Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Kodiaq (2017-2024) - Reliability and safety

The Kodiaq is impressively safe, while it should match the rest of the brand’s range in offering great reliability

Find your Skoda Kodiaq
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Kodiaq sits on the MQB platform that first debuted on the Skoda Superb. It also serves as the underpinnings for the SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan, and almost all of the powertrains and technology can be found in numerous other VW Group’s models as well. It's still a little too early to say for sure, but part sharing should make the cars more reliable as any problems should have been identified on previous models.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Kodiaq finished 14th in our list of the best cars to own based on owners’ feedback from the 2023 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. Praise was given for its practicality, versatility, ride quality and value for money. That said, it has performed better in previous years; the Kodiaq came fifth in the best cars to own rankings in 2022, and sixth in 2021.

Meanwhile, Skoda as a brand finished 20th in the best car manufacturer rankings – behind rivals such as Hyundai and Kia, but ahead of others such as Volkswagen and Renault.

With seven airbags fitted as standard across the range, plus autonomous braking with a pedestrian monitor and multi-collision brake, to stop secondary impacts after a crash, it’s no surprise the Kodiaq achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Kodiaq

2024 Skoda

Kodiaq

22,626 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £26,414
View Kodiaq
Kodiaq

2024 Skoda

Kodiaq

38,505 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £23,800
View Kodiaq
Kodiaq

2024 Skoda

Kodiaq

21,500 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £26,262
View Kodiaq
Kodiaq

2024 Skoda

Kodiaq

26,068 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £27,245
View Kodiaq

Lane assist and a blind spot detection system come as standard on Laurin & Klement model, while a driver fatigue sensor is optional across all versions.

The 2021 facelift included improvements to some of the Kodiaq's safety systems: the automatic emergency braking system can now recognise pedestrians and cyclists, while the rear-facing radar sensors can detect if the car is about to be hit from behind, and can prepare the cabin accordingly in a split second.

Warranty

Skoda offers the Kodiaq with a typical (but unremarkable) three-year/60,000-mile warranty as standard. In comparison, the Kia Sorento which comes with seven years of cover as standard, while the Hyundai Santa Fe gets a five-year factory warranty. There is the option to extend the Kodiaq’s warranty up to five years and have the mileage capped at 100,000 miles for additional peace of mind, though.

Servicing 

Instead of a firmly established service schedule, Kodiaq buyers get a choice of a fixed or flexible service regime. The fixed plan involves having your car serviced every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first, while the flexible schedule will see a service light show after between 9,000 and 20,000 miles or up to 24 months, whichever comes first.

Of course, Skoda offers numerous service plans for its cars, including one to cover the first two services on the Kodiaq for a little over £450. It also provides customers with the option to spread the cost of scheduled maintenance or simply add it to your existing finance agreement.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.5 TSI e-TEC SE 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £38,755
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.5 TSI iV 204 SE 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £42,025
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    2.0 TSI vRS 4X4 5dr DSG [7 Seat]
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £54,080
Select car
News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor for DrivingElectric and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,224 off RRP*Used from £12,125
Hyundai Santa FE

Hyundai Santa FE

RRP £47,890Avg. savings £6,231 off RRP*Used from £19,599
KIA Sorento

KIA Sorento

RRP £41,375Avg. savings £3,765 off RRP*Used from £22,800
Mazda Cx-80

Mazda Cx-80

RRP £50,080Avg. savings £5,526 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Motability’s definition of a ‘premium’ car is outdated, and here’s why
Tom Motability opinion

Motability’s definition of a ‘premium’ car is outdated, and here’s why

Our consumer reporter believes Motability needs to get with the times and reasses what it classifies as a premium car
Opinion
28 Nov 2025
Exclusive car stereo test: are premium car audio upgrades worth it?
 Car Audio test - VW driving

Exclusive car stereo test: are premium car audio upgrades worth it?

We listen to what the experts at Richer Sounds think about car companies' regular and upgraded stereo set-ups
Features
1 Dec 2025
New Kia Seltos ready for big reveal: compact SUV with petrol power to be uncovered in days
Kia Seltos - front teased

New Kia Seltos ready for big reveal: compact SUV with petrol power to be uncovered in days

Kia clearly can’t get enough of the small SUV sector
News
1 Dec 2025