Skoda has been chasing the Toyota Fortuner for almost a decade now. The Kodiaq may be an exquisite product, but the Indian public prefers the ruggedness of the Fortuner over it. The Czech automaker will be freshening things up next month. Here are all the details you should know.
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Skoda Kodiaq RS
The “RS” badge holds significant value for Skoda. The Octavia has been the biggest beneficiary of this badge. The Octavia RS has been sold in 3 separate batches, and each batch has sold out in a matter of weeks. This is particularly impressive in a market that is shifting towards SUVs. Now Skoda will mix two proven ingredients – SUV and RS, together with the Kodiaq.
Skoda officially revealed its plans for the Kodiaq RS earlier this year. It revealed that it will be launched in Q2 2026. We believe that Skoda will launch the Kodiaq RS in May 2026. It is likely to arrive as a CBU unit in limited batches. Skoda may bring in a 2nd batch soon after if the demand is high. But this also means that the Kodiaq RS will carry a hefty price tag. We expect it to be priced between Rs 60 and Rs 70 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). But does the RS justify this price tag?
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Skoda Kodiaq RS – Looks & Features
The Kodiaq will get the obvious RS aesthetic clues. Blacked-out elements, diamond-cut alloys, and a more aggressive front bumper are among the changes we can see. The interior will get some revisions, with an all-black cabin, red accents and RS badging throughout.
Currently, the Kodiaq offers features such as powered front seats with ventilation and massaging, a 13-inch infotainment screen, a digital driver’s display, a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, three-zone climate control, wireless charging, 9 airbags and a heads-up display. However, the Kodiaq misses out on an ADAS suite and adaptive suspension. The international spec may get these features, but we can’t be so sure about the Indian spec.
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Skoda Kodiaq RS – Powertrain
If you are planning to buy the Kodiaq RS, you would be interested in what powers this 4.75 m long SUV. It will be powered by the same 2.0-litre TSI mated to the 7-speed DSG and AWD drivetrain. However, it will get a significant power boost. The global-spec model produces 265 bhp and 400 Nm. And to handle this power, the braking system will also get upgrades. Overall, if you think the outgoing Kodiaq (and the Tayron R-line and Tiguan R-line) are fun to drive, the RS will take it up a notch. It will be a sportier alternative to the Toyota Fortuner.
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Hi, I’m Ravindra Meena , a bike and automobile enthusiast. I share honest reviews, mileage tests, and latest updates about bikes, cars, and EVs to help you make the right choice. Stay connected for real-world insights and trending auto news! 🏍️🚗