Skoda has finally pulled the covers off the much-anticipated Kushaq facelift, and with it comes a refreshed design, enhanced features, and crucial mechanical updates that aim to strengthen the SUV’s position in India’s fiercely competitive mid-size SUV segment. One of the biggest talking points of this update is the reintroduction of the sporty Monte Carlo trim right from launch, something that was missing in the earlier version.
Unlike the pre-facelift model, where buyers had to choose between luxury or performance aesthetics, the 2026 Skoda Kushaq lineup now offers two fully loaded top-end variants—Prestige and Monte Carlo—each catering to a different personality. While both trims are mechanically identical and similarly equipped, their appeal lies in how they look and feel.
So, if you’re wondering which one is right for you, here’s a detailed, side-by-side breakdown of the 2026 Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo vs Prestige, covering exterior design, interior ambience, features, powertrains, and overall ownership appeal.
A Quick Overview: Same Core, Different Characters
At a glance, both the Monte Carlo and Prestige trims represent the very best of what the Kushaq facelift has to offer. They sit at the top of the range, share the same engines, and come loaded with features that rival many premium SUVs in the segment.
However, Skoda has intentionally designed these trims to appeal to two very different kinds of buyers:
- Prestige is all about sophistication, elegance, and a premium feel.
- Monte Carlo, on the other hand, leans heavily into sportiness, visual drama, and youthful aggression.
Let’s dive deeper into how Skoda has differentiated these two trims.
Exterior Design: Sporty Attitude vs Premium Elegance
Monte Carlo: Blacked-Out and Bold
The Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo is unmistakably the sportier of the two. Skoda has replaced almost every chrome element found on the Prestige with gloss-black trim, giving the SUV a far more aggressive road presence.
At the front, the Monte Carlo immediately stands out thanks to:
- A blacked-out grille with two red-painted slats
- A chequered flag badge, a signature Monte Carlo design cue inspired by Skoda’s motorsport heritage
- A black-finished skid plate instead of the usual silver
These changes may seem subtle on paper, but together they dramatically transform the SUV’s character.
Moving to the side profile, the Monte Carlo further reinforces its sporty credentials with:
- Unique 17-inch alloy wheels with a more dynamic design
- Red brake calipers, a detail usually seen on performance-oriented cars
- Black roof rails, black ORVMs, and blacked-out window surrounds
- Monte Carlo badges on the front fenders
At the rear, the sportiness continues with:
- Black ‘KUSHAQ’ lettering
- A dedicated ‘Monte Carlo’ badge on the tailgate
- A black boot moulding and skid plate
Perhaps the biggest visual advantage of the Monte Carlo trim is that it is the only version of the Kushaq facelift to offer a dual-tone exterior. Buyers can opt for a black roof paired with several body colours, including:
- Brilliant Silver
- Candy White
- Cherry Red
- Shimla Green
- Steel Grey
This dual-tone option alone makes the Monte Carlo feel more exclusive and youthful.
Prestige: Understated and Classy
In contrast, the Skoda Kushaq Prestige follows a more traditional premium SUV design philosophy. Chrome elements are used generously but tastefully, lending the vehicle a refined and upmarket look.
Key highlights of the Prestige’s exterior include:
- Chrome-finished grille slats
- Silver skid plates at the front and rear
- Subtle chrome accents along the body
- Clean, elegant alloy wheel design
The Prestige doesn’t scream for attention like the Monte Carlo—but that’s precisely its charm. It’s aimed at buyers who prefer timeless elegance over sporty flamboyance.
Interior Design: Sporty Drama vs Airy Luxury
Monte Carlo Cabin: Dark, Sporty, and Driver-Focused
Step inside the Kushaq Monte Carlo, and the contrast with the Prestige becomes immediately apparent. The cabin adopts an all-black theme, giving it a cocooned, performance-oriented vibe.
Key interior highlights include:
- Black seats with intricate crimson stitching
- Crimson accents on the dashboard, centre console, and door trims
- Dark headliner and trim elements that enhance the sporty feel
This colour scheme makes the cabin feel more intimate and driver-focused, especially appealing to younger buyers or enthusiasts who prefer a performance-inspired interior.
Prestige Cabin: Light, Premium, and Spacious
The Prestige trim, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience. Its beige interior theme creates a sense of openness and luxury, making the cabin feel larger and more inviting.
Interior highlights of the Prestige include:
- Beige dashboard and door liners
- Beige leatherette seat upholstery
- Lighter trim elements that enhance the sense of space
This interior is ideal for buyers who prioritize comfort, family usage, and a premium, airy ambience over sporty aesthetics.
Features and Technology: No Compromises Here
One of the biggest positives of Skoda’s strategy is that neither trim gets more or fewer features. Regardless of whether you choose Monte Carlo or Prestige, you get the same exhaustive list of equipment.
Both trims offer:
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 10.25-inch fully digital driver’s display
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rear-seat massage function
- Wireless charging pad
- 6-speaker sound system
- 6-way electrically adjustable front seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Automatic climate control
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Leatherette seat upholstery
- Front parking sensors
- Rear disc brakes (on 1.5 TSI variants)
This ensures that the choice between Prestige and Monte Carlo is purely emotional and aesthetic, not functional.
Powertrain Options: Identical Mechanical Setup
Mechanically, there is no difference between the two trims.
Both the Monte Carlo and Prestige are offered with:
- 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 115hp
- 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine delivering 150hp
Transmission options include:
- 8-speed automatic gearbox with the 1.0 TSI
- 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) with the 1.5 TSI
While Skoda has confirmed automatic gearboxes for these trims at launch, a manual option may be introduced later, particularly for the 1.0 TSI variants.
The driving experience, performance, fuel efficiency, and refinement levels remain exactly the same across both trims.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo and Prestige ultimately comes down to your personal taste and lifestyle.
Choose the Monte Carlo if:
- You prefer a sporty, aggressive look
- You want a dual-tone exterior
- You enjoy bold design details and a darker cabin
- You want your SUV to stand out on the road
Choose the Prestige if:
- You prefer classic, elegant styling
- You want a lighter, more spacious-feeling interior
- You prioritize comfort and family usage
- You like understated luxury over sporty flair
2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Monte Carlo vs Prestige comparison — CarDekho
https://www.cardekho.com/india-car-news/skoda-kushaq-facelift-monte-carlo-vs-prestige-standard-variant-whats-different-and-which-one-should-you-choose-35573.htm
India’s core industries in 2026 growth themes – https://skinnyzine.com/indias-core-industries-in-2026-growth-themes/
