Skoda Kushaq vs Honda Elevate
The midsize SUV segment in India has become a battleground where established European engineering meets refined Japanese practicality. Two compelling contenders in this space are the Skoda Kushaq and Honda Elevate, both offering distinct approaches to winning over Indian families seeking space, safety, and satisfaction. This comprehensive comparison explores every dimension of these SUVs to help you make the right choice for your needs and lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Design and Styling: European Aggression vs Japanese Elegance
Visual appeal plays a significant role in SUV purchases, with both vehicles showcasing distinctive design languages that reflect their brands’ heritage.
Skoda Kushaq: Crisp European Lines
The Kushaq displays quintessential Skoda design DNA with sharp, angular lines and crystalline styling elements. The signature butterfly grille dominates the front fascia, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with distinctive L-shaped DRLs that create an unmistakable face. The split headlamp design adds contemporary flair while maintaining Skoda’s family resemblance.
In profile, the Kushaq appears compact and muscular with pronounced character lines running along the flanks. The 17-inch alloy wheels fill the arches nicely, while the rising shoulder line creates a sense of forward motion even when stationary. At 4,225mm in length, the Kushaq maintains relatively compact dimensions that benefit urban maneuverability.
The rear design features connected LED tail lamps spelling out “SKODA” across the tailgate, a premium touch that enhances night-time presence. The overall stance appears athletic and purposeful, clearly communicating the Kushaq’s sporting intentions.
Honda Elevate : Sophisticated Elegance
The Honda Elevate features simple, sophisticated design that’s sure to age well. The front showcases Honda’s latest design language with a bold hexagonal grille, distinctive LED headlamps, and integrated LED DRLs that create a contemporary appearance without appearing overly aggressive.
At 4,312mm in length, the Elevate is bigger than the Kushaq in every measurement save for the wheelbase where the Skoda SUV enjoys a microscopic 1mm advantage. This larger footprint translates to enhanced presence on the road and typically better interior space.
The side profile appears clean and elegant with flowing character lines that avoid unnecessary complexity. The 16-inch alloy wheels (17-inch on top variants) provide adequate visual impact while the high shoulder line creates a robust appearance. The elevated stance with 220mm ground clearance, the highest in this segment, gives the Elevate genuine SUV credentials.
The rear design features connected LED tail lamps and a clean tailgate with minimal design clutter. Honda’s approach prioritizes timeless elegance over trendy styling elements, suggesting the Elevate will age gracefully as design trends evolve.
Engine and Performance: Turbocharged Punch vs Natural Smoothness
The powertrain department reveals the most significant philosophical differences between these SUVs, with each approach offering distinct advantages.
Skoda Kushaq: Dual Turbo Options
The Skoda Kushaq offers two engine options: a 999cc 3-cylinder turbo producing 114 bhp at 5000-5500 rpm and 178 Nm at 1750-4500 rpm, and a 1498cc 4-cylinder turbo generating 147.51 bhp at 5000-6000 rpm and 250 Nm at 1600-3500 rpm.
The 1.0-litre TSI engine represents the entry point, delivering surprisingly strong performance despite its modest displacement. The turbocharger spools up quickly, providing a broad torque band that makes the engine feel far more powerful than capacity suggests. While the 1.0-litre engine might be down on peak power compared to the Elevate, it bridges that gap with an additional 33 Nm of torque, translating to better outright and in-gear acceleration.
The 1.5-litre TSI engine transforms the Kushaq into a genuinely quick SUV. Producing an impressive 150 PS and 250 Nm, this engine creates a yawningly wider performance gap compared to the Elevate. Active cylinder technology deactivates two cylinders under light loads, improving fuel efficiency without compromising performance when needed.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual for both engines, a 6-speed torque converter automatic for the 1.0 TSI, and a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic for the 1.5 TSI. The DSG transmission delivers rapid-fire gear changes that enhance the sporting character, though it can feel jerky in stop-and-go traffic.
The turbo engines deliver their character through eager throttle response and strong mid-range punch. Highway overtaking proves effortless, while the broad torque curves ensure flexibility across the rev range. However, turbo lag remains perceptible at very low revs, and the 3-cylinder engine exhibits slight vibrations at idle despite impressive overall refinement.
The Kushaq delivers mileage of 19.76 kmpl for the 1.0 TSI manual variant, though real-world figures typically range between 12-15 kmpl in city conditions and 16-18 kmpl on highways depending on driving style and variant.
