Skoda Kodiaq RS: Exploring Skoda's Most Premium SUV

Premium three-row SUVs have become increasingly popular among buyers looking for a combination of luxury and strong performance. To strengthen its position in this segment, Skoda recently launched the Kodiaq RS in India as the flagship model in its SUV lineup. Based on the second-generation Kodiaq, the RS brings a more powerful engine, exclusive RS styling, and several premium features over the standard model.

In this blog, we take a closer look at the Skoda Kodiaq RS. Explore its price, design, features, performance, and what makes it one of the brand’s most premium SUVs in India.

A Quick Overview of the Skoda Kodiaq RS

The Kodiaq RS offers several upgrades in terms of performance, features, and technology. To help you understand what the SUV offers at a glance, the table below lists its Skoda Kodiaq RS key specifications. 

Specification	Details
Body Type	Premium 7-Seater SUV
Engine	2.0-litre TSI Turbo Petrol
Transmission	7-speed DSG Automatic
Fuel Type	Petrol
Ground Clearance	194 mm
Boot Space	281 litres (Expandable up to 1,976 litres)
Fuel Tank Capacity	58 litres
Wheel Size	20-inch Alloy Wheels
Drive Type	All-Wheel Drive (4x4)
Kodiaq RS Colours	Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red, Steel Grey

Skoda Kodiaq RS Exterior Design: Sporty Yet Premium

The Skoda Kodiaq RS gets several design updates that give it a sportier look than the standard Kodiaq. It features RS-specific bumpers, gloss black exterior elements, and 20-inch alloy wheels that make the SUV look more distinctive. The Matrix LED headlights, LED tail lamps, and panoramic sunroof further add to its premium appearance. Moreover, these design changes help the car stand out while keeping the overall design clean and modern. Below are some of the key exterior highlights of the Kodiaq RS:

• Gloss black front grille with an illuminated light strip
• Matrix LED headlights with adaptive lighting and cornering function
• RS-specific front and rear bumpers
• 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers
• LED tail lamps with dynamic turn indicators
• Gloss black roof rails, ORVMs, and window surrounds

Cabin and Interior Features of Kodiaq RS

The cabin is where the Skoda Kodiaq RS truly showcases its flagship appeal. RS-exclusive styling, premium materials, and a spacious three-row layout create an interior that feels both sporty and luxurious. The SUV also gets several modern features that improve comfort, convenience, and the overall driving experience. 

• 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit with multiple display layouts
• Ventilated, heated, and electrically adjustable front sports seats with memory function
• Three-zone automatic climate control for personalised comfort
• 725W Canton sound system with 13 speakers and a subwoofer
• Sliding panoramic sunroof and multi-colour ambient lighting
• Electric tailgate with Virtual Pedal and KESSY Advanced keyless entry

Skoda Kodiaq RS Engine & Performance

The Kodiaq RS is the most powerful version of the Kodiaq available in India, with several upgrades focused on performance. A 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive (4x4) system for smoother power delivery. It also gets Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Plus), progressive steering, and multiple drive modes, which help the SUV adapt better to different driving conditions.

Key engine and performance highlights include:

• Powered by a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine (195 kW / 265 PS) with strong performance output
• Delivers 400 Nm of torque, giving quick response across different speed ranges
• Paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission for fast and smooth gear shifts
• Uses a 4-cylinder layout (1,984 cc) tuned for higher performance delivery
• Works with an all-wheel-drive (4x4) system to distribute power across all wheels when needed
• Progressive steering for improved handling and control

Safety Features of Kodiaq RS

Safety in the Skoda Kodiaq RS 2026 is supported by a wide range of features that work together to enhance protection for occupants and other road users. It comes with 9 airbags and advanced electronic systems like ABS, ESC, and traction control to support stability in different conditions. Driver assistance features such as lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot detection further enhance safety in everyday driving.

Key safety features include:

• 9 airbags, including a centre airbag for added protection
• Adaptive Cruise Control for maintaining speed and distance
• Front Assist with automatic braking support
• Lane Assist and Blind Spot Detection for lane safety
• 360° camera with Intelligent Park Assist for easier parking
• ESC, ABS, TPMS, Hill Assist, and driver alert systems for overall control and awareness

Skoda Kodiaq RS Price in India

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is priced at ₹66.99 lakh (ex-showroom) in India and is available in a single, fully loaded Kodiaq RS 2.0 TSI variant. The final on-road price of Skoda Kodiaq RS will be higher, as it includes registration charges, insurance, road tax, and other applicable fees, which vary from one state to another. The higher price reflects the SUV's performance-focused setup, premium cabin, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features.

Kodiaq RS vs Kodiaq: Key Differences Explained

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is based on the Kodiaq but comes with several upgrades that make it more performance-focused. It gets a more powerful engine, RS-exclusive exterior and interior styling, and additional features that give it a sportier driving experience. The table below highlights the key differences between the two SUVs.

Feature	Skoda Kodiaq RS	Standard Skoda Kodiaq
Engine	2.0-litre TSI petrol, 265 PS (195 kW), 400 Nm	2.0-litre TSI petrol, 204 PS (150 kW), 320 Nm
Transmission	7-speed DSG, AWD	7-speed DSG, AWD
Suspension	Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Plus) with adaptive suspension	Standard suspension (Drive Mode Select on selected variants)
Steering	Progressive steering	Electric power steering
Exterior Styling	RS bumpers, gloss black accents, black 20-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, twin exhaust	Variant-specific styling with 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome/dark chrome accents
Interior	Black leather sports seats with red stitching, aluminium pedals, RS steering wheel	Fabric, Suedia or Cognac leather interiors depending on variant
Infotainment	32.77 cm touchscreen, 725W Canton audio system	26.42 cm or 32.77 cm touchscreen, depending on variant; Canton system on higher variants
Lighting	LED Matrix headlights with AFS, all-weather lighting, and cornering function	LED Matrix headlights on higher variants; standard LED headlights on Lounge
Ground Clearance	194 mm (unladen)	155 mm (laden)
Fuel Tank	58 litres	62 litres
Seating & Boot Space	7 seats, 281/786/1,976-litre boot	5 seats (Lounge) or 7 seats (Sportline/L&K), 281/786/1,976-litre boot

Final Thoughts

With the launch of the Skoda Kodiaq RS in India, Skoda has introduced a new flagship SUV that offers more than just a sportier design. Along with a more powerful engine, the SUV gets exclusive RS styling, a premium cabin, and a wide range of modern features and safety technologies. It also retains the spacious seven-seater layout, making it suitable for both everyday driving and long journeys. Overall, the Kodiaq RS delivers a well-rounded package for buyers looking for a premium SUV with strong performance and advanced features. 

FAQs about the Skoda Kodiaq RS

Q1. What is the price of the Skoda Kodiaq RS in India?
The Skoda Kodiaq RS price starts at ₹66.99 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.

Q2. What is the engine in the Skoda Kodiaq RS?
It is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine with 265 PS and 400 Nm of torque.

Q3. Is the Skoda Kodiaq RS a 4x4 SUV?
Yes, the car comes with an all-wheel-drive (4x4) system for better traction.

Q4. What is the transmission in the Kodiaq RS?
It uses a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox for smooth and quick gear shifts.

Q5. How many seats does the Kodiaq RS have?
The Kodiaq RS is a 7-seater SUV with a three-row layout.

Q6. What are the key safety features in the Kodiaq RS?
It offers 9 airbags along with ADAS features like lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot detection.

Q7. Does the Skoda Kodiaq RS have a sunroof?
Yes, it comes with a panoramic sunroof for an open cabin feel.