European plug-in hybrid arrives to take on Mitsubishi Outlander and BYD Sealion 6 PHEVs

---

Skoda’s first plug-in hybrid for Australia has arrived as the Czech brand aims to cash in on the growing popularity of PHEVs.

The Kodiaq PHEV promises significant fuel savings over the petrol-only version of Skoda’s family SUV, though commands a near-$10,000 premium with a $63,490 price before on-road costs.

The plug-in Kodiaq also loses two rear seats to accommodate the technology, making it the odd one out in what is otherwise a seven-seater line-up.

The Kodiaq Select PHEV sits above the $54,990 Select petrol and between the Kodiaq Sportline and Kodiaq RS, priced from $58,990 and $69,990 respectively.

Key rivals include the BYD Sealion 6, which starts from $44,400 drive-away, and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, priced from $57,990. Both models are also five-seaters only.

Forthcoming competitors include the related Volkswagen Tayron PHEV, as well as the next-generation Toyota RAV4 that will be offered as a PHEV here for the first time.

To further Skoda’s offense on a red-hot medium SUV segment, the Czech brand is set to release a mild-hybrid Kodiaq with a choice of five or seven seats in the second quarter of 2026. 

According to a graphic previously revealed by Skoda Australia, the Kodiaq MHEV has potential to outprice the current base $54,990 Kodiaq Select – and put it in the pricing vicinity of the new upcoming Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester Hybrid.

The new-release Skoda Kodiaq Select plug-in is limited to front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive reserved for other grades. Claimed EV driving range is 112km (WLTP), and peak combined output is 150kW/350Nm, good for a 0-100km/hr sprint time of 8.4 seconds. 

Output is split between a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and 85kW/330Nm three-phase electric motor. Electric motor position is yet to be confirmed, but is likely within the Kodiaq PHEV’s six-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

Electric power comes from a 25.7kWh battery, which can charge from empty in 2.5 hours on 11kW AC power, or from 10-80 percent in 25 minutes on a DC fast charger, peaking at 50kW.

Combined fuel consumption is a lab-derived 1.85L/100km – though PHEVs are typically much thirstier in real-world driving. The petrol-only Skoda Kodiaq Select has an equivalent official combined fuel consumption of 9.0L/100km.

Equipment for the Skoda Kodiaq Select PHEV will mirror its petrol-only Select counterpart (viewable here), excluding an upgraded nine-airbag system, new PHEV drive modes, which include ‘E-Mode’ (EV-only), and ‘Hybrid’, and adjustable regenerative braking.

Additional equipment for the Kodiaq Select PHEV includes an optional panoramic sunroof, or a $6500 ‘PHEV Signature Pack’ which adds:

• Massaging front seats
• Matrix LED headlights with automatic cornering lights
• Hands-free boot opening
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Upgraded Canton audio system
• Heads-up display
• Power adjustable front seats with memory

According to Skoda Australia, 51 percent of Kodiaq sales usually consist of the range-topping RS model. The Czech company hopes that in 2026, its new Kodiaq PHEV will account for 15 percent of Kodiaq sales, diversifying the range of buyership across several model grades. 

Skoda Kodiaq 2026: Prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Select $54,990
• Sportline $58,990
• Select PHEV $63,490
• RS $69,990