2026 Skoda Kodiaq Select PHEV review

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Is the soaring cost of fuel in Australia hitting your hip pocket? Skoda has your back.

Despite initially lagging behind its rivals on electrification, the Czech automaker has spent the past 18 months expanding its local lineup to include the Elroq and Enyaq electric vehicles (EVs), the Octavia mild-hybrid (MHEV), and now plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the Superb wagon and this – the Kodiaq large SUV.

The timing was not better as Australian Skoda customers have accessed an array of alternatives to petrol power, and the time isn’t too good for this ongoing conflict in the Middle East where fuel prices are rising significantly over the past month; some service stations even run out of fuel.

This leads to the return of us to Kodiaq PHEV, which is also known as . This dual-fuel family SUV can be operated on electricity alone for the future if you’ve got some form of renewable energy at home and don’t have to travel very long distances. If you can go back to fill up with sweet 95-octane unleaded, then, once conditions allow for it. A hybrid, where the alternative is to run it as a (in which case your wallet will still hold its weight better than you would drive if an electric-powered family SUV).

There is no such thing as a free lunch, but you’ll pay $8500 for this freedom in the Kodiaq case. Unlike the plug-less Kodiaq, and as with the car’s all-wheel drive, it also has no third row of seats in the PHEV.

Or maybe the decision to go semi-electric isn’t so easy, then. But the Kodiaq is far from the only large SUV to provide plug-in hybrid power, allowing Muddying the waters further. So, in fact, Skoda’s new arrival is priced to compete with more PHEVs than can be counted on two hands.

What is the performance of Kodiaq PHEV with that in mind? Is 2026 year of PEV? Let’s just break down it.

How much does the Skoda Kodiaq cost?

Skoda predicted in October 2025 that the Select PHEV slots between the petrol Sportline and RS variants of Kodiaq range were available.

| Model | Price before on-roads |
| — | — |
| 2026 Skoda Kodiaq Select 4×4 | $54,990 |
| 2026 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 4×4 | $58,990 |
| 2026 Skoda Kodiaq Select PHEV | $63,490 |
| 2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS 4×4 | $68,990 |

As such, it’s priced similarly to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (from $58,990 before on-roads), BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic AWD ($63,990 plus ORCs), and Chery Tiggo 9 ($59,990 plus ORCs). Other competitors include the Omoda 9 and MG QS, and PHEV versions of the Mazda CX-80, Kia Sorento, Jaecoo J7 and Chery Tiggo 8.

Similarly, there is no shortage of alternatives to the Kodiaq PHEV and plenty are cheaper than the Skoda. Well, if not Chinese s.

To see how the Skoda Kodiaq lines up against the competition, check out our
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What is the Skoda Kodiaq like on the inside?

The Select PHEV, like the first-level petrol variant it’s based on, feels very premium for a base model even if Chinese competitors provide more standard equipment for the money.

It is a quality leather upholstery, with the relatively few buttons, dials and toggles being substantial. Similarly, the steering wheel is leather-wrapped perforated grips, pronounced thumb rests and generally nice feel in hands.

In addition to passing the touch test, the front seats impress with three-stage heating and extended thigh support, plus power adjustment, memory and lumbar for the driver’s driver. This means you won’t have to struggle to get comfortable, but seat ventilation would be a nice upgrade given Australia’s hot climate.

This interior colour is usually black; however, customers can choose to use cognac upholstery at no extra cost and this further increases perceptions of quality. Soft-touch plastics go with the leather, reducing your chances of bumping into something nasty.

That’s shameful.’ The patterned plastic dash inlays, which look very cheap and looked like little wear on our test car, aren’t the same thing as it is to say about this ‘fake-inlayment’ of dieting from its original colour. Despite the overall atmosphere of , it is well-being.

The layout of the cabin, which focuses on functionality rather than design to its advantage, as is the structure of that cabin. It can be made by audio and display adjustments using clearly labelled buttons on the steering wheel, while three digital dials are located in the centre stack of – modern, but simple. These dials are a little more than the eye see, though they’ve received some of Skoda’s ‘funny clever’ magic.

It is known as the ‘Smart Dials’, a user-friendly evolution of the current cabin decluttering trend. All three are multi-purpose – the outboard pair control climate and seat heating; centre dial can be set up to adjust drive modes, fan speed and direction, audio volume (and map zoom) and head. They are set up as you want and twist away, rather than spend an age fiddling with a number of buttons and switches or crowded infotainment screen.

