Skoda Kodiaq RS to Launch in India by June 2026 as Brand’s First Performance SUV

Skoda India is getting ready to add some excitement to its SUV lineup with the upcoming Kodiaq RS. Planned for launch in 2026, this will be the brand’s first performance SUV for the Indian market. The Kodiaq RS will sit right at the top of the brand’s SUV range, above the standard Kodiaq and the Kushaq. It also signals Skoda’s intent to offer limited but special models that focus more on driving involvement. The Kodiaq RS will come to India as a completely built unit. This route helps Skoda bring in low-volume models without local assembly, while keeping global specifications unchanged.

Also Read: 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Revealed With Design Changes, Improved Tech and a New Monte Carlo Edition

For buyers, that means the SUV will arrive with the same mechanical setup offered in international markets. It also allows Skoda to position the RS as a premium, enthusiast-focused offering rather than a mass-market SUV.

Skoda Kodiaq RS: Design

The Kodiaq RS will get several visual updates over the standard model to give it a sportier stance. Up front, it will come with a revised bumper, a blacked-out grille and wider air dams that add more presence. The side profile will stay familiar, but the RS will bring body-coloured lower door cladding, a blacked-out C-pillar and new 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers.

Blacked-out roof rails, mirror caps and window surrounds will complete the look. At the rear, the changes will remain subtle, with a lightly revised bumper finishing off the RS styling.

Skoda Kodiaq RS: Interior

Inside the cabin, Skoda is expected to keep things simple by offering the Kodiaq RS in a single fully loaded variant. This has been the brand’s usual approach with earlier RS imports in India.

Buyers can expect all available features to be offered as standard, making it a straightforward choice for those looking at the top-end SUV.

Skoda Kodiaq RS: Engine

The Skoda Kodiaq RS will be offered only with a petrol engine, with no plans for diesel or hybrid options at launch. Under the bonnet, it uses the same engine seen on the previously launched Octavia RS, producing 261bhp and 400Nm of torque. This is 60hp and 80Nm more than the standard Kodiaq. Power is sent through a 7-speed DCT gearbox along with an AWD setup, giving the SUV strong performance. Skoda claims a top speed of 231km/h, while the 0–100km/h sprint takes 6.3 seconds.

The Kodiaq RS is expected to arrive before the end of the second quarter of 2026, depending on homologation and shipment schedules. With performance SUVs still limited in India, the Kodiaq RS could appeal to buyers looking for a quicker and more engaging SUV without stepping into luxury-brand territory.