2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS review (video)

Skoda doesn’t build an RS lightly, even when it’s attached to a seven-seat family SUV. The 2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS arrives as the performance flagship of the brand’s second-generation Kodiaq range, promising to blend genuine driver appeal with three-row-seat versatility. It’s a bold brief in a segment increasingly dominated by hybrids and value-focussed SUVs, yet the RS doubles down on turbocharged petrol power and dynamic intent.

With the previous RS accounting for up to half of all Kodiaq sales in Australia, Skoda clearly understands that there’s strong local appetite for a sporty family hauler. This new-generation model sharpens that formula with more power, upgraded chassis technology, a comprehensively specified interior and a sharper design edge – all while maintaining the clever practicality that underpins the Skoda nameplate.

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS: Specifications

Engine: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 195kW@5000-6500rpm / 4000Nm@1650-4350rpm
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.5, 235/45
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1900kg
Power-to-weight: 9.74:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.1L/100km
Our consumption: 8.8L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 58L/95 RON

Power efficiency: 24.07kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.94 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.24 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.36 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.46 seconds at 158.5km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.749g*
100-0km/h braking: 36.82m in 3.11 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.403g*
Decibel at idle (/sport mode): 45/51*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 83*
Starting price: $76,990

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS: How much does it cost?

The Kodiaq RS launches in Australia with a $76,990 drive-away price tag, positioning it at the top of the Kodiaq hierarchy. That figure makes it significantly more expensive than mainstream 7-seat SUVs, yet still comfortably below many European luxury-branded performance SUVs.

And Skoda’s value argument is strong as it hinges on performance and lots of standard equipment. Unlike rivals that require expensive option packs to approach flagship specification, or straight out don’t offer them, the Kodiaq RS is well-equipped. More on that in the next section.

When compared with the price of other 7-seat SUVs before their on-road costs, the Kodiaq RS is a whisker away from the Kia Sorento GT-Line ($69,540) and the Mazda CX-80 G40e GT ($69,700). But it undercuts its mechanically identical Volkswagen Tayron 195TSI R-Line cousin ($74,550), the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy ($73,500), and the Toyota Kluger Grande ($85,135).

Skoda backs the Kodiaq RS with a 7-year, unlimited kilometre warranty – a standout for a European brand – strengthening its value proposition over time. Servicing intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Skoda also offers reasonably priced capped-price servicing packages if purchased upfront. A five-year pack costs $3190, and an additional two years is $1390. Notably, the RS model is no more expensive to service than other 4×4 Kodiaq variants.

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS: Interior & packaging

With the second-gen comes a major uplift in interior design and material quality, and the RS builds on that even more with a blend of sportiness and genuine premium appeal. Step inside and the first impression is cohesive, modern and thoughtfully executed. Material quality is strong throughout. Soft-touch surfaces dominate key touchpoints, and overall fit and finish feel refined and durable – appropriate for a vehicle that will likely spend much of its life transporting families.

The centrepiece is a large 13-inch infotainment touch-screen paired with a 10-inch digital “Virtual Cockpit” instrument cluster and a windscreen-projected head-up display. The menu layouts are concise, quick to learn, and offer plenty of customisation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, complemented by not one, but two 15-Watt wireless phone chargers with active ventilation.

Beneath the screen sits Skoda’s new “Smart Dials”, which are configurable rotary controls that combine small integrated displays with tactile functionality. They allow quick toggle between climate settings, drive modes and audio controls using the same set of dials without diving through screen menus. The Smart Dials idea is not as good as having dedicated buttons in our opinion, but they strike an effective balance between digital modernity and everyday usability if you like minimalist layout designs.

RS-specific details subtly elevate the cabin. A flat-bottom perforated leather sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals and red contrast stitching reinforce the performance positioning without feeling excessive. The sports front seats feature integrated headrests and are trimmed in perforated leather upholstery, offering electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and memory functionality. Rear outer seats are heated as well, and tri-zone climate control ensures comfort across all three rows.

Technology and safety specification is comprehensive. Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high beam, LED taillights with dynamic indicators, a 360-degree camera system and a 13-speaker Canton premium audio system are all standard. Skoda’s Travel Assist suite includes adaptive cruise control with traffic jam functionality, crossroad assist, park assist, lane assist, emergency steering assist and blind-spot monitoring, complemented by front and rear traffic alerts, side door exit warning, nine airbags and much more.

Space remains a Kodiaq hallmark. The second row slides and reclines, allowing flexibility between legroom and third-row access. The third row itself is genuinely usable for children and shorter adults on occasional trips – more accommodating than many 7-seat rivals that treat the rearmost seats as an afterthought.

Boot space is practical even with all seats in place, offering 289 litres, and expanding significantly to 794L when the third row is folded flat. We appreciate how the third-row backrests can be folded down from the boot or second row quickly. Drop the second row as well and the Kodiaq RS transforms into a genuinely cavernous load carrier, with 2035L. Space is saved with the use of a space-saving spare wheel, but at least it isn’t an inflation kit.

Skoda’s “Simply Clever” way of thinking shines through with features like five USB-C charging ports (including one near the rear-view mirror for your dashcam), removable door bins, rear side sunshades, tablet holders in the rear of the front seats, LED-lit door pockets and footwells, and umbrella storage in the driver’s door.

