Skoda Kushaq facelift Monte Carlo vs Standard compared: Which should you buy

Skoda Auto India recently revealed the new Skoda Kushaq facelift in the Indian market. This marks the first facelift for the Kushaq since its debut in 2021 and features cosmetic changes on the outside, a tweaked interior with additional features, and more. The prices are expected to be announced in February - and the deliveries are scheduled to begin from March 2026. The Pre-bookings for the new SUV will begin from today, interested customers can book the new Kushaq online or by visiting the nearest dealership.




The new Kushaq is offered in five variants: Classic Plus, Signature, Sportline, Prestige, and Monte Carlo. The 1.0-litre engine is offered in all five variants, whereas the 1.5-litre engine is offered only with the top spec Prestige and Monte Carlo variants. The Prestige and Monte Carlo are both top-end trims, with the Monte Carlo positioned as the sportier option. In this article, let’s take a look at the differences between the Monte Carlo and standard (Prestige) variants.

Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo vs Prestige: Visual differences

The main visual distinction between the Monte Carlo and Prestige trims is apparent right when you look at it. At the front, the Monte Carlo uses a gloss-black butterfly grille with red detailing on the grille slats which gives it a motorsport-inspired theme. The Prestige variant gets a chrome-accented unit with a silver skid plate below and honey comb grille. Both variants are equipped with LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and a connected LED DRL strip across the grille, a design element borrowed from the larger Kodiaq. The Monte Carlo further differentiates itself with an all-black bumper and black skid plate.

In profile, the two trims share the same body shape but differ in detailing. The Monte Carlo gets dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels with a sportier design and red-painted brake callipers, along with black roof rails, black ORVMs and Monte Carlo badging on the front fender. The Prestige gets silver roof rails, body-coloured ORVMs and a cleaner alloy wheel design, giving it a more understated appearance. At the rear, both variants get connected LED tail lamps with pixel-style lighting integrated into the ‘SKODA’ lettering. The Monte Carlo adopts a black rear bumper, blacked-out Kushaq badging and a race flag-theme logo, while the Prestige maintains a simpler finish.

Colour options further separate the two. The Monte Carlo is offered in seven shades, including dual-tone combinations with a black roof, featuring colours such as Cherry Red, Shimla Green, Steel Grey, Brilliant Silver and Candy White, along with Deep Black and Lava Blue. Carbon Steel is not available on this trim. The Prestige, meanwhile, is offered in all eight colours of the Kushaq facelift, but without dual-tone options.

Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo vs Prestige: Interior differences

Moving inside, the Prestige uses a black-and-beige cabin layout aimed at a lighter, family-oriented feel, while the Monte Carlo features an all-black interior with red accents. Both share the same dashboard layout, though the Monte Carlo adds red inserts and highlights. The steering wheel and digital display are identical, but the Monte Carlo gets aluminium pedals, while the Prestige uses standard units.

Seat upholstery also differs. The Monte Carlo comes with black leatherette seats with red stitching, firmer bolstering and Monte Carlo branding on the headrests, offering more lateral support. The Prestige uses lighter-coloured upholstery focused on comfort and a greater sense of space.

Both variants get the same set of features, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play/Android Auto, a 10.25-inch fully digital cluster, a six-speaker Skoda sound system with subwoofer and amplifier, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats, electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation, Ai companion powered by Google, segment-first rear massager and more. Safety-wise, it gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse parking camera, hill-hold assist, TPMS, hill-descent control and more.

Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo vs Prestige: Powertrain

Mechanically, both variants get the same powertrain options. A 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbo petrol with 115 hp and 175 nm torque. Another engine is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel with 150 hp and 250 nm. Gearbox options include only a 7-speed DSG for the 1.5. The smaller 1.0-litre gets a 6-speed manual along with a new 8-speed torque converter auto which replaces the 6-speed torque converter auto.

Which one should you buy? Monte Carlo or Prestige

The Monte Carlo is better suited to those who want a sportier appearance, with darker exterior accents, exclusive badging, dual-tone paint options and red highlights inside the cabin. Its firmer, more supportive seats also cater to drivers seeking a slightly more engaging driving environment.

The Prestige, in comparison, is aimed at buyers looking for a more understated and comfortable SUV. With cleaner exterior detailing, a lighter interior colour scheme and comfort-focused seating, it is better aligned with daily family use and a more traditional premium feel. In essence, the Monte Carlo prioritises visual flair and sportiness, while the Prestige focuses on comfort and a more restrained design approach.