Crossover Škoda Kodiaq RS is a sporty version of the popular Czech SUV, combining the practicality of a family car with the dynamics and style of a hot hatchback. Model with index RS (Rally Sport) received unique technical solutions that set it apart from the standard Kodiaq. In this article we will analyze in detail all the key parameters: from engines and suspension to fuel consumption and dynamic performance.
We will pay special attention to comparison with the basic version - you will find out whether it is worth overpaying for RS-package, what real advantages it gives on the road, and what nuances are important to consider when choosing. We will also consider the current configurations for the Russian market (where the model is officially presented as Kodiaq vRS) and European versions with diesel engines, which are not supplied to the Russian Federation.
Engines and transmission: what's under the hood of the Kodiaq RS
Heart Škoda Kodiaq RS - this is a gasoline turbo engine 2.0 TSI families EA888 from Volkswagen Group, which, depending on the year of manufacture and the sales market, develops from 245 to 249 hp (a 245 hp version is officially available in Russia). This engine is equipped with direct fuel injection, turbocharging with intercooler and technology ACT (Active Cylinder Technology), which turns off two cylinders at low loads to save fuel.
Coupled with the engine, it works 7-speed DSG robotic gearbox with two clutches, which provides lightning-fast gear changes (action time - less than 0.2 seconds). Drive - full 4x4 with coupling Haldex 5th generation, which distributes torque between the axles in a ratio of up to 50:50. It is important that in the mode Sport the system automatically shifts up to 85% of the thrust to the rear axle for improved dynamics.
- 🔥 Maximum power: 245–249 hp at 5000–6500 rpm
- 💪 Torque: 370 Nm in the range of 1600–4300 rpm
- ⚡ Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 6.6–6.9 seconds (depending on weight and firmware)
- 🛢️ Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 8.5–9.2 l/100 km
A diesel version was also offered for the European market 2.0 TDI 240 hp and a torque of 500 Nm, but it was not officially supplied to Russia. Interestingly, diesel Kodiaq RS accelerated to 100 km/h in the same 6.9 seconds, but was 2-3 liters per hundred more economical.
⚠️ Attention: During operation Kodiaq RS on fuel with a lower octane number AI-98 (short-term use of the 95 is allowed), detonation and a decrease in power may occur. The manufacturer recommends filling only high-octane gasoline to preserve the life of the turbine.
- Petrol 2.0 TSI (245 hp)
- Diesel 2.0 TDI (240 hp)
- Hybrid version (if there was one)
- It's not the engine that's important to me, it's the design.
Suspension and steering: sport tuning
One of the key differences Kodiaq RS from the standard version is sports suspension with a ground clearance reduced by 15 mm (up to 183 mm versus 198 mm for the base Kodiaq). Front suspension - type MacPherson with aluminum levers, rear - multi-link with separate subframe. The shock absorbers have a rigid setting, and the springs have increased elasticity, which reduces roll in corners, but makes the ride less comfortable on rough roads.
The steering is equipped electromechanical amplifier with variable gear ratio (14.1:1), which provides more direct and informative feedback compared to the base Kodiaq. In mode Sport the steering force increases and Comfort - lowered to make parking easier. The turning circle is 11.9 meters - a standard indicator for cars of this class.
| Parameter | Škoda Kodiaq RS | Škoda Kodiaq (basic version) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance, mm | 183 | 198 |
| Front suspension type | MacPherson (sport setting) | MacPherson (soft setting) |
| Turning diameter, m | 11.9 | 11.9 |
| Steering type | Electromechanical booster (variable gear ratio) | Electromechanical booster (standard gear ratio) |
To improve handling at high speeds Kodiaq RS got the system Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with adaptive shock absorbers that automatically adjust to your driving style. In mode Individual You can manually adjust suspension stiffness, steering response and throttle response.
When driving off-road (for example, to the country), temporarily switch to the mode Offroad - this will increase the ground clearance by 10-15 mm by changing the suspension settings and increase crankcase protection.