A genius example of technology that treats form and acts as equals is it’, such as . A similar level of thought has also been poured into the storage that is stored up front, and there’s plenty of space. Aside from the standard line-up of trays and cubbies, the Kodiaq has an additional lidded compartment above the glovebox (along with removable trash boxes in the door bins) as well as storage for recyclable trash. While the standard centre console bin is deeper than most, a pair of phones can sit side by side under the centre stack.

A single of the above phone pads acts as a wireless charger, and two nearby USB-C outlets also serve to keep devices powered up. You’ll never regret a cable that you forgot to mirror – so there is no wired connection for smartphone mirroring.

The Technology department says the Select is almost bare bones in its technology department, and has the same 13-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10-inch digital instrument cluster as other Kodiaqs have. This ex-synonym offers a familiar app grid like any modern smartphone – as well as configurable shortcut bars placed to the top and bottom of the display.

Is it true that there is a sound like icon overload? Don’t worry, the screen is large enough to fit everything neatly and high resolution graphics make it easy to differentiate between apps. The system responds immediately to touch inputs, too, as does Touch input.

There are a lot of icons that means great functionality, but one big miss is also. Skoda Australia, though many of the companies that support connected services in their cars, doesn’t offer technology to owners so they can not get any convenience features such as remote start and stop, vehicle system monitoring and tracking, remote climate control or over-the air software updates. This will be a dealbreaker for some of the s, and is also ‘dealbreaker’ to many. Others will just shrug their shoulders like s.

The steering wheel is surrounded by an extensive digital instrument cluster with outboard gauges and a customisable centre readout behind the steering wheels – he’s essentially ‘an easy-to-time design that will be very simple. Despite the fact that there is no head-up display, which is reserved for the Sportline and RS, it’s not on show.

Also, the Select PHEV also steals buyers of an additional third row of seats; it leaves only five spots for people to fill up. This has been blamed for the reduction in seating – an outcome that’ll cost Skoda some business, and is due to packaging issues.

Nevertheless, the second row is as practical as they are in their respective context. It’s space – there’re so much legroom, especially with the split sliding bench at its rearmost position. It’s also a great headroom, with full-size adults sitting upright.

Hopefully they’ll feel pretty comfortable too, as is the case with . This rear- bench is good for cushioning, but not a lot oflateral support and the leather can feel slightly slippery.

If you remove the optional floor-mounted cargo box between rear seats, and reassemble three such adults in the back, still realistically fit them into your own body.

That said, the cargo box is worth keeping with that it provides useful storage for smaller items such as snacks and jewellery. Roomy door bins or layered map pockets may contain other bits and bobs, such as the roomy doors of .

The Kodiaq has the next big thing – rotating phone mounts built into the back of the front seats – as well as perfect for streaming content on the go, while rear entertainment screens are rare nowadays.

Two USB-C outlets, a 12V socket, air vents, window sunshades and ‘centre armrest with integrated cupholder holders’ round out the list of rear creature comforts.

The Kodiaq’s relative strength is boot space, although the five-seat Select PHEV actually has less cargo than its seven-Seat counterpart (the third row folded) and it does not have more cargo capacity. This is due to the position of the high-voltage battery.

The cargo area is wide, tall and flat but thankfully accessible via a standard power tailgate. Both sides of the boot have recessed cubbies to help secure smaller items, tie-down points, bright LED lights and a 12V power socket.

For example, in other Kodiaq variants there is space under the floor for your charging cables and tyre repair kit (not an area-saving spare) – as does it appear with any space-saver spare.

| Dimensions | Skoda Kodiaq Select PHEV |
| — | — |
| Length | 4758mm |
| Width | 1864mm (2133mm incl. mirrors) |
| Height | 1657mm |
| Wheelbase | 2791mm |
| Boot space | 745L (rear seats up) 1945L (rear seats folded) |

To see how the Skoda Kodiaq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The Kodiaq Select PHEV is 1-1, . Using an 85kW/330Nm electric motor, 5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine driven by the same power as 5 litres of gasoline produced for total peak outputs 150kW and 350NM of torque.

| Specifications | Skoda Kodiaq Select PHEV |
| — | — |
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Engine outputs | 110kW 250Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 85kW 330Nm |
| System outputs | 150kW 350Nm |
| Battery | 25.7kWh lithium-ion |
| Transmission | 6-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1985kg (tare) |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.4 seconds |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 1.9L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 1.9L/100km |
| Electric driving range (PHEV) | 110km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45L |
| Fuel requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 42g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capacity | 1800kg |

The Kodiaq Select PHEV has an 25-year . A 7kWh lithium-ion battery can charge up to 11kW on AC power and 50kW when plugged in to a DC fast-charger.

