Skoda Kodiaq review

Is the Skoda Kodiaq a good car?

We’re fans of the second-generation Skoda Kodiaq because it builds on the proven formula of the original model. It’s spacious, efficient and features plenty of clever touches, while the cabin has taken a step upmarket when compared with the first Kodiaq. That combination of talents saw this latest edition of the car win our Best Large SUV award at the 2024 Auto Express New Car Awards.

Unlike rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, not every Kodiaq is a seven-seater. As a result, the car’s starting price is a little lower than those models, at around £37,000. There are petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options available, while SE, SE L and SportLine trims are offered.

How much does the Skoda Kodiaq cost? 

Where the Skoda Kodiaq has an advantage over many of its rivals is in terms of price, with the range starting at around £37,000. That might sound expensive for a Skoda, but when you compare it with rivals, the entry-level Kodiaq is on a par with smaller compact SUVs. Higher-spec versions are better value for money than most other seven-seat rivals, too.

For the money, you get a family SUV with plenty of space and practical touches. The engine range comprises conventional petrol and diesel choices, plus there’s a plug-in hybrid Kodiaq iV that offers a long range on electric power alone. Both front and four-wheel drive options are offered, while higher-spec versions come with seven seats (they’re an option for the rest of the range, too).

The Kodiaq line-up kicks off with entry-level five-seat SE, which can be had with a 148bhp 1.5-litre TSI 48V mild-hybrid petrol, a 2.0-litre TDI diesel with the same output, or the 210bhp plug-in hybrid, which is based around the 1.5 TSI petrol, but adds a 25.7kWh battery for up to 75 miles of electric range. All models come with Skoda’s DSG automatic transmission. 

Step up to the SE L and you’ll get the seven-seat layout as standard (except on the PHEV), and this version starts at just over £40,000. The SE L also has the option of a more powerful 190bhp mild-hybrid 2.0-litre diesel engine with four-wheel drive that costs around £46,000. In the fullness of time, there will be a 201bhp 2.0-litre petrol, and a similarly powerful 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid model. 

The Kodiaq SportLine costs £2,500 more than SE L and features a racier look inside and out, with a gloss-black grille surround and mirrors, body-coloured lower trim and sportier 20-inch alloy wheels. Skoda also adds semi-microsuede upholstery inside and DCC dynamic chassis control, while the 4x4 version includes an off-road mode. At the moment SportLine is the range topper, but a sportier Kodiaq vRS with more power is expected to join the line-up at a later date.

Beyond the three trim levels, Skoda also offers a range of four ‘Design Selections’. They’re taken from the Skoda Enyaq electric SUV and feature ‘coordinated colours and materials’, according to Skoda. ‘Loft’ gets grey recycled fabric seat upholstery, and ‘Lounge’ uses grey suede microfibre upholstery with a combination of wool, artificial leather, and x-shaped yellow stitching. ‘Suite black’ has perforated artificial leather with grey stitching, whereas ‘Suite Cognac’ uses leather upholstery in black with x-shaped needlework in a ‘Cognac’ brown colour.

While some rivals are embracing hybrid drive, the Skoda Kodiaq is more cautious with its electrification options. The entry point to the range is the 148bhp 1.5 TSI four-cylinder petrol, which has mild-hybrid assistance and a cylinder-deactivation system that cuts in under light throttle loads. Performance from this unit is adequate, with a quoted 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds, or 9.9 seconds for the seven-seat version. A seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox is fitted as standard, as is front-wheel drive.

The 2.0 TDI diesel is available in two power outputs, with 148bhp and front-wheel drive, or 190bhp and four-wheel drive. The former has a 0-62mph time of 9.6 seconds (or 9.8 seconds for the seven-seater), while the more powerful car manages the sprint in eight seconds exactly. Both come with the same seven-speed twin-clutch auto as the 1.5 TSI.

The Kodiaq iV plug-in hybrid makes 201bhp and offers a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds. It’s front-wheel drive and is fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Anyone planning on taking their Kodiaq off-road should specify the Rough Roads Package, which gives you extra underbody protection to shield vulnerable parts from rocky terrain. If you just need a car to get you down a muddy farm track, we found the two-wheel drive version still coped perfectly well.

