Root NationCarsCar ReviewsŠkoda Enyaq 85 (2026) Review: A Family Electric Crossover Focused on Practicality

Škoda Enyaq 85 (2026) Review: A Family Electric Crossover Focused on Practicality

Vladyslav SurkovVladyslav Surkov

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Just a few years ago, electric vehicles were seen as a niche choice for enthusiasts. Buyers had to put up with limited range, modest trunk space, or quirky designs. Today, however, the situation has changed dramatically. A modern EV can easily replace a traditional family crossover with an internal combustion engine, without requiring the owner to make any serious compromises.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

The 2026 Skoda Enyaq 85 is a good example of everything mentioned above. Following its facelift, the model received an updated design in the brand’s Modern Solid styling, improved aerodynamics, more advanced technology, and an even wider range of driver-assistance systems. At the same time, the Enyaq has remained true to Skoda’s core values – practicality, spaciousness, and attention to detail.

Positioning

We tested the rear-wheel-drive Enyaq 85, equipped with an 82 kWh battery and a wide range of comfort and safety options. The Skoda Enyaq competes directly with models such as:

  • Tesla Model Y
  • Volkswagen ID.4
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5
  • Kia EV6
  • Renault Scenic E-Tech

That said, the Czech crossover is not focused on sportiness or futuristic design. Instead, it prioritizes family comfort and practicality.

Platform

The Enyaq is built on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform and is effectively a sibling of the Volkswagen ID.4. However, Skoda’s engineers have managed to give the car a character of its own. It looks more substantial, features a more conventional interior, and offers plenty of the brand’s signature Simply Clever solutions.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

Exterior

Following the update, the Enyaq looks significantly more modern than its predecessor. At the same time, the design remains distinctive and instantly recognizable, with Skoda’s signature styling cues clearly visible.

The car looks particularly good in the Olivo Green color of our test vehicle. The dark olive shade pairs well with the black decorative elements and contrasting silver trim around the body. The new Modern Solid design language is evident in virtually every line of the bodywork.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

The front end has become more solid and technology-focused. The traditional large grille is gone, replaced by a narrow glossy Tech-Deck Face panel, behind which the sensors and antennas are concealed.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

The car’s profile looks dynamic despite its substantial dimensions. The designers did an especially good job with the roofline and rear pillars. As a result, this large family crossover doesn’t feel bulky.

Headlights

The test vehicle is equipped with LED headlights.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

The slim daytime running lights create a modern lighting signature that is easily recognizable even from a distance. The headlights support automatic light activation, Coming Home and Leaving Home functions, as well as automatic beam leveling.

The light output is more than sufficient both in the city and on country roads. The automation works particularly well in combination with the ambient light sensors, camera, and radar. In practice, the lighting system switches on and off automatically, while the matrix headlights dynamically mask parts of the beam to avoid dazzling oncoming and preceding vehicles.

Side Mirrors

The exterior mirrors come with virtually the full range of modern features:

  • electric adjustment
  • power folding
  • heating
  • automatic dimming
  • Boarding Spots illumination

Visibility is good, while the size of the mirrors makes it easy to judge the car’s dimensions even in heavy urban traffic. A bright LED indicator is also integrated into the inner section of the mirror housing, warning the driver when a vehicle is present in the blind spot.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

Door Handles and Locks

The Enyaq has not fallen victim to the trend of flush, pop-out door handles. Instead, it uses conventional handles with a proper mechanical grip. In winter, this is considerably more practical than many of the experiments seen on competing models.

The car is equipped with the Keyless Advanced keyless entry system. Simply having the key in your pocket is enough to lock and unlock the doors without pressing any buttons.

Wheels

The test car is fitted with 19-inch Regulus alloy wheels. The tires are sized 235/55 R19. This combination can be considered optimal for Ukrainian roads, offering a good balance of comfort, handling, and energy efficiency.

