Skoda Kodiaq RS to Launch This Year: All You Need to Know

Will the Skoda Kodiaq RS create the same effect as the Octavia RS or just dilute ‘RS’?

On the sidelines of the Kushaq facelift unveiling, Skoda announced a series of new launches planned for 2026. One of the major ones was the Kodiaq RS. Slated to make its debut in June 2026, the Kodiaq RS will sit alongside the Octavia RS in Skoda RS India lineup. Like the Octavia RS, the Kodiaq RS will come to India as a fully imported CBU model.

The Czech carmaker gave a sneak peek of the Kodiaq RS at the event. With this new launch, Skoda wants to expand the RS range since the latest iteration of the Octavia RS launched in late 2025 has received an overwhelming response from Indian buyers. The first batch comprising 100 units, were sold off in a whisker. The next batch of the Octavia RS is expected to go on sale in the second quarter of 2026. 

Skoda believes the Kodiaq with the coveted ‘RS’ badge will bring the same effect as the Octavia RS. Like the performance sedan, the Kodiaq RS will come to India as a fully-imported CBU, unlike the regular Kodiaq which is a CKD model.

Skoda Kodiaq RS: Sportier Exterior & Interior

The Skoda Kodiaq RS features a range of interior and exterior cosmetic enhancements over the standard model, giving it a more sportier and aggressive overall appearance.At the front, the SUV features a redesigned bumper, a blacked-out grille and larger air intakes. The side profile largely mirrors the standard model but adds body-coloured cladding along the lower doors, a blacked-out C-pillar, and sportier 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers. Additional blacked-out elements include the roof rails, ORVM caps and the upper window frames. At the rear, the design remains largely unchanged, aside from a subtly revised bumper.

Inside, the Kodiaq RS adopts an all-black cabin with red accents and contrast stitching. Highlights include heavily bolstered seats with RS branding on the integrated headrests, a large 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital driver’s display, and rotary controls for the HVAC and audio functions.

Skoda Kodiaq RS: Powertrain 

Internationally, the Kodiaq RS is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol TSI EVO engine that propels the Octavia RS. This power mill delivers 262 bhp and 400 Nm of peak  torque — an increase of 60 horses and 80 Nm over the standard Kodiaq. Transmission duties will be carried out by a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox and power will be sent to all four wheels via an all-wheel drive system. The Kodiaq RS can clock a top speed of 231 kmph and can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds. 

Not just the powertrain, the Skoda Kodiaq RS will feature upgraded hardware as well. For starters, braking hardware will comprise slotted discs and two-piston callipers on the front axle. The international-spec model gets adaptive dampers as standard, although their availability on the India-spec version is yet to be confirmed.

Also READ: Skoda Kushaq Old vs New: Differences Explained

Skoda Kodiaq RS: Expected Price

Since the Kodiaq RS will most likely be a CBU, we expect it to be priced around ₹55-60 lakh (ex-showroom). Upon launch in India, the Skoda Kodiaq RS will lock horns with the upcoming Volkswagen Tayron R-Line.