Externally, the RS distinguishes itself through black-painted exterior accents, a sportier front and rear bumper design, black roof rails, tinted rear glass, red brake calipers and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. Dual polished stainless-steel exhaust tips complete the performance aesthetic without appearing overdone.

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS: Powertrain & handling

Lift the bonnet of this Czech-built SUV and you will find a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 195kW and 400Nm; it’s based on the widely-used ‘EA888’ 2.0L turbo found in various VW Group products, from the old Porsche Macan, a variety of Audis, and of course the Golf GTI and Golf R, as well as the Skoda Octavia RS and Superb Sportline.

Here, it’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive system. Performance figures are genuinely strong for a 7-seat SUV. Skoda claims 0–100km/h can be achieved in just 6.3 seconds, making it one of the quickest 7-seat SUVs currently on sale in the non-premium market segment. Our testing revealed a time of 6.24 seconds, and a quarter mile in 14.46 seconds at 158.5km/h.

Throttle response is immediate, with confident mid-range torque making overtaking effortless; all 400Nm is available from 1650rpm until 4350rpm. It rarely feels strained, maintaining surge even when fully loaded with passengers. The dual-clutch gearbox shifts decisively under acceleration yet behaves smoothly in urban traffic, avoiding the jerkiness sometimes associated with earlier DSG calibrations. We’re glad to see no CVT gearbox adoption here. Though, slowly inching in a tight carpark is still a touchy affair compared with a regular torque convertor auto. But since this is the RS, we feel like it makes sense.

Fuel consumption inevitably exceeds hybrid rivals, although, it remains reasonable for a high-output petrol SUV. Buyers prioritising efficiency above all else may prefer the new mild-hybrid variants, but those seeking performance will accept the trade-off. Officially, it averages 8.1L/100km, and over our week of testing, we averaged 8.8L/100km. In its defence, we spent more time enjoying the power and AWD grip, which likely caused some additional thirst than a typical daily commute. Some cheaper rivals cheat by offering front-wheel drive only.

One area where the RS truly sticks out among the competition is in handling and dynamics. The RS comes standard with Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC Plus). This continuously adaptive damping with two-valve shock absorbers allows for a broad spread of comfort and sport settings. In Comfort mode, the Kodiaq RS settles into an impressively refined cruiser, absorbing highway undulations and isolating occupants from coarse surfaces. Switch to Sport and body control tightens considerably, reducing roll around corners and sharpening response. It carries its 1900kg weight with a lightness over bumps that EVs simply haven’t been able to replicate.

Of course, physics cannot be entirely defied. This remains a sizeable, three-row SUV, and enthusiastic cornering will eventually reveal weight transfer and minor tyre squeal from the 235/45 tyres. Yet, compared with mainstream 7-seat SUVs, the RS demonstrates noticeably sharper turn-in and steering precision and significantly greater chassis control.

Speaking of the steering, it uses a progressive system that alters the ratio based on input and the drive mode selected; improving low-speed manoeuvrability while maintaining stability at higher speeds. While steering feel remains more secure than communicative, accuracy is strong and inspires confidence.

As mentioned, four-wheel drive enhances traction, particularly in wet conditions or when deploying the engine’s full output from a standstill. You don’t get the wheelspin on take-off or torque-steer that high-powered front-wheel drive rivals suffer from. Grip levels are substantial for a vehicle of this size; this thing hammers around big sweeping bends like a well-sorted wagon.

Braking performance feels strong and progressive, complementing the vehicle’s acceleration potential. The front brakes are beefed up from single to dual-piston floating calipers, painted in red, with bigger discs. They contribute to a creditable towing capacity – for a non-ladder-frame chassis design – at 2300kg. Noise insulation is also commendable, though a subtle exhaust note under load reminds occupants that this is the sportiest Kodiaq variant.

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Genuine 7-seat performance SUV: With 195kW and a 6.3-second sprint to 100km/h, the Kodiaq RS is one of the quickest non-premium 7-seat SUVs on sale right now.
• Comprehensive standard equipment: From matrix LED lighting, ventilated seats, heated rear seats, dual wireless phone chargers, 13-speaker Canton audio system, specification is comparatively generous without costly option packs.
• Adaptive chassis versatility: DCC Plus allows the RS to transition seamlessly between comfortable family cruiser and sharper dynamic performer. Adaptive dampers are certainly not a commonplace for family SUVs.
• Intelligent storage and space: True three-row usability, sliding second-row seats and a thoughtful list of practical features that Skoda is famous for reinforces its family appeal.
• 7-year warranty: Skoda’s generous coverage enhances long-term ownership confidence for a Euro brand. Servicing costs are also reasonable – no more expensive than lower spec Kodiaq models.

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS: Key considerations before you buy

• Usability of ‘Smart Dials’: Although it’s great to see a panel separate from the main touch-screen, some might see their use as not straightforward enough as the panel is shared with other functions.
• External design could be outshone in a busy market: There are some funky and modern designs coming from new car brands lately. To some, the Kodiaq’s design could be seen as a little understated and conservative.
• More capable competition: Some rivals are better-suited to off-road road adventures and/or serious towing, both of which are fairly important to many Aussie buyers.

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS: Video