Introduction to the 2026 Skoda Epiq
Having achieved considerable success with the Elroq and Enyaq electric vehicles, Skoda is adding the Epiq as its third EV. Similar in size to the Skoda Kamiq, the Epiq adopts the brand's 'Modern Solid' design language and prioritises interior space while offering a more affordable price point for electric vehicle ownership than was previously available in the Skoda lineup.
The Epiq is built on the Volkswagen Group's 'MEB+' platform, which underpins a new range of smaller, more affordable electric vehicles. These include the Cupra Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo.
The Skoda Epiq will make its world premiere later this year, but ahead of that, we've gotten behind the wheel of a pre-production prototype clad in a light disguise to get a first impression of what to expect when it goes on sale in Ireland.
Pros & cons of the 2026 Skoda Epiq
Pros:
• Three versions to choose from
• Comfortable driving experience
• Functional and spacious interior
Cons:
• Limited appeal for entry-level model
• Power delivery needs improvement
• Best version might not be so affordable
Exterior & design of the 2026 Skoda Epiq
• Very similar to original concept
• All LED lighting
• Chunky SUV styling
The car you see in our pictures may be wearing an unusual wrap (it will make more sense when the advertising campaign kicks off) to disguise its appearance, but if you look closely, you can make out its true shape.
The production version will look almost identical to the design study presented in 2025. That's great news, as we think it's quite a looker, especially in comparison to the similarly sized, Skoda Kamiq, which looks a little ungainly.
The front end is similar to the larger Skoda Elroq's, complete with its 'Tech Deck' face, a black band spanning the nose which houses a front-facing camera and other driver assistance tech. Thinner T-shaped LED daytime running lights give it a distinctive appearance, while the main headlight units (all LED) are located beneath in a hockey-stick-shaped housing.
More distinctive still is the eight-slot lower bumper section, which is reminiscent of how Jeep's grille looks. This houses an active shutter system that opens and closes as cooling is required, while the front bumper features discreet diagonal air curtains that are said to enhance the car's aerodynamic profile.
Depending on the version, wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches in diameter, though Irish cars are likely to top out at 18 inches.
The Epiq is all about maximising interior space, and being fully electric with a battery housed within the floor means ground clearance isn't massive, but it doesn't need to be, as this is very much an 'SUV' aimed at purely on-road driving.
A large C-pillar adds to the Epiq's chunky proportions, and it features the Skoda wordmark along its base, something we've not seen before on previous models from the company.
The rear very much mimics the front with a T-shaped lighting setup and a repeat of the eight-slot vent design in the lower portion of the bumper.
Dimensions of the 2026 Skoda Epiq
Length: 4,171mm
Width: 1,798mm
Height: 1,620mm
Wheelbase: 2,601mm
Paint colours for the 2026 Skoda Epiq
We expect Skoda to roll out some new colour options for the Epiq beyond the typical white and silver. That offering could expand further when Skoda introduces other variants, such as the Epiq Sportline.
Interior, practicality, tech & comfort of the 2026 Skoda Epiq
• Plenty of clever features
• 13-inch touchscreen
• Large boot
Utilising the new electric architecture for the Skoda Epiq has enabled its designers to introduce useful features and designs. The Epiq's rear axle design, for instance, allows for a much deeper boot cavity, boosting carrying capacity. And it has a flat floor across the rear passenger compartment.
Getting comfortable in the driver's seat
Getting in and out of the driver's seat in the Skoda Epiq should be easy for most, though it has a slightly higher overall seating position than the Skoda Kamiq due to the raised floor on account of the battery. There is manual steering wheel adjustment for reach and rake.
Infotainment and technology
Despite being a compact car, the Skoda Epiq doesn't skimp on the onboard technology. Similar to the larger Enyaq and Elroq, the Epiq is equipped with a 5.3-inch digital instrument display in front of the driver, though a head-up display isn't available.
Mounted up high on the centre of the dashboard is a 13-inch touchscreen, which is standard across the range. This runs the latest Skoda infotainment system and will support wireless smartphone mirroring with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
A wireless charging pad is located in the centre console, and there are a couple of USB-C charging ports available in the front and rear.
The Epiq will be available with LED matrix headlights and 'Travel Assist 3.0', the most advanced set of driver assistance systems yet to be offered in a Skoda.
