Automotive

2026 Skoda Enyaq Review: The Sensible Electric SUV Gets a Fresh Face and a Tough Sibling Rivalry

Skoda’s electric flagship gets a facelift, but internal competition and looming tech updates suggest patience might be a virtue.

Four years ago, Skoda introduced the Enyaq as its flagship foray into the electric era. Built on the ubiquitous VW Group MEB platform—the same modular architecture that serves as the backbone for the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Audi Q4 e-tron—the Enyaq has quietly carved out a significant niche for itself. While Volkswagen’s ID range often shouts its electric credentials with futuristic, sometimes polarizing aesthetics, the Enyaq has found success by looking and feeling like a “normal” premium SUV. That strategy is working; the Enyaq finished 2025 as Europe’s seventh best-selling EV, moving 79,600 units.

However, the electric landscape is moving at a breakneck pace. To stay relevant against a tide of new competition, Skoda recently treated the Enyaq to a mid-cycle facelift. But as we discovered during our time with the updated model, the Enyaq now faces its toughest competition from within its own showroom in the form of the smaller, cheaper Elroq.

Visually, the update introduces Skoda’s new Modern Solid design language. This includes a more sculpted front fascia with shapely split headlights, revised daytime running lights, and aggressive blacked-out grilles. The transformation is effective, though it creates a bit of an identity crisis. From the front and rear, the Enyaq is nearly indistinguishable from the Elroq. The primary differentiators are the Enyaq’s longer footprint and the increased volume in the rear doors and cargo area. It is a handsome, cohesive design, but one that struggles to assert its seniority over its smaller sibling.

In the Australian market, the lineup begins with the 60 Select trim we tested. This entry-level variant utilizes a 59 kWh battery and carries a price tag of AU$54,990 ($39,600), including on-road fees. For those needing more range or performance, Skoda offers two versions equipped with a larger 84 kWh pack: the 85 Sportline starting at AU$63,990 ($46,000) and the high-performance RS at AU$79,990 ($57,500).

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Step inside, and the Enyaq remains a masterclass in sensible ergonomics and spaciousness. The cabin architecture is largely carried over from the pre-facelift model, featuring a clean, horizontal dashboard layout that feels airy and premium. The most notable change is the new two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, replacing the old three-spoke design. Dominating the center stack is a 13-inch infotainment display. While the software isn’t as flashy or feature-dense as the systems found in some Chinese competitors, its user-friendly interface and shallow learning curve are welcome in a daily driver. During our week with the car, both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto performed without a hitch.

The 60 Select trim features dark grey fabric upholstery that, while durable and well-finished, is identical to what you find in the base Elroq. Given the Enyaq’s higher price point, a bit more material differentiation would have been appreciated. That said, the Enyaq’s packaging remains a strong suit. The longer roofline provides ample rear-seat headroom, and the flat floor—a benefit of the MEB platform—is utilized well with a removable plastic storage cubby for small devices.

 The 2026 Skoda Enyaq Is Good Now, But Better If You Wait | Review

On the road, the Enyaq 60 Select delivers a polished, if not electrifying, driving experience. Its rear-mounted motor produces 150 kW (201 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque. This is the “Goldilocks” of power outputs for a family SUV—enough for confident highway merging and overtakes without being so aggressive that it nukes your range. Speaking of range, the Enyaq 60 claims a WLTP driving range of 410 km (255 miles) based on a rated efficiency of 16.6 kWh/100 km. In a surprising twist, we actually beat the official figures, averaging 14.6 kWh/100 km over a week of mixed driving. Much of this efficiency can be attributed to driving in ‘B’ mode, which increases regenerative braking, though it stops short of being a true one-pedal driving system.

The rear-wheel-drive setup gives the Enyaq a dynamic edge over front-wheel-drive rivals like the Kia EV5. There is no unseemly wheelspin when pulling away from a stop, and the traction remains composed even when the road gets twisty. Interestingly, the Enyaq weighs only 14 kg (31 lbs) more than the Elroq and shares a nearly identical wheelbase (just 1 mm difference), which explains why the two feel so similar from the driver’s seat. It’s a comfortable ride, managing its 1,948 kg (4,294 lbs) curb weight with dignity, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of luxury-class plushness.

 The 2026 Skoda Enyaq Is Good Now, But Better If You Wait | Review

While the current Enyaq is a solid contender, there is a significant caveat for prospective buyers: a major tech overhaul is just around the corner. Skoda has confirmed that the 2027 model will transition to a new Android Automotive infotainment system and finally introduce a dedicated smartphone app. This update will bring highly requested features like a digital phone key and, crucially, a true one-pedal driving mode with steering-wheel paddle shifters to adjust recuperation levels. Furthermore, the 60-series models will adopt a new lithium-ion battery pack and finally gain a 21-liter frunk for cable storage—a feature that has been missing since the car’s inception.

The current Skoda Enyaq remains a deeply rational, well-engineered choice for those transitioning to electric power. It offers a premium feel and real-world efficiency that often exceeds its official ratings. However, with the Elroq offering a nearly identical experience for less money, and a significantly improved tech suite arriving for the 2027 model year, the smartest move for many buyers might be to wait just a little longer.

 The 2026 Skoda Enyaq Is Good Now, But Better If You Wait | Review

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