2018 Skoda Kodiaq RS Photos, engines & full specs

Almost one year after the introduction of its biggest model, the Kodiaq, Skoda decided to launch a more powerful, sporty version that wore the RS badge.

With a long motorsports heritage behind, the Czech automaker Skoda tried to express it on some of its models. As a result, the Fabia or the Octavia got RS badges and unique features. But after launching the Kodiaq SUV in 2017, it also considered adding a similar treatment. As a result, in 2018, the car manufacturer introduced the upgraded, sportier version of this moniker, transforming the family-friendly mid-sized crossover into a sporty vehicle for seven people, plus a large trunk in the back.

Skoda tried to express the sporty character of the Kodiaq RS in the same way as it did with the Fabia and the Octavia go-faster versions. As a result, the most powerful version of the Kodiaq family came with a redesigned front grille that sported a piano-black surrounding instead of the chromed one like the rest of its siblings. The bumper featured a redesigned lower area featuring an additional lip and a hexagonal pattern for the grille. In addition, the Kodiaq RS received standard LED headlights. From its profile, the 20" light-alloy wheels were unique for this version and let bystanders see the enlarged 17" brake discs. At the back of the car, the Kodiaq RS had the same roof spoiler on top of the tilted-forward tailgate, but the lower bumper was different. I sported two chromed side trims for the exhaust system.

Inside, the seven-seat crossover has a unique black upholstery with red stitching. Skoda didn't take shortcuts when it made the cabin and used Alcantara on the door cards and all seven seats onboard. Moreover, the high-bolstered sports seats at the front featured tall seatbacks with integrated headrests. On the dashboard, center console, and center stack, the automaker added fake carbon-fiber trims, creating an upscale image for the vehicle. In front of the driver, the automaker installed a 12.3" digital instrument cluster named Virtual Cockpit, with a unique for the RS fifth mode that showed a large rev-counter in the middle, with the speed shown with digits inside it. On the second row, the automaker installed a 60/40 split-folding bench seat, which could've been moved to allow passengers to get onto the third row, which was good for two adults.

Under the hood, Skoda installed just one engine option, a four-pot bi-turbo diesel powerplant. It provided enough oomph for the driver to make them feel like in a sporty hot hatch but with a higher ground clearance. The reinforced suspension and adaptive dampers allowed the vehicle to get a lap record for a seven-seater vehicle around the Nürburgring's Nordschleife. Skoda installed a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and an all-wheel drive system as standard for the Kodiaq RS.