Brake system and wheels: reliability and style
Brake system Kodiaq RS received reinforced components compared to the base model: ventilated discs with a diameter of 370 mm at the front (versus 340 mm for the standard Kodiaq) and 310 mm rear. Front calipers - single-piston floating, rear - single piston fixed. The system is equipped ABS, ESC, EDL (electronic differential lock) and MSR (traction control during engine braking).
Standard Kodiaq RS complete with 19-inch alloy wheels with tire size 235/55 R19, but 20-inch wheels with tires are optionally available 235/50 R20. It is important that large rims impair comfort on rough roads and increase fuel consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km. But they give the car a more aggressive look and improve grip on dry asphalt.
- 🛑 Front brake discs: 370 × 30 mm (ventilated)
- 🔄 Rear brake discs: 310 × 12 mm (ventilated)
- 🎯 Standard tires:
235/55 R19(speed index V - up to 240 km/h) - ⚙️ Recommended tire pressure: 2.3 bar front, 2.5 bar rear (fully loaded)
⚠️ Attention: When installing non-standard wheels with a diameter of more than 20 inches, it is possible to touch the suspension elements or arches when the steering wheel is turned completely. Before purchasing, check compatibility through the service Škoda Original Accessories.
Dimensions, weight and load capacity: the practicality of a sports crossover
Despite the sporting orientation, Kodiaq RS remains a full-fledged 7-seater crossover with dimensions identical to the basic version: length 4699 mm, width 1884 mm (without mirrors), height 1676 mm. The wheelbase is 2791 mm, which provides a spacious interior and a large trunk. However, due to the lowered suspension and sports seats RS-the version loses 20–30 mm of height, which may be uncomfortable for tall passengers.
The vehicle's curb weight varies from 1820 to 1950 kg depending on the configuration, and the total weight reaches 2500 kg. This means that Kodiaq RS can tow a trailer weighing up to 2000 kg (with brakes) or 750 kg (without brakes). Trunk volume in 5-seater mode is 630 liters, in 7-seater mode - 270 liters. With the second and third row seats folded, the cargo compartment increases to 2,065 liters.
How to fold the seats correctly for maximum cargo space?
To get a flat floor, first fold the third row (lever on the backrest), then the second row (lever under the seats). Make sure that the second-row head airbags are stowed in the recesses under the trunk floor.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Length / Width / Height, mm | 4699 / 1884 / 1676 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2791 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1820–1950 |
| Trunk volume (5/7 seats), l | 630 / 270 |
| Maximum trailer weight (with brakes), kg | 2000 |
It is interesting that despite the sports orientation, Kodiaq RS retains the practicality of a family car. For example, the trunk has hooks to secure cargo, a mesh organizer, and an underfloor storage compartment (where you can stash a spare tire or tools).
Dynamics and fuel consumption: real indicators
Acceleration to 100 km/h declared by the manufacturer in 6.6 seconds - this is the result for ideal conditions (dry asphalt, temperature +20°C, one driver). In actual operation in winter or with a full load, the time can increase to 7.5–8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at 240 km/h, but achieve it on standard tires 235/55 R19 problematic due to speed index restrictions (V - up to 240 km/h).
Fuel consumption in the combined cycle according to data WLTP is 8.5–9.2 l/100 km, but in urban mode with frequent acceleration it can rise to 12–14 l/100 km. On the highway at a speed of 110–130 km/h, consumption drops to 6.5–7.5 l/100 km. It is important to note that fuel use AI-95 instead of the recommended AI-98 increases consumption by 5–7% due to correction of the ignition timing.
- 🏁 Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 6.6–7.5 s (depending on conditions)
- 📉 Consumption in the city: 11–14 l/100 km
- 🛣️ Consumption on the highway: 6.5–7.5 l/100 km
- ⛽ Recommended fuel: AI-98 (AI-95 allowed)
To reduce fuel consumption in Kodiaq RS use mode Eco — it limits engine output and optimizes gearbox operation, but worsens dynamics.
