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Skoda's Kodiaq PHEV joins Australia line-up
Skoda Australia has moved to broaden its SUV range with the addition of a plug-in hybrid version of the Kodiaq. The newly introduced Kodiaq Select PHEV sits in the model line-up between the Sportline and the range-topping RS, supplying a comfort-orientated, electrified option for buyers who prioritise family-friendly space while wanting the flexibility to drive emission-free on daily commutes. This PHEV variant extends Skoda's product strategy by delivering an alternative for customers seeking reduced fuel use and lower running costs without sacrificing the utility and interior room of a large crossover.
What's new and where it fits
The Czech marque has steadily expanded its electrified portfolio in Australia, ranging from entry-level battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) like the Elroq through to refreshed Enyaq models and conventional petrol-powered Kodiaq derivatives such as the RS. Introducing the Kodiaq Select PHEV completes the large crossover family by offering buyers a consistent SUV package across three distinct powertrain choices: internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and full-electric (BEV). This multi-powertrain strategy aims to meet diverse buyer preferences and regional infrastructure variations in Australia.
For customers weighing options between pure-electric vehicles, conventional petrol SUVs and hybrids, the Kodiaq PHEV provides a middle ground: meaningful zero-emission city driving capability alongside the long-range flexibility of an internal combustion powertrain for longer trips. That positioning helps the model appeal to family car buyers, fleet purchasers and households that split driving between daily urban commutes and periodic longer journeys.
Key specifications and performance
The Kodiaq Select PHEV is configured as a five-seat crossover and retains a practical cargo area of 745 litres with the rear seats in place, offering the kind of loadspace families expect from a large SUV. The hybrid drivetrain pairs a 1.5-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor specified at 85 kW and 330 Nm. Together the system delivers a combined output of 150 kW (approximately 201 hp) and 350 Nm of torque (about 258 lb-ft), yielding a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration time of roughly 8.4 seconds under standard conditions.
Those power figures translate into usable on-road performance: the petrol engine provides sustained high-speed capability and range, while the electric motor delivers instant torque for smooth, responsive starts and efficient low-speed driving. The hybrid system also supports regenerative braking to recover energy during deceleration, which helps extend electric range and improve overall efficiency in mixed driving conditions. Transmission duties are handled by a gearbox calibrated to blend engine and motor input efficiently, focusing on comfort and relaxed performance rather than sporty throttle response.
Battery and charging highlights:
- WLTP electric range: up to 112 km (69 miles)
- AC charging: up to 11 kW
- DC fast charging: up to 50 kW
The Kodiaq Select PHEV’s battery capacity is optimised to provide a WLTP-rated electric-only driving range that covers a significant share of everyday urban journeys for many households, such as commuting, school runs and short errands. In practice, WLTP figures are achieved under standardised test conditions; real-world range will vary with driving style, ambient temperature, payload and use of climate control systems. Nonetheless, a WLTP-rated range of up to 112 km positions the PHEV to allow most drivers to complete daily city driving without engaging the petrol engine.
Charging flexibility is an important factor for plug-in hybrid ownership. The Select PHEV supports AC charging up to 11 kW, which is compatible with home wallboxes and public AC chargers, and enables relatively quick replenishment from a depleted state — depending on the battery size and initial state of charge, a typical full charge from an 11 kW source is likely to take a few hours. The vehicle also accommodates DC fast charging up to 50 kW, offering faster top-ups when rapid recharge is required during longer trips. These capabilities mean owners can use overnight home charging for routine replenishment and rely on public fast charging for longer journeys or quick top-ups on the road.
Trim, equipment and safety
The Select trim level is aimed at buyers who prioritise comfort, everyday usability and advanced in-car technology. Standard exterior and convenience features include 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless access for easy entry and start, heated and power-folding door mirrors for convenience in all weather, a power-adjustable driver’s seat for tailored ergonomics, heated front seats for climate comfort, and tri-zone automatic climate control to maintain distinct temperature zones for driver, front passenger and rear occupants.
Inside the cabin, the technology and connectivity package is comprehensive. A 13-inch infotainment touchscreen is included, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to enable smartphone integration without cables. Additional convenience features include twin 15W wireless charging pads to keep multiple devices topped up, active seat ventilation to improve occupant comfort in warm conditions, and five USB-C ports distributed through the cabin to support charging and data connections for several devices simultaneously. These features align the vehicle with contemporary expectations for connectivity, media streaming and in-car productivity.
On the active safety and driver assistance front, the Kodiaq Select PHEV comes fitted with an extensive suite designed to reduce driver workload and enhance occupant protection. Key systems include Adaptive Cruise Control with Travel Assist and Traffic Jam Assist to support relaxed motorway and congested-traffic driving, Side Assist to provide blind-spot monitoring and lane-change support, Lane Assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance to help keep the vehicle centred in its lane, Turn Assist to detect and mitigate collisions during turning manoeuvres, Front Assist with autonomous emergency braking for frontal collision mitigation, Emergency Assist to prompt safe stopping if the driver becomes incapacitated, Traffic Sign Recognition for improved awareness of speed limits and restrictions, and a total of nine airbags to provide passive protection for occupants.
