2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS review

It’s been nearly eight months since the second-generation Skoda Kodiaq landed in Australia, and only now have we had the chance to get acquainted with the best it has to offer.

That’s a long time to wait if you’re a fan of Euro performance cars, and your patience is rewarded with ‘only’ a large seven-seat SUV boasting an uprated engine. Mind you, the Czech auto brand’s RS sub-brand has a solid reputation for producing great performance cars, and it’s not like Kodiaq isn’t bringing anything worth getting excited about.

Volkswagen’s seemingly immortal turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder EA888 petrol engine still graces the new 2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS, but power and torque have been bumped to 195kW and 400Nm respectively. That now puts it in Golf GTI hot hatch territory and marks a healthy upgrade over the original Kodiaq RS, helping it shave 0.3 seconds off its claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time.

Furthermore, the new RS features Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC Plus), an adaptive suspension damping system with 15 adjustment stages. This gives the driver a boatload of performance customisability, and allows the car to be tuned for anything from relative comfort to razor-sharp sportiness.

That’s the promise, anyway. Skoda has also implemented the Volkswagen Group’s Progressive Steering system, intended not only to improve low-speed drivability but also to enhance engagement and accuracy as the speeds pick up.

That, along with sporty seats and all-wheel drive, makes the new Kodiaq RS look like a compelling proposition on paper. The previous RS was well-received, and this new model is claimed to improve in all key areas.

More broadly, the RS is another piece in the second-generation Kodiaq puzzle. By this time next year there should also be plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid variants on sale, making Skoda’s largest SUV also its most versatile nameplate by a considerable margin.

But for now, we have only combustion-powered variants to savour, and CarExpert was invited to the Blue Mountains west of Sydney to sample the new Kodiaq RS at its media launch on some of NSW’s nicer driving roads – albeit in some properly torrential rain.

Do the impressive specs translate to real-world fun in this seven-seat driver’s SUV?

How much does the Skoda Kodiaq cost?

At $76,990 drive-away, the new flagship Kodiaq RS is $15,000 more expensive than the Sportline variant positioned below it.

Remarkably, however, despite the new gear and increased power, the new RS is practically the same price as the model it replaces, at just $100 dearer drive-away, and Skoda says the new car packs more than $8000 worth of extra value over its predecessor.

As for rivals, the most direct one is the related Volkswagen Tayron 195TSI R-Line, which costs $73,490 before on-roads.

Most other seven-seat competitors offer similar power but aren’t positioned as sporty vehicles. These include the petrol Mazda CX-80 G40e Azami ($74,400 before on-roads), the petrol Kia Sorento GT-Line ($66,290 before on-roads), and the petrol Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5T Calligraphy ($72,750 before on-roads).

What is the Skoda Kodiaq like on the inside?

For better or worse, the RS offers essentially the same interior as the rest of the Kodiaq range.

To us, the second-generation Kodiaq already offers a very well-sorted and upmarket interior, which means Skoda had a strong foundation in which to inject a more sporting flavour when it came time to building the RS. The tweaks are primarily tied to how you interact with the car, with the main attraction being the sports seats up front.

The bucket-style seats certainly look the part with their integrated head restraints, while the ‘RS’ embroidery underlines their sporty intent. Curiously, the Kodiaq Sportline also gets sports seats with integrated head restraints, which can make the RS feel a little less special at first glance.

But they’re still relatively comfortable and finished in RS-specific perforated black leather. Bolstering isn’t too aggressive despite their sportiness, and they retain a strong range of adjustment, along with heating and ventilation as standard.

The steering wheel, meanwhile, is also carried over from the Sportline. It’s finished in perforated leather and feels appropriately sporty, which fits nicely in the Kodiaq but still doesn’t make the RS unique – aside from the ‘RS’ logo at the bottom.

In fact, the only other RS-specific interior tweak is red stitching, which you’ll find on the seats and dashboard. The sporty touches are subtle and, understandably, adding more spice to the already well-equipped Sportline would be difficult.

And the good news is the mainstream Kodiaq’s strong tech suite also carries over. Headlining the cabin is a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system loaded with the latest Skoda software.

Sharp graphics and ease of use are highlights, the latter thanks to several handy shortcuts to quickly enable or disable all manner of vehicle functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and this unit is best figured out by spending some time playing around.

Below you’ll find Skoda’s Smart Dials, which cover climate control, seat heating/ventilation, drive modes, volume, and a bunch of other customisable functions. Frankly, these are a brilliant solution to minimalist controls, and my positive sentiment hasn’t changed since trying them in the new Superb earlier this year.

In front of the steering wheel is a 10-inch digital instrument display. This is a good-looking screen that can be customised with all sorts of information, though it still looks too small for its housing – the wheel therefore doesn’t obscure it, but it looks a little clumsy from other angles.

It’s worth noting that this screen and the basic infotainment controls can be operated via physical buttons and scroll wheels on the steering wheel. These are a staple in modern Skoda cars, and they feel durable and satisfying to use.

