Used Skoda Kodiaq (Mk1, 2017-2024) review
A full used buyer’s guide on the Skoda Kodiaq covering the Kodiaq Mk1 (2017-2024)
Verdict
Skoda has a habit of producing great cars that put an emphasis on usability and affordability, and while its products used to be bought with the head rather than the heart, that’s no longer necessarily the case. The Kodiaq is proof of this; when it arrived we were so impressed that it scooped Best Large SUV in our 2017 New Car Awards.
At the time we proclaimed: “The new Kodiaq offers family-friendly practicality in a more stylish body than a conventional MPV, while features such as the slick infotainment system and all of the brand’s usual ‘Simply Clever’ touches combine with Skoda’s affordable pricing to make the Kodiaq the best large SUV on sale”. A year later the Kodiaq scooped the same award. Today this multi-talented family car remains a desirable used model, even in the face of tough competition.
A long time ago in the UK, Skoda’s products weren’t seen in the best light. But when the company was absorbed into the Volkswagen Group, it moved on to a completely different trajectory.
Skoda had resources at its disposal that were previously just a pipe dream, and as a result its cars rapidly gained much more respect and desirability. The launch of the Kodiaq in 2017 was the ultimate expression of Skoda’s now upmarket position, because this was the Czech brand’s first large seven-seat SUV.
Used - available now
2024 Skoda
Kodiaq
17,646 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L
Cash £27,356
2024 Skoda
Kodiaq
49,746 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L
Cash £21,277
2024 Skoda
Kodiaq
22,915 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L
Cash £29,181
2024 Skoda
Kodiaq
20,036 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L
Cash £27,073With its smart, chiselled looks, impressive dynamics and tempting value, the Kodiaq summed up everything that Skoda has come to stand for, and indeed confirmed that the brand’s transformation was now complete.
Models covered
- Skoda Kodiaq (2017-2024) - This Skoda SUV is a great family wagon with up to seven seats and lots of practicality.
History
The Kodiaq arrived in April 2017 with 124bhp or 148bhp 1.4 TSI and 178bhp 2.0 TSI petrol engines, or a 2.0 TDI diesel in 114bhp, 148bhp and 187bhp forms. Four-wheel drive was standard with the most powerful engines and optional on the mid-range units.
The Scout arrived in October 2017 and featured seven seats, four-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels and redesigned bumpers. An SE Technology trim came in June 2017 with standard navigation; six months later the SportLine slotted between the SE L and Edition with 20-inch wheels, reprofiled bumpers and sport seats.
In July 2018 a 1.5 TSI engine replaced the 1.4 TSI unit, and the range-topping Laurin & Klement arrived with a heated windscreen, upgraded hi-fi and extra driver aids. The sporty Kodiaq vRS appeared in March 2019, with a 237bhp 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel.
A facelift in mid-2021 saw the entire range revised and overhauled with a new nose, improved safety systems, upgraded infotainment features and the introduction of a new 2.0-litre petrol engine for the sportier vRS model. The Mk1 Skoda Kodiaq was replaced by the Mk2 Skoda Kodiaq in 2024.
Which one should I buy?
The TSI engines work well (even the 1.4), but the motor that makes the most sense is the 2.0 TDI because it’s muscular and economical – and it’s the most common unit, too.
The manual and auto transmissions are decent and, if you’re buying for towing, we’d recommend four-wheel drive. Entry-level Kodiaq models come with 17-inch alloys, air-con, a multifunction steering wheel, DAB radio, keyless go and touchscreen infotainment.
SE features 18-inch alloys, cruise control, rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control and an eight-inch touchscreen display. The SE L adds a powered tailgate, 19-inch wheels, Alcantara trim, LED headlights and heated front seats. The Edition gets leather, metallic paint and extra driver-assistance systems.
Alternatives to the Skoda Kodiaq
If you want to stick with the VW Group, the closest match is the SEAT Tarraco, which is almost interchangeable with the Kodiaq. Alternatively a VW Tiguan or Tiguan Allspace (with five or seven seats respectively) might suit. The second-generation Peugeot 5008 (from 2016) looks great and is comfortable, as well as decent value, while the Nissan X-Trail has an uninspiring interior but is spacious and comes with efficient engines.
The X-Trail can be had with seven seats, just like the Kia Sorento and its cousin, the Hyundai Santa Fe, which are great value and come with excellent warranties. The Land Rover Discovery Sport looks smart and has a strong image but it’s costly; so are the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, all of which come with only five seats.
What to look for
Efficiency
To improve economy the 148bhp 1.4 and 1.5 TSI engines have cylinder shut-off tech; this is barely noticeable in operation.