What is the Skoda Kodiaq like to drive? 

The VW Group’s MQB platform features beneath the Kodiaq’s large body, but while the same architecture is used for some sharp-handling hot hatchbacks, the Skoda is geared towards comfort.

In town

All of the engines offered in the Kodiaq respond strongly from low revs, so you don’t have to work them too hard to get this large SUV going. 

Front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are fitted as standard to all models, while light steering and controls mean positioning the car is relatively easy.

On A- and B-roads

At higher speeds, the Kodiaq delivers decent comfort, although the ride can become a little fidgety over minor bumps and undulations. This is an issue that’s amplified on cars that are fitted with the larger 19 and 20-inch wheel options (18-inch wheels are standard on SE models). 

While there’s fidgeting, the overall set-up is soft, so there’s body roll in corners, but it’s not as severe as you’ll experience in some rivals, because the Kodiaq has a relatively low kerbweight for a seven-seat SUV. The light steering doesn’t give much in the way of feedback, but the Skoda feels more like a large hatchback to drive than a big 4x4, and for many people that will help to inspire confidence that they can manage this SUV.

On the motorway

At smaller throttle openings the Kodiaq’s twin-clutch gearbox short-shifts to help fuel efficiency, but when you’re accelerating harder, there’s more noise to be heard. The 1.5 TSI isn’t bad, but the 2.0 TDI can get a bit raucous when pushed.

Thankfully things settle down once you’re up to speed, and the Skoda is a comfortable cruiser on the motorway, with minimal road and wind noise to be heard. Skoda’s cylinder-deactivation system is imperceptible in its operation – the only clue that it’s working is a small icon that appears within the dials.

Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed

There are four engine options available in the Skoda Kodiaq, kicking off with the 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150, which makes 148bhp and 250Nm of torque and sends drive to the front wheels via a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. In SE form this engine delivers a 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 128mph, although the seven-seat version has a 0-62mph time of 9.9 seconds and a 127mph top speed.

The 2.0 TDI 150 matches the 1.5 TSI’s power output of 148bhp, has 360Nm of torque and is also front-wheel drive with a seven-speed DSG auto. It has a 0-62mph time of 9.6 seconds and a 127mph top speed in five-seat guise, while the seven-seater manages 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds and has a top speed of 126mph.

Choose the more powerful 2.0 TDI 193 that comes with four-wheel drive, and the power is increased to 190bhp plus there’s 400Nm of torque. All cars with this set-up have seven seats, and the official 0-62mph time is 8.0 seconds, with a top speed of 134mph.

The five-seat Kodiaq iV plug-in hybrid is the most powerful version of the Kodiaq at the moment (a vRS is said to be in the pipeline), with 201bhp, although torque isn’t as strong as the diesels, at 250Nm. The extra weight of the hybrid system blunts its performance, although it’s still capable of 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 130mph.

The Skoda Kodiaq offers something to suit every driving scenario, with hybrid, plug-in and diesel power options that provide optimal efficiency in different conditions. The plug-in model will be great for town driving (as long as you keep the battery charged), thanks to a claimed electric range of 75 miles. 

If you don’t have the ability to charge, then the mild hybrid offers something of a compromise, and claimed fuel economy of 46.3mpg for the seven-seat SE version is reasonable for a large petrol-powered SUV such as the Kodiaq. However, this will be difficult to achieve in the real world if you regularly drive with a full complement of passengers.

The diesel will be able to deliver good long-distance economy, and shouldn’t suffer too much of a penalty when fully loaded or towing. Achieve the claimed figure of 51.7mpg, and the 2.0 TDI will have a 650-mile range.

Electric range, battery life and charge time

The Kodiaq iV plug-in hybrid features a 25.7kWh battery under the boot floor that offers a claimed maximum range of 75 miles from a full charge. If you’re able to keep the battery topped up, then there’s a high possibility that you could cover a day’s driving on electricity alone, although it’s reassuring to know that it’s backed up by the petrol engine.