Practicality around the cabin
With the touchscreen and bank of physical controls positioned high up on the dashboard, there's plenty of space lower down and between the front seats for storing items. An open area on the base of the centre console is home to the optional wireless charging pad, for example, and also serves as a useful space for keeping oddments in.
Underneath this is a second open stowage area that's large enough to fit a small bag or similar-sized objects.
Two cupholders are located between the front seats, and there's a central armrest that lifts up to reveal a small storage cubby.
The door bins in the front are of a decent size, and they're shaped to make it quite easy to get drinks bottles in and out. You also still get an umbrella stowed in the front door - a signature Skoda feature.
Rear-seat passenger space
Being a compact crossover means there are not exactly acres of space in the rear of the Epiq, but two adults will be able to fit in there in relative comfort. The Epiq's roof doesn't slope down a great deal, so rear headroom remains good, at least for those of average height.
The outer seats have decent legroom, and the front seats are raised just enough to slide your feet under. For the passenger in the middle, there is less space, and the middle pew isn't as comfortable.
Fitting child seats to the 2026 Skoda Epiq
There are two ISOFIX points in the rear of the Skoda Epiq, and these also include top-tether anchors. We found that the rear doors opened to a reasonable angle but wouldn't be the most generous that we've experienced.
Boot space in the 2026 Skoda Epiq
The Skoda Epiq has 475 litres of boot space, which is 75 litres more than the similarly sized Skoda Kamiq offers. Furthermore, the rear seats have a 60:40 split and can fold down, boosting cargo capacity to 1,344 litres.
As standard, there is no 'frunk', but Skoda will offer an optional accessory that can be installed to provide 18 litres of additional storage under the bonnet.
Skoda has a decent reputation for coming up with practical solutions to things in its cars, and the Epiq certainly isn't short of useful features, but there are some aspects where it's clear that it has had to cut costs.
One such example is the Elroq's cargo net under the parcel shelf that can be used to hold the car's charging cables. The Epiq doesn't get this because of the cost of making the parcel shelf sturdier to support the cable weight.
There is a good underfloor storage area in the boot, lined with the same soft material as the boot, though we feel it's crying out for a rubberised liner to boost its usefulness.
Towing with the 2026 Skoda Epiq
Towing might not be high on many buyers' agendas in this class, but the Skoda Epiq can do it when required. Both the Epiq 35 and Epiq 40, which use the smaller capacity LFP batteries, have a 500kg towing limit. If you need to pull more weight, choose the Epiq 55, which is rated to tow 750kg unbraked and up to 1,200kg braked.
Safety in the 2026 Skoda Epiq
We'll have to wait a little longer before we can add how safe the Skoda Epiq is in the eyes of Euro NCAP, but we would predict, given the rest of the models Skoda produces, that it will score well. Expect the usual accompaniment of airbags and autonomous emergency safety systems, though it's likely that more advanced safety equipment will be available as optional extras.
Performance of the 2026 Skoda Epiq
• Ample performance
• Seems to be reasonably efficient
• More engaging to drive than some
Skoda is being its usual pragmatic self with the approach taken to powertrain options for the Epiq, and while some people may initially baulk at the low range figure for the LFP battery, it's worth remembering that this is very much pitched as an affordable EV for urban users where driving distances are typically much shorter.
Driving the 2026 Skoda Epiq pre-production prototype in Portugal - Dave Humphreys
We didn't get an especially long amount of time to drive the Epiq in Porto, but we did spend most of that time driving in urban settings, which is reflective of where this car is likely to spend much of its time being used.
The Epiq 55 is the most powerful version in the range, and in particularly wet conditions, we found that the power delivery could easily overwhelm the front tyres.
The electric motor's instantaneous torque means that, especially when pulling away from traffic lights, it's all too easy to break traction and have the stability control kick in. We suspect this will be less of an issue in the other, less powerful versions of the Epiq, but hopefully, with some minor software calibration, Skoda's engineers might solve this issue.
Our car was equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, which contributed to a quite comfortable driving experience overall. Even over cobblestone sections of road, the Skoda was able to absorb and smooth out any harsh surface imperfections without tossing its occupants around the cabin.