Seats
SE L trim and above come with seven seats as standard; a third row is optional on cheaper editions, but can’t be had at all with the entry-level S.
Automatic
Some owners have found that the seven-speed twin-clutch DSG isn’t quite as slick as the six-speed equivalent, so look out for jerky changes.
Towing
If you’re planning to pull, then check the maximum weights, which vary between 1,775kg and 2,300kg depending on which drivetrain is specified.
Interior
The Kodiaq is pure VW Group inside the cabin. That means a well designed dashboard with clear instrumentation, impressive build quality, plenty of soft-touch materials and a solid weighting to all of the controls. The Kodiaq’s cabin is very roomy, too – and although the third row (where fitted) isn’t suitable for large adults, small grown-ups or teenagers can easily get comfortable. Facelifted models also have the option of massaging seats.
Equally impressive is the boot space, which is pegged at 270 litres with seven seats in place, or 2,005 litres with all rear seats folded. Another plus point of the Kodiaq’s interior is the technology fitted; SE models get an eight-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and this is upgraded to a 9.2-inch unit with sat-nav on SE L models.
Running costs
Owners can choose fixed or variable servicing. The former is set at 12 months or 10,000 miles; the latter allows up to two years and 20,000 miles between visits to the garage, depending on how the car is driven.
Services alternate between minor and major at £185 and £289; the former is merely an oil change and an inspection. The major service is a more extensive check, but no extra parts are replaced; a full schedule of what needs to be replaced, and when, is online at skoda.co.uk/ owners. Every four years a new pollen filter and spark plugs (petrol engines) are required at £35 and £105; fresh brake fluid every two years costs £65. Cambelt replacement intervals vary depending on engine, but TDIs need one every 130k/five years - dropping to 74k miles for the VRS.
Recalls
The Skoda Kodiaq has been recalled five times so far in its lifetime, the first occasion being in May 2019 because 236 cars built in December 2018 weren’t fitted with enough nuts to secure the back seat properly.
Two weeks later (also in May), 393 Kodiaqs were recalled because of faulty airbags fitted to cars built in January and February 2018. The third recall in July 2019 affected 238 Kodiaqs built in February 2019. This time the problem centred on the front seats, some of which had been manufactured with cracks in the frame.
Another recall in September 2019 affected 1,231 cars made between October 2018 and June 2019. A software fault meant the engine produced insufficient torque at low revs, so an update was required to mend the problem.
The most recent recall in December 2020 was the result of a possibly insufficient weld connection between the brake pedal and the brake pedal plate. This affected a small number of Kodiaqs built between 14th and 17th July 2020.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The Kodiaq came a very impressive sixth out of 75 entries in the 2021 Driver Power new car survey, and to show that this wasn’t a fluke it achieved exactly the same result in the 2019 and 2020 polls, too. The Skoda scored top marks for reliability, with a high score for overall value for money, too. Some lower scores were given for economy and high servicing costs, but overall the Kodiaq put in a very impressive performance.
Skoda Kodiaq (2017-2024) review: What we said
Extracts from our test drive of the Skoda Kodiaq in July 2023...
The Skoda Kodiaq SUV is an impressive all-rounder and one of the best family cars on sale today, which is why it won our Large SUV of the Year award in 2022 and 2023. It lives up to high expectations and manages to cover all the bases by being comfortable, practical and good to drive, but also relatively affordable to buy and run, easy to live with and solidly built.
By offering a sensible range of trim levels and a competitive entry price, plus a variety of punchy and smooth petrol and diesel engines, the Kodiaq should be on the shopping list of those after space and SUV style on a budget. But further up the range, it also appeals to those wanting premium levels of equipment and comfort. The option of front or four-wheel drive simply increases its appeal even further.
About the Skoda Kodiaq
The second generation Skoda Kodiaq launched in spring 2024 and this is our review of the first generation car.
For Skoda, the first generation Kodiaq was the right car at the right time. This large SUV mixes Skoda's ethos of practicality, simplicity and value for money with the current demand for big crossovers to great effect. In essence, it's the SUV equivalent of the Skoda Superb family car, but with the added qualities of a raised driving position and the option of seven seats if you need them.
Despite the Kodiaq's relatively large dimensions, it's actually a surprisingly agile car that also delivers respectable economy for its size. That's because it uses a version of the VW Group's MQB platform, which focuses on weight saving in whichever guise it's used, and means the Kodiaq is lighter and more nimble than many of its rivals.
