2026 Skoda Elroq review

Those wanting a sneak peak at the future of Skoda needn’t look further than the new Elroq SUV.

That’s because it debuts the Czech manufacturer’s new ‘modern solid’ design language, an aesthetic style that will also be worn by future models including a flagship electric SUV due in 2027.

The Elroq also represents a statement of intent from Skoda Australia to electrify its local lineup.

While it took four years for the related Enyaq to reach our shores, the smaller Elroq arrives just months after its global launch, and there’s no secret as to why. The Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is now in force, and that means it’s time to clean up or pack up.

So, it’s safe to assume that boxy, battery-powered Skoda’s are set to become the norm.

Whether that lands with customers is yet to be seen, although the Elroq certainly has a challenge on its hands, as the mid-size SUV segment is among the most hotly contested in Australia. Even when you narrow the field down to EVs, alternatives to the Elroq are plentiful.

From within the Volkswagen Group stable, the VW ID.4 and Cupra Tavascan come to mind. Then there’s the Kia EV3/EV5, Toyota bZ4X, and Subaru Solterra. Cheaper but no less worthy alternatives include the BYD Atto 3, MG S5 EV, and Smart #3.

And of course, you can’t discuss electric SUVs without mentioning the Tesla Model Y, despite its larger dimensions.

So where does the Elroq rank amongst its rivals? And is it a step in the right direction for Skoda? We attended the local launch in Sydney to answer both those questions.

How much does the Skoda Elroq cost?

Nationwide drive-away pricing currently sees the Elroq offered for between $59,990 and $69,990, with no more to pay.

That pits Skoda’s new EV up against a vast array of mid-sized electric SUVs including the Tesla Model Y, BYD Atto 3 Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV3, and Smart #3. You could also consider cheaper, more mainstream options such as the MG S5 EV, Geely EX5, and Deepal S07.

To see how the Skoda Elroq lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the Skoda Elroq like on the inside?

Practical, functional and designed with modern minimalism front of mind.

Above: Elroq 85 Select

EVs have a tendency to feel bit space-age from the driver’s seat, but the Elroq is different. Here, the cabin is presented in a way that’s refreshingly familiar, and that’s in keeping with Skoda’s description of the Elroq as ‘surprisingly electric’.

For instance, there’s a traditional gear selector by the driver’s left thigh, as well as physical shortcut buttons and proper mirror controls.

The cabin is properly spacious, and in true Skoda fashion there are plenty of storage solutions dotted around the place. In this case, that means dual phone trays below the infotainment system, a cavernous centre console, roomy door bins, and an additional storage tray under the central ‘bridge’.

However, the glovebox will almost certainly disappoint. That’s because it’s about half the size you’d expect, a product of the fuse box taking up valuable space. There’s no cubby for sunglasses, either.

While we’re on the subject of practicality, connectivity options are also plentiful. Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard across the range, as are a pair of USB-C outlets that live at the base of the centre stack. Stepping up from the base 85 Select to the 130 Years Edition brings a wireless charging tray.

The two variants also differ on interior materials. Most of the images in this review depict the 85 Select, which is trimmed in grey recycled cloth that’s soft to the touch and pleasant enough on the eye. However, the lighter grey leatherette in the 130 Years Edition is definitely an upgrade.

Soft, textured plastics also feature prominently, wrapping around the upper sections of the door cards and dash. The whole design is very cohesive, giving the cabin a premium feel.

It’s a comfortable space, too. The centre armrest is soft and welcoming, while there’s padding in between your left knee and the central tunnel.

Regardless of specification, the seats are exceptionally adjustable and kind to your bum over long distances. Both the front seats and steering wheel are heated, although the worst of winter is now behind us.

As with the rest of the interior, the technology suite strikes a nice balance between newness and familiarity. The 13-inch infotainment system will be familiar to those who have experienced the updated Kodiaq or Octavia, which means a clean app grid design with crystal clear graphics and impressive processing power.

Skoda has placed significant emphasis on configurability, and as such the home screen layout and shortcut icons can be chopped and changed to suit user preferences. By default, shortcuts for audio output, phone functionality, smartphone mirroring, navigation, and climate controls are pinned to the base of the screen.

You can also swipe down on the screen for quick access to A/C and audio controls, as well as a brightness slider – just like an iPhone.

So, while physical buttons and switches are few, their absence isn’t felt as strongly in the Elroq as it is in competitor products. And the Elroq mostly does without the problematic controls that have featured on some VW Group models, bar a touch-sensitive volume slider under the infotainment screen.

In addition to a user-friendly interface, Skoda’s latest system offers notable mod-cons including upgraded voice control, driver profiles, and the ability to preset the cabin temperature for each drive.

While the infotainment screen is a carryover part from other Skoda models, the driver’s display has a more bespoke look and feel to it.

