Buying a seven-seater SUV in India has traditionally been an exercise in choosing between two extremes. On one hand, you have the ladder-frame behemoths that prioritize ruggedness and road presence over everything else—great for making people move out of your way, but a handful to drive in the city. On the other, you have the soft-roader crossovers that are comfortable and tech-laden but lack the “soul” or the firepower to truly excite a driver.

At first glance, the Skoda Kodiaq RS looks like it belongs to the latter camp—but is it really? Or has Skoda managed to build a vehicle that defies the laws of physics and family-car logic?

Known globally as the “Kodiaq vRS,” this high-performance beast has finally landed on Indian shores in its second-generation avatar. It’s a vehicle that promises to do the impossible: ferry seven people in absolute luxury during the week, and humiliate smaller “sports cars” on a winding mountain road on the weekend.

If you’re planning to buy this car, here’s what you must know—this isn’t just a Kodiaq with a fancy body kit. This is a “Big Bear” with a serious attitude problem and the mechanical hardware to back it up. Let’s dive into the Skoda Kodiaq RS review: Big Bear, and see if it truly is the ultimate “one-car” solution for the Indian enthusiast.

The Sleeper Flagship: A Quick Overview

The Skoda Kodiaq has always been the thinking man’s luxury SUV. It offered Audi-levels of build quality and cleverness at a price point that made sense. But the RS is a different breed. While the standard 2026 Kodiaq is locally assembled and focuses on refined comfort, the RS arrives as a niche, high-performance flagship.

It is powered by the legendary EA888 2.0-litre TSI engine—the same heart that beats inside the Octavia RS and the Volkswagen Golf GTI—but tuned specifically for the mass and AWD requirements of a large SUV. In India, the RS sits at the very top of the Skoda pyramid, priced around ₹55-60 Lakh, targeting those who find the Toyota Fortuner too agricultural and the German luxury SUVs too small for the price.

Exterior Design: The Stealth Athlete

The beauty of Skoda’s RS design language is its subtlety. It doesn’t scream for attention with giant wings or neon accents. Instead, it uses what I call “athletic minimalism.”

The Face of the RS

The first thing you’ll notice is the “Black Package.” The signature Skoda grille, which now features a horizontal light strip connecting the headlamps, is finished entirely in high-gloss black. The bumper is unique to the RS, featuring larger, more aggressive air intakes that aren’t just for show—they help cool the uprated braking system.

The LED Matrix beam headlights are standard here, and they give the Big Bear a piercing, modern gaze. There’s a certain “stealth wealth” vibe here; to the uninitiated, it looks like a premium SUV, but those who know the RS badge will recognize the menace.

Side Profile and Stance

The side profile is dominated by massive 20-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that fill the arches perfectly. Look closely through the spokes, and you’ll see the bright red brake calipers—a classic RS calling card. The mirror caps, roof rails, and the entire D-pillar are also finished in gloss black, giving the car a lower, more purposeful stance even though it retains a healthy ground clearance for Indian speed breakers.

Rear Presence

At the back, the Kodiaq RS features a revised rear bumper with a full-width reflector and a prominent black diffuser. But the real giveaway is the dual stainless steel exhaust tips. In a world of fake exhaust garnishes, seeing real pipes is a breath of fresh air. It completes a look that is mature yet undeniably sporty.

Interior Design and Comfort: The Cockpit Concept

If the exterior is subtle, the interior is where the RS truly reveals its character. The moment you open the door, you are greeted by an all-black cabin theme that feels significantly more special than the beige-and-brown interiors of the standard car.

RS-Specific Appointments

The stars of the show are the front sports seats. They feature integrated headrests, heavy side bolstering, and are upholstered in a mix of Suedia and leather with high-contrast red stitching. These seats don’t just look great; they hold you in place when you decide to test the car’s lateral grip.

The steering wheel is a chunky, flat-bottom unit with perforated leather and “RS” branding. It feels perfect in the hands—not too thick, not too thin.

Technology and Smart Dials

Dominating the dashboard is a massive 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is crisp, fast, and houses the latest interface from the VW Group. But here’s the clever bit: Skoda hasn’t gone “all-touch.”

Below the screen are the new “Smart Dials”—three rotary controllers with integrated color displays. They are a masterclass in ergonomics. You can press them to toggle between functions like volume, fan speed, or even drive modes. It’s an expert touch that prevents you from having to dig through menus while driving at triple-digit speeds.

Practicality for Seven

Despite the performance focus, this is still a Kodiaq. That means you get:

Second Row Space: Sliding and reclining seats with enough legroom to rival a limousine.
Third Row: It’s still best suited for children or short trips for adults, but the new generation’s slightly larger dimensions make it more usable than before.
Boot Capacity: With the third row folded, you get a cavernous 845 litres of space. Even with all seats up, there’s enough room for a couple of cabin bags.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the EA888

This is the section you’ve been waiting for. The “Skoda Kodiaq RS review: Big Bear” wouldn’t mean anything without the muscle under the bonnet.

