2025 Skoda Superb Review: Specs, Trims & Pricing

Skoda’s Flagship Steps Up Its Game

The Skoda Superb has long lived up to its name, offering exceptional value and practicality in the family car segment. For 2025, the fourth-generation model has arrived with significant improvements that push it further upmarket while maintaining the value proposition that has made it so popular. As Skoda’s flagship sedan and estate, the new Superb faces stiff competition from mainstream rivals like the Volkswagen Passat (with which it shares a platform) and the Peugeot 508, while also challenging entry-level luxury offerings from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

I’ve spent a week living with the new Superb in various driving conditions to determine whether this Czech challenger delivers on its promises of space, comfort, and technology. What I discovered was a vehicle that continues to blur the lines between mainstream and premium segments, offering a compelling package that might make you question the need to spend more on a luxury badge.

Exterior Design: Subtle Evolution with Enhanced Presence

Skoda has taken an evolutionary approach with the Superb’s exterior design, refining what was already a handsome vehicle rather than starting from scratch. The result is a car that looks more sophisticated and upscale than its predecessor while maintaining the understated elegance that has become a Skoda hallmark.

The front end features a larger, more upright grille flanked by slimmer LED headlights that give the car a more assertive face. The crystalline elements in the lighting signatures – a nod to Czech crystal craftsmanship – add a touch of distinctive character. The side profile remains characteristically clean with a strong shoulder line running the length of the vehicle, while the rear features new C-shaped LED taillights connected by a chrome strip bearing the Skoda lettering.

The estate version, which has historically been the more popular choice in many markets, manages to look elegant despite its capacious proportions. Both body styles have grown slightly compared to their predecessors, with marginally increased length and width that translate to improved interior space.

Interior Quality & Design: Premium Ambience at Mainstream Prices

Step inside the 2025 Superb, and you’ll immediately notice the significant leap in interior quality and design. The dashboard features a clean, horizontal layout centered around a 13-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system. Physical buttons for key functions like climate control have been retained – a welcome decision in today’s increasingly digitized cabins.

Material quality impresses throughout, with soft-touch surfaces in all the important areas and convincing wood or aluminum trim depending on the specification. The optional leather upholstery feels premium, while the standard fabric seats are both comfortable and durable. There’s an attention to detail that was missing in previous generations, with elements like the knurled metal rotary controls and ambient lighting creating a genuinely upscale atmosphere.

The driving position is excellent, with plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, while outward visibility is good despite the slightly rising beltline. Storage spaces abound, including a clever phone pocket below the center stack and Skoda’s trademark umbrella compartment in the driver’s door.

Passenger Space & Practicality: Class-Leading Roominess

If there’s one area where the Superb has always excelled, it’s interior space, and the 2025 model takes this strength to new heights. Rear legroom remains exceptional – better than in many luxury cars costing twice as much – making this an excellent choice for families with teenagers or those who regularly transport adult passengers.

Headroom is generous in both body styles, though the sloping roofline of the sedan does impact rear headroom slightly compared to the estate. The seats themselves offer good support for long journeys, with the option of ventilation and massage functions on higher trims – features typically associated with premium brands.

Trunk capacity remains impressive, with the sedan offering 645 liters and the estate providing 690 liters with the seats up. Fold the rear seats down, and the estate can swallow an incredible 1,920 liters of cargo – more than enough for ambitious IKEA runs or outdoor adventure equipment. The loading lip is low, and the opening is wide, making it easy to accommodate awkward items.

Skoda’s “Simply Clever” features continue to impress, with thoughtful touches like an ice scraper in the fuel filler cap, a ticket holder on the windscreen, and integrated waste bins in the door pockets making everyday life with the car that bit easier.

Technology & Connectivity: Modernized and User-Friendly

The centerpiece of the Superb’s technology offering is the new 13-inch infotainment system running Volkswagen Group’s latest software. The system is responsive and visually appealing, with crisp graphics and a logical menu structure. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, as is Bluetooth connectivity and multiple USB-C ports.

The digital driver’s display (10.25 inches) provides clear information and can be configured to show navigation, media, driving data, or a combination thereof. An optional head-up display projects key information directly onto the windshield, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road.

Voice control functionality has improved significantly, allowing natural language commands for navigation, media, and climate control. While not quite as sophisticated as Mercedes’ MBUX system, it works well for common tasks and reduces the need to navigate through touch menus while driving.

The Superb offers comprehensive connectivity features, including Skoda Connect services that allow remote access to vehicle information and functions via a smartphone app. Over-the-air updates ensure the software remains current throughout ownership, according to AutoExpress.