The latest version of the VW Group’s plug-in hybrid powertrain now features DC charging rated at up to 40kW. This means the Kodiaq’s battery can go from 10-80 per cent capacity in less than half an hour, while a full charge from an 11kW wallbox takes two and a half hours.

Tax

All versions of the Kodiaq in SE trim bar the plug-in hybrid dip below the £40,000 threshold for luxury car road tax, which will offer substantial savings on annual VED road tax costs in years two to six. 

If you only need five seats, then the Kodiaq PHEV is a great option for a company car, because its low emissions place it in the five per cent Benefit-in-Kind bracket for 2024/25. It’s not such good news for seven-seat versions, because there’s no plug-in option, and the petrol and diesel engines sit in the 30 per cent BiK range.

Insurance groups

Groupings for the Kodiaq range from 18 to 26, with engine power outputs determining each model’s ranking. There’s no increase in insurance group if you choose a seven-seat model over a five-seater.

Depreciation

Residual values for the Skoda Kodiaq are similar to those of other seven-seat SUVs, according to our expert data, maintaining between 41 to 49 per cent of its original value over three years or 36,000 miles.

To get an accurate valuation of a specific model, check out our free car valuation tool…

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From the outside, the shape of the Skoda Kodiaq is an evolution of the previous generation’s, with sharper lines and a few more angles. It’s a similar story inside, where the car features digital dials, more shapes and a large central touchscreen that incorporates plenty of familiar Skoda cues.

What is the Skoda Kodiaq like inside?

The Kodiaq’s layout is similar to the one found in the latest Superb family car, with most of the car’s controls set in the main touchscreen, while beneath the central air vents are a trio of rotary dials with digital displays that adjust different climate functions. The steering wheel is a two-spoke design that has been seen in a number of other Skoda models (SportLine versions replace this with a racier three-spoke wheel), and it features a pair of neat knurled volume and station-selection switches.

What is the interior quality like? 

The standard of the materials used in the Kodiaq is pretty good on the whole, and the grey plastic trim on the doors and across the middle of the dashboard has been given a unique finish that’s somewhere between rubber and fabric. There’s a surprisingly plush centre armrest for the back seats, too.

The three separate rotary climate controllers are a welcome addition, but they do feel a little flimsy. A silver finish gives the look of metal, but the knobs are plasticky to the touch and move around in your hand when you use them. The rotating action isn’t very smooth, either, which leaves you with the impression that they’re cheaply made.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

All Kodiaqs come with a 13-inch landscape display that’s squarer than many rival systems. The home screen features large tiles that can be configured to show the most frequently used functions, while there are smaller shortcut keys across the top and bottom of the display. 

The system works well and looks sharp, although the flat screen layout means the farthest corners are tricky to reach for the driver. The live feed from the reversing camera isn’t as crisp as the rest of the display, either.

As part of Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, a lipstick-sized screen cleaner is included that allows you to wipe greasy fingerprints off the display.

There’s a 10.25-inch driver’s display, too, which is controlled via the steering wheel and offers a variety of layouts, including the option of showing the navigation mapping.

An eight-speaker sound system with a DAB radio is standard, but there is an optional 12-speaker Canton sound system available on all trims as part of the Convenience Plus Package. 

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The Skoda Kodiaq continues to be a versatile and user-friendly family SUV, although some rivals are better seven-seaters.

Dimensions and size

This Kodiaq is 61mm longer than the old model at 4,758mm, which is 27mm shorter than the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Kodiaq should be a little easier to thread through narrow streets because it’s 36mm narrower than the Santa Fe at 1,864mm, although the Kodiaq isn’t as tall as the Santa Fe at 1,659mm.

Seats & space in the front

There are no complaints about front passenger space, with lots of wheel and seat adjustment to get comfortable. Storage is good, too, with twin gloveboxes, deep bins in the doors and armrest, and a centre console that features a pair of wireless smartphone charging pads. There are two USB-C sockets beneath the climate controls, while a third socket can be found next to the rear-view mirror for powering a dash cam.