For customers seeking a more luxurious specification, the Signature Package — also available on the 2.0 TSI petrol variants — can be optioned on Select models. This package adds higher-end convenience and safety features such as Intelligent Park Assist for automated parking, a Surround Area View camera system for clearer low-speed manoeuvring, Matrix LED headlights for adaptive illumination and improved night visibility, an illuminated front grille for an elevated presence, a head-up display to project key driving information into the driver’s line of sight, a hands-free tailgate for easier loading with both hands full, and dynamic rear indicators for a modern lighting signature. These additions aim to elevate the Kodiaq PHEV’s appeal to buyers looking for premium touches in a practical family SUV.
Pricing and market positioning
Skoda has released recommended retail price (RRP) figures for the 2026 Kodiaq range in Australia. The published pricing highlights are as follows:
- Kodiaq Select: AUD 54,990
- Kodiaq Sportline: AUD 58,990
- Kodiaq Select PHEV: AUD 63,490 (around USD 42,000)
- Kodiaq RS: AUD 69,990
The Kodiaq Select PHEV’s price places it as a mid-range, well-equipped hybrid SUV within Skoda’s line-up and in the broader market of family-focused plug-in crossovers. From a value perspective, the model offers a compelling combination of generous interior and cargo space, a strong standard equipment list and a WLTP-rated electric range that is likely to cover most daily commutes for many Australian households. Buyers considering the Select PHEV will weigh purchase price against potential fuel savings when driving on electric power, reduced tailpipe emissions for urban driving, and the convenience of home charging.
When assessing competitiveness, potential buyers should consider rival plug-in hybrid crossovers available in Australia. Models such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Toyota RAV4 Prime (where available), and European alternatives like the Volvo XC60 Recharge or certain Audi and BMW PHEV crossovers present differing strengths in luxury, driving dynamics and brand positioning. The Kodiaq Select PHEV seeks to differentiate by offering a spacious interior, family-friendly practicality, typically strong equipment at the price point and the credibility of Skoda’s established value-for-money reputation in its segment.
Prospective owners should also factor in local considerations such as state-based electric vehicle incentives, registration differentials and charging infrastructure availability, which vary across Australia and can affect total cost of ownership. In urban areas with accessible charging, owners will be best able to maximise the hybrid’s electric range and the associated running-cost benefits. For longer rural or interstate travel, the petrol engine provides the peace of mind of familiar refuelling infrastructure and extended range without the need to plan frequent charging stops.
Why this matters
Skoda’s broadened Kodiaq family demonstrates a deliberate strategy to give customers choice across powertrains without forcing trade-offs in practicality. By offering ICE, PHEV and BEV alternatives within similar body packages and cabin layouts, Skoda enables buyers to select the powertrain that best fits their daily driving profile and infrastructure access. The Kodiaq PHEV will be attractive to households that want to reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions for routine urban driving while retaining the towing capability and long-range convenience of a petrol engine for longer trips.
Summed up succinctly, Skoda’s messaging could be described as: "A practical hybrid for larger families." The Kodiaq Select PHEV delivers a useful electric-only range that will cover many daily journeys, practical AC charging speeds for home replenishment, and a well-specified Select trim that balances comfort and technology. This makes the PHEV a sensible option for buyers not yet ready to transition to a full-electric vehicle but keen to lower running costs and environmental impact. Fleet managers and families alike may find the operating flexibility, standard safety tech and interior space compelling when compared to both conventional petrol crossovers and pricier luxury plug-in offerings.
In the context of Skoda’s broader electrification roadmap, the Kodiaq Select PHEV strengthens the brand’s market proposition by filling an important gap in the product ladder. Whether shoppers choose a conventional ICE Kodiaq, the plug-in hybrid Select PHEV, or a fully electric option elsewhere in Skoda’s line-up, the availability of multiple powertrains underlines the company’s commitment to providing tailored mobility solutions for a range of customer needs and local infrastructure conditions. By offering plug-in hybrid technology in a well-specified, family-friendly crossover, Skoda is positioning the Kodiaq PHEV to capture buyers focused on long-term running-cost reductions, lower urban emissions and everyday versatility.
For buyers and industry observers interested in vehicle comparisons and lifecycle cost, further evaluation should include projected fuel and electricity prices, average daily driving distances, availability of home or workplace charging, expected maintenance differentials between PHEV and ICE models, and potential resale values in the Australian market. These factors, combined with the Kodiaq Select PHEV’s equipment levels, WLTP-rated electric range and Skoda’s warranty and servicing terms, will shape its attractiveness to different buyer groups across metropolitan and regional Australia.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
citylane
I do school runs and short commutes, a 100km electric range would cover my week easily. If charging at home is easy, sign me up. But dealership delivery times tho
DaNix
Feels a bit pricey, but looots of kit and boot space. 63k for a mid PHEV though? If resale holds up maybe worth it, not sure.
mechbyte
Is 50 kW DC charging on a PHEV actually useful? Seems like marketing bling, how long to 80% in practice, anyone tested it in Aus winter?
v8rider
Wow, 112 km electric range? didn't see that coming. For family trips this looks ace, but wanna know real world range in winter... mpg numbers pls?
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