Rear Lights

The rear of the car looks just as striking. The LED taillights feature the brand’s signature C-shaped design, which has long been one of the hallmarks of modern Skoda models. At night, the car is easy to recognize even from a considerable distance.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

Tailgate and Luggage Compartment

Practicality has always been one of the key strengths of Skoda vehicles. The Enyaq continues this tradition in full.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

The trunk has a practical rectangular shape, a low loading sill, and a flat floor. It comes equipped with:

  • bag hooks
  • storage compartments for small items
  • a 12V socket
  • luggage tie-down points

For family trips or carrying bulky loads, there is more than enough space and practicality on offer.

Powertrain

The Enyaq 85 is powered by an electric motor on the rear axle and an 82 kWh battery.

Key specifications:

  • rear-wheel drive
  • 82 kWh battery
  • single-speed transmission
  • AC charging up to 11 kW
  • DC fast charging

The front compartment houses service components and electronic systems. There is no additional luggage compartment (frunk).

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

Interior

The 2026 Enyaq’s interior makes a very positive impression. Unlike many Chinese EVs, Skoda has not tried to move absolutely every function onto the central touchscreen.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

The interior looks modern while remaining logical and easy to understand. The test car features the Loft trim, combining fabric, soft-touch materials, and decorative inserts.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

Door Panels and Handles

The door panels follow the same Loft design theme as the rest of the interior. It is good to see soft-touch inserts in the areas where the hands naturally rest, along with quality finishes even on the rear doors. The chrome handles and trim pieces add a more upscale feel. As usual, the driver’s door features a dedicated compartment for the brand’s signature umbrella.

Front Seats

The front seats are designed primarily with comfort in mind.

They feature:

  • heated seats
  • height adjustment
  • manual lumbar support adjustment

Even on long journeys, the back remains comfortable, while the seating position can be easily adjusted to suit drivers of different heights.

Rear Bench Seat

Thanks to the long wheelbase, there is plenty of space in the second row. Even tall passengers will have ample room both for their knees and above their heads.

The rear seats also feature:

  • heated rear seats
  • a separate climate-control zone
  • USB ports for charging devices

Dashboard, Center Console, and Storage Compartments

The dashboard follows the familiar design language of modern Skoda models. Its horizontal architecture visually makes the interior feel wider.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

The center console includes:

  • wireless smartphone charging
  • cupholders
  • large storage compartments for small items
  • several USB-C ports

There are also plenty of Skoda’s signature Simply Clever solutions, ranging from a holder for parking tickets and coins to a spacious central storage compartment with a lid that doubles as an armrest.

Steering Wheel and Steering Column

The multifunction steering wheel features heating and convenient physical buttons. Unlike many modern cars with touch-sensitive controls, these buttons are easy to use even while driving.

Instrument Cluster

A compact digital display is positioned directly in front of the driver.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

It displays:

  • speed
  • remaining range
  • navigation prompts
  • driver-assistance system information

The setup looks unusual at first, but it takes literally just a few minutes to get used to.

Multimedia Display and Infotainment System

The central touchscreen serves as the car’s main information hub.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

The system operates quickly and reliably. In addition to touchscreen controls, the volume can also be adjusted using the touch-sensitive control strip below the screen.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

Available features include:

  • navigation
  • online services
  • vehicle settings
  • energy consumption statistics
  • charging settings

The menu is well localized and easy to use in everyday driving.

Smartphone Connectivity and USB

The car supports:

  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Bluetooth
  • SmartLink

Two USB-C ports are provided at the front. Connecting a smartphone takes just a few seconds.

Audio System

The vehicle is equipped with an eight-speaker audio system.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

The sound system does not claim to be premium, but it is more than adequate for everyday use. There is plenty of volume on tap, along with clear reproduction of both voices and music.

Ambient Interior Lighting

The interior features decorative ambient lighting and footwell illumination. At night, this creates a pleasant atmosphere and visually highlights the interior architecture.

