Skoda Kodiaq Review

Repairs

We have seen some issues with older diesel Kodiaq models with high miles. Injectors and clogged DPFs are the most common. But this is mainly down to frequent short trips, and poor maintenance.

Some first-gen Kodiaq models with high mileage might also suffer from suspension noises due to worn bushes. But this can be easily fixed. Listen for any noise during a test-drive for this.

Maintenance

Regular yearly servicing is recommended for the Kodiaq and preferably from a specialist garage or a Skoda dealer, and it is best to follow manufacturer’s schedule as listed in handbook.

The DSG automatic gearbox is a brilliant yet complicated unit, and it should be serviced as per Skoda’s intervals. Failing to do so could result in gearbox issues in the future.

Is the Skoda Kodiaq a reliable car?

Yes, the Skoda Kodiaq is a reliable car, and we have seen some with over 100,000 miles still driving well. Regular servicing, maintenance and some TLC for the bodywork should see these hold up well over the years.

How much does it cost?

A new Skoda Kodiaq starts from £39,045 for the base SE (5-seats) with the 1.5 TSI petrol engine. Meanwhile, prices for the SE with 7 seats start from £39,725. Move up the list, and the SportLine 7-seat starts from £45,125, SportLine PHEV from £47,340, the L&K PHEV 5-seat from £48,990, and the L&K 7-seat from £51,540. There’s also a new Edition X, which starts from £40,610. And at the top sits the Kodiaq vRS, which is the priciest at £54,655.

The lower SE/SE L trims offer great value, while the L&K and SportLine can be expensive as they are closer to £50,000. However, if you’re looking at nearly new or used Skoda Kodiaqs, we have all trims in stock offering even great value. You could also lease a Skoda Kodiaq through The AA, starting from around £300 per month.

Engine and performance

Overview

Petrol: 1.5 TSI e-TEC (148hp/250Nm) or 2.0 TSI 4x4 (201hp/320Nm) + 7-speed automatic

Diesel: 2.0 TDI (148hp/360Nm) or 2.0 TDI 4x4 (190hp/400Nm) + 7-speed automatic

Plug-in hybrid: 1.5 TSI iV (201hp/250Nm) + 6-speed automatic

Out on the road

Going by the spec sheet, there is a Skoda Kodiaq for everyone as it comes with different engine options. We sampled the Kodiaq 2.0 TSI, equipped with the 4x4 system and the 7-speed DSG. On paper, it makes 201hp/320Nm with 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, along with a top speed of 138mph. For a burly 7-seat SUV weighing close to 2000kg, these are respectable numbers.

Throttle response is crisp despite having no electric assistance like the PHEV. At low speeds, the engine is reactive and gets into a rhythm once it ticks over 2000rpm. After that, the engine spins with more energy towards the redline. It also sounds sportier than one might expect. Having said that, it is by no means a fast SUV. But even with 5+ passengers, it felt brisk getting up to speed. Power delivery remains smooth and progressive, and the engine’s rev-happy character means it comes across as easy-going. The 7-speed DSG is quick, but occasionally reluctant to drop a gear unless you go hard on the throttle. However, the shifts are seamless, and it gels well with the overall character of the Kodiaq. If you prefer some manual control over the gears, the Kodiaq comes with steering-mounted paddles that respond quickly to inputs.

Unlike most modern cars today, the Kodiaq does not come with any drive modes, except for the PHEV or unless you opt for the DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control, available on the Kodiaq SportLine/vRS as standard and optional on the SE L). The DCC also adds an off-road mode for the 4x4 variants. Skoda does not offer the DCC for the L&K, so our test car was missing any drive modes. However, we did not find that to be a dealbreaker. The standard powertrain calibration and ride and handling balance feel spot on. Having said that, the DCC is a nice addition to have for the added adjustability. Bundled as the Performance Package with dynamic steering and tweaked front and rear shock absorption, it is a £985/£1060 option (4x2/4x4).