As for storage, there’s more than enough to keep you happy. Two sliding covers on the centre console reveal cupholders and two ventilated wireless phone chargers, the latter a functional alternative to the two USB-C ports nearby.

There’s also a two-tier passenger-side glovebox and several ‘Simply Clever’ solutions elsewhere – including (but not limited to) a small door-mounted bin and Skoda’s characteristic umbrella in the driver’s door.

The second row offers plenty of space for people of all shapes and sizes, but if legroom is still an issue, the rear bench can slide to open things up a bit more.

The seat itself isn’t that cushy, but it’s still very serviceable. Any comfort concerns are offset by the amount of amenities on hand, which include rear-facing air vents, USB-C ports, heating for the outboard seats, and plenty of storage – factory-fitted phone holders and multi-tier map pockets are highlights.

There’s an additional storage tray on the floor, which can be removed if the middle seat is in use. All of these make for a highly functional rear cabin space, but they also make the third row seem a bit barren by comparison.

Legroom is borderline laughable when the second row is in use. Adults can squeeze back here in an emergency, and you can slide the second row forward for a little more room, but functionality doesn’t quite stack up to the larger Isuzu MU-X or Hyundai Santa Fe – but of course those are nowhere near as sporty.

In contrast, boot space is exceptional. The third row doesn’t eat into floor space when folded down, leaving plenty of room for groceries, suitcases, and whatever else you need to lug around.

The Kodiaq’s 794 litres of cargo capacity in five-seat mode is marginally larger than the CX-80, Santa Fe, and even the Toyota Kluger, as is its maximum capacity with both rear rows out of the way. This makes for a functional space, improved by the Velcro organisers attached to the floor to keep cargo from sliding around.

A powered tailgate makes access that little bit easier, and stowing cargo is simple given the lack of a pesky loading lip.

Unfortunately, we have concerns about build quality due to a small rattle in the driver’s door. We’ve had similar issues crop up in various Skoda models in recent months, so while it isn’t necessarily surprising, it’s still disappointing.

What’s under the bonnet?

The new Kodiaq RS is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 195kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Once again it’s a version of Volkswagen’s longstanding EA888 engine, but revised tuning has given it 15kW and 30Nm more than its predecessor.

We didn’t have enough time in any one Kodiaq to record a representative real-world fuel-economy figure at Skoda’s press launch. That said, a couple of cars were showing figures around 8.3L/100km after a few hundred kilometres of driving.

How does the Skoda Kodiaq drive?

The idea behind any RS car is to bring out the best in its donor model. The sharp Octavia RS does this very well, so the question is whether the MkII Kodiaq has the chops to meet the demands of Skoda’s performance sub-brand – and its customers.

In short, we’re confident in saying it does. But before we get to its ride and handling traits, it’s important to lay the groundwork by discussing the upgraded powerplant at the heart of the new Kodiaq RS.

Its bump in power and torque is a welcome upgrade, as it feels more than capable of getting the big SUV hustling in a hurry. The previous generation still wasn’t slow, but the increased performance here strikes a near-perfect balance between raw grunt and usability.

Power delivery is smooth and linear, with no major turbo lag to catch you off guard under acceleration. It’s therefore very easy to predict what the car will do when you plant your right foot – which makes the Kodiaq RS incredibly easy to drive. And to drive quickly.

Plus, it’s impossible to fault an engine that pulls with such composed confidence under acceleration, and Skoda has even unlocked some character with a surprisingly audible exhaust note, even if some of it may be artificial inside.

The quicker 0-100km/h time is a healthy bonus, making the Kodiaq RS feel a touch more spritely than its predecessor, while still avoiding being overly aggressive.

Helping this is a well-sorted dual-clutch automatic. Gear shifts are logical and smooth, and in everyday driving (outside of any of the sportier drive modes) you’d be hard-pressed to feel most gear shifts at all.

Naturally, there’s the occasional stumble at low speed as the transmission works to either crawl along or find the right gear, but it’s nowhere near as bad as dual-clutch autos have been in the past. Prompt kick-downs when laying into the throttle solidify the transmission’s competence.

You can also take control using the paddles on the steering wheel, and even then the shifts are smooth and responsive.

When it comes to the ride and handling package, the Kodiaq already has strong bones underneath – the modular MQB Evo platform it’s built on has facilitated countless sporty models like the Audi RS3, Volkswagen Golf R, Cupra Leon VZx and Skoda Octavia RS, to name a few – and it seems the big SUV body hasn’t undermined any of that.

It has a very well-balanced chassis that obediently follows the steering wheel through even the tightest, lumpiest turns. It was also impeccably stable on the sopping wet roads we were graced with, making it easy for us to build trust in the car.

The all-wheel drive system hooks up nicely under hard acceleration, though you can feel the traction control working hard to keep the drivetrain in check through the seat of your pants. Once you crack into that Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Plus) technology, it gets even better.

