The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS combines the practicality of a family-friendly 7-seat SUV with the thrill of a performance-oriented ride, making it a unique offering in the midsize SUV market. Powered by a 2.0-liter TSI engine delivering 265 horsepower, this second-generation Kodiaq RS boasts sharper dynamics, a bold design, and advanced technology. However, its high CO2 emissions and hefty French malus tax—exceeding €60,000 in 7-seat configuration—raise questions about its viability for buyers without large families eligible for tax exemptions. For those seeking a 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS for sale, this article dives into our driving impressions, highlighting its strengths, quirks, and market challenges.
Bold Design with Sporty Flair
The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS stands out with its aggressive, motorsport-inspired styling. Built on the MQB Evo platform, it’s 6.1 cm longer than its predecessor, measuring 4.76 meters, with a more muscular stance thanks to squared wheel arches and a redesigned front grille. The RS-specific touches include 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out trim, red-accented bumpers, and Matrix LED headlights with Crystallinium elements. These give the Kodiaq RS a commanding presence, ideal for buyers searching for a sporty 7-seat SUV.
Inside, the cabin blends practicality with sporty sophistication. Alcantara and leather seats with red stitching, a three-spoke RS-branded steering wheel, and aluminum pedals create a dynamic atmosphere. The 13-inch central touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital cockpit offer RS-specific displays, while the tri-zone climate control and optional Canton audio system enhance comfort. With 340 liters of cargo space in 7-seat mode and up to 2,045 liters with seats folded, it’s a versatile family hauler. However, the third-row seats remain cramped, best suited for children, as noted in our test drive.
Performance That Packs a Punch
Under the hood, the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder engine, now producing 265 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, up from 245 horsepower in the previous model. Paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and standard all-wheel drive, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds (6.4 seconds for 7 seats) and reaches a top speed of 231 km/h. The engine, shared with the Volkswagen Golf GTI, delivers smooth, linear power with a surprisingly throaty exhaust note in Sport mode, enhanced by sound actuators.
Our test drive in Croatia’s winding mountain roads revealed the Kodiaq RS’s dynamic capabilities. The DCC Plus adaptive suspension, with dual-valve technology, offers a balance of comfort in Normal mode and sharpness in Sport mode, minimizing body roll despite the SUV’s 1,900 kg weight. The progressive steering is precise, and the all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent grip, though the Kodiaq RS leans toward controlled understeer at its limits. While not a true hot hatch, it’s engaging for a 7-seat SUV, with a consumption average of 8.6 l/100 km on highways and 11.9 l/100 km in spirited mountain driving.
Technology and Family-Friendly Features
The Kodiaq RS is loaded with modern tech, making it a practical choice for families. The 13-inch infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates, though the climate controls integrated into the touchscreen can be fiddly. A head-up display, remote parking assist, and up to nine airbags enhance safety, while features like a double glovebox, USB-C ports, and a sliding second-row bench add convenience. The optional DCC Plus suspension and 20-inch wheels ensure a refined ride, though the seats could be softer for long journeys.
However, the ergonomic quirks noted during our test—like the unconventional gear selector on the steering column and overly complex climate controls—may require adjustment. These minor flaws don’t detract from the Kodiaq RS’s appeal as a tech-savvy, spacious SUV, but they highlight Skoda’s occasional prioritization of style over simplicity.
Market Challenges and Tax Hurdles
Priced at €60,970 in France, the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS is a premium offering, but its 186 g/km CO2 emissions trigger a staggering €48,901 malus for the 5-seat version and €61,245 for the 7-seat version, plus a €3,580 weight tax. This pushes the total cost to €112,773 (5 seats) or €126,905 (7 seats), making it nearly unaffordable unless buyers qualify for France’s large-family tax exemption (three or more children). In contrast, competitors like the BMW X3 30e xDrive (299 hp, €72,950) or Tesla Model Y Long Range (€52,990) offer hybrid or electric powertrains with lower taxes and comparable performance.
Within the Volkswagen Group, the Kodiaq RS faces internal competition from the Seat Tarraco PHEV and VW Tiguan Allspace, which offer hybrid options with lower malus penalties. The Skoda Enyaq 85x, an electric SUV with 285 horsepower for €55,850, further challenges the RS’s value proposition. Without electrification, the Kodiaq RS is a niche choice for buyers who prioritize pure thermal performance and need seven seats, but its market in France is limited.
Our Verdict: A Fun Yet Niche SUV
The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS is a compelling blend of family practicality and sporty dynamics, offering robust performance, a refined chassis, and generous space. Its 265-horsepower engine and agile handling make it a joy on twisty roads, while its tech and comfort features cater to daily family needs. However, the astronomical malus tax in France severely hampers its appeal, relegating it to buyers with large families who can leverage tax breaks or those in markets with less punitive regulations.
For enthusiasts seeking a 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS for sale, it’s a rare gem—a 7-seat SUV with genuine driving thrills—but its price and tax burden demand careful consideration. Contact Skoda dealers in early 2025 to explore availability, and weigh it against electrified rivals for a more cost-effective option. The Kodiaq RS proves Skoda can build an exciting SUV, but its future hinges on navigating a tax-heavy landscape.
