2027 SUV Showdown: Skoda Kodiaq RS, VW Tiguan R, and 7-Seat Outlander PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is back in business in the UK from May 2027 with over 300 horsepower and 7 seats for £46,995, while Skoda is cooking up a high-octane Kodiaq RS and Volkswagen is putting the finishing touches on its Tiguan R to answer this power surge in the sporty family SUV segment.

"Over 300 horsepower for a 7-seat plug-in hybrid SUV is exactly what the market was asking for" — Mitsubishi Motors UK

Mitsubishi Makes a Comeback with the 7-Seat Outlander PHEV

Three years after pulling out of the British market, Mitsubishi is back with a brand-new version of the Outlander PHEV. For the first time, this plug-in hybrid SUV will be available in a 7-seat configuration, a recurring demand from larger families.

The hybrid system pairs a 2.4-litre engine with two electric motors for permanent all-wheel drive. Combined range exceeds 500 miles according to the manufacturer, while the US version shows 38 miles in pure electric mode. That's less than the 74 miles of the Volkswagen Tayron, but more than enough for daily commutes.

Two trims will be available: Nativa in 7-seat and the more equipped Diamond in 5-seat. The Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system offers 7 driving modes adapted to different terrains.

Skoda Bulks Up Its Kodiaq RS for 2027

Spy photos confirm it: Skoda is working on an even more powerful version of the Kodiaq RS. The clues are there: 20-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and especially that mysterious orange sticker on the rear window that gives away the presence of a hybrid system.

The current Kodiaq RS puts out 265 horsepower with its 2.0 TSI, but the competition is heating up. The upcoming Volkswagen Tiguan R also promises to exceed 300 horsepower, forcing Skoda to rethink its approach.

This power push is part of the Volkswagen group's strategy to electrify its sporty versions without sacrificing driving pleasure.

The Tiguan R Arrives Late This Year

Volkswagen isn't sitting idle in the face of this increased competition. The German manufacturer is actively preparing the R version of the new Tiguan, expected by the end of 2026.

While details remain confidential, the Volkswagen R recipe is well-established: high-powered engine, 4Motion all-wheel drive, stiffened chassis, and aggressive styling. The Tiguan R should logically borrow elements from the Golf R, adapted to the SUV's proportions.

What's the Price Tag for These Sporty Family SUVs?

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at £46,995 (about €55,000) for the 7-seat version, positioning it against the Kia Sorento but under the Hyundai Santa Fe.

For the high-octane Kodiaq RS and the Tiguan R, prices remain secret but should hover around €60,000 to €70,000 depending on equipment. These sporty family SUVs are targeting an affluent clientele that refuses to choose between performance and practicality.

Hybridization Takes Over the Segment

This horsepower race hasn't forgotten