2025 Skoda Elroq review – we test drive a new electric SUV with a range of 348 miles
The Skoda Elroq is the brand's smallest electric SUV and the first car to show Skoda's new styling direction. We test-drove a camouflage prototype – here's how it performed......
Release Date: Spring 2025 | Price From: £40,000 (estimated)
In the TV series Game of Thrones, the main storyline revolves around the aristocratic families fighting for the Iron Throne. While there has been little bloodshed in the battle for the crown in the electric SUV class, it's an ongoing battle between several powerful cars – and the Skoda Elroq is the latest contender.
The Elroq (a camouflaged prototype shown here) is the second and smallest electric car produced by the Czech company to date, the first being the larger Skoda Enyaq.
It is no coincidence that its name combines the first two letters of "electric" with the last three letters of the Karoq: it is an all-electric car that is similar in size to the Skoda Karoq (although the two do not have any common parts). Rival electric SUVs include the Smart #1和 Volvo EX30 – the former in What Car? Named the 2024 Small Electric SUV of the Year at the Awards.
The Elroq is based on the same custom EV base as the Enyaq as well as other Volkswagen Group models, including the Audi Q4 e-tron and Volkswagen ID 4.
Notably, the Elroq will be the first car to showcase Skoda's new design language, as foreshadowed by the 2022 Skoda Vision7S concept. It will also be the first car to use Skoda's new logo. Instead of a round badge, the Elroq will have Skoda lettering on the hood, steering wheel, and trunk lid.
We'll have to wait until October 2024 to see the styling without camouflage, but we've already driven a late-stage prototype. Here's what we found during the test drive of the Skoda Elroq......
How does the Skoda Elroq prototype feel to drive?
The Elroq is available in four versions, 50, 60, 85 and 85x. The first three models have a motor driving the rear wheels with 168bhp, 201bhp and 282bhp respectively, while the 85x has two motors for all-wheel drive with 295bhp.
50 models are powered by 52kWh (usable capacity) batteries, 60 models are powered by 59kWh batteries, and 85 models are powered by 77kWh batteries. So far, we know that the 85 model has an official range of 348 miles. That's a lot further than the Smart #1 Premium (273 miles) and the Volvo EX30 Extended Range (296 miles).
All Elroqs have a maximum charge rate of 175kW and can charge 10-80% in about 28 minutes (similar to the time of the #1 and EX30).
We test-drove the Elroq 85 version, which feels very agile for an electric SUV of this size, with smooth, progressive acceleration. Refinement is also its strong point: the Elroq is very quiet on the highway.
When driving in urban areas, the suspension is less stable and encounters various undulations and unevenness, resulting in considerable bumps for passengers. But when driving on the highway, the suspension is much smoother.
While the body incline is mostly controlled, the Elroq's light steering feels rather muzzled at most speeds, with little direct response, making it difficult to accurately position the car when cornering at high speeds. At the same time, the long-stroke brake pedal has an inconsistent response and strong grip, making it difficult to decelerate smoothly to a stop.
What does the interior of the Skoda Elroq prototype look like?
The interior of the production car has not yet been revealed, but we know that the Elroq will feature an upgraded version of Skoda's Enyaq interior technology. It will include a 5-inch digital driver display and a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, and menu setup is simpler than in the Enyaq.
Practicality is one of the great strengths of Skoda models, and the Elroq is expected to continue this trend. The trunk capacity is 470 liters, which is much larger than the #1 and EX30 suitcases. You also get a practical net, which hangs from the luggage rack for storing the charging cable, freeing up some space under the floor of the trunk.
Our evaluation of the Skoda Elroq prototype
If the final production version of the Elroq can offer similar comfort and practicality to the Enyaq, but in a smaller size and more affordable, then Skoda may well emerge as a winner. At the moment, it's clear that if it's going to beat our electric SUV title, it's going to need some tweaking, especially the feel of the steering and brake pedals.
Skoda Elroq prototype price and specs
Price: £40,000 (estimated)
Engine single motor
Power: 282 hp
Transmission: 1-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Battery capacity: 77 kWh (usable) and top speed: 112 mph
The cruising range is 348 miles
Main Competitors
Smart #1
Volvo EX30