Driving Experience: Comfort-Focused Refinement

Behind the wheel, the 2025 Superb prioritizes comfort and refinement over sporty handling – a sensible approach for a family car. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between absorbing road imperfections and maintaining composure through corners. Adaptive dampers are available as an option and worth considering if your routes include a mix of smooth highways and rougher back roads.

Noise isolation has improved compared to the previous model, with enhanced sound deadening and acoustic glass creating a serene cabin environment even at highway speeds. Wind and tire noise are well suppressed, making long journeys considerably less fatiguing.

The steering is precise if a little light, but it suits the car’s character. While the Superb won’t set your pulse racing on a twisty road, it feels reassuringly stable and planted in all conditions. For those seeking more engagement, the optional progressive steering delivers more feedback and a more direct feel.

Engine Range & Performance: Efficient and Capable

The 2025 Superb offers a range of powertrains to suit different requirements and budgets. The lineup includes gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options, all paired with smooth-shifting automatic transmissions.

The entry-level 1.5-liter TSI gasoline engine with mild-hybrid technology produces 150 horsepower and offers a good balance of performance and economy for most drivers. It can accelerate from 0-62 mph in around 9 seconds while returning approximately 47 mpg in mixed driving.

For those covering higher mileages, the 2.0-liter TDI diesel remains an excellent choice, available with either 150 or 193 horsepower. The more powerful version delivers impressive mid-range punch for effortless overtaking and cruising, while still achieving around 54 mpg in real-world conditions.

The highlight of the range is the plug-in hybrid, which combines a 1.5-liter TSI engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 204 horsepower. With a larger battery than in previous PHEV models, it can now travel up to 62 miles on electric power alone – enough for most daily commutes without using any fuel. When the battery is depleted, it still functions efficiently as a hybrid, making it a versatile option for those who can charge regularly but also undertake longer journeys.

All-wheel drive is available on the more powerful diesel variant, providing additional traction in adverse weather conditions, though most buyers will find the front-wheel-drive models perfectly adequate for everyday use.

Trim Levels & Equipment: Generous Specification Across the Range

Skoda offers the 2025 Superb in three main trim levels: SE Comfort, SE L, and the range-topping Laurin & Klement (L&K). Even the entry-level SE Comfort comes well-equipped with LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, the 13-inch infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and a host of safety features.

Stepping up to SE L adds 18-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, front parking sensors with rearview camera, and upgraded sound system. The keyless entry system also extends to the trunk, which can be opened with a swipe of your foot beneath the rear bumper – particularly useful when your hands are full of shopping.

The top-spec L&K variant brings luxury touches including ventilated seats with massage function, three-zone climate control, a premium Canton sound system, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic sunroof. It also includes the full suite of driver assistance systems and distinctive design elements.

Optional packages allow buyers to add specific features without moving up to a higher trim level, providing flexibility to create a Superb that matches individual preferences and budget. The Technology Pack adds the head-up display and wireless phone charging, while the Winter Pack includes a heated windscreen and heated rear seats.

Safety Features & Driver Assistance: Comprehensive Protection

Safety has been prioritized in the development of the new Superb, with a comprehensive array of active and passive safety systems. Standard features across all models include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and driver fatigue detection.

Higher trims add adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The Superb can also be equipped with Skoda’s Travel Assist system, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering to provide semi-autonomous driving on highways.

The predictive cruise control uses navigation data to anticipate curves, roundabouts, and speed limit changes, adjusting the vehicle’s speed accordingly for improved safety and comfort. This technology, previously reserved for premium brands, demonstrates how Skoda is bringing advanced features to the mainstream segment.

According to the European New Car Assessment Programme, the previous generation Superb achieved a five-star safety rating, and the 2025 model is expected to maintain this excellent standard with its enhanced safety features.

Pricing & Value Proposition: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price

The 2025 Skoda Superb continues to offer excellent value for money, with prices starting at around $35,000 for the sedan and $36,500 for the estate in base SE Comfort trim. The SE L models begin at approximately $39,000, while the top-spec L&K variants command around $45,000.

Plug-in hybrid versions carry a premium of about $4,000 over their conventional counterparts, but this can be offset by lower running costs, especially for those who can charge regularly and make use of the electric-only range.

When comparing the Superb to rivals, it becomes clear why it represents such good value. It offers similar or better equipment levels than mainstream competitors like the Peugeot 508 and Mazda6, while providing space and refinement that rival entry-level versions of premium models like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, which typically cost $10,000-15,000 more.