Driving and Ownership Impressions

The Enyaq is at its best as a family car. It does not try to be sporty or overly aggressive. Instead, it offers predictable handling, a comfortable ride, and a reassuring sense of confidence behind the wheel.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

Performance

The electric motor delivers an instant response to accelerator input. The 0–100 km/h sprint takes approximately 6–6.5 seconds. I’ve attached a video of the standing-start acceleration test:

Overtaking is effortless, with no noticeable delay in power delivery. The car feels particularly well suited to urban driving, where the instant electric torque allows it to pull away quickly from traffic lights.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

Handling and Stability

The low center of gravity, thanks to the battery mounted beneath the floor, has a positive effect on the car’s handling. The Enyaq holds its line confidently on the highway and remains stable even at high speeds.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

The adaptive suspension does a good job of absorbing road imperfections.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

Energy Consumption

This is where the Enyaq demonstrates one of its main strengths. With an 82 kWh battery, the car can deliver a very respectable range even in real-world driving conditions. In urban use, energy consumption figures can pleasantly surprise even experienced EV owners – around 20–26 kWh per 100 km in city driving, translating into a real-world range of approximately 300–400 km.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

Comfort and Safety

The standard equipment includes an extensive range of driver-assistance systems:

  • adaptive cruise control
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind-spot monitoring
  • Front Assist
  • traffic sign recognition
  • rear-view camera
  • front and rear parking sensors
  • driver fatigue monitoring

The winter package is also worth highlighting, as it includes a heated windshield, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. For Ukrainian driving conditions, this is one of the most useful options.

MyŠkoda Mobile App

The official mobile app allows the owner to monitor and control the vehicle remotely.

MyŠkoda
MyŠkoda
Developer: Škoda Auto a.s.
Price: To be announced

Users have access to:

  • battery charge level
  • remote climate control
  • charging status
  • trip planning
  • driving statistics

One particularly useful feature is the ability to remotely preheat or cool the cabin before setting off.

Conclusions

The 2026 Skoda Enyaq 85 demonstrates just how far modern electric vehicles have come. It is no longer experimental transport for enthusiasts, but a fully fledged family crossover capable of replacing a conventional internal-combustion vehicle in virtually any everyday scenario.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

Following the update, the model has become more attractive on the outside, gained more modern technology, and retained Skoda’s core strengths – practicality, comfort, and attention to detail. A spacious interior, large trunk, generous equipment, a high-capacity battery, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems make the Enyaq one of the most compelling electric crossovers in its class.

Skoda Enyaq 85 (2026)

If you are looking for an electric vehicle not to showcase technology, but for everyday life, family trips, and comfortable day-to-day use, the Skoda Enyaq 85 certainly deserves a place on your shortlist.

Approved

Review ratings
Design and exterior
10
Interior. materials. assembly
9
Headlight
10
Interior lighting
10
Steering wheel
10
Dashboard
8
Entertainment system
10
Audio system
8
Power unit
10
Chassis and handling
10
Safety and driver assistance systems
9
Mobile app
10
The 2026 Skoda Enyaq 85 is no longer an experimental vehicle for enthusiasts, but a fully fledged family crossover capable of replacing a conventional internal-combustion vehicle in virtually any everyday scenario. The model retains Skoda’s core strengths – practicality, comfort, and attention to detail. A spacious interior, large trunk, generous equipment, a high-capacity battery, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems make the Enyaq one of the most compelling electric crossovers in its class.
Vladyslav Surkov
Vladyslav Surkov
Co-founder of Root Nation. Editor, CEO. I don't care about nameplates and I don't worship brands. Only the quality and functionality of the gadget matters!
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The 2026 Skoda Enyaq 85 is no longer an experimental vehicle for enthusiasts, but a fully fledged family crossover capable of replacing a conventional internal-combustion vehicle in virtually any everyday scenario. The model retains Skoda’s core strengths – practicality, comfort, and attention to detail. A spacious interior, large trunk, generous equipment, a high-capacity battery, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems make the Enyaq one of the most compelling electric crossovers in its class. Škoda Enyaq 85 (2026) Review: A Family Electric Crossover Focused on Practicality