Skoda Kodiaq vRS Review and Prices

If you want a big, practical family SUV with space for all of the kids and a healthy dose of go-faster performance punch, then the Skoda Kodiaq vRS is worth a look.

It retains all of the sensible seven-seat usefulness of the standard model, but throws in some sporty looks and a 245hp petrol engine for good measure. Think of it as being a bit like Dad in his gym gear after a month-long health kick: same old Dad, but a bit leaner and meaner.

On the outside you get a more aggressive-looking bodykit than you do on more modest Kodiaq models (though it is very similar to the Kodiaq Sportline’s look), and some large, striking 20in alloys among a few other subtle changes.

That racey theme continues inside, with a set of supportive sports seats for the driver and front passenger, and carbon-fibre effect trim on the dashboard. Of course, the standard Kodiaq’s impressive functionality is retained, so you’ve still got all of that seating, plenty of interior storage space, and a huge boot.

It’s the family-friendliness that really sets the Kodiaq vRS aside from the alternatives. A Volkswagen Tiguan R or entry-level Porsche Macan are both far more thrilling on a good road, but you’ll never get five kids and a second adult passenger in either of those cars all at the same time. In the Skoda, you can – though you might then want to avoid particularly twisty roads just to, you know, reduce the chances of mass car sickness…

If you want a performance car AND seven-seats, then you’ll love the go-faster Kodiaq vRS. Just be sure to switch off its lame fake exhaust sounds.

Anyway, the biggest upgrade for the Kodiaq vRS lies beneath the bonnet. Here, you’ll find a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that kicks out 245hp. With four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox as standard, it’s good for a 0-60mph time of 6.6 seconds. But that punch comes with some downsides, too.

On a long-distance drive your fuel economy will take a hit: expect to see a consumption figure in the high-20s or low-30s at best. The Kodiaq vRS also makes really silly fake engine and exhaust noises – it’s all rumbly and grumbly, and really quite annoying. Thankfully you can turn this synthetic racket off when you put the car in comfort mode.

Do so, and you’ll soften off the adaptive suspension, too. This set-up is usually an option on the regular Kodiaq, but on the vRS it’s standard-fit – and is well worth it. It makes the car so much comfier when you’re trundling around town or cruising on the motorway – so much so, that you’ll probably find you leave it in this softer mode all the time.

Of course, there’s also a sport mode, and you’ll want to use that when you’re out on your own and hit twistier roads. This stiffens the suspension to help prevent the Kodiaq from leaning too much in the bends, and its weightier steering means you can guide it through corners with more precision and confidence. It’s still not exactly a barrel of laughs, but for a “sensible” family wagon it’s more than fun enough.

All in, the Kodiaq vRS is a very likeable, very practical family SUV. Sure, it’s expensive and it’ll cost more to run than a regular Kodiaq. But if you desperately need to spice up the school run, then it’s by no means a bad shout. Take a look at our Skoda Kodiaq vRS deals page to see how much you can save when you buy through carwow.