2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS Unveiled; Family SUV Meets Performance!

At the unveiling event for the facelifted Kushaq today, Skoda has given us a surprise in the form of showcasing the Kodiaq RS! With athletic looks, a more powerful engine and sporty styling, it will be the new Skoda flagship for India when it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2026. Let’s take a look at what it offers:

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS: Exterior

While the Kodiaq RS bears the same silhouette and basic design of the Kodiaq, it dials things up a notch with a sportier body kit, and blacked out elements. At the front, it gets a blacked-out ‘butterfly’ grille with a ‘RS’ badge and a more aggressively styled bumper with vertical air flaps on either side.

Towards the side, we get to see larger 20-inch alloy wheels and body-coloured side skirts. While the standard Kodiaq gets a silver insert on the C-pillar, the RS version gets it finished in black for a sportier look. Besides this, the hunkered-down stance remains similar and suits the sportier theme of the RS’ exterior

The rear-end styling remains largely similar to the standard car, with a more aggressive rear bumper being the only major change here. That said, you still have the C-shaped taillamps with a connected light strip, and a ‘SKODA’ badge which is now black instead of the chrome finish on the standard Kodiaq.

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS: Interior

Inside, the Kodiaq RS continues with a minimalist and classy theme for its dashboard, along with a black-red upholstery and cabin theme, with a free-standing 13-inch infotainment system taking centre-stage. You also get new graphics for the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster to gel along with the overall theme. 

As for the seats, given the extra performance, Skoda has provided sports seats with thick side bolstering for the front occupants, which hold you in place better while cornering.

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS: Features And Safety

Feature-wise, the Kodiaq RS remains similar to the standard Kodiaq with features such as a panoramic sunroof, 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 13-speaker CANTON sound system, three-zone climate control, powered tailgate, powered, ventilated, heated and massaging front seats, ambient lighting, heads-up display and multiple wireless chargers.

Safety-wise, it gets 9 airbags, a Level 2 ADAS suite, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, 360-degree camera and front and rear parking sensors. Notably, the Kodiaq also carries a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS Facelift: Powertrains

Under the hood, the Kodiaq RS gets powered by a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, driving all four wheels via an all-wheel drive system. Here are the detailed specifications of this SUV:

Engine	2-litre turbo-petrol TSI
Transmission	7-speed DCT
Power (PS)	265 PS
Torque (Nm)	400 Nm
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive

In keeping with the sporty theme and the added performance, Skoda also offers upgraded brakes, a stiffer suspension and dynamic chassis control (DCC) with the Kodiaq RS for a more involving drive.

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS Facelift: Launch Date, Price And Rivals

Skoda will be launching the Kodiaq RS in the second quarter of this year. It is expected to be priced at Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom). It will have no direct rivals, but considering its sporty theme, it will compete against alternatives such as the VW Golf GTI and Mini Cooper Countryman JCW.

ZigSays…

The Octavia RS has always been a stellar performer for Skoda in India. And with the Kodiaq RS, the practicality of an SUV and all-wheel drive, there is no doubt that it will be the ultimate family hauler for enthusiasts in this price range. 

Would you pick a Kodiaq RS over the Octavia RS? Let us know in the comments below!