2026 Skoda Elroq Review

The 2026 Skoda Elroq, the Enyaq’s baby brother, has debuted in Australia as the Czech brand’s second electric vehicle offered locally. 

However, particularly due to its position as a smaller medium SUV, the Elroq has found itself among some steep competition from the likes of Kia, Volvo, BYD and Tesla. 

But can this quirky European SUV stand on its merits?  And can it establish itself as a competitive, viable alternative among existing players in the EV space? 

How Much Does the Skoda Elroq Cost?

Prices for the entry-level 2026 Skoda Elroq 85 Select start from $54,990 before on-road costs, with prices rising to $64,990 for the 130 Years Edition.

The Elroq finds itself in a middle-ground position as an SUV on the smaller side of the medium segment size-wise, but with a price tag that places it within range of larger offerings. 

The entry-level Elroq’s price before on-road costs is undercut by the Kia EV3 Air Long Range ($53,315), but sits just below the larger base-model Kia EV5 ($56,770). It matches the starting price tag of the BYD Sealion 7 ($54,990), and undercuts the Tesla Model Y ($58,990) and the Volvo EX30 ($47,600) by $3,910 and $5,000, respectively.

As a more premium, European-built electric SUV on the smaller side, it’s competitively placed. But its price range overlaps considerably with the China-sourced BYD Sealion 7 and rear-wheel drive Tesla Model Y, asking a lot of its other attributes. 

As an in-betweener on both size and price, the Elroq could be an interesting alternative - and possibly even a ‘sweet spot’ - in between its smaller rivals and the more familiar Tesla and BYD.

2026 Skoda Elroq Pricing Before On-Road Costs 

• Elroq 85 Select: $54,990
• 130 Years Edition: $64,990

Solidly Modern

The Elroq debuts Skoda’s Modern Solid design language in Australia, and certainly makes a statement, most notably through the front fascia design. 

A lot is happening here, between the p shape created by the headlights and the ducts hanging off them, the “four-eyed” signature of the daytime running lights on the 130 Years Edition, the large trapezoidal lower half of the front bumper and the Skoda-grille-shaped “Tec-Deck”, which houses various sensors. 

It’s a busy design, yet somehow it seems to work remarkably harmoniously and appears all the more natural the longer you look at it. 

Some may dislike the departure of the traditional Skoda badge, replaced on the bonnet with text, but personally, I think it fits better with the angular, modern look.

The sides and rear of the Elroq appear much more conventional. Sharp, defined lines run the length of the doors, a hallmark of many recent SUVs from both Skoda and the Volkswagen group up until recently. The taillight design is unquestionably modern Skoda as well. 

While the design beyond the fascia is aesthetically pleasing, part of me can’t help but wonder just how radical the rest of Elroq could’ve looked if the trend set by the front-end had continued. 

In any case, the Elroq marks a strong start for the Modern Solid design language, with its trendy and contemporary aesthetics a positive sign of things to come for future Skoda models.  

130 Years is the One to Have

If you’ve sat in the front seat of the Skoda Elroq’s larger Enyaq stablemate, the interior will feel fairly familiar, as the two layouts appear almost identical. 

Unsurprisingly for a Skoda product, there are plenty of storage options, including in the centre console armrest containing numerous smaller storage elements, cleared out spaces on top of and beneath the centre console, and while they initially appear small, the divider in between the cupholders can be moved to clear space for a larger drink.

However, the Elroq’s glovebox is quite small, a problem specific to right-hand drive examples because of the position of the fusebox.  

There’s a selection of physical buttons on the dashboard, and while they’re reasonably intuitive and one of them opens the air conditioning menu in the infotainment system, they feel slightly cheap to the touch, and I miss the smart dials featured on other Skoda products.

The material quality in the 85 Select isn’t bad, with fabric trim and largely acceptable plastic quality, save for a few scratchy surfaces, generally found in the lower portion of the cabin. The faux leather dashboard offered in the 130 Years Edition makes the front row feel a lot more premium.

The seats are comfortable and very supportive, and the manual adjustment of the 85 Select and the electrical adjustment of the 130 Years Edition are easy to use. The massaging front seats of the 130 Years Edition are also extremely welcome. 

The 13-inch infotainment system is crisp and easy to use, as is the case for most modern Skodas. The five-inch digital instrument cluster is noticeably small, although it displays everything you need it to, and its size is largely mitigated with the very useful heads-up display offered in the 130 Years Edition, displaying current speed, navigation instructions and safety information. 

Forward visibility is excellent in the Elroq, and your view is somehow never obstructed by the bonnet to the point that you’re rarely ever conscious that it’s actually there while driving. 

The front row of the Skoda Elroq 85 Select and the 130 Years Edition are both very pleasant places to spend time, although the experience of the 130 Years Edition is categorically the better of the two. 

So Much Room!

There is a baffling amount of knee room in the back of the Skoda Elroq, to the point where I initially felt sorry for the front seat passenger until I realised their seat was adjusted to a comfortable position as well. For a car of this size, having this much knee room is genuinely remarkable. The Elroq’s headroom and shoulder room are also very good. 