The 2026 Kodiaq RS is powered by the latest iteration of the 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. In this state of tune, it produces a healthy 265 hp and 400 Nm of torque. That is a significant jump over the 190 hp found in the standard Kodiaq.

The Performance Numbers

0–100 km/h: 6.3 Seconds
Top Speed: 231 km/h
Transmission: 7-Speed DSG (Dual-Clutch)
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

On the road, the engine is a masterpiece of flexibility. In “Comfort” mode, it’s as docile and quiet as a luxury sedan. But flip the Smart Dial to “Sport,” and the “Big Bear” wakes up. The throttle response sharpens, the DSG gearbox holds onto gears longer, and the “Dynamic Sound Boost” system pumps a deeper, more evocative engine note into the cabin.

But here’s the catch: it’s not just about straight-line speed. The way the Kodiaq RS puts its power down is what’s impressive. The AWD system shuffles torque between the axles with surgical precision, ensuring that even on a rain-slicked road, you can accelerate with total confidence.

Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: The Performance Tax

Let’s be honest—nobody buys an RS for its fuel economy. A 2.0-litre turbo engine pushing a 1.8-tonne SUV with AWD is always going to be thirsty if you have a heavy right foot.

Claimed (Combined): Around 11–12 kmpl
Real-World City: 6–8 kmpl (in heavy Indian traffic)
Real-World Highway: 10–13 kmpl (at steady speeds)

The Kodiaq RS requires high-octane fuel (95 RON or higher) to perform at its best. If you’re worried about the fuel bill, the standard diesel Kodiaq is your friend. But if you’re here for the RS, you already know that performance has a price.

Ride Quality and Driving Experience: DCC+ Magic

This is where things get interesting. Most sporty SUVs suffer from a bone-jarring ride because of stiff springs and thin tires. However, the Kodiaq RS comes standard with DCC+ (Dynamic Chassis Control Plus).

This system uses dual-valve dampers that can adjust the ride 15 times a second. You have 15 different damping settings ranging from “Luxury Limo” to “Track Attacker.”

In its softest setting, the RS glides over the broken tarmac and expansion joints of our Indian cities with an ease that belies its 20-inch wheels. It’s remarkably refined. But when you find a series of S-bends, the suspension firms up, and the “Big Bear” handles with a flat, composed poise that makes you forget you are driving a seven-seater. The progressive steering weights up nicely, offering a level of feedback that is rare in this segment.

Skoda Kodiaq RS Review: Big Bear (PART 2)

In Part 1, we unleashed the “Big Bear” and discovered that beneath its sophisticated Czech exterior lies the heart of a proper athlete. We’ve seen how that 265 hp EA888 engine transforms a family SUV into a 6.3-second sprinter. But as every luxury car buyer in India knows, a fast engine is only half the battle. When you’re spending upwards of ₹55 lakh, you need to know if the tech is “future-proof,” if the safety is “bulletproof,” and if it can actually survive a family road trip to Leh or Kerala.

Let’s dive into the digital brain, the safety fortress, and the cold, hard numbers that define the Skoda Kodiaq RS experience.

Features and Technology: Simply Clever, Highly Digital

Skoda has always excelled at “Simply Clever” features—those small touches that make you wonder why every car doesn’t have them. The Kodiaq RS is packed with them, but it’s the new digital architecture that takes center stage for 2026.

The Connectivity Suite

The 13-inch free-standing infotainment system isn’t just big; it’s smart. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that actually works without dropping the connection every time you pass a cell tower. The Canton Sound System has been upgraded to a 13-speaker, 625W setup that includes a subwoofer tucked away in the spare wheel well. The soundstage is phenomenal—perfect for drownng out the “Are we there yet?” from the third row.

ADAS 2.0: The Guardian Angel

While some performance cars strip away driver aids to save weight, the Kodiaq RS adds them to keep you safe. The 2026 model features a comprehensive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite specifically calibrated for Indian road chaos.

Front Assist: Now includes pedestrian and cyclist protection.
Travel Assist: Combines Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering for effortless highway cruising.
Side Assist: Warns you of vehicles in your blind spot up to 70 meters away.
360-Degree Area View: With a “Transparent Bonnet” feature that helps you navigate rocky paths without scraping those expensive 20-inch alloys.

Safety Features: The 5-Star Fortress

Skoda doesn’t do “compromise” when it comes to safety. The Kodiaq RS is built on a high-strength steel monocoque that has earned a consistent 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, and the Indian version is expected to mirror this at Bharat NCAP.

