The electric small‑SUV segment is expanding fast! Carmakers keep releasing new models, but few truly manage to offer the ideal balance. With its new Epiq, Škoda seems to have understood the expectations of its urban customers and aims to establish itself as the new benchmark.
More compact than its big brother, the Elroq, yet just as spacious, and equipped with the latest innovations from the Volkswagen Group, the Epiq arrives with strong arguments to take on the Renault 4 E‑Tech, Peugeot e‑2008, and Citroën e‑C3 Aircross. This new Czech SUV could quickly become one of the most promising new models of the year 2026.
A modern design for Škoda’s electric SUV
The Epiq introduces Škoda’s new “Modern Solid” design language. The goal is clear: to offer a robust SUV despite a length of only 4.17 meters.
The front end adopts a new T‑shaped lighting signature, paired with a closed black grille that reinforces the model’s identity. The massive bumpers, pronounced protective elements, and sharp lines give the Epiq a more assertive presence than some of its direct competitors.
Škoda is also betting on customization, offering several new colors, wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, and refined visual details. Despite its accessible positioning, the Epiq clearly gives the impression of being a more upmarket model.
A spacious cabin but with a classic design
As is often the case with Škoda, one of the biggest strengths is found inside. Despite its compact size, the Epiq offers impressive interior space and, above all, a very generous trunk for its category. With up to 475 liters of capacity, the Czech SUV even outperforms some larger models, such as the Peugeot e‑2008. In the rear, there are two real seats, allowing adults to travel comfortably without compromise. A true advantage for a car with such a small footprint!
The interior stays true to Škoda’s philosophy, simple, modern, and functional. It features a large 13‑inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and most importantly the return of several physical controls. A choice appreciated by many drivers who have grown tired of fully touch‑based interfaces, often criticized for their lack of ergonomics.
The brand is also keeping its famous “Simply Clever” features. These include an umbrella integrated into the driver’s door, an ice scraper hidden in the trunk, clever storage solutions, and accessories dedicated to the charging cable. These are elements already seen on the larger Enyaq Coupé, which we tested a few months ago.
Another notable change is that the Epiq becomes the first Škoda model to completely abandon animal‑derived materials in its cabin. The brand now prefers to use recycled materials, which are far more environmentally friendly.
Up to 440 km of range and a complete lineup from launch
Under the hood, the Škoda Epiq will offer three electric powertrains to meet the needs of future customers. The entry‑level Epiq 35 delivers 116 hp. And uses a 37 kWh LFP battery providing up to 310 km of range. Just above it, the Epiq 40 keeps the same battery but increases output to 135 hp.
However, the most interesting version remains the Epiq 55. It delivers 211 hp, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, and features a 52 kWh battery, allowing up to 440 km of WLTP range. A very solid performance for an urban electric SUV.
In terms of charging, Škoda offers up to 105 kW of fast‑charging capability on this top‑end version. This allows the battery to go from 10 to 80% in around 23 minutes under optimal conditions. A real advantage for highway trips !
The Czech SUV also comes with numerous latest‑generation driver‑assistance systems. Including Travel Assist 3.0 for semi‑autonomous driving in traffic jams, 360° cameras, and depending on the version bidirectional charging functions such as V2L, V2G, and V2H.
Pricing designed to shake up the market
This is probably where the Škoda Epiq is likely to hurt the competition the most. The brand announces a starting price set at €26,470 a particularly attractive position for such a spacious and well‑equipped electric SUV. The most powerful version, the Epiq 55, starts at around €32,070.
Compared with a Renault 4 E‑Tech, which is more expensive, yet offers similar range or other electric SUVs that easily exceed €35,000, the Epiq seems to have everything it needs to quickly win over buyers!
With this new SUV, the Czech brand may well be holding its next best‑seller, potentially stealing the title from its little sister, the Fabia. A story to follow over the coming months once sales begin!