Measuring in at just five inches, the instrument area is small but neatly presented and cleanly integrated into the dash. Three different display layouts are available, each of which prioritises different readouts.

This setup is merely adequate for the base 85 Select. However, it makes much more sense when paired with the high-tech head-up display found in the 130 Years Edition.

This trick new toy utilises augmented reality to project navigation cues, lane markings, and distance warnings onto the road ahead, although the former is only compatible with Apple Maps (iPhone) and Google Maps (Android devices). It’s a useful upgrade over standard HUDs, and one that goes some way to justifying the gap between the two Elroq variants.

I can’t say that same about the sound systems, as I was left disappointed by the dull sound quality from the ‘premium’ 12-speaker setup.

Moving back behind the front seats, the second row is surprisingly spacious for an SUV of this size – largely down to the fact that the Elroq boasts an identical wheelbase to the longer Enyaq.

The rear doors open wide aiding ingress and egress, and once you’re inside there’s plenty of leg- and headroom for taller adults.

The space feels light and airy regardless of specification and, being an EV, the Elroq has a flat floor that encourages use of the middle seat. However, there isn’t a heap of room for feet under the outboard seats. On the flip side, the 130 Years Edition brings seat heating for outboard passengers.

Top-spec versions of the Elroq also get a third zone of climate control, although USB-C outlets, clever split map pockets, and window blinds aren’t limited to the 130 Years Edition.

Other useful amenities include a removable storage box that fits perfectly into the centre section of floor, as well an armrest with retractable cupholders and practical door bins.

All rear seats are equipped with the requisite ISOFIX and top tether child seats anchors for safe transportation of little ones.

Alternatively, the rear bench folds in 60/40 fashion to maximise cargo room, albeit with a steep step between the boot and bench storage.

That’s well worth knowing, as the Elroq is lacking for boot space compared to rivals. Skoda claims 409 litres of capacity – less than you get in a Mini Countryman or Kia EV3.

With that said, a few ‘simply clever’ extras help to offset the lack of real estate. For example, the movable load cover doubles as a storage shelf, and there’s an additional net attached to its underside. Further, the wall houses several cubbies and bag hooks to keep bags and items items from sliding around.

And while there’s no under-bonnet storage area, charging cables fit nicely under the boot floor. A power tailgate is among the upgrades for the 130 Years Edition, and it’s worth having as the manual version is surprisingly heavy.

To see how the Skoda Elroq lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Both variants are powered by a rear-mounted 210kW electric motor fed by an 82kWh (net) battery, good for a 0-100km/h sprint in a near hot hatch-like 6.6 seconds and a combined WLTP driving range of 529km. 

To see how the Skoda Elroq lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Skoda Elroq drive?

The Elroq is a right-sized electric SUV that’s well-suited to both city and highway driving.

By taking the Enyaq and shaving off some length at either end, Skoda has created a compelling alternative model that’s easier to drive and no less spacious inside, boot space aside.

Quite simply, the Elroq feels less cumbersome than an Enyaq or Model Y. It benefits from manageable front and rear overhangs when driven in tight spaces, and that sense of manoeuvrability is evidenced by a class-leading turning circle of just 9.3 metres.

The single-motor electric powertrain is whisper quiet and suitably punchy around town, delivering ample torque in a smooth manner. I’d argue that the Elroq’s outputs represent a sweet spot for EVs, as there’s enough shove to induce some excitement but not too much that the car is intimidating for those coming from less responsive ICE SUVs.

As such, it’s easy to get comfortable with the right pedal, and that’s also true of the other driving inputs – the brake pedal feels progressive and natural, while the steering is direct with just enough weight to remind you that you’re driving a car, not playing a video game.

The inclusion of a traditional start/stop button and central shifter contribute to a sense of familiarity that many rivals lack. And to a degree, the absence of single-pedal driving from the Elroq also makes it feel more like an old-school SUV on the road.

The regenerative braking system is adjustable, but only to a limited extent. Switching between ‘D’ and ‘B’ using the gear selector alters regen, but there’s no way to properly customise the experience.

Energy recuperation needn’t be a major concern though, as the Elroq is the one of the most efficient EVs going around. We saw average energy consumption figures in the 12-14kWh/100km range over several hours of mixed driving, which suggests you’ll get upwards of 600km from a single charge. Few rivals can match that.

So far, so good then.

That’s until you hit a bump in the road, as the Elroq proves to be too firm for Australia’s patchy tarmac. It thumps over road joins and imperfections all too regularly, which sends shudders reverberating up through the chassis and driver’s seat.

On smooth surfaces that firmness makes the Elroq feel sporty, but it can quickly become tiresome. I wouldn’t go as far as to call the suspension setup a dealbreaker, but it definitely leaves room for improvement.