On more open sections of road the Epiq feels stable and surefooted at higher speeds, while the presence of a suite of driver assistance systems means longer distances can be made slightly easier.
How far you'll get over a long motorway journey remains to be seen, as we were limited to the confines of the city for this pre-production prototype drive, so we'll need to wait until we get a longer amount of time behind the wheel to see how it stacks up against the competition.
Incidentally, the cars we drove were very close to the finished article, so it's quite representative as to what buyers are likely to get.
What is obvious from even a short drive is that the Epiq feels natural to drive. Unlike many electric cars that can seem more like appliances than cars you'll want to drive, the Epiq has compliant suspension and steering that isn't completely devoid of feel. It's not an out-and-out driver's car by any stretch, but it does feel that bit more pleasant from behind the wheel than some of its rivals.
The driver can adjust the strength of energy recuperation on the move, though we were disappointed that Skoda didn't include steering wheel paddles for this function. We suspect that it will come with another Epiq model further down the line.
In its strongest setting, it's close to a true 'one-pedal' driving feel, but the way it feeds in means it doesn't feel as severe as some other systems on the market.
Battery, range and running costs of the 2026 Skoda Epiq
• LFP battery keeps price down
• Average DC charging speed
• Driving ranges suit urban living
Buyers will get a choice of three powertrain options with the Skoda Epiq, badged as 35, 40 and 55. Both the Epiq 35 and 40 use the same LFP battery with a 37kWh usable capacity that provides an official driving range of 315 kilometres for both. Where they differ is the performance of the electric motors.
The Epiq 35 gets a 115hp output with 267Nm of torque and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 11 seconds. Power increases in the Epiq 40 to 134hp (peak torque is unchanged), resulting in a faster 0-100km/h time of 9.8 seconds. The DC-charging speed on the Epiq 35 is capped at 50kW, partly to keep its price down, while the Epiq 45 can charge at up to 90kW.
The Epiq 55 uses a different battery with NMC chemistry, providing greater energy density and a usable capacity of 51.7kWh. That's enough for an official range of 430 kilometres, and it also gets the most powerful motor, with a 210hp output and 290Nm of torque.
That means it can reach 100km/h from rest in 7.4 seconds, and it also has the highest charging speed at 125kW on DC chargers. All models can manage 11kW on three-phase AC outlets.
According to Skoda's WLTP figures, both the Epiq 35 and Epiq 40 consume energy at 13kWh/100km. The Epiq 55 is only slightly less efficient at 13.1kWh/100km.
Real-world efficiency of the 2026 Skoda Epiq
As the cars we drove were pre-production prototypes, not all of the car's software was fully calibrated and functioning, so it's hard for us to gauge precisely how energy efficient they were. In one car, we estimated that in slow city driving, it was average around 14kWh/100km, which is quite close to the official figures.
Skoda Epiq warranty
Skoda Ireland provides all new cars with a three-year warranty that begins on first registration and lasts for a minimum of two years with unlimited mileage conditions. The warranty continues for a third year or up to 150,000km, whichever comes sooner.
Irish pricing & rivals to the 2026 Skoda Epiq
• Around €27,000 to start
• Three powertrain choices
• Sportline likely to follow
The official pricing for the Skoda Epiq has not yet been announced, but it is expected to start at around €27,000 in Ireland. That would be based on the Epiq 35, while the larger and more expensive battery in the Epiq 55 will likely push that beyond the mid-thirties.
Verdict - should you buy the 2026 Skoda Epiq?
The Skoda Epiq makes for an attractive package in terms of both design and how it drives. We expect Skoda to iron out some of the minor gripes we mentioned above before the car arrives in Ireland, and if it gets the pricing right, it could be quite an appealing choice for buyers. But it is worth noting that this segment is about to expand with some equally impressive models that also strike a good balance of affordability, practicality and tech.
FAQs about the 2026 Skoda Epiq
Will there be a combustion-engined version?
No, the Skoda Epiq is designed exclusively to be an electric vehicle. However, the company has no plans to go fully electric with all of its models any time soon, so that means a new generation Skoda Kamiq is likely to appear in the future.
Want to know more about the2026 Skoda Epiq?
If there's anything about the Skoda Epiq we've not covered, or you'd like help in choosing between it and other cars, you can avail of our expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.
