Overview

SKODA’S second fully electric SUV, the mid-sized Elroq, has launched in Australia this month with two model grades available from $54,990 plus on-road costs.

The entry-level Elroq Select is in effect equipped to a mid-specification standard. At launch, all Australian-delivered Elroqs will feature the largest available battery, badged ‘85’, which is a nickel-manganese-cobalt unit offering 77.0kWh of usable capacity.

Skoda claims a WLTP combined-cycle range of 529km (representing efficiency of 14.5kWh/100km), or up to 661km in urban driving. DC charging peaks at 175kW (averaging 120kW from 10 to 80 per cent), while AC charging is rated at up to 11kW.

Positioned above the Select is the 130 Edition, a fully optioned flagship variant with dark chrome trim. It is not strictly limited in volume but will likely be replaced in 2026 by the Elroq RS sports SUV grade. While on sale, the Elroq 130 Edition is priced at $64,990 plus on-road costs.

With dimensions of 4488mm in length, 1884mm in width and 1625mm in height, the Elroq slots into the ‘right-sized’ end of the mid-sized SUV segment. It is similar in size to the outgoing second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan (4511mm) and the BMW iX1 (4500mm).

The Elroq shares its 2765mm wheelbase with the larger Skoda Enyaq, which began Australian deliveries in late 2024. Compared with the Enyaq, the Elroq’s shorter front and rear overhangs give it a more upright, monolithic stance that particularly suits large alloy wheels.

The Elroq also shares its MEB platform and torquey 210kW/545Nm rear motor with the Enyaq, as well as the Volkswagen ID.4, ID.5 and Cupra Born. All-wheel drive will not be offered at launch but is expected to follow in the form of the dual motor, 250kW Elroq RS.

Pricing for the Elroq slots neatly underneath that of the 165mm-longer Enyaq, which currently starts from $69,990 plus on-road costs in Sportline trim. The Enyaq is expected to become more affordable when a forthcoming facelift arrives soon.

Standard specification in the Elroq Select includes the 210kW/545Nm rear-drive motor, keyless entry and start, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 13.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled wireless phone charger, cloth upholstery, heated front seats and a heated leather steering wheel.

The $10,000 step into the Elroq 130 Edition brings 21-inch wheels, Matrix LED headlights, upgraded front seats with 12-way electric adjustment, memory and massage functions, a 12-speaker Canton sound system, power tailgate, rear sunshades, 360-degree camera, automated parking, and upgraded interior trim.

No options will be offered in Australia, aside from premium paint colours. A panoramic sunroof is unavailable globally, while Australian-delivered Skodas continue to lack online features and access to the Skoda Connect companion app due to ongoing technical delays.

Both variants include a Type 2 charging cable and the signature driver’s door umbrella, along with travel assist (semi-autonomous cruise control and lane keeping), autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and seven airbags.

Skoda claims a 0–100km/h acceleration time of 6.6 seconds for both variants. Despite its compact footprint, the standard-fit large battery contributes to a 2119kg unladen weight.

The Elroq debuts Skoda’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design language, which replaces traditional external badging with prominent S-K-O-D-A script. It also avoids current design trends such as full-width light bars, instead favouring a more restrained aesthetic.

The cabin mirrors the Enyaq, featuring a perforated leather steering wheel ahead of a 5.0-inch digital cluster. The cloth seats are comfortable and supportive, with generous rear legroom. Luggage capacity is rated at 470 litres, though no front storage compartment (frunk) is offered.

A seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty is standard, with a seven-year service plan available for purchase.

Driving Impressions

For a brand that is meant to be the ‘budget’ offering in the Volkswagen Group portfolio, Skoda certainly doesn’t look or feel like its missing out on much. The build and materials quality in the Elroq is exceptional throughout, the only blemish on its report card the (expected) use of harder plastics in the lower part of the cabin.

We were impressed by the lustre and finish of the paintwork, the tight and uniform panel gaps, and the attention to detail in areas many manufacturers often overlook. Lift the boot floor, look under the seats, and poke around beneath the dashboard – we did… and we couldn’t be more impressed.

Equally impressive – at least for those who value their rear seat comrades – is the balance between front and rear legroom. Skoda hasn’t scrimped on space in the backseat, gifting the Elroq with accommodation levels worthy of the next segment up.

Of course, that large back seat means cargo space is a little tight, but only a little. There’s plenty of space for school bags or a weekend’s luggage – and if you should need a little more there is always the next-size-large Enyaq to consider.

The Elroq’s tailgate is a manual offering – unless you stump up for the 130 Years Edition. So, keep that in mind if it’s a feature you appreciate.

Like any Skoda, the Elroq is simple to wrap your head around when viewed from the driver’s seat. The controls are pleasantly straightforward, and the touchscreen interface more user-friendly than most we’ve sampled in recent times.

The instrument panel might seem a little small at first glance but offers all the information you need – and nothing you don’t – which we feel is a step in the right direction so far as driver distraction in concerned.

Like most of Volkswagen Group’s MEB-based products, the Elroq offers crisp steering and a progressive throttle, but lacks a similar feel from the brakes. The vehicles sampled on launch had considerable pedal travel with a very late response, resulting in an all-or-nothing sensation when coming to rest.

The ride is unfortunately firm, a victim of keeping the Elroq’s considerable mass in check (and large diameter wheels, of course); and while the trade-off is nifty handling, we think most family EV buyers would be better served by a more compliant ride than one that favours scalpel-sharp cornering.

Still, there is something to be said for a car that can hold its own on a twisty stretch of country road while delivering effortless acceleration and a reasonably quiet ride.

We encountered little in the way of unnecessary intervention from the Elroq’s ADAS systems and found the outward view quite suitable – both for winding back roads and city car parks.

We also found the energy consumption exceptional, adhering close to the manufacture’s claim (at 14.8kWh/100km as tested).

The fuss-free nature of the Elroq experience is one we think EV buyers will be happy to pay a little more for. Sure, there are cheaper electric-powered mid-sized SUVs available for less money, but there are few that instil the same confidence as the Skoda Elroq.

Drive it back-to-back with any number of new arrivals and we’re certain you’ll see what we mean.