Published : 29 October 2026
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Siddharth
The Hyundai Bayon HX3 MT faces a strong challenge from the Skoda Kushaq Classic Plus 1.0L MT. The Kushaq costs Rs. 20,900 less, yet includes a sunroof, alloy wheels and auto AC. The Bayon counters with a larger touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity and a rear parking camera. We compare their prices, equipment, engines, fuel costs and practicality to see which SUV makes more sense.

The HX3 sits above the Bayon’s base HX2 variant. The Classic Plus is the entry-level Kushaq variant. Here are their ex-showroom prices:
*The Bayon’s price is introductory.
The Hyundai Bayon and Skoda Kushaq overlap on price, but these 2 manual versions differ substantially in equipment and engine character.
Both SUVs include several essentials, such as 6 airbags, LED headlamps, a touchscreen, rear AC vents and steering adjustment. The table below lists their main shared features:
The Kushaq includes more comfort and visibility features, while the Bayon has useful advantages in parking assistance and infotainment. Here are the main differences:
The Bayon’s rear camera should make reversing into tight parking spaces easier. Hill-start assist can help when moving off on an incline, while the tyre pressure display allows drivers to check individual tyre pressures. Its larger screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and push-button start also make everyday use more convenient.
The Kushaq responds with auto AC, a sliding front armrest and adjustable rear headrests. Its rear wiper and defogger are useful for maintaining rearward visibility in wet weather. Automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming inside mirror further reduce the need for manual adjustments while driving. The sunroof and alloy wheels add to the Kushaq’s appeal, but its advantage extends beyond these features. Several of its extras address everyday comfort and visibility.
Neither SUV in this comparison gets cruise control, electrically folding outside mirrors, a rear centre armrest or 60:40 split-folding rear seatbacks.
The Bayon uses a larger 4-cylinder non-turbo petrol engine. The Kushaq has a smaller 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Both SUVs have a 6-speed manual transmission.
Here are their specifications and claimed mileage figures:
The Kushaq produces its peak torque at substantially lower engine speeds. Once its turbo is delivering boost, it should pick up speed quicker. This should be useful while overtaking, climbing inclines or driving with passengers and luggage.
The Bayon needs higher engine speeds to reach its peak torque. Drivers may therefore need to shift gears more often and rev the engine more for stronger acceleration.
The Kushaq also has a claimed mileage advantage of 2.46kmpl. Based on these figures, it requires roughly 13 percent less petrol to cover the same distance.
The table below uses Delhi’s petrol price of Rs. 102.12 per litre on October 29, 2026, and the claimed mileage of each SUV.
Costs and savings are rounded independently to the nearest rupee. Actual fuel costs depend on the mileage you achieve.
At 1,500km per month, the estimated saving driving the Kushaw Classic Plus MT works out to around Rs. 13,400 per year. The Kushaq’s lower estimated fuel expense adds to its Rs. 20,900 purchase-price advantage.
These calculations compare fuel expenses. They don’t establish total ownership costs, which also depend on servicing, insurance and other expenses.
Both SUVs are around 4.2m long. The Bayon is slightly longer and wider, while the Kushaq has a longer wheelbase. Here are their dimensions and practicality details:
#Hyundai claim a 505L boot capacity for the Bayon with no spare tyre fitted. The HX3 MT comes with a spare tyre, and Hyundai have not published its boot capacity separately.
The Bayon has higher quoted ground clearance, which is worth considering if your regular routes include tall speed breakers. The Kushaq’s narrower body may be easier to accommodate in a tight parking bay. However, the exterior measurements alone don’t establish which SUV has more usable cabin space.
The Kushaq earned 5 stars for adult and child occupant protection in Global NCAP’s tests published in October 2022. Hyundai describes the Bayon as engineered for 5-star Indian safety standards.
Their standard warranty coverage also differs:
Skoda also include 4 years of roadside assistance and 4 labour-free services for up to 2 years or 30,000km. The service benefit covers labour charges; it doesn’t include the entire maintenance bill.
The Kushaq Classic Plus 1.0L MT is our pick for value at these prices. It costs Rs. 20,900 less, yet includes auto AC, a sunroof, alloy wheels, a rear wiper and an auto-dimming inside mirror. Adjustable rear headrests and rain-sensing wipers strengthen its equipment package.
Its turbo petrol engine should also make it easier to drive both in the city and out on the highway. Better claimed mileage and a longer standard warranty add to its case.
Choose the Bayon HX3 MT if its parking, safety and infotainment conveniences matter more to you. The rear camera, hill-start assist and tyre pressure display are useful advantages. Its larger touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, push-button start and rear USB-C charging port further improve everyday convenience.
The Bayon has worthwhile reasons to consider it. However, the Kushaq combines a lower purchase price with more comfort and visibility features, stronger expected acceleration and lower estimated fuel costs.
Also Read: 2026 Hyundai Bayon Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?
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Associate Editor
Siddharth enjoys understanding why certain cars click with buyers and figuring out what makes people actually stop and read or watch automotive content. He also has a soft spot for cars that may not always make logical sense, but still leave a lasting impression. Travelling, photography and exploring new cuisines are among his other passions.

























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