Seats & space in the back

The Kodiaq’s second row is good, but it’s not the widest bench if you’re travelling three abreast – rivals such as the Santa Fe and Kia Sorento have more space in their middle seats. At least a light-coloured headlining helps the cabin feel bright. There are climate controls in the back and twin USB-C sockets, but while the door bins up front are flock lined to stop items rattling around, this luxury doesn’t feature in the rear.

The rearmost row is also a little tighter than in rivals. Access is fair, but the seating is suited to kids rather than adults.

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Boot space

The rear of the Kodiaq is better geared towards carrying cargo than some rivals, because there’s a decent amount of space for the weekly shop even when all three rows are in use. If all of the seats are folded, then there’s space under the floor to stow the load cover. A cargo volume of 2,035 litres is among the best of any seven-seat SUV on sale.

The SE trim only offers a seven-seat layout as an option, and the five-seat model has a bit more cargo capacity, at 2,105 litres.

Towing 

The Kodiaq is a popular model with caravanners, thanks to its space and the towing capability of its engines. The 2.0 TDI can haul a trailer weighing up to 2,000kg in 148bhp guise, while the 190bhp 4x4 model has a towing capacity of up to 2.4 tonnes. Even the plug-in hybrid Kodiaq iV can tow 1,800kg – 700kg more than a Hyundai Santa Fe, which can only manage up to 1,100kg irrespective of the powertrain chosen.

The latest Skoda Kodiaq uses the VW Group’s MQB Evo running gear, and as the name suggests, it’s a new generation of the same platform that was used by the original Kodiaq. That means lessons learned with that car should be integrated into the current one, which will further ensure reliability.

All of the engines and gearboxes that feature in the Kodiaq – even the plug-in hybrid system – are used in a wide variety of VW models, and they have been developed over many years, so should run smoothly.

Skoda finished in 23rd place out of 32 in the most recent Driver Power manufacturer survey, which isn’t as high as it has achieved in previous years, but is second only to 18th-placed Cupra within the VW Group.

Safety experts Euro NCAP have awarded the Skoda Kodiaq the maximum five out of five-star rating, scoring maximum points in the side and pole impact tests.

All models get an autonomous emergency braking system with cyclist and pedestrian detection. There’s also a blind spot warning system to let you know of any cars along side you when you go to change lanes on the motorway, and warn you of approaching vehicles when you go to open the door. You get front and rear cross traffic alert to let you know of anything crossing your path when exiting a parking space or junction where your view is obstructed. A traffic sign recognition system will flag up changes in the speed limit, and a driver attention and drowsiness monitoring system will chime in if it thinks you’re dozing off. We tried to get it to intervene by feigning sleepiness, but it seemed pretty reluctant to do so. 

Warranty

There’s nothing special about Skoda’s standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty, although having roadside assistance for the same period will be attractive to some buyers. The Hyundai Santa Fe has a five-year/100,000-mile policy, while the Kia Sorento has a longer seven-year/100,000-mile policy.

Skoda does offer one or two years of additional warranty cover at extra cost.

Servicing

You can specify a service plan for just under £500 to cover your first two services when you purchase a Skoda Kodiaq. The timing belt service on 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines is due every 140,000 miles.

Skoda Kodiaq alternatives

The Skoda Kodiaq has a lot of bases covered as a family SUV, but there are a whole host of rivals to choose from. The likes of the Peugeot 5008, Ford Kuga, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento all cover a similar brief, plus there’s the Kodiaq’s Volkswagen Tiguan sibling, too. Further competition from VW for the seven-seat Kodiaq comes from the VW Tayron, the replacement for the Tiguan Allspace. While the Kodiaq is one of the cheapest seven-seat SUVs around, if you’re looking for similar practicality on a smaller budget, then there are alternatives such as the Dacia Jogger and van-based MPVs such as the Citroen Berlingo, Ford Tourneo Connect, and Vauxhall Combo Life to consider, all of which offer petrol, hybrid and all-electric options.