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Skoda's new Santa Fe and Camry-rivalling mild-hybrid model grades promise massive fuel efficiency savings compared to their predecessors, but they're not quite as electric-capable as their rivals.
Family Cars
Skoda will trim fuel consumption – and, in some variants, prices – with the introduction of mild-hybrid power in the Kodiaq family SUV and Octavia mid-size car early next year.
The new electrified Kodiaq and Octavia are not true competitors to the Toyota Kluger, RAV4 and Camry hybrids – as their electric motors can only assist the engine, not drive the wheels on battery power alone – but they claim to reduce fuel consumption in laboratory testing.
Prices are due to be confirmed by Skoda closer to launch in early 2026, but combined with equipment changes in each vehicle, the Kodiaq 'MHEV' is likely to be cheaper than today's base model, and the Octavia more expensive.
Both vehicles will offer the front-wheel-drive mild-hybrid drivetrain in entry-level Select trim, replacing the 140TSI Select all-wheel drive in the Kodiaq, and both the 110TSI Select and Sportline in the Octavia.
Powering the vehicles is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developing 110kW and 250Nm, aided by a small electric motor and a 48-volt battery recharged under braking, or by the engine.
It can provide a small power boost under acceleration, and switch the engine off to save fuel, either when cruising with the driver's foot off the throttle, when slowing to a stop, or when stationary.
The engine and electric motor are matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, replacing the conventional eight-speed torque-converter auto in the departing 1.4-litre Octavia 110TSI, which quoted the same power and torque figures.
Skoda claims fuel consumption of 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres for the Octavia liftback, or 5.2L/100km for the wagon – down 1.0L/100km on the 1.4-litre versions – with 'urban cycle' claimed consumption of 6.3L/100km, down 1.8L/100km.
Meanwhile, the Kodiaq mild-hybrid claims 6.0L/100km in mixed driving – down 3.0L/100km on the 140TSI Select, with a more powerful 2.0-litre engine – or 7.0L/100km in urban driving, down a not-insignificant 5.1L/100km.
As with all fuel consumption claims in new vehicles, the figures are derived from laboratory testing that is not always reflective of real-world conditions.
The mild-hybrid Kodiaq Select will be available in five- and seven-seat configurations, the former matching the incoming plug-in hybrid version – due to the positioning of the battery pack – and the latter mirroring Sportline and RS versions.
Compared to the outgoing 140TSI Select, the new entry-level model adds a unique 19-inch alloy wheel design, and deletes leather upholstery in favour of cloth.
Now optional is a Signature Package, adding leather trim in black or 'cognac' brown, automatic parking, a 360-degree camera, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, memory and massaging front seats, Canton premium audio, and a hands-free function for the power tailgate.
Meanwhile, the Octavia Select mild-hybrid steps down from 18-inch wheels to 17s, but gains "customer-favourite" features such as a power tailgate and proximity-key entry.
It will also be offered with a Signature Package, adding leather upholstery in black or cognac, 18-inch alloys, power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, memory and massaging, a head-up display, matrix LED headlights, and tinted windows.
Skoda pitches the option pack as an indirect replacement for the now-axed Octavia Sportline, though it does not add that variant's sports suspension, black styling highlights, and other features.
Still available in each model range are RS performance variants, as well as the Kodiaq 140TSI Sportline, which retains a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and all-wheel drive.
More details of the 2026 Skoda Kodiaq and Octavia mild-hybrids – including prices – are due closer to their launches, both set for early 2026.
Family Cars Guide
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