In my recent review of the updated Skoda Enyaq, I found that DCC transforms the behaviour of any VW Group product for the better. That’s no less true here, as there isn’t much else out there that can offer both daily comfort and well-tuned sportiness to equal degrees in the same package, much less at this price and with seven seats.

The 15-stage system gives you a broad range of damping stiffness. Certain settengs are tied to drive modes: Comfort is nice and compliant, while Sport is harsh and aggressive – the latter also makes the steering heavier and the exhaust louder.

The result is a versatile ride that impresses, primarily for its competence in higher-intensity driving. Skoda’s biggest RS model may still feel large and on the heavier side, but its pointy handling and nicely weighted steering make for a fun drive.

There’s just a couple of things that detract from the polish, though. One is that the low-profile tyres on large alloys exacerbate road noise, as noted with other MQB Evo-based models. It isn’t a dealbreaker, but something worth considering.

Another is that the brakes seem somewhat underdone for a large performance-oriented family SUV. We’ve seen much smaller cars featuring fixed front calipers with four or more pistons clamping big ol’ discs, but the Kodiaq RS makes do with more mainstream floating calipers, albeit with dual pistons.

This is an incredibly enthusiast-minded nitpick, but it’s something I and a few others discussed at Skoda’s launch. Mind you, the brakes were consistently sharp during our drive and there’s no cause for concern, but we’re curious to see how they hold up under prolonged aggressive driving.

We also noticed a knocking sound over harsh bumps, which was difficult to pinpoint but could be related to the sounds we noted in the interior section above. It doesn’t ruin the car, but it was audible in multiple Kodiaqs on the day.

Otherwise, the car feels very solid, again making it easy to feel confident behind the wheel. Outward visibility is also good and, although it’s large, the Kodiaq doesn’t feel ungainly unless you’re on a narrow country road.

It’s all supported by a comprehensive suite of safety gear, with individual features easily toggled on or off – the car will remember your settings too, making for convenient personalisation.

What do you get?

Three trims are now available for the Skoda Kodiaq.

2026 Skoda Kodiaq Select equipment highlights:

• 19-inch ‘Lefka’ alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlights
• LED tail-lights
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Power tailgate
• Rear privacy glass
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• 10-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster
• 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Satellite navigation
• 9-speaker sound system
• Tri-zone climate control
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Black leather upholstery with grey stitching
• Heated front seats
• Power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, memory
• 2 x wireless phone chargers with cooling system
• 5 x USB-C outlets (two front, two rear, one for rear-view mirror)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Colour-adjustable ambient lighting

Kodiaq Sportline adds:

• 20-inch ‘Rila’ alloy wheels with aero covers
• Matrix LED headlights
• LED tail lights with dynamic indicators
• Black exterior trim
• Heated steering wheel
• Aluminium pedals
• Suedia/leatherette upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Front sports seats
• Black headliner
• ‘Premium’ sound system
• Drive mode selection

Kodiaq RS adds:

• 20-inch ‘Alias’ black alloy wheels
• Dynamic Chassis Control Plus adaptive suspension
• Progressive steering
• Red brake calipers
• Dual polished stainless steel exhaust tips
• Unique front and rear bumpers
• ‘RS Sport’ black perforated leather upholstery
• Red interior stitching
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Head-up display
• 13-speaker Canton sound system

Is the Skoda Kodiaq safe?

The Skoda Kodiaq wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2024.

Standard safety equipment highlights:

• 9 airbags, incl:
  • Front
  • Front-centre
  • Front-side
  • Driver’s knee
  • Curtain
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Cyclist detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Emergency assist
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Intelligent park assist
• Lane-keep assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing camera
• Safe exit warning
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Travel Assist (lane centring, adaptive cruise)
• Tyre pressure monitoring

The Kodiaq RS gets a surround-view camera as standard.

How much does the Skoda Kodiaq cost to run?

Skoda backs all its models with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

The brand offers prepaid service packs that can be bought upfront or at any point before the vehicle’s first service. The Kodiaq’s five-year, 75,000km service pack will cost you $3000 and, if the vehicle is eligible, it can be extended by an additional two years for $700.

CarExpert’s Take on the Skoda Kodiaq RS

Given Skoda’s track record with ripper performance models, we’re not necessarily surprised that the new Kodiaq RS is quite good. Instead, we’re simply impressed.

The beauty is that it feels like an oversized Golf GTI with all-wheel drive, while being much more practical.

Combining that practicality with respectable performance and far better handling characteristics than should be reasonably expected from a large SUV makes the Kodiaq RS one of the most versatile VW Group models – by a long shot, at least within the German giant’s ‘mainstream’ portfolio.

The level of mechanical customisation is also exceptional, and we reiterate that DCC Plus is a very well-engineered system that has consistently improved every car I’ve driven with it. It’s particularly noticeable in the Kodiaq, however, given the effort required to control its bigger and heavier body.

And when you consider that you get that additional power, better handling, updated tech, and improved safety gear for no extra price premium, the new Kodiaq RS makes a lot of sense and is a very welcome addition to the lineup.

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