Kodiaq RS: Fast, Practical And Ridiculously Well Equipped
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Škoda has finished off its new-generation Kodiaq line-up with the RS, a proper seven-seat flagship that marries family practicality with genuine sporty intent. The second-generation Kodiaq RS arrives with 195 kW, 400 Nm and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds, carrying a recommended retail price of $69,990. It is intended for people who need three rows and do not want to sacrifice a sense of occasion.
Performance And Driving Character
Under the bonnet sits a punchy turbocharged petrol engine tuned for RS behaviour. The numbers are handsome and the delivery is eager, making the Kodiaq RS feel more focused than most mainstream seven-seat SUVs. A 20-inch ALIAS black polished wheel and tyre package, Dynamic Chassis Control plus with Driving Profile Selection, and progressive steering sharpen the handling in ways buyers of big family SUVs rarely expect.
Look Like You Mean Business
If you want your seven-seat SUV to look sporty without shouting, this one does it with a proper wink. Black painted accents on the front and rear bumpers, black roof rails, tinted rear and rear-side glass, dual polished stainless-steel exhaust tips and red brake callipers give the RS a coherent, performance-minded look. It reads as the fastest sensible family mover in the car park.
Interior: Sporty Comfort With Practical Sense
Inside the cabin the Kodiaq RS mixes upscale materials with sensible usability. You get a flat-bottom perforated leather heated sports steering wheel, front sports seats with integrated headrests and RS Sport black perforated leather appointed upholstery. Front seats are power adjustable, heated and ventilated with memory, rear seats are heated and the tri-zone climate system keeps everyone comfortable on long runs. Subtle RS touches such as aluminium pedals and red-stitch trim underline the sporty theme without feeling silly.
Tech That Actually Helps
Škoda has not skimped on technology. Smart Dials and a 10 inch Virtual Cockpit sit alongside a 13 inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and DAB+ radio. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are fast 15 watt dual wireless chargers with active ventilation, a 360 degree camera, a 13 speaker CANTON audio system, a windscreen projection head-up display and five 45 watt USB-C sockets including a rear-view mirror port. In short, there is nothing lacking for connectivity or convenience.
Safety And Driver Assistance
Safety kit is comprehensive, with Škoda’s Travel Assist package that bundles adaptive cruise control, Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Lane Assist and Emergency Steering Assist. Also fitted as standard are Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Side Assist, Front and Rear Traffic Alert, Exit Warning System, Traffic Sign Recognition, Turn Assist, Intelligent Park Assist and nine airbags. It arrives equipped to handle both motorway cruising and city chaos.
Range, Options And Ownership
The Kodiaq RS comes with just two paid options: a panoramic sunroof for $1,900 and Velvet Red premium metallic paint for $770. Six paint colours are available at no extra cost. Škoda is positioning the RS alongside high-value Kodiaq Select and Kodiaq Sportline models, with additional Kodiaq variants arriving early next year including a plug-in hybrid and a mild-hybrid entry version. The company also backs its appeal with a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, which makes the whole package feel pragmatic as well as desirable.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
