Large SUV of the Year 2024: Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq is the Auto Express 2024 Large SUV of the Year with the Kia EV9 and Nissan X-Trail commended
The Skoda Kodiaq is the perfect example of how the Czech brand replaces a model. The first-generation Kodiaq was much loved for its space and practicality, and was still up at the top of the class – and our 2023 New Car Awards Large SUV of the Year – even when it was old enough for a replacement almost ready for production.
That successor was revealed in early 2024, and it neatly builds on all the things that were so loved about the first Kodiaq.
The new model is even more about space, practicality, comfort and equipment. There’s also an increased air of sophistication about the cabin, with much-improved materials giving a feeling of premium car about them. The usability also impresses, especially the ‘smart-dial’ system that utilises a single set of rotary controllers to manage various functions. It’s a lot more usable than trying to drill down into touchscreen menus while on the move. There’s even a plug-in hybrid coming towards the end of 2024, to join the petrol and diesels available from launch.
Even with the third row of seats upright, there’s still more boot space than in your average supermini, at 340 litres in the seven-seat version. With the rear two folded, that goes to a hefty 845 litres, and you can drop all of the rear seats for a massive, van-like optimum carrying space of 2035 litres.
The latest Kodiaq is brilliant at everything a big SUV should be good at. It’s very comfortable and spacious, and has had a big lift in interior quality with this new model. All of which cements its position at the very top of the large-SUV sector.
Our choice
Skoda Kodiaq SE L 2.0 TDI 150 DSG 7-Seat (£42,505)
SE L trim brings features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and keyless entry that you’d want at this level, as well as an electric tailgate and cosmetic lifts to the cabin. Seven-seat flexibility and the diesel efficiency and torque will be appreciated.
Commended
The striking EV9 is the next step in Kia’s brand transformation, carrying on from the EV6 in attention-grabbing ability. The seven-seat electric SUV looks great, has plenty of stowage space inside, plus cabin quality and equipment that would impress on a premium brand, and it’s comfortable and refined to drive.
The X-Trail scores highly for its practicality, with Nissan’s SUV a handy option for anyone needing occasional seven-seat capability. The e-Power technology in particular is efficient, and Nissan’s suite of safety systems will appeal to anyone looking for secure family transport.
You can find all the information on our New Car Awards 2024 winners and the reasons why we chose them on the pages below. Just follow the links to read more…
New Car Awards 2024: the winners
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