Kushaq facelift feels more premium and modern than before, thanks to its refreshed styling and updated cabin experience. Combined with its stronger turbo-petrol engine options, it continues to appeal to buyers looking for a compact SUV that feels more sophisticated overall.

The MG Astor, on the other hand, focuses more on offering convenience and safety tech. Its well-equipped cabin and features like ADAS make it better suited for buyers who value added technology in everyday driving.

So if a more premium overall feel matters to you, the Kushaq facelift makes a stronger case. However, if you prefer a compact SUV with more safety and convenience features at a relatively accessible price point, the Astor still remains a solid option.

While you are exploring your options, here are some other compact SUVs you can also consider alongside the Kushaq and Astor:

• Hyundai Creta: A well-rounded package that offers multiple engine options, a practical cabin, and a long list of convenience features. You can also explore our detailed comparison between the Creta and the Kushaq for a closer look.

• Kia Seltos: Offers a premium-looking interior, strong road presence, and a wide range of engine choices. We have also compared it in detail with the Kushaq in our earlier report.

• Tata Sierra: Blends in retro-cool looks with a spacious cabin, long list of features and strong powertrains. This is how it compares to the Kushaq.

• Renault Duster: Brings rugged styling, strong performance, and a comfortable ride quality. Head over to our comparison report to see how it fares against the Kushaq.

• Maruti Grand Vitara / Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Focus on fuel efficiency with their hybrid setups while also offering CNG and AWD options. You can check out our detailed comparison between the Kushaq and the Grand Vitara here, and its comparison with the Toyota Hyryder here.

• Maruti Victoris: Focuses on much of the same package as the Grand Vitara, but with a more elegant estate-ish stance and a premium interior. Here is a report on how it compares with the Kushaq.

• Tata Curvv: Offers a unique coupe-SUV bodystyle with feature-rich interior and wide range of powertrains including a diesel. Take a look at how it compares with the Kushaq here.

• Volkswagen Taigun: Shares its underpinnings with the Kushaq but offers a slightly different design and cabin experience. We have already compared both SUVs in detail in our earlier report.

• Honda Elevate: Keeps things simple with a spacious cabin and naturally aspirated petrol engine choice. We have also covered its comparison with the Kushaq earlier.

• Tata Sierra: Stands out with its retro-inspired styling, spacious cabin, and feature-rich interior. We have also compared it in detail with the Kushaq in our earlier report.

• Maruti Victoris: Brings a more lifestyle-oriented approach with its estate-like design, premium cabin experience, and larger boot space. You can also explore our detailed comparison with the Kushaq for a closer look.