That improvement could come in the form of adaptive suspension, more specifically Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system. The Czech automaker offers DCC as an option for the Elroq in other markets, and we’d love to see that here.

Smaller wheels could also help to remedy the ride. The standard 19-inch alloys are large enough and plenty stylish, but the 130 Years Edition suffers from the fitment of unnecessarily huge 21s.

Thankfully, the wheel and tyre package doesn’t translate to excessive road noise on the highway, and the Elroq remains mostly impressive at higher speeds.

With 210kW and 545Nm at your disposal, the Elroq can cruise at the national speed limit without breaking a sweat, and the cabin remains a quiet place in which to spend your time.

Don’t expect the serenity to be broken by hyperactive safety systems either, as Skoda has calibrated its ADAS to be intuitive and non-intrusive.

Better yet, the adaptive cruise control and lane assist systems are easy to operate using buttons on the steering wheel, which takes the stress out of long road trips.

It’s a straightforward car to steer, the Elroq… just don’t expect it to ever set your hair on fire.

Considering the Elroq packs plenty of punch and sends it all to the rear wheels, I was half expecting to have some fun when we reached a twisty section of country road. That never came to pass, as the Elroq is capable but never thrilling.

It handles especially well for 2.2-tonne SUV, demonstrating excellent grip and body control when driven enthusiastically through tighter corners. However, that doesn’t necessarily make it exciting. Nevertheless, driving engagement is unlikely to figure in the decision making of potential buyers.

To see how the Skoda Elroq lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

Two grades of Elroq will be offered from launch in Australia. 

2025 Skoda Elroq 85 Select equipment highlights:

• 19-inch Regulus alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Roof rails
• Keyless entry, start
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless App-Connect
  • Apple CarPlay – wireless
  • Android Auto – wireless
• 5-inch digital driver’s display
• Wireless smartphone charger incl. ventilation
• 4 x USB-C outlets
• 8-speaker sound system
• Dual-zone climate control
• LED ambient lighting
• Grey RecyTitan with green-stitched faux leather appointed seat upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel – heated
• Heated, folding, auto-dimming side mirrors
• Mode 3 (Type 2) charging cable
• Side and rear privacy glass
• 1 x door-mounted umbrella

Elroq 130 Edition adds:

• 21-inch Supernova alloy wheels
• Matrix LED headlights
  • Dynamic headlight range control
  • Dynamic cornering lights
• Premium LED tail lights
• Head-up display incl. augmented reality function
• Intelligent Park Assist
• Power-adjustable front seats
  • Electric lumbar
  • Massage function
  • Memory
• 360-degree parking cameras
• Canton 12-speaker sound system
• Power tailgate with hands-free opening
• Anthracite TechnoFil /orange-stitched grey faux leather seat trim
• ‘Premium’ interior finishes
• Rear sunshades
• Heated rear seats (outboard)
• Three-zone climate control

To see how the Skoda Elroq lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Skoda Elroq safe?

The Skoda Elroq is yet to receive an ANCAP or Euro NCAP safety rating.

Standard safety features include:

• 7 airbags
• Travel Assist
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Traffic Jam Assist
  • Adaptive Lane Assist
  • Emergency Assist
• Front Assist – AEB
  • incl. Turn Assist
• Side Assist
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Exit warning
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver fatigue detection
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rear-view camera

The 130 Years Edition adds:

• Park assist
• Surround-view camera

To see how the Skoda Elroq lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Skoda Elroq cost to run?

The Elroq is covered by Skoda’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty in Australia.

Servicing is relatively inexpensive if you opt for one of Skoda’s prepaid service packages which cover maintenance costs for up to 10 years. Pay-as-you-go servicing is also available, with Skoda quoting $502 per visit.

Skoda Australia will also be launching the Elroq with its Skoda Choice guaranteed value and finance program.

To see how the Skoda Elroq lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Skoda Elroq

Electric SUV buyers take note, the Elroq should be right at the top of your shortlist.

While it’s no object of burning lust, the Elroq is an immensely liveable family runaround that offers practicality, technology, efficiency, and ample performance in a right-sized package.

And for a vehicle that’s been developed, designed and built in Europe, it’s relatively affordable to both buy and own too.

Of course, the perfect car scarcely exists. In this case, I found the Elroq to be too firm for Sydney’s patchy roads, and the boot is on the smaller side. But on balance, the pros well and truly outweigh the cons.

That leaves the question of which variant represents the best value. To be honest, you can’t go wrong with either.

The base 85 Select embodies the main strengths of the model at an attractive asking price, while the 130 Years gains just enough gear to be worth the upgrade.

Regardless, the Elroq points to a bright electrified future for Skoda, and that can only be a good thing for new car buyers.

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MORE: Explore the Skoda Elroq showroom