Honda Elevate: Naturally Aspirated Refinement
The Honda Elevate employs a single 1498cc 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 119 bhp at 6600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4300 rpm. This proven powerplant comes directly from the Honda City, bringing with it that car’s reputation for refinement and reliability.
The naturally aspirated configuration means there’s no turbo lag while the 4-cylinder layout ensures power delivery is vibe-free. The engine spins smoothly to redline without the harshness or vibrations associated with smaller turbocharged units. At idle and cruising speeds, the Elevate’s cabin remains remarkably quiet, showcasing Honda’s engineering prowess.
Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic. The CVT ensures extremely smooth and effortless driving, particularly when moving through city traffic, with no jerky gear transitions. The transmission’s programming prioritizes smoothness over sporty responsiveness, making it ideal for relaxed driving rather than spirited performance.
The engine delivers adequate performance for typical driving scenarios, with power building linearly as revs rise. Highway cruising proves comfortable, though overtaking maneuvers require planning and revs. The naturally aspirated character means the engine must work harder compared to turbocharged rivals, resulting in increased noise levels during acceleration.
Interior Space and Practicality: Comfort vs Compactness
Interior dimensions and practical storage solutions significantly impact daily usability, particularly for family buyers who regularly carry multiple passengers and luggage.
Skoda Kushaq: Comfortable for Four
The Kushaq’s cabin showcases European design sensibilities with clean lines, quality materials, and logical ergonomics. The dashboard layout appears modern without excessive complexity, featuring a freestanding touchscreen that doesn’t overwhelm the design. Soft-touch materials cover high-contact areas, while the build quality impresses with tight panel gaps and solid construction.
The Skoda, owing to its compact dimensions, is only comfortable for four people. Front seat occupants enjoy generous space with supportive seats featuring good bolstering. The driver’s seat offers multiple adjustments ensuring most drivers find an ideal position. Visibility proves excellent thanks to the commanding seating position and slim A-pillars.
Rear seat space proves adequate for two adults with reasonable legroom and headroom, though the middle seat remains best reserved for children or short journeys. The rear bench lacks the spaciousness found in larger rivals, with knee room becoming tight for taller passengers when front seats are set far back. The rear seatback recline adjustment helps optimize comfort somewhat.
Honda Elevate: Spacious Five-Seater
The Elevate showcases classy interiors that are high on quality and practicality, with ample legroom and headroom for rear seat occupants. The dashboard features a layered design with premium materials and excellent fit-and-finish that meets Honda’s high standards. The beige interior theme available on higher variants creates an airy, premium ambiance.
The Elevate should offer better headroom and shoulder room than the Kushaq while legroom would be in the same ballpark, making it a more comfortable five-seater. Front seats provide excellent comfort with good cushioning and support, while the driving position offers clear sightlines and intuitive control placement.
The rear bench stands out as a highlight, comfortably accommodating three adults with generous knee room, headroom, and shoulder room. The flat floor enhances middle passenger comfort, while the seatbacks recline for added relaxation during longer journeys. The large windows and light interior colors create an open, airy feeling that reduces claustrophobia on extended trips.
Features and Technology: Modern Convenience
Both SUVs pack comprehensive feature lists, though with different priorities that reflect their brand philosophies and target demographics.
Skoda Kushaq: Driver-Focused Tech
The Kushaq offers a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface responds quickly with intuitive menus, though some users report occasional connectivity glitches. The system includes connected car features via MySkoda app, allowing remote functions like vehicle status checks and climate control.
The digital instrument cluster provides clear, customizable information with multiple display modes. Ambient lighting enhances the premium feel while the premium sound system delivers satisfying audio quality. Higher variants include ventilated front seats—a valuable feature in Indian climates—along with wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, and auto-dimming IRVM.
Safety features include six airbags, ESC, traction control, hill hold control, TPMS, and rear parking sensors with camera. ESC is offered as standard across all variants, a standout feature in the segment. The Kushaq scored a 5-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests, proving its structural integrity.
Honda Elevate: Tech-Forward Approach
The Elevate features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a single-pane sunroof, and rearview camera. The interface showcases Honda’s latest software with responsive touchscreen and logical menu structures. The connected car features via Honda app provide comprehensive vehicle monitoring and remote capabilities.
The instrument cluster combines an analog speedometer with a large digital display showing trip information, media details, and vehicle settings. The layout prioritizes clarity and easy readability at a glance while driving.
