New Škoda Kodiaq 2026 has become one of the most anticipated crossovers of the year - and for good reason. The Czech brand has completely redesigned the design, improved the technical features and expanded the list of options to meet modern market requirements. This flagship SUV now looks even more premium, while maintaining the practicality and space that family buyers love it for.
The main innovation is completely updated body with aggressive lines, latest generation LED optics and increased dimensions. There have also been changes under the hood: hybrid versions have appeared, and traditional gasoline engines have become more economical. In the cabin, the manufacturer relied on digital technologies - a huge touch screen, a virtual dashboard and advanced driver assistance systems.
But how justified are these changes? Is it worth overpaying for a new model or is it better to consider the restyled version of 2023? In this review, we will analyze all the key aspects: from appearance to prices, compare with competitors and answer the main questions of potential buyers.
Design: what has changed in the appearance of the Škoda Kodiaq 2026
The first thing that catches your eye is completely redesigned front end. The grille has become wider and is now integrated with narrow LED headlights, which have new LED graphics. The bumper has acquired a more sporty shape with large air intakes and chrome inserts. The rear also gets a makeover, with the taillights now connected by an LED strip and the exhaust pipes hidden under the bumper, giving the car a cleaner look.
Dimensions have increased: Kodiaq 2026 stood on 30mm longer (now 4758 mm) and on 15mm wider, which had a positive effect on the space in the cabin. The wheelbase remains the same (2791 mm), but due to optimization of the body, the trunk increased to 290 liters in the basic configuration (and up to 2145 liters with seats folded).
- 🔹 New optics: adaptive LED headlights with function
Matrix LEDand greeting animation - 🔹 Wheels: from
18"up to21"in top versions, with new designs - 🔹 Color palette: 3 new shades, including matte Energy Blue and metallic Crystal Black
- 🔹 Aerodynamics: drag coefficient reduced to
0.29 Cd(was0.31 Cd)
Škoda designers have focused on premium quality: chrome elements are now thinner and more elegant, and plastic trim on the bumpers and arches are made in body color in top trim levels. Interesting solution - hidden door handles, which extend when approaching the car (optional in versions Style and Sportline).
- New front optics
- Hidden door handles
- Rear LED strip
- Increased dimensions
- Another option
Interior: digital interior and new materials
Inside Kodiaq 2026 a real revolution took place. The main innovation is 13" touch screen with support for gestures and voice control (system Laura from Škoda). The dashboard is now completely virtual (12.9"), with three display modes: classic, sporty and minimalistic. The center console has become more minimalist: physical buttons are kept to a minimum, and the gear selector is now electronic.
Finishing materials have also been updated:
- 🛋️ Leather Nappa: available in 4 colors including a new shade Cognac Brown with contrast stitching
- 🌿 Eco-materials: seats made from recycled bottles (Petitgrain textiles) in basic versions
- 🖥️ Backlight: 30 colors of ambient lighting with the ability to sync with music
- 🔊 Audio system: optional Canton with 12 speakers and subwoofer
The space for passengers has increased: now on the second row you can install three full seats (optional), and the third row, despite its compactness, has become more comfortable thanks to the changed angle of the backrests. The trunk is equipped electric drive with a foot opening function and has a two-level bottom for hidden storage of small items.
What does the new Škoda Kodiaq 2026 steering wheel hide?
Touch keys are now hidden under the steering wheel to control the adaptive cruise control and system Travel Assist. In addition, in the version Sportline The steering wheel is heated, perforated and has an illuminated Škoda logo.
Technical characteristics: engines, transmissions, suspension
Engine range Kodiaq 2026 includes both time-tested units and new hybrid installations. Basic option - 1.5 TSI on 150 hp, but the real interest is in the more powerful versions:
| Engine model | Power | Torque | Acceleration 0-100 km/h | Average consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 TSI | 150 hp |
250 Nm |
9.8 s |
6.2 l/100 km |
| 2.0 TSI | 204 hp |
320 Nm |
7.5 s |
7.1 l/100 km |
| 2.0 TSI 4×4 | 265 hp |
400 Nm |
6.2 s |
7.8 l/100 km |
| 1.4 TSI e-TEC (hybrid) | 245 hp (system) |
400 Nm |
7.3 s |
1.5 l/100 km (electric mode) |
Hybrid version e-TEC equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity 19.7 kWh, which allows you to travel to 100 km on electricity alone (according to the WLTP cycle). Charging from a home outlet takes 6 hours, from the station AC 7.2 kW — 2.5 hours. All versions with motors 2.0 TSI and hybrid are paired with 7-speed DSG robot, and basic 1.5 TSI - with a 6-speed manual transmission or the same DSG.
The suspension has become more adaptive: a system is available in top trim levels Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with choice of modes Comfort, Normal, Sport and Eco. Ground clearance remained at the level 194 mm, but now there is a function raising/lowering the body on 15 mm to overcome off-road conditions (optional for versions with all-wheel drive).
If you often drive on dirt roads, pay attention to the option Off-Road Package. It includes crankcase protection, special transmission modes and additional settings for the system 4×4.
Options and prices in Russia for 2026
In Russia Škoda Kodiaq 2026 presented in five trim levels: Active, Ambition, Style, Sportline and L&K (Laurin & Klement). Basic version Active starts from 4,299,000 rubles, but includes only a minimal set of options: 17-inch wheels, fabric trim and an 8-inch screen. Considered the most balanced Ambition (from 4 799 000 ₽), where there is already:
- 📱 10" screen with navigation
- 🔥 Heated front seats and steering wheel
- 🚗 System Travel Assist (adaptive cruise + lane keeping)
- 🎨 Dual zone climate control
Top version L&K will cost 6 499 000 ₽ and includes all the best: leather interior Nappa, panoramic roof, audio system Canton, all-round cameras and system Park Assist with automatic parking. Hybrid version e-TEC available only in configurations Style and L&K, its price starts from 5 999 000 ₽.