Skoda's focus on value for money is present at the entry point to the Kodiaq range, but top-spec models are also worth a look, as they deliver upmarket quality for a reasonable price. Prices start from around £35,000, while you'll need to fork over nearly £50,000 to bag the vRS performance flagship.
There’s plenty of action in the family SUV class, but while others excel for various individual qualities, they’re hard-pressed to match the Kodiaq’s sophisticated blend of all the important ones. It combines an understated upmarket appeal with impressive seven-seat practicality, commendable driving performance and overall affordability.
A VW Tiguan Allspace comes pretty close but you’ll have to pay more, while the Nissan X-Trail and the Peugeot 5008 are less spacious inside. Potential alternatives such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are now much improved, however, and are available with hybrid power, unlike the Kodiaq. Meanwhile, the Land Rover Discovery Sport is a lot pricier and less versatile.
The Kodiaq’s engine comprises 1.5 and 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrols that produce 148bhp and 187bhp respectively, plus a 2.0 TDI diesel with either 148bhp or 197bhp. The vRS model used to have a 237bhp diesel motor, but it’s now powered by a 242bhp TSI petrol which we’ve reviewed separately if you’re interested.
Engines, performance and drive
Buyers of large SUVs like the Kodiaq are unlikely to be too interested in how it handles bends at speed, but it's reassuring to know the big Skoda offers a very good ride and handling balance, on the whole. Combine that with the strong performance and decent refinement of the engines, and it’s right up there with the best in its class.
Underneath the Kodiaq’s solid-looking exterior is the VW Group’s versatile MQB platform. This chassis architecture underpins everything from the Audi TT sports car to this family SUV, highlighting just how scalable it is. The Skoda gets a standard suspension layout for its class, with MacPherson struts taking care of damping at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear.
It’s easy to tell the Skoda’s underpinnings, because like most MQB-based cars, the steering is precise, albeit a little light and numb. However, with the raised body due to the taller ride height and longer-travel suspension, this set-up means it isolates you from the road nicely.
On standard 18-inch wheels, with relatively tall tyres, the ride is supple. The Kodiaq’s suspension tunes out unwanted wheel movements nicely, while keeping the body relatively stable. There’s still an underlying edge to the ride over washboard surfaces, but this calms down once the car is loaded with people and luggage. There’s a level of refinement to match the ride quality, too. While the 2.0 TDI engine is a little more vocal than some, it’s still not overly intrusive and you can use the revs before it becomes too noisy.
There's one proviso with the Kodiaq's ride. We’ve tried cars with the optional Dynamic Chassis Control, and without it fitted the SUV isn’t quite as adept at handling bumps. It’s still well controlled and less fidgety than a Nissan X-Trail, but sharp bumps can occasionally intrude and it feels a little firm in town. With Dynamic Chassis Control fitted, ‘Normal’ mode is an excellent compromise between agility and comfort, with Comfort mode making it too floaty and Sport mode making it unsettled over rough roads.
Due to the weight of the car and the extra ride height over the Superb, the Kodiaq isn’t quite as adept at filtering out road imperfections, but it’s nowhere near as knobbly as a Land Rover Discovery Sport. The Skoda still scores on comfort, with the rear end set-up being nicely balanced, and the front giving a cohesive, connected feel to the way the car drives. Bear in mind that racy Sportline cars are lower, firmer and stiffer, however.
All Kodiaqs get light, sharp steering, and if you firm things up in Sport mode there’s more precision than you might expect. Yet, even in Comfort the Skoda handles sweetly and rides with composure, so we’d generally leave it in this setting.
When you do want to pick up the pace in the Kodiaq, it remains composed, and while the steering doesn’t have a lot of feel, it is precise because there’s a good level of grip on offer. Visibility is noticeably better than in some rivals, and even on 19-inch wheels the Kodiaq rides well, soaking up rough road surfaces and big potholes. At low speed it is a little unsettled, but less so than some rivals.
As the Skoda’s engine produces its torque low in the rev range, the DSG auto version doesn’t have to hold on to gears for as long as some conventional auto rivals, which helps with refinement – driving at a relaxed pace, the rattly diesel is firmly in the background and makes itself known only when you put your foot down.
0-62mph acceleration and top speed
The entry-level petrol is a 1.5-litre TSI with 148bhp; it’s reasonably punchy and pulls well for its size. We’d expect it to feel less zesty, yet it's just about adequate with five kids and a load of luggage on board. Its real selling point is refinement, as at idle you’d barely know it was on – and it only gets raucous above 4,500rpm. It’ll be a great choice for town dwellers or those doing low miles.