Upper trims include Honda Sensing ADAS features like lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control, representing a significant technological advantage over the Kushaq. The Elevate ZX also offers auto-folding mirrors, dual-zone AC, and LED projector fog lamps not available on the Kushaq. These features enhance convenience and safety, particularly on highway journeys.
Ride and Handling: Sporty Dynamics vs Plush Comfort
Driving dynamics reveal fundamental differences in engineering priorities, with each SUV delivering distinct character behind the wheel.
Skoda Kushaq: European Precision
The Kushaq rides on Skoda’s MQB-A0-IN platform, inheriting European handling characteristics that prioritize driver engagement. The suspension setup comprises MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear, tuned for a firm yet controlled ride quality.
The handling impresses with sharp turn-in response and minimal body roll through corners. The steering provides good feedback and weighting, creating confidence during spirited driving. The chassis feels rigid and well-sorted, inspiring trust when pushing harder on twisty roads. The Kushaq clearly delivers the most engaging driving experience in its segment.
However, the firm suspension setup comes at the cost of ride comfort over broken roads. Sharp bumps get transmitted into the cabin with noticeable harshness, particularly at lower speeds. Passengers may find the ride quality tiring during extended journeys on poor roads. The suspension feels optimized for smooth highways rather than typical Indian road conditions.
The steering offers good precision but can feel artificially weighted, lacking the natural feel of the best systems. Highway stability proves excellent with the Kushaq tracking straight confidently at triple-digit speeds. Wind and road noise remain well-controlled, contributing to refined cruising.
With 155mm ground clearance, the Kushaq sits lower than most rivals, limiting off-road capability and requiring caution over tall speed bumps. The compact dimensions aid urban maneuverability, making parking and navigating tight spaces easier than larger SUVs.
Honda Elevate: Comfort-First Approach
The Elevate shares its platform with the Honda City, adapted for SUV proportions with reinforcements and modifications. The suspension employs MacPherson struts front and rear, tuned for comfort and compliance over diverse road surfaces.
The ride quality stands out as a highlight, soaking up road imperfections with impressive composure. The suspension absorbs bumps and potholes effectively, isolating occupants from road disturbances. Long-distance comfort proves excellent with passengers arriving fresh after extended journeys.
The handling proves competent without matching the Kushaq’s sporty character. The steering feels lighter and less communicative, prioritizing ease-of-use over feedback. Body roll becomes evident during aggressive cornering, clearly communicating the Elevate’s comfort-focused tuning. For typical family driving, the handling proves entirely adequate and confidence-inspiring.
The 220mm ground clearance, highest in the segment, provides excellent clearance over obstacles and enhances the SUV’s capability on rough roads. The high ride height contributes to the commanding driving position and genuine SUV character.
Highway manners impress with stable tracking and controlled composure at speed. The cabin remains quiet with effective sound insulation, making highway cruising relaxed and stress-free. The light steering proves beneficial during parking and low-speed maneuvering in congested areas.
The CVT transmission’s smooth operation enhances the comfort-oriented character, eliminating any jerkiness or harshness during gear changes. The powertrain and chassis work harmoniously to deliver stress-free motoring that prioritizes occupant comfort above all.
Pricing Strategy: Value Equations
Price represents a crucial decision factor, particularly in India’s price-sensitive market where every rupee matters.
Skoda Kushaq: Accessible European Engineering
The Skoda Kushaq starting price is Rs. 10.99 Lakh (ex-showroom average) for the Classic 1.0L TSI MT base variant. The range extends to approximately Rs. 18.43 lakh for the top-spec Prestige 1.5 TSI DSG variant.
The base variant at Rs. 10.99 lakh offers exceptional value with essential features, turbo performance, and Skoda build quality. Mid-spec variants priced around Rs. 14-16 lakh add desirable features like sunroof, alloy wheels, and enhanced convenience features. The top variants command premium pricing but deliver comprehensive equipment including ventilated seats, larger touchscreen, and premium finishes.
The pricing strategy positions the Kushaq competitively against rivals, particularly after recent GST revisions that reduced prices. The European engineering, turbocharged engines, and proven safety credentials justify the price point for buyers prioritizing driving dynamics and performance.
However, Skoda’s limited service network compared to mass-market brands and higher maintenance costs represent ownership considerations that affect the total cost of ownership beyond the purchase price.
