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Skoda Kodiaq RS First Drive Review: Performance SUV for the Family!
The RS badge has long been synonymous with Skoda's performance-oriented models, and it has now found its way onto their flagship SUV – the Kodiaq. With a 265 PS turbo-petrol engine and all-wheel drive, the Kodiaq RS is as promising as it gets. But does it live up to the iconic RS name? We find out.
Dhruv Paliwal
Updated Jul 14, 2026, 01:01 PM IST
Skoda Kodiaq RS First Drive Review
Photo : TIMES DRIVE
For decades, the RS badge has represented the performance side of Skoda's lineup, finding its place on enthusiast favourites like the Octavia RS. Now, the Czech carmaker has brought that same philosophy to its flagship SUV with the Kodiaq RS. On paper, it promises an intriguing combination of practicality, premium features and performance, making it one of the few three-row SUVs that aims to satisfy both family buyers and driving enthusiasts.
So, can the Skoda Kodiaq RS deliver an experience worthy of the iconic RS badge? We find out in this review.
Skoda Kodiaq RS First Drive Review: Design – Sportier Without Going Over the Top
The standard Kodiaq is an understated SUV, but the RS injects just the right amount of aggression without becoming overly flashy.
The front-end features blacked out elements and a vRS badge
Photo : TIMES DRIVE
Our test unit, as you can see in the pictures, was finished in a striking shade of red and it immediately grabbed attention. The redesigned front bumper, featuring more pronounced air dam elements, gives the SUV a more aggressive stance. While the RS badge identifies it as the performance flagship, even without it, the styling changes are enough to distinguish it from the standard model.
The 20 inch wheels give the Kodiaq RS massive road presence
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The side profile is dominated by the new 20-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in low-profile tyres. Our test unit came shod with Continental ContiSportContact 5 tyres. The larger wheels significantly improve the SUV's stance and give it one of the best wheel-to-body proportions in Skoda's current portfolio.
Further differentiating the Kodiaq RS is the piano black finish on the window surrounds and roof rails, and a blacked-out D-pillar. You also get blacked-out treatment for the Skoda lettering and a redesigned bumper that completes the performance-inspired look. The result is an SUV that looks athletic without sacrificing the clean and sophisticated design language the Kodiaq is known for.
Skoda Kodiaq RS First Drive Review: Cabin and Features – Dripping in Red
The cabin adopts an all-black theme that creates a sportier ambience than the standard Kodiaq. Rather than relying on bright colours, Skoda has used different textures and shades of black and grey to create visual contrast.
A blacked-out cabin makes the Kodiaq RS feel hihgly sporty on the inside
Photo : TIMES DRIVE
Red contrast stitching across the seats adds a welcome splash of colour, while RS badging on both the steering wheel and the seats constantly reminds occupants that this is the performance variant. However, despite the cosmetic upgrades, the Kodiaq RS retains everything that makes the regular SUV such a practical family car.
The red contrast stitching also makes the cabin feel sporty
Photo : TIMES DRIVE
Rear seat comfort remains one of its biggest strengths. The seats are supportive, offer generous knee room and feature adjustable backrest recline, making long journeys more comfortable. Rear passengers also get dedicated AC vents, dual USB Type-C charging ports and manual sunshades for the windows – an especially useful feature in Indian summers.
Adding to the sense of space is the panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light and makes the already spacious interior feel even airier. One thoughtful addition is the removable organiser integrated over the transmission tunnel. It serves as a practical storage solution and can also be removed when the middle seat is required.
Skoda Kodiaq RS First Drive Review: Performance – Smooth, Effortless and Seriously Quick
Powering the Kodiaq RS is the familiar 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that also does duty in the Octavia RS. In this application, it produces 265 PS and 400 Nm of torque, the latter being 30 Nm more than the sedan, and its performance is best described as effortless.
This is the first that the Kodiaq has gotten a vRS badge for the Indian market
Photo : TIMES DRIVE
Acceleration builds progressively without dramatic theatrics. Unlike some performance SUVs that constantly remind you of their capabilities through loud exhaust notes or exaggerated responses, the Kodiaq RS gathers speed with remarkable refinement. The result is an SUV that feels deceptively fast. It masks speed exceptionally well, making it easy to find yourself travelling much quicker than expected.
Complementing the engine is a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission that continues to be one of the highlights of the driving experience. Whether driving gently through city traffic or pushing harder on open roads, the gearbox consistently selects the right ratio without being noticed. Upshifts are smooth and quick, while downshifts arrive promptly whenever more performance is demanded.
The Kodiaq RS is not assembled in India like the regular model and comes in through the CBU route
Photo : TIMES DRIVE
The transmission strikes an impressive balance between comfort and responsiveness, making it equally suited to everyday commuting and spirited driving.
Skoda Kodiaq RS First Drive Review: Ride and Handling – A Genuine RS Experience
One of the standout features of the Kodiaq RS is its Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). The electronically adjustable suspension allows the SUV to transform its character at the touch of a button. In Comfort mode, it settles into a relaxed and refined cruiser that isolates occupants from rough road surfaces remarkably well.
Switch into the sportier settings and the suspension firms up noticeably. Body roll is kept under excellent control, while weight transfer during cornering is significantly reduced. The result is an SUV that feels composed and confidence-inspiring despite its size.
The steering weight can change according to the driving mode selected on the Kodiaq RS
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Steering response also changes depending on the selected drive mode. In Sport mode, the steering becomes noticeably heavier. Around town, this added weight can feel somewhat artificial – a trait common to many modern electrically assisted steering systems attempting to replicate the feel of older hydraulic setups.
At highway speeds, however, the heavier steering comes into its own, offering greater precision and confidence during high-speed lane changes and sweeping corners.
Skoda Kodiaq RS First Drive Review: Verdict – More Than Just a Fast Kodiaq
The Kodiaq RS succeeds because it justifies the badge. It delivers accessible performance through its 265 PS TSI engine, responsive DSG gearbox and capable all-wheel-drive system, while retaining all the practicality, comfort and refinement expected from a premium three-row SUV.
The adaptive DCC suspension broadens its appeal even further, allowing it to switch effortlessly between comfortable family cruiser and genuinely engaging performance SUV.
Due to a limited allotment of 50 units, the Skoda Kodiaq RS was sold out in India in under 6 minutes
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There is very little to criticise, except for the price. At Rs 66.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kodiaq RS has wandered into the territory of luxury German carmakers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. But then, you can’t buy the Skoda Kodiaq RS as the entire allotment of 50 units for the Indian market was sold out within 6 minutes of bookings opening.
Ultimately, for buyers seeking a premium SUV that can comfortably handle family duties without sacrificing driving enjoyment, the Skoda Kodiaq RS presents a compelling proposition. It wears the RS badge with confidence – and more importantly, it earns it.
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