When it comes to premium compact SUVs in India, two names stand out: Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun. Both vehicles are built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, designed specifically for the Indian market, and offer a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and features. However, choosing between them can be a tough call. This blog post will give you a detailed comparison so you can decide which SUV is the right fit for you.
Overview of the Compact SUV Battle
The compact SUV segment in India has been booming, with buyers looking for a vehicle that offers a commanding road presence, advanced features, and powerful performance. The Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun are both strong contenders, but which one suits your needs better? Let’s break it down.
Road Presence Matters
Skoda Kushaq
- The Skoda Kushaq follows Skoda’s signature design language, featuring a bold butterfly grille, sleek LED headlamps, and a muscular stance.
- The Kushaq has a rugged yet elegant appeal with strong character lines and a prominent Skoda badge.
- It offers more of a sophisticated European styling that gives it a premium look.
Volkswagen Taigun
- The Volkswagen Taigun looks sportier and aggressive, with a wide front grille and distinctive LED DRLs.
- The highlight is the connected LED taillight design, making it stand out on the road.
- Compared to the Kushaq, the Taigun has a more youthful and dynamic design.
If you prefer a mature and premium-looking SUV, go for the Skoda Kushaq. If you want a sportier, bolder design, the Volkswagen Taigun is the better choice.
Which One Drives Better?
Both the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun share the same engine options:
- 1.0L TSI Petrol (115 PS & 178 Nm) – Available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
- 1.5L TSI Petrol (150 PS & 250 Nm) – Available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG.
Skoda Kushaq
- The Kushaq’s suspension is tuned slightly for comfort, making it better for city drives and long journeys.
- It offers excellent high-speed stability, making highway cruising effortless.
- The steering response is light and easy, perfect for urban driving.
Volkswagen Taigun
- The Taigun has a sportier suspension setup, making it more fun to drive around corners.
- The DSG transmission in the 1.5L variant offers lightning-quick gear shifts, adding to the thrill.
- It feels slightly stiffer compared to the Kushaq, which some might prefer for an engaging drive.
If comfort is your priority, the Skoda Kushaq is better suited. If you love a sporty and dynamic driving experience, the Volkswagen Taigun wins.
Who Offers More?
| Features | Skoda Kushaq | Volkswagen Taigun |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment | 10-inch touchscreen | 10-inch touchscreen |
| Digital Cockpit | No (Analog Dials) | Yes (Fully Digital) |
| Sunroof | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated Seats | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient Lighting | Yes | Yes |
If a digital instrument cluster is a must-have, the Volkswagen Taigun has an edge. However, both SUVs are equally well-equipped in terms of comfort and convenience.
Which One is Safer?
Both SUVs come with top-notch safety features, including:
- Up to 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
- Traction Control
- Multi-Collision Braking
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Skoda Kushaq
- The Kushaq has a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, ensuring maximum protection.
- Its robust build quality is a strong selling point.
Volkswagen Taigun
- The Taigun also has a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating.
- It has additional ADAS-like safety assists in some global models (yet to arrive in India).
Both SUVs are equally safe, offering excellent protection for passengers.
Which One Saves More Fuel?
| Engine Variant | Skoda Kushaq | Volkswagen Taigun |
| 1.0L TSI MT | ~18.2 km/l | ~18.1 km/l |
| 1.0L TSI AT | ~16.8 km/l | ~17.0 km/l |
| 1.5L TSI MT | ~18.6 km/l | ~18.5 km/l |
| 1.5L TSI DSG | ~19.0 km/l | ~19.2 km/l |
Both SUVs deliver almost similar fuel efficiency. The 1.5L DSG version is the most fuel-efficient due to cylinder deactivation technology.
Both SUVs are equally efficient, with minor differences based on driving style.
Which One is More Value for Money?
| Variant | Skoda Kushaq | Volkswagen Taigun |
| Base Model | ₹11.89 Lakh | ₹11.69 Lakh |
| Top Model | ₹19.99 Lakh | ₹19.99 Lakh |
Both SUVs fall in the same price bracket. The Skoda Kushaq’s base model is slightly more expensive, but it offers better features.
If you want an affordable entry model, go for the Volkswagen Taigun. If you prefer more features in the base variant, choose the Skoda Kushaq.
Which SUV Should You Pick?
Pick Skoda Kushaq if:
✅ You want a premium and elegant design.
✅ You prefer a more comfortable ride quality.
✅ Safety and build quality are your top priorities.
Pick Volkswagen Taigun if:
✅ You want a sportier, bolder design.
✅ You love a dynamic and engaging driving experience.
✅ You prefer a fully digital instrument cluster.
Both SUVs offer an exceptional driving experience, and the final choice comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize comfort and safety, go for the Skoda Kushaq. If you want a sporty and fun-to-drive SUV, the Volkswagen Taigun is the one for you.
Which SUV are you planning to buy? Let us know in the comments! 🚗💨
