2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS arrives in Australia

The second-generation 2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS has been priced from $69,990 plus on-road costs – $600 cheaper than the outgoing three-row performance SUV – with deliveries of the quicker Kodiaq RS tipped to begin before the end of 2025.

The 2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS is now available to order in Australia and is fractionally cheaper than the model it replaces, despite arriving with more power and torque, plus lots more standard kit.

Powered once again by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, the new Kodiaq RS pushes out 195kW and 400Nm; a 15kW/30Nm increase over the outgoing model.

That translates into a 0-100km/h of just 6.3 seconds – 0.3 seconds quicker than before, while top speed rises to 231km/h.

Capitalising on its punchier powertrain, engineers have equipped the flagship RS with the Czech firm's progressive steering and its latest DCC+ adaptive dampers, which are said to offer a broader range of comfort and sportiness.

Additional Snow and Off-Road drive modes now feature, along with a sound system that pipes fake exhaust noise into the cabin.

Helping it apart from the regular Kodiaq, the RS comes with a gloss black RS grille, mirror caps, illuminated grille frame, window trims and roof rails, while large 20-inch alloy wheels and performance brakes are standard.

Matrix LED head lamps also come standard, along with LED tail lamps, keyless entry and go, a powered tailgate with gesture control, a sports steering wheel, front leather-clad sports seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a three-zone climate control and aluminium pedals.

Like other Kodiaqs, the latest RS comes with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, 13-inch infotainment with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual 15W ventilated wireless chargers, 360-degree cameras, a head-up display and a 13-speaker Canton sound system.

Options include a panoramic sunroof ($1900) and Velvet Red premium metallic paint ($770).

Joining the Select 140 TSI and Sportline 140 TSI that come powered by a 140kW 2.0-litre turbo, the new Kodiaq RS is expected to command at least half of all sales of the Skoda's large family SUV.

Next year, the model mix could be skewed further, with the arrival of a new entry mild-hybrid version as well as a new plug-in hybrid version that should land with ultra-low running costs and an EV-only range of more than 100km.

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