Skoda argues 110km of electric range on the WLTP cycle. Mitsubishi 84km for the new Outlander PHEV has an electric driving range of 83km (for context) for its updated outlander, “Past” and “Mountilian”, says.

To see how the Skoda Kodiaq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

How does the Skoda Kodiaq drive?

But I was recently at the launch of the second-generation Kodiaq last year. Can you say that one of its biggest drawbacks is to introduce a plug-in powertrain efficiency – without solving the other, if performance has been poor?

The Kodiaq PHEV uses about 80 per cent less fuel than its pure combustion-powered counterpart – an important saving, driven sensibly and charged regularly even more significant by the price of petrol at this time. Of course, it’s also one of the most efficient large SUVs you can buy (not electric stuff) – even though that’.

Similarly, the Kodiaq does this by defaulting to electric power wherever it is possible (even when driven in its hybrid mode). It is true that the petrol engine wakes up when the car is under heavier loads – steep inclines, higher speeds or hard acceleration – and returns to sleep quickly afterward.

Electricity can also be harvested and reused through regenerative braking, further reducing the need to lean on the turbo four-cylinder. The regen system is smooth and straightforward, though it doesn’t slow the car particularly quickly, nor allow for true single-pedal driving. For context, the Volvo XC60 PHEV that I drove recently was more EV-like in its energy recovery.

A $100k premium model of the aforementioned Volvo-– doesn’t compare to Kodiaq’s impressive EV range, though it is cheaper than the much more expensive one. The Kodiaq PHEV can travel 110km on electric power alone, or 21km further than a plug-in hybrid XC60, Skoda says. While an all-wheel drive BYD Sealion 8 or Chery Tiggo 9 won’t be as far as it is, it will not get the way that a full-wd driver does.

I don’t think it is a bad idea to treat the Kodiaq like an EV from purely ’80kW/330Nm front motor, which doesn’s grunt when drawing solely from the 85kW/3N M front wheel. During our drive program, this was clearly visible when my test car had to get up to highway speeds in good time. And that’s without any passengers or luggage on board, if not by paraphrasingr and doesn’t mean anything.

If you need repeat bursts of acceleration, the Kodiaq PHEV is not only slow but will also chew through its battery very quickly. For those reasons, electric power is best for low-speed, urban driving rather than family road trips.

The driving experience is greatly improved when you switch into hybrid mode and turn on the car. A flex of the right foot is now met with a calm, but not thrilling, surge of torque that’s more in keeping up with what you expect from this type of car. Nevertheless, this isn’t an SUV that has been particularly fast; over a few PHEVs would destroy it in dragged race.

And that’s especially true, given the front-wheel drive layout of the Kodiaq which limits its traction in some situations like wet weather. The launch event in Berrima, New South Wales was accompanied by such conditions and we later found that 350Nm going to the front wheels is a recipe for axle tramp and torque steer when taking off hard from halting.

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This also makes the point of cornerings that the Kodiaq is not having all-wheel drive. This PHEV doesn’t make you confident in the way that AWD petrol variants do, but you don’T buy one of these to drive up back-road. But when the road is a bit greasy, that’s especially true for .

But the handling of this front-drive SUV can still be ‘clean,’ said That was not doubting the grip provided by Pirelli tyres. A consistent and predictable steering is used, with a low vibration coming through the surface of rough surfaces. So in fact, all the driver controls are well-weighted and easy to control.

The flagship all-wheel drive RS is the choice of Kodiaq range but if performance and driving enjoyment are your top priorities, then you’ll choose it as well.

And even though, if you’re after an unfunned, cushy family hauler, the PHEV is certainly worth considering. ride comfort, the weight of the 25. But it doesn’t seem like Skoda’s entry-level passive suspension is being abused by 7kWh battery, which seems to have been the sweet balance of Skordan’. The damping still has a slightly firm European edge, but the Kodiaq PHEV gives ‘an easy and controlled ride’.

But for s, it’s a quiet ride, too. The Kodiaq PHEV cruises around in smooth silence when it is operating in EV mode. Changing between petrol and electric power is required in hybrid mode but these are handled without fuss.

safety system you won’t hear many bings or bongs from the safety systems, either. Neither of the modern driver aids are intrusive nor overbearing; SkodA’S Travel Assumptive semi-autonomous driving function by Sko Da works perfectly with its travel assist. I can’t say better than a black mark, but the lane-keep assist feature is slighty with its corrections.

To see how the Skoda Kodiaq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

What do you get?

