The 2021 Skoda Kodiaq is now available in a sporty RS trim with a 2.0-liter turbo-four producing 245 HP, while also receiving several exterior and interior upgrades.
Skoda launched its flagship SUV Kodiaq almost five years ago, and now the model finally receives the mid-cycle facelift. The company has included new features and technology for the 2021 model, including a high-performance Kodiaq RS model.
The SUV has been available in 60 countries, where Skoda sold over 600,000 units to date. Naturally, the Czech brand expects the facelifted model to continue with its decent market run.
Recently, Skoda has confirmed that the Kodiaq RS would not be available with the twin-turbodiesel engine. Instead, the SUV gains the 2.0-liter TSI from the Octavia RS, producing 245 HP. With this engine, the Kodiaq is 60 kg lighter than the turbodiesel, with a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission taking away 5.2 kilograms by itself. The torque output figures are not available yet, but the 2.0-liter TSI produces 273 lb-ft of torque in the Octavia.
The 2021 Kodiaq will also be available with a 1.5-liter TSI producing 150 HP for the base front-wheel-drive, where it pairs with a six-speed manual gearbox. Furthermore, there is a 2.0 TSI producing 190 HP and a 2.0L TDI Evo producing 150 HP or 200 HP. Each variant has an optional seven-speed DSD and all-wheel-drive.
There are not many visible styling changes on the 2021 Kodiaq exterior. The SUV gets the matrix LED technology thin headlight setup and bumper tweaks, making it more aerodynamic than before. A choice of 17- to 20-inch wheels is available with each trim, while the flagship RS rides on a 20-inch set of metallic black wheels with aero plastic shields.
Inside the cabin, the 2021 Kodiaq’s seats are clad in perforated leather, recycled vegetable material, or fabric based on the rim. Skoda also added a new massage function, with heating and electronically adjustable positions. Moreover, there is an improvement to the LED ambient lighting and a new two-spoke steering wheel.
Customers can also opt for a Canton sound system with ten speakers and a trunk subwoofer now. The 2021 Kodiaq also gains a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.2-inch touchscreen display in the dashboard.
Skoda will accept orders for the facelifted Kodiaq soon, with the UK’s lineup launching in July. The 2021 Kodiaq should cost around the same as the previous version, starting at around $37,000.
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