The vast majority of Kodiaq buyers are expected to plump for a diesel, though, and we’d recommend doing the same. The 148bhp 2.0 litre offers plenty of performance for most needs, and a gutsy 360Nm of torque means it’ll handle being heavily laden with a family, or towing, better than the petrol.
However, you have to rev the 2.0 TDI a little harder than some diesels. When we tested a five-seat Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 against a Mazda CX-5, it was two tenths slower than the Mazda from 0-60mph, with a time of 9.3 seconds. And, even with shorter gearing, it couldn’t match the CX-5 through the ratios. Still, in most of our acceleration tests it was only four tenths behind, which you’d struggle to notice on the road.
The engine offers more than adequate performance, while the chassis and gearshift strike a nice balance between involvement, comfort and refinement. For SUV buyers, the latter two are more important than outright speed or handling. But 4x4 traction will be reassuring in winter.
The 197bhp diesel is even swifter as it doesn’t need to be revved as much, but it costs more to buy as its only available on mid to high-spec models with a DSG gearbox. Skoda claims the top-spec oil-burner will complete the 0-62mph dash in 7.8 seconds, although if you're looking for the quickest Kodiaq then the vRS model's 6.6-second sprint time may appeal.
MPG, CO2 and Running Costs
The Skoda Kodiaq isn’t just one of the cheapest seven-seaters you can buy, it should also prove to be one of the most cost effective to run. Flagship variants are thirstier and can get expensive, but even these offer a good level of economy for a car of this size and weight.
The most efficient engine choice is the 2.0-litre 148bhp diesel in conjunction with front wheel drive and a DSG automatic: in SE Drive trim and with seven seats fitted, the claimed maximum fuel consumption (on the combined cycle) is 52.6mpg, with CO2 emissions from 141g/km.
It's worth noting that these figures will worsen slightly as you make your way up through the trim range, as weight and wheel size increase. Adding four-wheel drive also affects economy and emissions.
On the petrol front, an SE L Executive-spec seven-seater with the entry 1.5-litre TSI unit will return up to 39.2mpg and emit 164g/km. With extra power and standard four-wheel-drive, the 187bhp 2.0-litre petrol version in the Sportline trim returns a best figure of 34.5mpg, with CO2 emissions from 186g/km.
Unsurprisingly, the vRS performance flagship with its 242bhp 2.0-litre four-pot petrol engine is the least efficient model in the Kodiaq line-up, capable of returning 32.4mpg at best. In the real world though, you’ll be doing well if the number you’re getting starts with a three. The vRS also emits as much as 202g/km of CO2.
If you want a more efficient seven-seater, the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe hybrids will suit you better.
Interior, design and technology
After years of producing rather nondescript vehicles, Skoda proved it can make stylish cars with the Yeti and Superb. The Kodiaq can be added to that list – it’s not radical or groundbreaking to look at in any way, but it has an understated class to it that belies its price tag.
The front-end is heavily inspired by the Superb, with a sharp dual headlight design. It has an angular stance, while details like the prominent grille, clamshell bonnet and high waistline give it true SUV presence. At the back. There’s Skoda’s now trademark styling line slicing the bootlid in two, and squared-off tailights.
An update in 2021 brought some styling tweaks, including a new radiator grille, revised headlights and a fresh bonnet design. At the rear, the new bumper features a diffuser element, while the tailgate has a redesigned spoiler.
Full LED matrix headlights with a cornering function are standard from SE L Executive trim and above, and add another element of class to the Kodiaq. They also include Audi-style scrolling LED indicators, while even base models come with LED daytime running lights and LED tail-lights.
SE Drive trim includes basic LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels, which do look a bit small in the wheelarches, although step up to SE L Executive and above and you’ll get 19-inch rims. Sportline, Laurin & Klement and vRS variants all come with 20-inch alloys to give that muscular SUV look that buyers crave, but they do have a detrimental effect on ride quality.
Inside, the design is a mixture of familiarity and new. The wood-like inlays covering the dash won’t be to all tastes, but they do help make the Kodiaq feel more upmarket. There’s a chunky centre console with just the right amount of buttons and switches, while the focal point on higher-spec models is the 9.2-inch touchscreen with a glossy black fascia and touch-sensitive buttons.
While the standard dials are crisp enough, VW Group’s Virtual Cockpit is available as an optional extra on SE L Executive and Sportline versions, and standard on the Laurin & Klement and vRS. Heated, electrically-adjustable Alcantara sports seats are fitted to the Sportline cars, while L&K models receive leather upholstery.