⚠️ Attention: Prices are for base motors1.5 TSI. Versions with2.0 TSIand all-wheel drive are more expensive300 000–500 000 ₽. It is also worth considering that some dealerships offer discounts up to150 000 ₽when trade-in of an old car.
Options included (often dealers skimp on small things)|Test drive on different types of roads|Check the operation of the hybrid system (if applicable)|Compare prices from 3-4 dealers|Check availability of service packages-->
Comparison with competitors: who is better?
Main rivals Kodiaq 2026 on the Russian market - Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Let's compare them based on key parameters:
| Parameter | Škoda Kodiaq | VW Tiguan Allspace | Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (base) | 4.3 million rubles |
4.5 million rubles |
4.1 million rubles |
4.2 million rubles |
| Body length | 4758 mm |
4700 mm |
4800 mm |
4810 mm |
| Trunk volume | 290–2145 l |
230–1775 l |
571–1610 l |
187–2011 l |
| Max. power | 265 hp |
245 hp |
281 hp |
265 hp |
| Hybrid version | ✅ Yes (245 hp) |
✅ Yes (245 hp) |
✅ Yes (230 hp) |
✅ Yes (265 hp) |
Kodiaq advantages:
- 🚀 The most spacious salon in the classroom (especially the third row)
- 💰 More affordable price compared to Tiguan Allspace with similar options
- 🔧 More “practical little things” (umbrellas in the doors, icebreaker in the trunk, etc.)
Disadvantages:
- 🔋 The hybrid has a shorter range compared to Kia Sorento (
100 kmvs120 km) - 🎨 Less premium trim on base versions
The Škoda Kodiaq 2026 outperforms competitors in terms of price/space ratio, but loses to the Koreans in terms of equipment for top versions.
Safety systems and driver assistants
New Kodiaq received 9 airbags (including knee for the driver and side for the third row) and a full set of electronic assistants. The following are available as standard:
- 🚦 Front Assist (automatic emergency braking)
- 👁️ Lane Assist (lane keeping)
- 🅿️ Park Assist (parking with cameras)
In versions Style and above are added:
- 🛣️ Travel Assist (semi-autonomous driving up to
210 km/h) - 🔄 Traffic Jam Assist (automatic traffic jam)
- 🚗 Side Assist (blind spot monitoring with parking exit)
A unique feature of the Kodiaq 2026 is the system Emergency Assist, which, if the driver does not react, can independently stop the car on the side of the road, turn on the hazard warning lights and call emergency services.
⚠️ Attention: Function Travel Assist Only works on roads with clear markings. In Russia, its effectiveness may be reduced due to the poor condition of the coating. Always keep your hands on the wheel!
Owner reviews and test drives
First reviews about Škoda Kodiaq 2026 generally positive. The owners note:
- ✅ Quiet and comfortable interior even at high speeds
- ✅ Excellent handling for such a large crossover
- ✅ Practicality — many compartments for small items and a spacious trunk
The most frequently mentioned disadvantages are:
- ❌ High price of options (for example, a panoramic roof costs
+200 000 ₽) - ❌ Stiff suspension in mode
Sport(especially on 20-inch wheels) - ❌ Slow charging of the hybrid from a regular outlet (
6 hours)
During test drives, experts pay attention to the improved dynamics of the hybrid version: acceleration to 100 km/h takes only 7.3 s, and the transition between electric and gasoline modes has become smoother. They also praise the new multimedia system, but note that voice control sometimes makes mistakes in recognizing commands in Russian.
What do they think about the Kodiaq 2026 abroad?
In Europe, the model received an award "Best Large SUV 2026" from the magazine Auto Express for a combination of practicality and technology. The system was especially highly rated Travel Assist and interior space.
FAQ: answers to popular questions about the Škoda Kodiaq 2026
🔹 When will sales of the Škoda Kodiaq 2026 start in Russia?
Official sales started in March 2026. The first cars are already available at dealers, but due to high demand for some trim levels there may be a waiting list of up to 2-3 months.
🔹 How much does it cost to service a Kodiaq 2026?
Maintenance costs vary from 25 000 ₽ (first service) until 50 000 ₽ (after 60,000 km). Škoda offers service packages for 3–5 years with a fixed price. For example, a package for 5 years/75,000 km will cost 180 000 ₽.
🔹 Can the Kodiaq 2026 be ordered with a diesel engine?
No, in Russia Kodiaq 2026 Available only with gasoline and hybrid engines. Diesel versions are offered in Europe, but are not certified for our market.
🔹 What is the warranty on the new Kodiaq?
Standard Warranty - 3 years or 100,000 km. The hybrid battery has a separate warranty 8 years or 160,000 km (subject to regular maintenance at an authorized dealer).
🔹 What is the real fuel consumption of the Kodiaq 2026?
According to owner reviews:
- 1.5 TSI:
7.5–8.5 l/100 kmin the city,5.8–6.5 l/100 kmon the highway - 2.0 TSI 4×4:
10–12 l/100 kmin the city,7–8 l/100 kmon the highway - e-TEC hybrid:
2–3 l/100 kmfor short trips on electricity,6–7 l/100 kmin a mixed cycle