So Volkswagen has finally taken the wraps off of its first update for the popular C-segment SUV, the Volkswagen Taigun. The VW Taigun has today received its first facelift since the car’s initial launch back in 2021 and has since been a favourite among the enthusiasts. The new 2026 variant of the VW Taigun comes with many updates in terms of the design, the features, and we’re also getting a new transmission option, which makes things even sweeter for the enthusiasts.
The VW Taigun will go directly in competition with the Skoda Kushaq, the same segment SUV from Volkswagen’s sister brand in India. While both the cars are essentially similar in terms of the architecture, but in terms of cosmetics and comfort, both are quite different from each other. With the 2026 updates, the difference between the Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun is more evident than ever. Now, very clearly the Skoda Kushaq is the one oriented towards comfort and luxury, while the VW Taigun is clearly positioned as the more performance and driver-centric.
Let’s take a look at a detailed comparison between the Skoda Kushaq and the VW Taigun.
STYLING AND DESIGN
The outer design is probably the most differentiating factor between the two cars. The Skoda and Volkswagen both look completely different and have their own game when it comes to style. The Taigun looks like a baby VW Tayron with the new sleeker headlamps that are also connected with an LED strip, the illuminated VW logo, and a more sporty silhouette.
The Skoda Kushaq, on the other hand, looks like a mini Kodiaq with the bold grille, the stated LED headlamps that are not connected, but we get LEDs in the Kushaq’s grille that give it that connected LED look. The shape and stance is also more upright as compared to the Taigun, and on the rear we’re getting red LED “Skoda” lettering, as compared to the illuminated VW Logo on the Taigun.
ALSO READ: Hyundai Motor India To Hike Car Prices By Up to 1% From May 2026
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
The engine and transmission options remain the same in both the Skoda and Volkswagen C-SUVs. The Taigun and Kushaq both come with a 1.0L three cylinder TSI petrol engine that produces 85kW of power and 178 Nm of torque, and a 1.5L four cylinder TSI engine that produces 110 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque. Both the cars also get identical transmission options. A 6-speed manual, an 8-speed torque converter automatic, and a 7-speed DSG transmission. Yes, the Volkswagen Taigun has got the new 8-speed automatic that we also saw on the Skoda Kushaq recently.
FEATURES AND COMFORT
The features and comfort of the two cars is another place where we see some differences. Apart from the dashboard layout, the interior materials and colours being different, the cars have a few differences in the kind of features they offer. The VW Taigun has been equipped with many new features like front seat ventilation and electronically adjustable front seats for both the driver and front passengers. The car gets a new, bigger digital instrument cluster and a slightly bigger infotainment display. This time around, we’re also getting a panoramic sunroof with the VW Taigun.
The Skoda Kushaq also gets all those features, but with this, it gets some more comfort features, the highlight being seat massagers in the rear seats of the Skoda Kushaq. The rear seat massaging in the Kushaq, in fact, is one of the main reasons I say the Kushaq is the more luxury-oriented sibling among the two cars.
Both the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda also have similar safety features. Both have skipped on ADAS features, something that is becoming increasingly common in the C-segment SUV space. Apart from that, the VW Taigun has been launched with over 40 safety features that include 6 airbags, electronic stability control, and more. The Skoda Kushaq also comes with similar safety features. Both cars are also 5-star global NCAP safety rated for adult and child occupants.
ALSO READ: VW Virtus Facelift Spotted Testing: Here’s What To Expect
CONCLUSION
Both the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq share the same DNA and are practically the same cars mechanically. However, above the chassis, engine, transmissions, and the basic mechanical underpinnings, both have their own character and charm. To put it simply, the Kushaq is the more luxury and comfort oriented, while the Taigun is the more sporty of the two. The VW Taigun will appeal to the younger buyer that wants something fun, while the Kushaq is for the slightly more mature enthusiast that occasionally commutes in the back seat.
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.