Quality, in general, is good. In fact, the Kodiaq isn’t far off the level of upmarket sheen found in higher-end VW models now. Plastics are largely solid and plush throughout, while details like fabric-lined door bins and soft-touch materials help to make you forget that the Kodiaq is considerably cheaper than something like a Land Rover Discovery Sport. The layout is thoughtful and intuitive, with clearly labelled buttons and touchscreen functions all where you expect them to be.
Sat-nav and infotainment
Technology is another area where the Kodiaq stands head-and-shoulders above rivals. SE Drive and SE L Executice models get an eight-inch touchscreen display as standard, while Sportline cars and above get a 9.2-inch system.
The latter comes with an integrated WiFi hotspot and sat-nav – its slick operation and high-res screen remind us of the latest smartphones and tablets, and it works very well. The navigation setup is easy to program, with functions revealed by a proximity sensor as your hand moves close to the display. Loading times are quick, and the screen is responsive to pinch and swipe movements. The Skoda’s simplicity and ease of use stem from its menu layout which allows straightforward navigation through the different screens.
SE Drive trim matches up to its rivals when it comes to the kit on offer, and comes with sat-nav as standard. Skoda’s SmartLink+ system is standard-fit across the range and brings Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. This means you can use your phone for navigation, too, and thanks to the glossy screen and bright, clear graphics, it’s easy to use. However, it does catch reflections and shows fingerprints more than rival set-ups.
Practicality, comfort and boot space
This is the area the Skoda Kodiaq has to excel at to succeed and, thankfully, it largely does. It’s not oversized on the road, yet it offers excellent levels of space for most passengers and a class-leading boot.
Alongside the space on offer, visibility is very good, with Skoda resisting the urge to give the Kodiaq a coupe-like rear end. Instead, the boxier design allows for a decent view out front, while every model comes with either parking sensors or a reversing camera so manoeuvring into spaces isn’t too hard for a car of this size.
Storage is also excellent in the Kodiaq. The front passenger has access to a centre console bin, phone storage, a number of cupholders, plus two gloveboxes – a conventional one and a second with a flip-up lid behind the wood-style dashboard panel. Rear passengers also have neat tray tables with built-in cupholders and lights.
This being a Skoda, there’s also a number of neat ‘Simply Clever’ touches dotted about the cabin. Top-spec cars get a powered tailgate as standard, but Skoda has really thought about the detail with the Kodiaq. Umbrellas in the front doors, an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap and useful underfloor storage in the boot are some of the smart additions. These little features won't make or break a purchase, but they’ll come in useful and make everyday life with the car simpler.
Size
The Kodiaq is exactly 4.7m long, as well 1,882mm wide and 1,680mm tall. Those figures are just a few millimetres longer, wider and shorter than the Hyundai Santa Fe, but the Kodiaq’s wheelbase is a considerable 91mm longer. That means more passenger space, but with very little effect on manoeuvrability. Surprisingly, though, the Kodiaq is around 160mm shorter than the Superb.
Legroom, Headroom and passenger space
This wouldn’t be a Skoda if it wasn’t spacious. The Kodiaq has tonnes of occupant space up front, while headroom is impressive in the rear, too. Legroom isn’t quite as cavernous as the longer Superb even with the seat slid all the way back, but it’s more than adequate.
Children or young teenagers will find the third row of seats offers enough head and legroom, though that depends on whether the middle row has been reclined or slid forward. Adults won’t have much fun back there, but you could argue that this class of car isn’t designed to seat seven fully grown adults.
Boot
As the Kodiaq sits quite high off the ground, the powered tailgate is a useful feature, because it opens wide. It reveals a large aperture, which makes loading the boot simple, plus there’s no lip to contend with.
With a 835-litre boot in the five-seat version, the Skoda offers a cavernous level of load space. Fold the seats down and this increases to 2,065 litres.
In the seven-seater, the Skoda has a 270-litre capacity with all the seats in use – similar to most superminis – but this increases to between 560 and 765 litres in five-seat form, depending on which position you set the 60:40 split sliding middle seats.
With all seven seats folded there’s 2,005 litres on offer – the rearmost seat mechanism has to go somewhere, which explains the difference to the five-seater. Plus, when all the seats are in place you don’t get as much space in the third row as you might expect. It’s easy to access, but leg and headroom are tighter than in the Kia Sorento and roughly on par with the more compact Land Rover Discovery Sport.
Towing
The majority of Skoda Kodiaq models have a towing capacity of 2,000kg, but the maximum any Kodiaq can pull is 2,300kg – only available with the 148bhp automatic four-wheel drive 2.0-litre diesel. There are also models which offer 1,800kg and 1,950kg braked trailer towing capacities.
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