Škoda Kodiaq Select PHEV Review 2026

Škoda Kodiaq – Škoda is a brand that has a reputation in Australia for building somewhat quirky and clever vehicles. The Škoda Kodiaq is one of those.

Coming in a choice of engine options. With a plaind petrol, MHEV petrol and PHEV petrol. There are also seat number options depending on the model, between 5 and 7 seats.

We drove the five seat Kodiaq Select  PHEV version.

Škoda Kodiaq Select PHEV Video Review 

Škoda Kodiaq Select PHEV details 

What does the Škoda Kodiaq Select PHEV look like?

It has a sporty crossover appeal between a wagon and SUV. Something I am a big fan of.

The elegant frontal grill/bonnet design, with integrated LED headlights and lower DRL’s, sets the pace for an overall subtle style.

From the profile the Kodiaq manages to hide its length with subtle styling.

19 inch alloys and 235/50 R19 tyres fill out the wheel arches, while providing a balance between grip and absorption.

At the rear, the powered tailgate opens quite high and with a low load height access to the cavernous boot is easy.

Other exterior features include:

• Door opening protectors,
• keyless access,
• heated and power folding door mirror
• LED front fog lights with cornering function
• All weather light LED headlights (low/high beam)
• LED headlights with variable light distribution and dynamic cornering function
• Puddle lights in front doors with ŠKODA logo illumination.
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• Light assist function (coming/leaving home, dusk)
• Rear LED fog lights and
• LED rear taillights

What is it like inside ?

Comfortable, spacious are the first two thoughts that come to mind.

Front seats are comfortable with beating and electronic adjustment as well as lumbar support. The type that when you sit in them you immediately feel relaxed.

The heating controls are in a dual mode dial along with A/C controls, which once you get used to it, is quite clever. These are for the tri zone climate controlled A/C.

In front of the driver is a 3-spoke flat-bottom leather-appointed multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters. With thumb swells at the appropriate places, it feels comfortable in the hands.

There is that word again – comfortable. It’s a theme that keeps coming up when describing the Kodiaq.

Driver information is provided by large 10 inch virtual cockpit, which allows a modicum of individualisation.

Like all these most drivers will find what they like and leave it there. But the functionality exists.

One thing I appreciated was the long seat slide, so my long legs were able to fit easily. It’s also easy to find the perfect driving position for almost every driver.

Don’t forget that now famous umbrella holder in the driver’s door.

Information, Technology, connectivity, Centre console and stack

Starting with a large centre console storage bin with padded top for an armrest. In front of that is a small storage slot, twin  cup holders, on the smaller diameter size unfortunately.

Moving forward is a twin wireless phone charging tray with active ventilation and twin USB-C inputs and another storage tray.

Im a fan of the physical A/C controls, having to go into a screen menu while driving is both frustrating and dangerous.

Above that are air vents then the usual tablet like centre screen. It’s a 13” infotainment screen, with DAB+ and navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This houses a 9 speaker audio system that provides quality sound.

This is user friendly, touch sensitive and has crisp clear resolution. It does heat up a bit though.

Rear seats and boot space

Better for two than three, like almost every other SUV in this size.

They are sculptured enough for extra comfort. A drop down centre arm rest with twin cup holders adds practicality.

There is plenty of leg, knee, head and shoulder room for taller occupants to become comfortable. Seats also recline and to keep the sun out there are manual window sunshades.

The outer seats have isofix points and all three seats have top tether pints for a bay seat.

We didn’t get the chance to rest this model with the bub on board but will hopefully next time.

Between the seats on the transmission tunnel is a removable storage caddy. Another clever and handy touch. There are twin USB-C ports and rear A/C vents for more comfort.

Rear seats will fold down flat in a 60/40 configuration.

This adds practicality and flexibility to storage options. Other practical boot features are cargo net, side hooks, twin sided cargo mat, and a clever cargo restricting risers that attach to the floor.

One advantage of being a five seat wagon, is the cavernous boot space. Im never a fan of seven seats in a vehicle this size, it’s always a compromise, one that often isn’t worth it.

Overall storage includes:

• Large centre console bin
• Twin front and rear cup holders
• Door bottle holders,
• Tidy bin in the door pocket,
• Reasonable glove box,
• Phone holders attached to the front seat headrests
• 5x USB-C ports (including rear-view mirror port).