9 Airbags as Standard: Including a driver’s knee airbag and rear side airbags.
Multi-Collision Brake: Prevents the car from rolling into further danger after an initial impact.
Crew Protect Assist: Automatically closes the windows and sunroof and tightens seatbelts if it senses an unavoidable crash.

Price and Variants: The Flagship Choice

In India, the Kodiaq RS is positioned as the absolute pinnacle of the range. Unlike the standard Kodiaq which comes in Style, Sportline, and L&K trims, the RS is a standalone “fully-loaded” offering.

Price & Variants Table (Estimated Ex-Showroom)

Variant	Engine	Drivetrain	Price (Est.)
Kodiaq RS	2.0L TSI (265 hp)	4×4 (AWD)	₹ 54.99 Lakh

Note: With road tax and insurance, expect the on-road price in cities like Mumbai or Bangalore to touch the ₹ 65-68 Lakh mark.

Competitor Comparison: The Bear vs. The Rivals

The Kodiaq RS sits in a unique “no man’s land.” It’s more premium than the Fortuner but more practical than a BMW X1.

Feature	Skoda Kodiaq RS	Toyota Fortuner	Jeep Meridian
Power	265 hp	204 hp (Diesel)	170 hp (Diesel)
0-100 km/h	6.3 Seconds	~11.2 Seconds	~10.8 Seconds
Suspension	Adaptive (DCC+)	Rigid / Leaf-like	FSD (Frequency Selective)
Interior	Luxury / Tech	Utilitarian	Premium / Solid
Drive Type	Performance AWD	Rugged 4WD	FWD / AWD

But here’s the catch… while the Fortuner will outlast the apocalypse, the Kodiaq RS will outrun it. If your “off-roading” is limited to gravel roads leading to a boutique resort, the Skoda is miles ahead in every other department.

Pros and Cons: The Brutal Truth

Pros

The Heart of a GTI: That 265 hp engine is addictive and silky smooth.
DCC+ Suspension: The ability to go from “Luxury Limo” to “Track Mode” is a game-changer.
Sleeper Looks: It doesn’t attract unwanted attention until you floor it.
Simply Clever: Features like the door-edge protectors and umbrellas in the doors are genuinely useful.
Safety: A certified fortress for your family.

Cons

Fuel Efficiency: In heavy traffic, it drinks petrol like a thirsty bear.
Third Row Space: Still only suitable for children or very flexible adults.
Ground Clearance: While decent (192 mm unladen), it’s not meant for hardcore rock crawling.
Premium Pricing: At ₹55 Lakh+, it enters the territory of entry-level German luxury brands.

Who should buy the Skoda Kodiaq RS?

If you are an enthusiast who has “grown up” but hasn’t “given up,” this is your car. It’s for the person who needs seven seats for the school run but wants to feel the rush of a turbocharged VAG engine on the way to the office. It’s for the buyer who values understated luxury and engineering over loud branding.

Who should avoid it?

If your priority is “low maintenance” and “high resale value” above all else, buy a Fortuner. If you live in an area with very poor high-octane fuel availability, a high-performance TSI might be more headache than it’s worth.

Expert Verdict: The Big Bear’s Final Word

The Skoda Kodiaq RS review: Big Bear, leads us to a simple conclusion: this car is a masterclass in duality. It is perhaps the most complete “all-rounder” currently on sale in India.

It manages to be a fast, engaging driver’s car without sacrificing the comfort of your family. It is a technological powerhouse that remains ergonomic and easy to use. In a market obsessed with “bling,” the Kodiaq RS stands out through sheer engineering depth. If you have the budget and the passion, there is quite simply nothing else that does so much, so well.

FAQs: High-Quality Questions Answered

Q1: Does the Kodiaq RS require special petrol?

Yes. To get the full 265 hp and ensure long-term engine health, it is highly recommended to use 95 RON (Power95/XP95) or 99 RON (XP100) fuel.

Q2: Is the maintenance expensive?

Skoda offers 4-year maintenance packages (SMP) which significantly lower the service costs. However, as a high-performance AWD vehicle, parts like brakes and tires will cost more than a standard SUV.

Q3: Can the third row be removed for more luggage?

No, but it folds completely flat into the floor, giving you a massive 845-litre boot.

Q4: How does the “Dynamic Sound Boost” work?

It uses an actuator near the exhaust and internal speakers to enhance the engine’s natural sound. It’s subtle in Comfort mode and quite visceral in Sport mode.

Q5: Is it better than a BMW X1 or Audi Q3?

The Germans offer more brand prestige, but the Kodiaq RS offers significantly more power, two extra seats, better tech (DCC+), and much more interior space for the same money.