In tests by independent publications Kodiaq RS showed the following results:
- Acceleration 80–120 km/h in 4th gear: 5.8 s
- Braking distance from 100 km/h: 36–38 m (on standard tires)
- Interior noise level at 100 km/h: 64 dB
Exterior and interior: how the RS differs from the standard Kodiaq
Externally Škoda Kodiaq RS stands out with its aggressive body kit, which includes:
- 🔥 Front bumper with large air intakes and splitter
- 💨 Rear diffuser with four exhaust pipes
- 🖤 Black elements: radiator grille, moldings, mirrors, wheel covers
- 🚗 RS emblems on the front fenders and rear door
The interior sports theme is emphasized leather seats with stitching and RS logo, aluminum pedals, sports steering wheel with perforations and carbon decorative inserts. Dashboard - digital Virtual Cockpit with unique graphics for RS-versions where the speedometer scale is marked up to 280 km/h. Multimedia system Columbus (or Amundsen in basic configurations) supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Options available include:
- 🪑 Ventilation and heating front seats
- 🎶 Canton audio system (10 speakers, 575 W)
- 🌡️ Three-zone climate control with air ionizer
- 🔓 Keyless entry Keyless and start the engine with a button
⚠️ Attention: When ordering Kodiaq RS in dark colors (for example, Race Blue or Black Magic) black body kit elements visually merge with the body, making the car less noticeable on the road. For better visibility, choose contrasting colors - Velvet Red or Petrol Blue.
Comparison with competitors: who is faster and more practical?
Škoda Kodiaq RS competes with models such as Volkswagen Tiguan R, Ford Edge ST and Hyundai Santa Fe N-Line. In terms of dynamics, the Czech crossover is inferior Tiguan R (acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.1 s), but superior in interior and trunk space. Compared to Santa Fe N-Line (2.5 T-GDI, 280 hp) Kodiaq RS loses in power, but gains in handling thanks to all-wheel drive Haldex.
| Parameter | Škoda Kodiaq RS | VW Tiguan R | Hyundai Santa Fe N-Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power, hp | 245 | 320 | 280 |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s | 6.6 | 5.1 | 6.2 |
| Trunk volume (5 seats), l | 630 | 615 | 571 |
| Price (Russia, 2026), rub. | from 5,200,000 | from 6,100,000 | from 4,900,000 |
Main advantage Kodiaq RS - this is balance between dynamics and practicality. It's faster than standard Kodiaq (acceleration is 1.5–2 seconds faster), but at the same time retains all the advantages of a family crossover: a spacious interior, a large trunk and the ability to tow a trailer. Competitors are either more athletic (like Tiguan R), but less practical, or cheaper (as Santa Fe N-Line), but are inferior in controllability.
☑️ What to check when buying a used Kodiaq RS
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Škoda Kodiaq RS
❓ Can the Kodiaq RS have a 2.0 TDI diesel engine?
Officially in Russia Kodiaq RS Available only with petrol 2.0 TSI. Diesel version 2.0 TDI (240 hp) was available in Europe, but its installation on the Russian model will require re-registration by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate as a conversion, which is associated with high costs and the risk of refusal of registration.
❓ What is the real fuel consumption in winter?
In winter conditions (temperatures below -10°C, warm-ups, short trips), fuel consumption can reach 14–16 l/100 km. To reduce this figure, use a preheater (optional Webasto), avoid prolonged warm-ups at idle speed and maintain tire pressure at 2.5 bar.
❓ What oil should I put in the 2.0 TSI engine?
Manufacturer recommends oil VW 504 00 / 507 00 with viscosity 5W-30 or 0W-30. The filling volume is 5.7 liters. Replacement interval: every 15,000 km or once a year. When operating in difficult conditions (dust, off-road), the interval is reduced to 10,000 km.
❓ Can the Kodiaq RS be driven off-road?
Yes, but with reservations. Ground clearance of 183 mm allows you to overcome light off-road conditions (dirt roads, snow up to 15 cm), but the low front splitter and lack of crankcase protection limit the possibilities. For serious offroading it is better to choose standard Kodiaq with ground clearance 198 mm or version Scout.
❓ Which tires are best for winter?
Optimal choice - studless winter tires dimensions 235/55 R19 with speed index H (up to 210 km/h) or V (up to 240 km/h). Popular models: Continental WinterContact TS 870, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5. Studded tires are allowed, but reduce comfort and increase noise.