Engine and transmission.

With 150kW and 350Nm from its combination of a 1.5 TSI petrol engine and 85kW/330Nm electric motor, the Kodiaq Select PHEV drives the front wheels through a six speed DSG transmission.

Being zippy rather than fast it will go from 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds.

It also offers up to 112km of WLTP range*, with 11kW AC charging and 50kW DC charging for an ideal blend of on-road charging options.

Economy is claimed at just 1.85 litres per 100 kilometres combined cycle fuel consumption; a figure owners will almost never see. The engine is EURO 6 compliant and takes 95 RON premium fuel.

Like most PHEVs, owners must remember to charge when needed, or the old question of why buy one arises.

Suspension

Thers nothing fancy here, just practicality

Front suspension is  MacPherson strut with lower triangular links and torsion stabiliser.

Rear set up is a multi-element axle, with one longitudinal and three transverse links, with torsion stabiliser.

It does the job well, without fuss.

What is it like to drive.

Smooth and responsive are a few words that come to mind.

This model Kodiaq is designed for fuss free transport for the family. It delivers that.

Drivers must remember that this is a front wheel drive version. Powering up under full throttle will inspire some torque steer, not appreciated, especially in the wet and rainy conditions that were around when we had the car.

On normal suburban roads the suspension seems to absorb most of the irregularities that our tax dollars and council fees seem to avoid fixing. Potatoes are potholes no matter what car you are driving.

Its smooth, compliant and quiet around town.

Push harder on open roads and the limitations of no AWD become more apparent. Its not bad, but enthusiastic drivers will be left wishing they bought the RS version. Having said that it will keep its shape in corners, respond well to steering inputs and brake hard when needed. That’s enough.

Drivers have a choice between  E-mode electric drive or hybrid drive options in the vehicle touchscreen. Complimenting this is a choice of low, high or automatic brake energy recuperation.

Two battery power usage methods are available.

• automatic (which can use the engine to recharge the battery) and
• manual (which exclusively awaits plug-in charging to recharge the battery).

Given the choice I preferred the hybrid drive version. This will extend the battery useability and still provide reasonable economy.

Battery regeneration isn’t intrusive like some EVs and in EV mode you can’t quite get to the one pedal drive mode. Which isn’t a bad thing though.

Somewhat uniquely the Kodiaq reverts to EV mode more often than not as well. It’s not as efficient as the Kluger Hybrid , but its pretty good.

Škoda claims a WLTP range of 112 km on EV only. We showed less than that and 100km is a more realistic range I feel.

However, driven on EV only its slightly sluggish, but has that EV instant torque available.

What about safety

The Kodiaq comes with a five star ANCAP safety rating based on a Euro NCAP rating in 2024.

A quick look at some of the features include:

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
• Cross differential system (XDS+)
• Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
• Electro-mechanical Parking Brake (EPB) (with auto hold function)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
• Electronic Drag Torque Regulation (MSR)
• Electronic Stability Braking Control (ESBS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Engine Drag Torque control (MSR)
• Hill Hold Control (HHC)
• Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
• Multi-Collision Brake (MKB)
• Rain Brake Support (RBS)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
• 9 airbags, incl: Front, Front-centre, Front-side, Driver’s knee and Curtain
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go.
• Autonomous emergency braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist detection
• Emergency assist
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Lane-keep assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Reversing camera
• Safe exit warning
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Travel Assist (lane centring, adaptive cruise)
• Tyre pressure monitoring

Owner costs and benefits  

Every Škoda includes a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. Roadside assist is yearly based upon servicing at authorised dealer.

Add to that affordable pre-paid servicing plans: $3,200 for 5 year/75,000km or $4,400 for 7 year/105,000km servicing.

Škoda Kodiaq Select PHEV final thoughts.

I like it.

Its stylish, comfortable, pleasant to drive and is a little different.

If buyers have daily short trips and have access to easy charging, then the approximate 100km range will see frugal driving habits emerge.

But it’s  a little more expensive than some of the competition but has that underlying European quality that is more than bling and features.

However, it’s also some $11,500 more expensive than the new MHEV version and I truly question the value.

2026 Škoda Kodiaq Select PHEV Specifications

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)