In addition to its five-seat and front-wheel drive configuration, the PHEV has most of its standard equipment with the petrol powered Kodiaq Select (pictured)

2026 Skoda Kodiaq Select equipment highlights:

• 19-inch ‘Lefka’ alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlights
• LED tail-lights
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Power tailgate
• Rear privacy glass
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• 10-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster
• 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Satellite navigation
• 9-speaker sound system
• Tri-zone climate control
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Black leather upholstery with grey stitching
• Heated front seats
• Power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, memory
• 2 x wireless phone chargers with cooling system
• 5 x USB-C outlets (two front, two rear, one for rear-view mirror)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Colour-adjustable ambient lighting

Kodiaq Sportline adds:

• 20-inch ‘Rila’ alloy wheels with aero covers
• Matrix LED headlights
• LED tail-lights with dynamic indicators
• Black exterior trim
• Heated steering wheel
• Aluminium pedals
• Suedia/leatherette upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Front sports seats
• Black headliner
• ‘Premium’ sound system
• Drive mode selection

Kodiaq RS adds:

• 20-inch ‘Alias’ black alloy wheels
• Dynamic Chassis Control Plus adaptive suspension
• Progressive steering
• Red brake calipers
• Dual polished stainless steel exhaust outlets
• Unique front and rear bumpers
• ‘RS Sport’ black perforated leather upholstery
• Red interior stitching
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Head-up display
• 13-speaker Canton sound system

To see how the Skoda Kodiaq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

Options

From $1500 last year, a panoramic sunroof is $2000 on the Select and Sportline. Also, the Select can be specified with 20-inch ‘Rila’ alloy wheels ($700) and a Cognac interior (no extra cost).

Additionally, Kodiaq Select vehicles will now be available with Skoda’s optional Signature Package.

Signature Package (Select; $6500) adds:

• Power-adjustable front seats with adjustable lumbar and memory
• Premium massage front seats
• Surround-view camera
• Intelligent Park Assist
• Matrix LED headlights
• Dynamic rear indicators
• Front grille with horizontal LED light
• Hands-free power tailgate
• 13-speaker Canton sound system
• Head-up display

To see how the Skoda Kodiaq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

Is the Skoda Kodiaq safe?

The Skoda Kodiaq wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2024.

| Category | Skoda Kodiaq |
| — | — |
| Adult occupant protection | 89 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 87 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 82 per cent |
| Safety assist | 81 per cent |

Standard safety equipment highlights:

• 9 airbags, incl:

• Front
• Front-centre
• Front-side
• Driver’s knee
• Curtain

• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Autonomous emergency braking

• Pedestrian detection
• Cyclist detection

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Emergency assist
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Lane-keep assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing camera
• Safe exit warning
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Travel Assist (lane centring, adaptive cruise)
• Tyre pressure monitoring

To see how the Skoda Kodiaq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

How much does the Skoda Kodiaq cost to run?

Skoda backs all its models with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

| Servicing and Warranty | Skoda Kodiaq |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 7 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | Up to 7 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5-year service pack (+2 years optional) |
| Total capped-price service cost | $3000 (5 years) $3700 (7 years) |

Apart from a competitive after-sales program, Kodiaq PHEV ownership can also save you much at the petrol pump — especially with high fuel prices.

Since the interruption of supply into Australia, fuel prices have increased not due to a disruption in supplies but rather because of higher domestic demand which can at least partially be blamed on panic buying.

The five largest cities saw daily average retail prices jump by 48 per cent, according to . A is 8cpl to 219, i.e. Since then, fuel prices have increased significantly and some service stations even ran out of fuel (including 7cpl between February 20 and March 11), but since then the price of petrol has risen.

Though it’s likely that the war is also going to affect prices of electricity and therefore PHEV charging costs in Australia, home-based solar power users will benefit most.

To see how the Skoda Kodiaq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Skoda Kodiaq Select PHEV

So it’s great that Skoda fans now have a cleaner, quieter Kodiaq option but this is also – as much as they’re forced to abandon all-wheel drive and he has opted for the third row of seats.

And it’s also unfortunate that the Kodiaq PHEV’S asking price makes it against very good competition – the Outlander, BYD Sealion 8 and Chery Tiggo 9, just to name a few of its competitors.

But at least compared to its Chinese counterparts, the Kodiaq is more grounded. For example, behind the wheel it is about fundamentals rather than flashiness; with efficiency, comfort and ease of use a priority over performance.

But it’s a very user-friendly interior and impressively well equipped, especially for if there is. A standout, storage is excellent throughout the space and the cabin a nice balance between physical controls and modern tech.

Safety? Check. The ownership promise? Strong.

So, all told, this is a very sensible family runabout… provided you don’t need seven seats.

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