Skoda Slavia vs Kushaq: How Different Are the Sedan and SUV?

Skoda has updated its popular Slavia sedan for 2026 with refreshed styling and a wider list of features. The update follows the Kushaq SUV, which also received its facelift earlier this year.

Although the Slavia and Kushaq belong to two different body styles, they share a substantial amount of mechanical hardware and equipment. Both models are based on the same platform and offer the same turbo-petrol engine choices.

The latest updates have also made the comparison more interesting, with both cars gaining premium features such as rear-seat massage functionality. The Slavia additionally gets a 360-degree camera, while the Kushaq continues to offer SUV-specific elements such as greater height and a panoramic sunroof.

So, if you are considering either of these two Skoda models, the choice is not simply about choosing a sedan or an SUV. Here is how they compare.

Price

Skoda has not yet announced the final prices of the Slavia facelift. However, the updated sedan is expected to remain close to the outgoing model, with a small increase possible because of the additional equipment.

The Kushaq is currently priced from around Rs 10.69 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The Slavia facelift is expected to remain in a similar price bracket.

This means buyers will not necessarily have to spend significantly more to move from the Slavia to the Kushaq. The final difference will depend on the variant and transmission selected.

Dimensions

The Slavia has a clear advantage in overall length, measuring 312 mm longer than the Kushaq. Interestingly, both cars have exactly the same 2,651 mm wheelbase.

The Kushaq is considerably taller, with its SUV body giving it an additional 105 mm of height. It also offers 10 mm more ground clearance, which can be useful on uneven roads and larger speed breakers.

Where the Slavia takes the lead is boot capacity. Its 521-litre boot is substantially larger than the Kushaq's 385-litre luggage area.

Despite their different designs, the identical wheelbase suggests that cabin space could be broadly comparable, although the seating position and overall sense of space will feel different because of the SUV's taller body.

Exterior Colours

Both models are available with a range of understated and premium-looking colour choices.

The updated Slavia introduces Arctic Silver and Cappuccino Beige to its colour palette, while the latter is expected to become available from December. Other colours include Shimla Green, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Carbon Steel, Steel Grey, Lava Blue, Cherry Red and Deep Black.

The Kushaq is also offered in colours such as Shimla Green, Cherry Red, Steel Grey, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Carbon Steel, Deep Black and Lava Blue.

The colour selection allows buyers of both models to choose between more traditional shades and more distinctive options without moving away from Skoda's relatively restrained design character.

Features and Equipment

The Slavia facelift and Kushaq facelift have a broadly similar equipment list.

Both models get a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, LED fog lamps, LED lighting, wireless charging, ambient lighting, cruise control, cooled glovebox and rear air-conditioning vents.

Both cars also feature ventilated front seats and a rear-seat massage function, making them considerably more feature-rich than their earlier versions.

There are, however, some notable differences.

The Slavia facelift gets a 360-degree camera, which is not currently available on the Kushaq. The sedan also gets an eight-speaker audio system with a subwoofer, compared with the six-speaker setup with subwoofer in the Kushaq.

The Kushaq counters with SUV-specific equipment such as roof rails, a faux silver skid plate, LED cornering lamps and a panoramic sunroof. The Slavia gets a single-pane sunroof instead.

The Kushaq also uses 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, while the Slavia is equipped with 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

Overall, neither model has a decisive advantage in features. The differences mainly reflect their respective sedan and SUV identities.

Safety Features

Safety equipment is largely shared between the Slavia and Kushaq.

Both models come with six airbags as standard, along with electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, multi-collision braking, electronic differential lock, hill-hold control, tyre pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, an engine immobiliser and an anti-theft alarm.

Both models have also achieved a five-star safety rating under Global NCAP testing.

The strong standard safety package is one of the common highlights of the two Skoda models, particularly because many of these features are available across their respective variant ranges.

Engine and Transmission

The biggest similarity between the Slavia and Kushaq is found under the bonnet. Both cars use the same turbo-petrol engine lineup.

The 1.0-litre TSI produces 115 PS and 178 Nm, while the larger 1.5-litre TSI develops 150 PS and 250 Nm.

Both engines are offered with the same transmission choices. The 1.0-litre engine can be paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed torque-converter automatic. The 1.5-litre engine comes with a seven-speed DSG automatic.

The 1.5-litre engine's manual transmission is no longer part of the lineup.

Since the two cars use the same engines and transmissions, performance differences are expected to be relatively small. The Kushaq is generally around 50 kg heavier than the Slavia, depending on the selected variant and transmission.

The Slavia's lower body and more aerodynamic shape could give it an advantage in highway efficiency, while the Kushaq's taller SUV design offers a more commanding driving position.

Slavia or Kushaq: Which One Makes More Sense?

The choice between the two ultimately depends on what type of car you prefer.

The Slavia makes a strong case for buyers who want a stylish sedan with a large boot, lower driving position and strong highway dynamics. Its longer body and aerodynamic shape also give it a distinctive road presence.

The Kushaq, on the other hand, is better suited to buyers who prefer the higher seating position and practicality associated with an SUV. Its additional ground clearance, greater height, panoramic sunroof and SUV styling make it the more natural choice for customers who want a crossover-like experience.

Mechanically, however, the two are remarkably close. They share the same platform, engines, transmissions and much of their safety and technology equipment.

Final Verdict

The Slavia and Kushaq may look completely different on the road, but underneath, they are much closer than their body styles suggest. The Slavia offers more boot space and a lower, sedan-like driving experience, while the Kushaq provides greater height, slightly more ground clearance and SUV-oriented practicality.

For buyers focused primarily on specifications and features, there is no huge gap between the two. The final decision will largely come down to whether you prefer the driving character of a sedan or the practicality and stance of an SUV