Honda Elevate: Premium Honda Proposition
The Honda Elevate starting price is Rs. 11.95 Lakh (ex-showroom average) for the SV MT base variant. The range tops out at approximately Rs. 16.73 lakh for the ZX CVT Black Edition.
The Elevate is priced approximately Rs. 96,000 higher than the Kushaq at the entry level, positioning it as a premium offering in the segment. This pricing reflects Honda’s brand positioning, comprehensive equipment, and reputation for quality and reliability.
Mid-spec variants priced around Rs. 13-15 lakh offer strong value with generous space, quality interiors, and Honda’s proven powertrains. The top variants justify their pricing through ADAS technology, comprehensive features, and the largest boot space in the segment.
Honda’s extensive service network, proven reliability, and lower maintenance costs compared to European brands enhance the ownership proposition. Resale values typically remain strong, protecting long-term investment for buyers planning to eventually sell or trade-in.
The pricing strategy targets buyers prioritizing space, comfort, reliability, and brand reputation over outright performance. For families seeking hassle-free ownership with minimal surprises, the Elevate’s premium over rivals represents worthwhile insurance.
Ownership Experience: Real-World Realities
Beyond specifications and test drives, real-world ownership experiences provide crucial insights into living with these SUVs daily.
Skoda Kushaq: Engaging but Demanding
Owner feedback consistently praises the Kushaq’s driving dynamics, turbocharged performance, and European build quality. The engines deliver satisfying punch that makes daily driving enjoyable rather than mundane. The handling rewards enthusiastic drivers who appreciate responsive steering and controlled body movements.
The interior quality receives appreciation with owners noting premium materials, solid construction, and thoughtful ergonomics. The ventilated seats prove particularly popular among owners in hot climates who value the comfort during summer months.
However, some owners report concerns about ride quality on poor roads, finding the firm suspension setup tiring during daily commutes on broken surfaces. Service experiences vary significantly by location, with some dealers providing excellent support while others disappoint. Parts availability occasionally proves challenging, particularly for less common variants or accessories.
Fuel efficiency meets expectations with most owners reporting figures close to claimed numbers under typical driving conditions. The DSG transmission receives mixed reviews, with some owners loving the quick shifts while others find it jerky in traffic. Long-term reliability remains a question mark given the relatively short time the model has been in market.
Honda Elevate: Comfort and Confidence
Owner feedback indicates high satisfaction with the Elevate, with users praising performance, comfort, safety, and features as value for money. The spacious interior receives universal acclaim from owners who appreciate the generous rear seat space and massive boot capacity for family duties.
The ride quality earns consistent praise with owners noting the smooth, comfortable ride over diverse road conditions. The high ground clearance provides confidence over speed bumps and rough roads without scraping concerns. The refined powertrain delivers stress-free driving that owners find relaxing rather than engaging.
Honda’s extensive service network receives positive feedback with owners reporting easy service appointment scheduling and reasonable maintenance costs. The brand’s reputation for reliability provides peace of mind, with most owners reporting trouble-free ownership experiences.
Some owners desire more powerful acceleration and find the naturally aspirated engine somewhat underwhelming compared to turbocharged rivals. The CVT transmission’s behavior under hard acceleration generates occasional criticism from enthusiast drivers. The lack of panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats disappoints buyers who prioritize these features.
Fuel efficiency meets or slightly exceeds expectations with most owners satisfied with real-world mileage figures. The ADAS features receive mixed reviews, with some finding them genuinely useful while others consider them overly intrusive and occasionally inaccurate.
Final Thoughts
Both the Skoda Kushaq and Honda Elevate represent well-executed products that successfully serve their target audiences. Neither SUV is objectively superior; they simply prioritize different attributes that appeal to different buyer profiles.
The Kushaq delivers European driving dynamics, turbocharged performance, and sporty character at accessible prices. It rewards enthusiast drivers who value engagement and efficiency while accepting compromises in space and ride comfort. The recent price reductions following GST revisions enhance its value proposition significantly.
The Elevate provides Japanese practicality, spacious accommodations, and comfort-focused engineering that prioritizes family needs. It suits buyers seeking reliable, hassle-free transportation that excels at daily family duties without drama or surprises. The advanced ADAS technology provides modern safety features that enhance long-term value.
The choice ultimately reflects your lifestyle and priorities. Test drive both extensively, considering your typical usage scenarios, family size, driving preferences, and budget constraints. Either selection will serve you well, just in distinctly different ways that reflect their manufacturers’ diverse engineering philosophies and target demographics.
