Skoda Kodiaq review – Automotive Blog
We get behind the wheel of the latest version of Skoda’s big seven-seater SUV…
The Kodiaq has been a success for Skoda. Since its launch in 2016, more than 866,000 have been produced.
After Germany, the UK is the big SUV’s second biggest market in Europe, with 55,000 sold – that’s 6.4{aa25fa8b82bb550df44f4514fef8e475020994699e2c082d49d75b275e3029cc} of global sales.
Interestingly, in the UK, 90{aa25fa8b82bb550df44f4514fef8e475020994699e2c082d49d75b275e3029cc} have been seven-seaters (it’s also available as a five-seater), while 54{aa25fa8b82bb550df44f4514fef8e475020994699e2c082d49d75b275e3029cc} of owners chose two-wheel drive over AWD.
The good news is that its successor neatly builds on all the things that were so loved about the first-gen Kodiaq.
There’s even a plug-in hybrid version coming later in 2024, to join the petrol and diesels available from launch.
Design-wise, the new Kodiaq is more revolution not revolution. It’s slightly longer (61mm) and its lines are smoother (low drag coefficient of 0.282).
Up front there’s a distinctive octagonal radiator grille with vertical slats and sleeker headlights, plus a wide air intake below. At the rear there’s a large tailgate with low loading sill and confident “Skoda” lettering slapped across it.
It’s also worth noting that the new flying arrow shape of the front light signature pays homage to the winged arrow of the Skoda logo.
Inside, there’s more room than ever thanks to an even bigger 910-litre boot for the five-seat version, which rises to 2,105 litres with the back row folded down. Seven-seater models offer 340 litres and 2,035 litres respectively.
Oh, and the third row is just about big enough to squeeze adults in for short journeys, if you slide the second row forward a little.
The driving position is suitably high and there’s plenty of storage with large door bins and various cubbyholes.
The dashboard is dominated by a huge 13.0-inch touchscreen, which has sharp graphics and is easy to navigate. There’s also a 10.25-inch driver’s digital display.
Thankfully, there are also some physical infotainment controls below in the form of three configurable smart dials, which are operated by turning and pressing.
These control essentials such as ventilation, volume, driving modes, map zoom and other comfort functions.
My only minor quibble is that the traditional gear selector has moved from the centre console to the stalk to the right of the steering wheel, meaning the indicators and wipers are combined on the left. It’s fine after a while, but engaging wipers instead of activating the indicator is the initial result.
Overall, the cabin is a very pleasant place to be, now with a range of recycled materials, including seat upholstery, carpets and headlining, plus an impressive quality upgrade.
There are three engine options for the new Skoda Kodiaq, ranging from the mild hybrid 148bhp 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150 turbocharged petrol, which uses a small electric motor and battery to boost performance and efficiency. It’s capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds. Fuel economy is a claimed 47mpg, while CO2 emissions are 136g/km.
The Kodiaq has always been a favourite with caravanners, so the two 2.0-litre diesel options will go down well (148bhp and 190bhp). The latter especially, has stacks of mid-range grunt and comes with four-wheel drive as standard, though the former has better economy (around 48mpg).
The upcoming 201bhp plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model (badged 1.5 TSI iV PHEV) will have a 25.7kWh battery with a range of up to 76 miles (enough for most journeys), while acceleration is 8.4 seconds and CO2 emissions are as low as 9g/km.
The PHEV gets a six-speed DSG automatic transmission, while the other models all have seven speeds.
Starting at £36,645, the Kodiaq isn’t quite as affordable as it once was, but it still represents a lot of car for the money. Initially, just two well-equipped trim levels are available: SE and SE L.
On the road, it certainly feels substantial and a little lofty, but you soon get used to it. As you’d expect, there’s a bit of body lean in more challenging corners, but there’s also ample grip. We tried the 4×4 on a beach too, and it managed admirably, even during quick changes of direction.
Ultimately the Kodiaq is a family car/load-lugger, so it doesn’t matter that it doesn’t handle like a performance SUV.
All-round visibility is good, and it comes with a suite of parking sensors and a reversing camera, which means that manoeuvring in town is surprisingly straightforward.
The entry-level petrol-engined version offers a refined driving experience, only becoming vocal under heavy acceleration. We got close to 40mpg, but that’s some way short of the claimed fuel economy figure.
Diesel engines are becoming increasingly rare these days, but they are well suited to big SUVs. Here again, noise suppression is good on the Kodiaq, and naturally, there’s plenty of torque. More importantly for some, the higher-powered diesel can tow up to 2.4 tonnes, as opposed to 2.0 tonnes for the 150hp diesel and 1.8 tonnes for the petrol and PHEV.
We tested the Kodiaq on a variety of roads, and for the most part it smoothes over the bumps nicely, but it will thud over the worst of potholes.
Finally, you can pay extra for an optional adaptive suspension system (Dynamic Chassis Control, or DCC), which allows you to stiffen or soften the ride at the touch of a button.
The Kodiaq’s many seven-seater rivals include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Nissan X-Trail, Peugeot 5008 and Kia Sorento.
Verdict: The all-new Skoda Kodiaq SUV continues to offer a winning blend of space, safety, practicality, comfort and value for money. Now with the latest tech, a sharper new look and quality upgrade, it’s cemented its position as a class-leading family load-lugger.
