2021 Skoda Kodiaq RS Looks Oh-So-Familiar

A prototype for the facelifted 2021 Skoda Kodiaq RS has been spied testing for the very first time bathed in a bright shade of red and complete with camouflaged front and rear ends.

While this is the first time we’ve seen the updated Kodiaq RS being put through its paces, our spy photographers did spot a more basic model being tested 12 months ago. Much like that tester, styling modifications made to the facelifted RS are virtually impossible to spot.

For example, the split headlight design is still featured as is a familiar grille. Interestingly, this prototype has no visible intakes on the outer edges of the front bumper but when the production model does arrive, we expect it will feature small black intakes and intake surrounds. As for the rear, it is hard to spot any changes through the camouflage and the taillights appear unchanged from the current model even though the corners of them are covered in camouflage.

Spy photographers have yet to snap any decent interior photos of the facelifted Kodiaq RS but we are only expecting a few minor tweaks, perhaps including a new infotainment screen and some different buttons and switches.

Given the minimal styling changes that will be made, we don’t expect many significant alterations to be made under the skin. The 2021 Kodiaq RS can be expected to retain its 2.0-liter biturbo diesel engine that currently produces a respectable 237 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. However, there’s also a strong possibility for the updated Kodiaq RS to adopt the company’s latest plug-in hybrid powertrain, namely the electrified 215 HP 1.4TSI unit which is currently featured in the Superb iV PHEV.