The usual amenities are present in the back seat, including two USB-C ports, a centre console armrest with cupholders, rear air vents, including an air conditioning control panel on the 130 Years Edition. 

The removable centre storage caddy attached to the floor is another “simply clever” Skoda touch. 

The rear seats present themselves as an absolute strength of the Skoda Elroq, and are a very easy place to spend time. 

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No Junk in the Frunk

The Skoda Elroq has 470 litres of boot space with the rear seats up in the 85 Select and 409 litres in the 130 Years Edition, expanding to 1,580 litres with the rear seats folded. 

While this is larger than the space on offer in the Kia EV3 and Volvo EX30, it falls short of the BYD Sealion 7, Tesla Model Y, and Kia EV5. It is also lacking a frunk (front boot), a hallmark of many electric vehicles and many of its key rivals. 

Realistically, the space behind the rear seats is usable for around three or four small bags or suitcases before the inevitable game of boot tetris begins.

There are some clever features here, including a movable parcel shelf that can be used essentially to create a double-decker boot, shopping hooks and under-floor storage. 

However, while there are some practical touches, the Elroq’s outright storage space leaves a little to be desired. 

Electric Immediacy

Both variants of the Skoda Elroq are powered by a rear electric motor, producing 210kW and 545Nm, with electricity coming from an 82kWh (gross) capacity battery. 

The performance is delivered with the typical immediacy of an electric car, and the throttle response is categorically instant, even in the Elroq’s Eco mode. However, the throttle still feels linear, controllable and quite conventional to interact with, making the Elroq easy going at slow speeds. 

The Elroq isn’t a performance car, but it’s still quick and certainly feels it, accelerating from 0-100km/h in a respectable 6.6 seconds. It’s not as quick as the Volvo EX30, for instance – achieving 5.3 seconds – but it outdoes the Tesla Model Y RWD’s 6.9-second run.

Puts Its Money Where Its Mouth Is

The Elroq claims a combined range of 529km on the WLTP cycle. It’s a competitive showing against many of its key rivals, besting the Tesla Model Y RWD, the Kia EV5 Air Standard Range and the Volvo EX30, although it doesn’t quite match the Kia EV3 or the BYD Sealion 7.  

The Elroq has a claimed energy consumption of 16.6kWh per 100km. My time with the Elroq revealed real-world consumption of between 15.2kWh and 20.1kWh per 100km, with the battery display reading 62 per cent with 332km of driving range remaining at the end of the day. Drive sensibly, and Skoda’s claimed figures are actually achievable. 

The Elroq can charge from 0 to 100 per cent on AC 11kW AC charging in eight hours, and will charge from 10 to 80 per cent on 175kW DC charging in 28 minutes. 

While not class-leading, the Elroq’s electric powertrain is certainly competitive compared to its rivals. 

Elroq Hard Ride

My drive time with the Skoda Elroq was spent behind the wheel of a 130 Years Edition with a mix of urban, motorway and backroad driving. 

In urban areas with smooth roads and on the motorway, the Elroq is fairly easy-going. While the steering has notable weight, it’s scaled marginally towards the lighter side, and tyre and wind noise are also acceptable, offering a relaxed experience in those situations. 

One quirk that becomes immediately apparent is the bizarrely spongy brake pedal feel, with a noticeable deadzone before the brakes apply an appropriate amount of pressure. 

When pulling up to a junction, for instance, you’ll find yourself applying what you think would be an appropriate level of brake pressure for most vehicles, before finally pulling the Elroq up with a more substantial application. I’d imagine you’d get used to it eventually, but it’s certainly disconcerting. 

The Elroq revealed some solid dynamic prowess on backroads. While not pinpoint accurate, the slightly heavier steering in sport mode was appropriately weighted for the occasion, and road texture feedback was also evident. Within reason, it’ll handle well, rarely showing any major signs of protest until really pushed, where you might get a touch of understeer. 

However, as soon as the surface quality worsens, the shortcomings of the ride become immediately apparent. While the Elroq is fine on perfectly smooth roads, it is simply too bumpy when handling any inconsistencies, and in Australia, particularly in Sydney, where I tested the Elroq, where the roads around town are far from brilliant, it can become quite unpleasant after a while. 

The Elroq lacks Skoda’s brilliant Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive suspension system, and the 19 and 21-inch wheels on the 85 Select and 130 Years Edition, respectively, certainly don’t help. 

Yes, the Elroq is dynamically capable, but I suspect most owners won’t be taking their Elroq for regular spirited drives. To me, it would’ve made much more sense to tune it for comfort, making it a more effective daily and family car. 

Gives the Odd Warning

The Elroq is yet to be tested by either ANCAP or Euro NCAP, but following the trend of recent Skoda offerings, including its Enyaq stablemate, a five-star rating is fairly likely. 

Occasionally, I found the ADAS suite a little reactive, feeling the presence of Lane Keep Assist and receiving the odd warning from Front Assist when neither were desperately needed, but I found the intervention acceptable for the most part. 

