Škoda is one of those brands that doesn’t immediately spring to mind when you’re thinking SUV. That said, it’s one we find easy to recommend, such is the affordability, styling and quirkiness that vehicle’s like the Kodiaq Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) offer.
In this configuration, it’s a five seat offering carrying a similar trim level to the Select variant, albeit at a higher price. With an electric-only range of 110km (WTLP), the PHEV hits the market at $59,990 drive away.
Alongside a 25kW battery and 85kW/330Nm electric motor, is a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (110kW/250Nm), which together gives a combined output of 150kW and 350Nm. That translates to 0-100km/h in approximately 8.4 seconds.
Given the decent electric range, and a rather modest 45-litre fuel tank, you should get close to 800km per fill, with combined fuel economy sitting between 1.9 and 3.9-litres/100km (providing you charge).
One notable missing element is the traditional Škoda 4×4 system, which had to be dropped from this particular variant. That aside, it’s a rather convenient package for every day use, and if you have solar at home, you can maximise the EV capability, off grid.
Let’s face it, with fuel prices the way they are, hybrid setups like this one are hard to ignore, and if you’re not looking for a performance monster, then the Kodiaq PHEV makes a lot of sense. On the road, it offers a comfortable ride.
The gearbox is buttery smooth, and the whole setup is so quiet that you often don’t realise it’s switched between the engine and the hybrid powertrain. The only tell is the information delivered through the digital instrument cluster.
There are a couple of drive modes, including Eco, Individual and Sport. But where Škoda has always excelled, is in its well thought out cabin and technology. The Kodiaq PHEV is no different, with the first and second rows exceptionally spacious.
The boot offers an impressive 745-litres with the back seats up, and 1945-litres when you drop them down. On top of that, you get a very functional set of net accessories to help maxmise space efficiency.
There is a large net to cover the standard rear floor and two extra panels that look like they can act as a type of bag or a walling mechanism. If that’s not enough you can then fiddle with the lightweight aluminium Velcro dividers.
These become very handy when carting smaller loads, particularly shopping bags. They clip together and bend to allow infinite configuration possibilities. Quick access rear seat releases are provided in the boot and there’s an electric tailgate.
An auto lock and unlock setup is connected to the key fob, and comes in super handy when you’re carrying a large number of items back to the car. All doors come with a plastic auto folding protection strip and there’s an umbrella hidden in the driver’s door.
Heating seats are standard up front, while the aforementioned digital instrument cluster offers layouts for mapping, among a host of screens. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on hand for cord-free connectivity through a decent sound system.
There is an optional Signature Pack, which adds a 360-degree parking camera, hands free opening and closing for the tailgate, a 13-speaker audio package, a head-up display, LED matrix headlights and massage front seats. It will set you back $6500.
In a Plug-in Hybrid plus, you can opt for a Tan (Suite Cognac) interior at no cost. It works especially well with a dark exterior colour to make for a combination that really pops. The dash and infotainment screen are rather nicely laid out.
There are real buttons for climate controls. Dual phone charger slots feature. You’ll also find plenty of storage compartments in both the front and second rows. There are even two little bins. You can opt for 20-inch wheels instead of the stock 19-inch offering, too.
Those drive modes we mentioned are now part of the infotainment screen, which takes a little away from the experience. The best thing though, there are no annoying beeps from overzealous safety systems.
They’re all there, including front assist with collision avoidance, turn and crossroad assist, side assist, exit warning, the aptly named crew protection assist, multi-collision braking and attention and drowsiness assist – so don’t fret about that.
But instead of going berserk every time you do something wrong, they either beep once, or offer a message on the instrument cluster. All things considered, the 2026 Škoda Kodiaq Plug-in Hybrid is a decent vehicle.
It’s just in need of some minor improvements. Chief among those is bringing back its 4×4 platform, and the third row. Some plastics on the dash could be prettier too. That said, what you do get is a lot of cabin space, a genuine focus on comfort, and great fuel savings.
You can find out more from the Škoda Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One.
To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Škoda Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
