In a motoring landscape often resigned to dull people-carriers, Skoda has thrown down a gauntlet with the Kodiaq vRS. Launched in early 2026, this seven-seater SUV aims to inject a dose of driving pleasure into the school run, borrowing its heart from something far sportier.
Performance Promises Versus Family Reality
On paper, the proposition is compelling for the car-enthusiast parent. The Kodiaq vRS is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine sourced directly from the Volkswagen Golf GTI, producing 262bhp. It sends this power to all four wheels via a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, enabling a claimed 0-62mph sprint in just 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 143mph.
Yet, as journalist Gareth Butterfield noted in his January 2026 review, the reality behind the wheel is more nuanced. In an era where high-performance SUVs frequently boast 400bhp or more, the Kodiaq's output, while respectable, doesn't translate into neck-snapping acceleration. The steering is well-weighted but not razor-sharp, and the car's considerable size and mass are always perceptible, even with a composed ride and ample grip.
The Unbeatable Practical Package
Where the Kodiaq vRS truly excels is in the foundation it builds upon. This remains, first and foremost, an incredibly clever and spacious family vehicle. The cabin offers acres of room, superb comfort, and Skoda's trademark 'Simply Clever' touches, from door-mounted umbrellas to ingenious storage solutions.
The interior gets sporty embellishments like bolstered seats and unique trim to remind occupants of its vRS status. The DSG gearbox is a highlight, delivering swift shifts, though it will intervene if you linger too long in a lower gear. An artificial exhaust note, dubbed 'Dynamic Sound Boost', is piped into the cabin, providing an entertaining, if ultimately optional, V8-like burble on startup.
Verdict: A Compromise That Makes Sense
The conclusion is one of thoughtful compromise. The Skoda Kodiaq vRS is not the last word in dynamic thrills; physics dictates that a large, heavy, seven-seat SUV never will be. For those who crave genuine performance, the advice might be to buy a standard Kodiaq and use the vRS premium to fund a weekend sports car.
However, for the family driver who simply desires a supremely practical and well-built workhorse with more verve and visual flair than the average offering, the Kodiaq vRS hits a unique sweet spot. It offers a welcome hint of spice without compromising the core recipe that makes the standard car so admired. It pushes your buttons, as the review states, just not excessively hard.