Safety features on the Skoda Elroq include: 

• Anti-lock Braking System
• Anti-Slip Regulation
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Electronic Differential Lock
• Electronic Stability Control
• Hydraulic Brake Assist
• Multi-Collision Brake
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Follow to Stop
• Travel Assist
• Lane Assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance
• Front Assist (City, Pedestrian, Cyclist detection)
• Side Assist
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Exit Warning System
• Turn Assist
• Advanced Driver Fatigue Detection
• Emergency Assist
• Proactive Occupant Protection
• Parking sensors – front and rear
• Rear view camera
• Speed limiter
• 7 airbags (Front driver, centre, passenger, front side, and curtain airbags)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring
• Alarm w/ interior monitoring
• Seat belt reminder – front and rear
• ISOFIX preparation for rear seats
• 3 top tether child restraint anchors

The 130 Years Edition adds:

• Intelligent Park Assist (automatic parking)
• Area View Camera (360° camera system)
• 2 additional rear side airbags (total of 9 airbags)

Flexible Options

The Skoda Elroq comes with a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, an eight-year high-voltage battery warranty and 12 months roadside assist. Its warranty period is very competitive compared to most of its rivals, although roadside assist could last a little longer. 

The Skoda Choice Guaranteed Future Value program offers a flexible deposit and payments from as little as $171 per week for the 85 Select and $198 for the 130 Years Edition on a 60-month term. Customers can choose between trading in, retaining their Elroq by purchasing it outright or returning it with no more to pay at the end of their term. 

Novated lease options are also available for the Elroq, with running costs bundled in for weekly payments of as little as $212 for the 85 Select or $237 for the 130 Years Edition. 

What do you get with the Skoda Elroq?

Standard equipment on the 2026 Skoda Elroq 85 Select includes: 

• 13-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless charging w/ active ventilation pad
• 5-inch digital 
• 4x USB-C ports (2 front, 2 rear)
• Digital radio (DAB+) & FM radio
• 8-speaker sound system
• Intelligent Voice Control
• LED headlights (low and high beam), daytime running lights, and side indicators integrated into mirrors
• Rear fog light (driver’s side only)
• Skoda logo projection from mirrors
• Light assist function (coming/leaving home, dusk)
• Interior ambient lighting – 30 colors
• Manually height-adjustable front seats w/ adjustable lumbar support
• Heated front seats
• Rear centre armrest w/ cupholders and load-through provision
• 2-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel
• Heated steering wheel
• Grey fabric upholstery w/ green-stitched faux leather accents
• Grey headlining and pillar trim
• Carpet floor mats – front and rear
• 2-Zone climate control
• Stationary climate control w/ timed departure settings
• Electrically adjustable, heated, folding mirrors w/ driver’s side auto-dimming and lowering when reversing
• Tailgate unlocking from outside
• Keyless Access w/ approach to unlock and walk-away locking
• Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror
• Electro-mechanical parking brake
• 12V socket in boot
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• High-gloss black Tech-Deck face
• Dark Chrome Skoda lettering, roof rails, window trim, and rear badging
• Side and rear privacy glass
• Heat-reflecting windshield
• Umbrella in driver’s door
• Shopping bag hooks in boot
• Mobile phone pockets on front seat backs
• Ticket holder on A-pillar
• Jumbo Box w/ sunglasses and tablet storage
• Storage compartments in centre console (upper & lower)
• Parcel shelf intermediate position
• B-pillar hooks
• Removable rear centre storage caddy w/ cupholders
• Cargo net restraint system
• Double-sided boot mat
• Variable boot floor w/ storage space underneath

The 130 Years Edition adds or replaces:

• Augmented Reality Heads-up Display
• CANTON premium sound system w/ 12 speakers
• Matrix LED headlights w/ Dynamic Cornering and Dynamic Light Assist
• Dynamic LED rear indicators
• Poor weather lighting function
• Rear fog lights on both sides
• Power-adjustable front seats w/ memory function
• Power-adjustable lumbar support w/ massage function (front seats)
• Heated front and rear outboard seats
• 2-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel w/ Tiptronic
• Faux leather upholstery
• Black headlining and pillar trim
• 3-Zone Climate control w/ controls for rear passengers
• Virtual Pedal (hands-free power tailgate)
• Electrically adjustable, heated, folding mirrors w/ memory function
• Heat-insulating windshield
• 21-inch alloy wheels
• High-gloss black Tech-Deck face
• Dark Chrome Skoda lettering, roof rails, window trim, and rear badging
• Charging cable tidy under parcel shelf
• Mechanical sunshades for rear side windows

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot to love with the 2026 Skoda Elroq between its trendy, modern styling, its enormous back seats, its pleasant front row, great powertrain, solid driving dynamics and competitive electric driving range. 

However, its ride quality, its strange brake pedal feel and its relative lack of boot space compared to its rivals – especially its lack of a frunk – hold it back from being an excellent daily driver. 

If you can live with its faults, however, the Elroq is an interesting alternative option in the electric SUV space and is priced competitively enough to serve that niche.