Skoda Kodiaq RS 2020 review

Is the Kodiaq vRS the ultimate affordable sports SUV? Skoda's three-row Kodiaq gets a bigger twin-turbo diesel engine and some go-fast bits with the RS model, extending this Czech brand's sporting variant to a new form factor. We love the Octavia RS, so does all that goodness apply to this SUV? In this video, a review of the 2020 Skoda Kodiaq RS 240PS diesel, Tom drives this Skoda crossover, looking into its dynamics, comfort, practicality and value for money.

Do you like the Kodiaq RS? Would you consider it over the ordinary model, or as a cheaper alternative to the Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5 or the BMW X3? Or is it overpriced and not fast enough?

Let me know all of your thoughts in the comments.

Covers the exterior, interior, engine and handling of the Skoda Kodiaq RS 2020 / 2019 Kodiaq RS.

[gsktvsy]

Got 2 Kodiaqs, bloody love them, had many many Skodas since they arrived in Aus, not leaving this brand, by far best cars I’ve ever, my 2018 Kodiaqs done 134, 000km and not a single problem at all

[ankitdoshi]

As always very well presented and detailed review by Tom!

[fireball]

German guy here, I didn't even know Skoda offered their cars in Australia but good for you. I consider Skoda as a cheaper VW, though the quality advanced surprisingly high. Due to the much better handling I would take a superb or octavia over this, but for an SUV this is quite decent. Nice review as always :)

[CaiandtheMoose]

I wish Skoda and VW got access to the 5 cylinder in the RS3. It would be amazing in the get it in the top end models.

[kevinjong]

Clean review as always. Keep up the good work Tom and CC team!

[siquanwu]

I have been waiting for this for so long, well done 👍 Tom and the team

[DMcOz_Down_Under]

Quality review, as you, Tom, & the team do, so well - thx! Seems a pricey to me, but difficult to argue against the package.

[omparajuli]

Test driven, One of the best preforming on this price segment with cheapest 5yrs service plan but third row is definitely not for anyone over 140CM heights.
If you need 5 seater but wanting +2 occasional seaters then this is good choice but definitely not full time 5+ seaters..

[goran]

Love it!!!! I’m glad Skoda has not abandoned Australia and Im hoping more Aussies will buy it!

[islandcoma]

Good review as always. Not sure if I’m a fan of the slow-mo effects - they seem distracting and sometimes the audio is out of sync.

[NZsarge]

We get a mix and match here the VRS Skoda is the same diesel you get but in the VW Tiggy Allspace R Line you can has the 162 petrol or the 176 diesel, all of those retail at similar money, what’ll be interesting will be to see which takes the biggest depreciation hit but as I don’t need 7 seats I’d just go with the 162 Tiggy standard wheelbase and save a wee chunk of money 👍🏻🤷🏻‍♂️

[nadadoraify]

You say that the Octavia RS is the option but if you want space then surely the Suburb Sportline 206 Wagon at 62k is a better option than the Octavia RS and it's 10k cheaper than this Kodiaq RS.

[jhndijkman]

When the third row seats were down to give that nice big rear hatch area, are the second-row seats pushed forward? Therefore limiting the second-row leg comfort perhaps?

[radissimo]

would be interesting vs upcoming Sorento and Santa Fe (if they come with stronger engines)

[wanderingguests]

You don’t mention the RS has no spare wheel. Seems like a big fault for a 4x4 in Australia.

[smaxwell]

So much torque going through a VW group DSG it would test the drivetrain reliability 🤔?

[peterstone]

Nope should be a 180TSI but there is definitely a need for a diesel in the form of the previous 140TDI which should be brought back.

[mrabintom]

Great! Now I can't wait!! I subs u bro.

[toppy]

I am struggling between getting the Skoda Superb Sportline OR Kodiaq Sportline, I live in Norway, snow, ice, mountains and all, both cars are AWSOME 4x4, both have same engine 2.0l Diesel, both pull god weight, 2.2tons on the Superb and 2, 5tons on the Kodiaq. I do not need 7 seets will only need 5 (Kodiaq in Norway comes standard with 5 not 7 as in Aus.) ALL in all both cars fit my wheelhouse, BUT for some reason I keep thinking I want the big SUV even tho I love both.

If money was not a problem (they are identical priced for me), you needed a work horse and they both fit well, I will use the car for work often but only for inspection in new areas for work, often a bit of the "good standard road". What would you chose? I also like the ide of being able to jump in the car, take a trip true all of my beautiful country without a problem or take a left and go to Autobahn and drive down in Europa lol. I am struggling here. PLEAZ help, if you own either or, what are the KEY likes and dislikes you have on Superb Sportline and Kodiaq Sportline?

And the main reason I pick Sportsline is it is smack down in the middle of normal and RS I get the best of all worlds in the same chassi, was considering Scout on both in the beginning but deliveri time now are insane on both (can get Sportline in weeks)

[alanjane]

Very balanced review if not a bit condescending...