The midsize SUV space has a habit of rewarding familiarity. But every once in a while, a refresh comes along that forces buyers to look beyond the usual safe bets. The 2026 Skoda Kushaq is one such car.
With meaningful updates focused on features and value at the base level, Skoda is clearly signalling that it wants to be taken seriously not just by enthusiasts but also by everyday buyers. Standing firmly in its way is the Hyundai Creta, the segment leader that has built its dominance on space, choice, and an unmatched sales-and-service ecosystem.
This comparison breaks down where each car plays to its strengths, and more importantly, which one makes more sense depending on what you actually value in a midsize SUV today.
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2026 Skoda Kushaq vs. Hyundai Creta: Key Specifications
| 2026 Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta | |
| Dimensions | 4,225 x 1760 x 1612 mm | 4330 x 1790 x 1635 |
| Wheelbase | 2,651 mm | 2,610 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 188 mm | 190 mm |
| Boot Capacity | 491 liters (till roof) | 433 liters |
| Petrol Engine (NA) | – | 1.5L 4-Cyl (1497cc); 115 hp, 144 Nm |
| Petrol Engine (1.0L Turbo) | 1.0L TSI 3-Cyl (999cc); 115 hp, 178 Nm | – |
| Petrol Engine (1.5L Turbo) | 1.5L TSI 4-Cyl (1498cc); 150 hp, 250 Nm | 1.5L 4-Cyl (1482cc); 160 hp, 253 Nm |
| Diesel Engine | – | 1.5L 4-Cyl (1493cc); 116 hp, 250 Nm |
| Transmission Options | 1.0L:6-speed manual, 8-speed TC, 1.5L: 7-speed DSG | 6-speed manual, CVT, 6-speed TC, 7-speed DCT |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50L | 50L |
| Wheel Size | 205/60 R16, 205/55R17 | 205/65 R16, 215/60 R17, 215/55 R18 |
| Airbags | 6 airbags standard | 6 airbags standard |
2026 Skoda Kushaq vs. Hyundai Creta: Key Takeaways
- In terms of length, the Hyundai Creta is 105mm longer than the Skoda Kushaq, which should lead to a more spacious and airy cabin. However, when it comes to the wheelbase, Skoda has maximized available space, suggesting it should, at least in theory, offer better legroom for rear-seat passengers.
- When other dimensions are considered, the Kushaq is noticeably smaller than the Creta (30mm narrower and 23mm lower), resulting in a smaller silhouette and a more refined appearance on the road.
- Regarding ground clearance, the Creta has a 2mm advantage on the Kushaq, but it’s a minor difference at best and might not result in a dramatically different driving experience.
- The 2026 Kushaq, like the outgoing model, is only available with two turbo-petrol TSI engines. The 1.0L engine is available with a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed TC transmission. The 1.5L engine is only available with a 7-speed DSG transmission.
- Among all the transmission options, the 8-speed TC is the first in the segment. It should provide a more refined driving experience, with smoother gear transitions and improved fuel efficiency, compared to 6-speed units.
- The Hyundai Creta, on the other hand, offers more engine options: a 1.5L NA engine paired with a 6-speed manual or IVT transmission, a 1.5L turbo petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT transmission, and a 1.5L diesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed TC unit.
- While the Kushaq seems to target performance-oriented buyers or enthusiasts with only two turbo petrol engines, the Creta appeals to a wider customer base by offering an NA petrol engine, a turbo petrol engine, and a diesel engine.
- The Kushaq is available with two tire sizes: 205/60 R16 and 205/55R17. On the other hand, the Creta offers three tire sizes: 205/65 R16, 215/60 R17, and 215/55 R18 (bigger than the Kushaq).
- Last but not least, both cars come with six airbags as standard on the base variant.
Also Read: 2026 Hyundai Venue Sees A Price Hike of Rs. 10,000 For The HX2 and N-Line Variants
2026 Skoda Kushaq vs. Hyundai Creta: Standard Features
| 2026 Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta | |
| Two-Step Reclining Rear Seats | No | Yes |
| Electric Sunroof | Yes | No |
| Rain Sensing Wiper | Yes | No |
| Rear Wiper/Defogger | Yes | No |
| LED Headlamps | Yes | No |
| Sequential Rear Turn Indicators | Yes | No |
| Touchscreen Infotainment with Speakers | Yes | No |
| Auto Climate Control | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 4 years or 100,000 km | 3 years or unlimited kilometers |
| Wheels | 16-inch alloys | 16-inch steel wheels |
| All-Four Disk Brakes | No | Yes |
While the Creta has an edge over the Kushaq in terms of the cabin space, engine and transmission options, and a much wider sales and service network, Skoda is trying to flip the script by offering several features as standard, right from the baseline Classic+ variant.
These include features like an electric sunroof, rear wiper and defogger, LED headlamps, a touchscreen infotainment system with speakers, and automatic climate control. However, the Creta offers two-step reclining rear seats and all four disc brakes.
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2026 Skoda Kushaq vs. Hyundai Creta: Starting Price
| 2026 Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta | |
| Starting Price (Ex-Showroom) | Expected: Rs. 10.80 lakhs (ex-showroom) | Rs. 10.79 lakhs (ex-showroom) |
While the prices of the 2026 Skoda Kushaq aren’t official yet, we’re expecting the baseline Classic+ variant to start at around Rs. 10.80 lakhs. While that’s higher than the outgoing variant, all the additional features to the variant (mentioned above) will naturally add to the vehicle’s price. Skoda can offer the first few units at a special introductory price to boost initial sales, though.
The Creta, with Hyundai’s sales network, reliability, and ease of aftermarket fitments, continues to lead the segment. However, its baseline variant does look a tad outdated now, especially when compared with the newly launched Skoda, Sierra, or the Seltos, for that matter.
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