Skoda Enyaq Review 2024

Skoda Enyaq At A Glance

5/5
Honest John Overall Rating
Skoda's practical family car ticks all the boxes. It's affordable, cheap to run and doesn't feel like a budget option. Does it have to look so bland, though?

+Affordable electric SUV with a range of up to 333 miles. Extremely practical with more boot space than other EVs. Easy to drive. Well-equipped.

-Not going to impress your neighbours as much as a Polestar 2 or Audi Q4 e-tron.

New prices start from £34,860

If you've been waiting for an electric car that'll fit in neatly with family life but also won't cost a fortune to buy, the Skoda Enyaq iV could convince you to make the switch. It's the latest model on Volkswagen Group's new electric platform (alongside cars like the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4, Cupra Born and Audi Q4 e-tron) – but, despite being one of the cheapest, it's also one of the most convincing. We'll explain why in our Skoda Enyaq review. 

You can buy the Enyaq iV with two different battery sizes: 62kWh (badged the iV 60) or 82kWh (badged the iV 80). While the latter is tempting for its impressive 333-mile electric range, the former can still cover 256 miles. That'll be adequate for a lot of buyers, while the smaller-battery model also qualifies for the government's plug-in car grant. That means prices start from around £32,000 – quite a palatable sum of money for such a usable electric SUV.

All Enyaq iV models are very well equipped, with features including a 13-inch navigation system, 19-inch alloy wheels and rear parking sensors as standard across the range. Buyers can choose from a variety of different interior trims which means you can have fun designing an Enyaq that's quite personal to you.

All Enyaq iV models have just one electric motor powering the rear wheels. More powerful twin-motor versions are on their way, but for now you'll have to make do with brisk rather than breathtaking performance.

It's not as exciting to drive in the same way as a Tesla Model 3 or Ford Mustang Mach-E is, but it's a comfortable choice. Sure, you'll notice the Enyaq's heavy weight on uneven road surfaces (particularly if you opt for bigger alloy wheels), but it's compliant enough that the kids won't be moaning every time you hit a pothole.

It's also pleasingly unintimidating to drive, even if you're a reluctant electric car convert. The only thing that'll take a bit of getting used to is the regenerative braking – but with a bit of practice, this'll actually make your life easier. As soon as you lift off the accelerator, it'll slow down, much like engine-braking in a petrol or diesel car. It's not as severe as in many EVs, though.

All in all, the Skoda Enyaq iV is very competent electric car that could make you think twice about spending a considerable amount more on premium alternatives like the Polestar 2. It's extremely practical, easy to drive and comes with a generous amount of standard equipment. Hang on if you want something a bit more exciting, though, there's a vRS model on its way...

Looking for a second opinion? Why not read heycar's Skoda Enyaq review. If you're looking for something a little more stylish, then take a look at our Skoda Enyaq Coupe review.  

Ask Honest John

What used electric car should we replace our Honda CR-V with?

"We are looking to replace a petrol Honda CR-V automatic with an electric SUV and exploring what's best? Our Honda CR-V has been super reliable and we value that. The Jaguar I-Pace has superb reviews as a car and cost is good value used but lots of reports suggesting scary unreliability, build quality issues and problematic breakdown/repair support. How scared should we be of that? And should we get an alternative electric SUV instead?"
Jaguar actually performed very well in our Satisfaction Index last year: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2022-results/ We've had very few reports of issues with the Jaguar I-Pace, too. Early models suffered from electrical gremlins and a few battery issues, but these should have been ironed out by now: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/jaguar/i-pace/good If you're considering a used Jaguar I-Pace, it might be worth investing in an aftermarket warranty to put your mind at rest: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/cheap-car-warranties/ As an alternative, it might be worth looking at more mainstream electric cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Skoda Enyaq iV.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Why does the Skoda Enyaq have drum brakes on the rear?

"The spec for the Skoda Enyaq says that it only has disc brakes at the front and that the rear are drums. That seems like a throwback to the 1970s. Is it safe for such a large, heavy car? Also do electric cars like these always have 19-inch wheels and no alternative? Where I live even 17-inch wheels struggle with the endless potholes."
While it might seem like a throwback that the Skoda Enyaq only has drum brakes at the rear, the reality is that the majority of modern cars still only have discs on the front, bar a few exceptions like performance cars. Braking technology has improved hugely over the last 50 years, and unless it is necessary to achieve the required braking performance manufacturers will always choose to fit discs and drums as it keeps the cost down. In addition, as the Enyaq is an electric car it uses regenerative braking to charge the battery, so the conventional brakes have less work to do in the first place. Large diameter alloy wheels are another element of modern cars that have become commonplace, chiefly because most cars tend to look better on bigger wheels, even if this has its downsides. The Enyaq shares its platform and underpinnings with the Volkswagen ID4, which is available with 18-inch wheels, so there is the possibility of fitting different wheels that are at least one inch smaller, although this is likely to be an expensive option. Alternatively you could consider switching to a higher-profile tyre - as standard the base Enyaq comes with 235/55 R19 tyres, which you could switch for something with a 60 or 65 profile to give you more sidewall and better bump absorption.
Answered by David Ross

Should I replace my diesel SUV with a petrol hybrid?

"I need to replace my diesel Ford Kuga with something newer and cheaper to run. I commute 23 miles each day and I can fit an EV wall box at home if required. I presume a new petrol hybrid SUV is the answer but I am confused about plug-in and self-charging models. Do plug-in hybrids 'seld-charge'? Which model would you suggest I buy?"
It sounds like a plug-in hybrid could work for you. Plug-in hybrids do 'self-charge' in the same way as a conventional hybrid does - using the petrol engine and capturing energy when slowing down. The difference is PHEVs have a much bigger battery so it'd take a long time to charge it using the engine (and doing so obviously isn't very efficient) - you need to plug them in regularly to get the best from them. The biggest issue with PHEVs is they're usually expensive to buy. They often make more sense for company car drivers who enjoy significant tax advantages compared to conventional petrol or diesel cars. Have you dismissed a pure-electric model entirely? It sounds like it could be less of a compromise for your needs and will travel significantly further under electric power than a PHEV. A Skoda Enyaq iV sounds like it could be a good option.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Can you recommend a versatile EV?

"What would be an appropriate EV replacement for my lovely Skoda Yeti?"
The obvious choice is the Skoda Enyaq iV. It's one of our favourite electric cars with impressive versatility. You could also look at the excellent Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 – or the new Kia Niro EV, which is slightly smaller but still a very convincing electric car. If you're on a tight budget, we'd also recommend the MG ZS EV. This guide might be useful: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/guides/best-electric-cars/
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Skoda Enyaq cost?