Skoda Elroq 2025 Review

The 2025 Skoda Elroq has just landed in Aussie showrooms with two versions of the electric SUV now available. The Elroq 85 Select starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the range-topping Elroq 130 Years Edition is priced at $64,990. If you’re wondering, the flagship is named to celebrate Skoda’s 130-year history.

Both models are also available with drive-away pricing, which adds $5000 to the listed price.

Both variants share an 82kWh battery and rear-mounted motor producing 210kW and 545Nm. This translates to 0–100km/h in 6.6 seconds and a claimed WLTP range of up to 529km. That increases to 661km in city conditions.

Charging supports up to 11kW AC for a full charge in around eight hours, or up to 175kW DC for a 10–80 per cent top-up in about 28 minutes.

While the numbers are promising, Skoda is just as eager to talk lifestyle. The Elroq brings the brand’s familiar “Simply Clever” touches. Think thoughtful storage solutions, umbrellas hidden in the doors and family-friendly packaging, all wrapped up in the brands new “Modern Solid” design language that delivers a sleek and contemporary look.

The entry-level 85 Select comes with plentiful standard features, including 19-inch alloy wheels, a 13-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, a heated leather steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, rear privacy glass and a set of recharging cables that tuck neatly into the boot.

For buyers willing to spend the extra, the 130 Years Edition layers on premium inclusions such as Matrix LED headlights, a 360-degree camera, power tailgate, a 12-speaker CANTON premium audio system, an augmented reality head-up display and power-adjustable front seats with massage function. It also picks up 21-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control and heated rear outboard seats.

The Elroq comes with an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty and the standard seven year/unlimited km vehicle warranty.

The Skoda Elroq has not yet received an ANCAP rating, but the larger Enyaq received a five-star result in 2023 based on EuroNCAP testing.

Standard safety features include seven airbags, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane assistance, blind spot monitoring with exit warning and rear cross traffic alert. The 130 Years Edition gains two extra rear-side airbags, bringing the total to nine.

What’s good about the Skoda Elroq?

There’s no shortage of competitors in this space, and the 2025 Skoda Elroq is positioned carefully against rivals such as the Hyundai Kona Electric (from $54,000), Kia EV5 (from $56,770), and Toyota bZ4X (from $66,000).

The value proposition is strong, with pricing mixing it in with direct rivals. Of course, plenty of cheaper Chinese options exist. Skoda insists what sets it apart from those affordable alternatives like the MGS5 EV (from $40,990) or Geely EX5 (also from $40,990) – is the depth of R&D and refinement baked into a European product - something Skoda argues you need to experience to appreciate – and, of course, the extra driving range.

And appreciate we did. On smooth roads, the Elroq is tuned for comfort and it shows. It feels planted and agile and despite weighing more than two tonnes doesn’t feel as heavy as some lighter competitors that don’t carry their weight as gracefully.

Skoda has marketed the model as “surprisingly EV” and after driving it the meaning becomes clear. Many elements of the car are intuitive and deliberately familiar.

Where some rivals push boxy lines, polarising design or quirky interior materials, the Skoda keeps things nicely conventional. Stepping inside, there’s actually little that screams “electric car.”

There are no confusing paddle shifters for regenerative braking, no experimental cork finishes and no overly complex driver graphics showing power flow and battery usage.

Practicality is another plus, with a usable 470-litre boot in the 85 Select that’s reduced to 409 litres in the 130 Years Edition. There is no lack of frunk up front.

Clever touches include a parcel shelf with multiple position options, cable storage under the boot floor, bag hooks and even the trademark Skoda umbrella hidden in the door.

Some EV buyers, particularly early adopters, are looking for a wow factor even if it borders on gimmicky.

Rivals like the Zeekr X put on light shows and open their doors for you. The 2025 Skoda Elroq is way more restrained in that sense.

The closest thing to a standout feature is the seat upholstery. The standard 85 Select uses RecyTitan upholstery, a mix of recycled PET bottles and synthetic fibres with green stitching. The 130 Years Edition features TechnoFil, derived partly from recycled fishing nets. Some will find that story appealing, others less so.

As is common across the Volkswagen Group, physical buttons are scarce. The touch-slider for audio volume is unintuitive and will never be as user-friendly as a proper knob.

The ride can also be harsh on the 130 Years Edition, with vibrations from the 21-inch wheels filtering into the cabin. The smaller 19-inch wheels on the Select smooth things out considerably.

And while the minimalist driver display is easy to read, at just five inches it’s smaller than the current-generation iPhone Pro, let alone the Pro Max.

Speaking of underdone, neither Elroq comes with a sunroof – apparently that’s off the menu globally. The dark roofliner in the 85 Select makes the cabin feel even gloomier, so a bit of sunlight would have been welcome.

At least the 130 Years Edition offsets this with light beige upholstery, which does a solid job of brightening the interior.

Should I buy a Skoda Elroq?

The 2025 Skoda Elroq is dubbed “surprisingly EV” by the Czech brand and that’s exactly how it feels to drive. It’s designed for people who want to make the switch without feeling overwhelmed or out of their depth.

The cabin feels familiar, the tech is straightforward and the driving experience is refined. It’s an electric SUV that goes about its job confidently, which makes the transition from petrol to battery power refreshingly painless.

Of course, that also means it’s not especially flashy. If you want your EV to feel futuristic or offer any cool moments, the Elroq may come across as a bit boring. But for buyers who value comfort above showmanship, that’s exactly where its strength lies.

The 85 Select is a compelling offering against mainstream rivals – poised, well-equipped and backed by a solid 529km range. European engineering and refinement are apparent at every turn. In a market flooded with budget-friendly EVs, Skoda is proving that quality still matters.

2025 Skoda Elroq 85 Select at a glance:
Price: $54,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 210kW/545Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 82kWh lithium-ion
Range: 529km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 15.2-16.6kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Unrated

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