Running costs should be reasonable across the range, with efficient engines, competitive insurance groups, and Skoda’s strong reputation for reliability helping to keep ownership expenses in check. The brand’s servicing costs are typically lower than those of premium manufacturers, and the standard warranty covers 3 years or 60,000 miles, with the option to extend.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Superb’s Strengths and Weaknesses

The 2025 Skoda Superb brings numerous strengths to the table, including exceptional interior space, particularly in the rear and trunk. The build quality and material choices create a genuinely premium feel inside, while the comprehensive technology package ensures connectivity and convenience. The refined driving experience prioritizes comfort without sacrificing capability, and the diverse engine range offers options for different needs and driving styles. Perhaps most importantly, the value proposition remains compelling, delivering premium features at mainstream prices.

There are a few drawbacks worth noting, however. The exterior styling, while elegant, remains conservative and may not appeal to those seeking something more distinctive. Some controls have migrated to the touchscreen, which can be distracting while driving, despite the retention of physical buttons for key functions. Additionally, the badge prestige still lags behind premium brands, which may matter to image-conscious buyers, and the top-spec models with options can approach premium brand territory in terms of price.

Alternative Options: How Does It Compare?

The family car segment offers several alternatives worth considering alongside the Superb. The Volkswagen Passat shares much of its underpinnings with the Superb but carries a more established badge and slightly more conservative styling, though it typically costs more for comparable specifications. The Peugeot 508 provides a more distinctive design inside and out, with a focus on style over maximum space, while the Mazda6 offers more engaging handling but less interior room than the Superb.

For those willing to consider premium brands, entry-level versions of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes C-Class provide greater badge prestige but significantly less space and equipment for similar money to mid-range Superb models. The Volvo S60/V60 offers Scandinavian design flair and strong safety credentials as an alternative premium choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How economical is the plug-in hybrid Skoda Superb in real-world driving?

The plug-in hybrid Superb can achieve exceptional economy if you regularly charge the battery and primarily use the car for shorter journeys. Many owners report achieving over 100 mpg equivalent when combining electric and gasoline operation. However, once the battery is depleted, expect around 45-50 mpg in mixed driving, which is still impressive for a car of this size. The ability to travel up to 62 miles on electric power alone means many daily commutes can be completed without using any fuel at all.

How does the 2025 Superb compare to the previous generation?

The 2025 model represents a significant step forward in several key areas. Interior quality and technology have seen the most substantial improvements, with better materials, a more modern design, and enhanced digital features. Refinement has also improved through better sound insulation and more sophisticated suspension tuning. The plug-in hybrid now offers much greater electric range, making it a more practical proposition for those seeking to reduce their fuel consumption. While exterior styling changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, the overall package feels more premium and sophisticated.

Is the Skoda Superb reliable?

Skoda has built a strong reputation for reliability in recent years, consistently performing well in owner satisfaction surveys. The Superb shares many components with other Volkswagen Group vehicles, which typically means proven technology and good long-term durability. The simplicity of the diesel engines in particular contributes to their robust nature, while the gasoline engines have been refined over several generations. The plug-in hybrid technology has matured significantly, though as with any complex system, it represents more potential points of failure than conventional powertrains.

Should I choose the sedan or estate version of the Superb?

This largely depends on your lifestyle and needs. The estate offers significantly more flexibility with its larger, more accessible cargo area, making it ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who regularly carries bulky items. The sedan provides slightly better fuel economy due to improved aerodynamics and a quieter cabin with less road noise from the trunk area. Both offer the same impressive rear passenger space, so if maximum cargo versatility isn’t a priority, the sedan represents slightly better value. In many markets, the estate commands a premium of around $1,500 over the equivalent sedan.

Conclusion: Executive Comfort at a Mainstream Price

The 2025 Skoda Superb continues to excel in the areas that have made previous generations so popular: space, comfort, and value. The latest model elevates these strengths while addressing former weaknesses in interior quality and technology, creating a compelling package that deserves serious consideration from anyone shopping in this segment.

While it may lack the badge prestige of premium brands, the Superb delivers a genuinely upscale experience in most areas that matter day-to-day. The exceptional rear passenger space remains a key selling point, as does the cavernous trunk in both body styles. The refined driving experience prioritizes comfort without feeling ponderous, and the range of efficient powertrains offers something for everyone.

For those who value substance over status, the 2025 Skoda Superb represents one of the most complete family cars on the market. It delivers executive car comfort, technology, and refinement at a mainstream price point – truly living up to its name in the process.