The 4x4 system in the Kodiaq mostly works in the background as it is essentially a front-wheel drive-based system. That means it sends power to the rear only when it detects slip. It works like a conventional AWD system, and you only notice it when you really push on around corners with more throttle input. We recommend opting the DCC if you really want to exploit the 4x4 system and do light off-roading as well. The Kodiaq can also handle towing duties, as max towing is rated at 2,350kg for 2.0 TSI and 2400kg for the 2.0 TDI. The plug-in hybrid has the lowest rated towing weight at 1800kg.

Ride and handling

Even without the DCC, and despite riding on 20-inch wheels, the Kodiaq has an accomplished ride and handling balance. We only expect the ride to get better with smaller wheels. There is an underlying firm tone to the ride, but as speed builds, it gets plusher and never feels harsh. As a large SUV, you might think the Kodiaq drives like one. But from behind the wheel, the Kodiaq feels like a smaller car, with light controls making it comfortable to potter around. High-speed stability is also impressive, and overall, the driving experience is likeable.

The steering is precise and direct, and the Kodiaq steers swiftly, masking its size. Even around corners, the SUV feels planted, with the 4x4 system keeping everything in check. There is some body lean, but it is well controlled, and there is no bouncing or vertical motion that we’ve seen in some big SUVs. The strong brakes complete the package, giving more confidence to the otherwise nice ride and handling combo. Refinement is also noteworthy, with reduced road and wind noise. Skoda also offers an acoustic package with additional interior noise suppression and acoustic side and rear windows. Strangely, this is standard for the SportLine and optional for the SE/SE L, but missing from the L&K.

Interior and features

Interiors

Interior is crucial for a large SUV, and the Kodiaq nails the brief. The cabin design is fresh and simple with the large 13-inch touchscreen and the 10.25-inch virtual cockpit being the highlights. It is a nice place to be with a high-quality feel to everything you touch. But spend more time poking around, you might notice some areas where quality could’ve been better. One example is the glovebox and the fit and finish of the switch that opens it. In terms of usability, Skoda has clearly put thought into things. Although the touchscreen hosts many controls, it is snappy with clean design and interface. The Kodiaq also comes with three smart dials with the middle dial customisable for four functions of your preference. This is easy to use, and more intuitive than integrating into the touchscreen unit.

The 7-speed gearbox is operated using a column-mounted shifter on the right side of the steering column. This opens up even more space in the cabin, with a massive cubby and a dedicated space for a handy built-in touchscreen clean tool. But unlike the Mercedes column shifter, you have to take your hands off the wheel as it’s a twist-to-operate action.

Boot space and practicality

Boot space in the Skoda Kodiaq varies by trim. The 5-seat version offers the most boot space at 910 litres, followed by the 5-seat PHEV at 745 litres. For the 7-seat version, boot space is 340 litres. But fold down the third-row seats, and you get 845 litres. With the third and the middle row seats down, the boot space opens up to a massive 2,035 litres. As the numbers suggest, there is no dearth of space in the Kodiaq. It is hugely practical and even offers a respectable 340 litres after accommodating 7 occupants. After all, measuring 4,758 mm in length and 2,133 mm in width, the numbers are definitely on its side.

The cabin space for both the front and middle row is remarkable. The front seats are supportive and offer a commanding view out of the cabin. Our test car was also equipped with the Cognac artificial leather, with heated and ventilated seats with massage function. Finding a driving position is easy, and there is a wide range of adjustment available to suit all drivers. The middle row seats offer substantial leg room, and you can also slide these seats to adjust the room. Both the front and rear seats (also heated for the L&K) are comfortable, and spending long hours on these seats won’t be a problem.

Getting into the third row is done by folding down the middle row seats. Once in, you’ll definitely notice that space is on the tighter side. But things improve if you slide the middle row forward and find a balance. The third row can definitely fit full-size adults, but they won’t be pleased to spend long hours here. However, the last row is ideal for kids.

Storage spaces are plenty, with two glove boxes, a central armrest with storage, two storage areas in the centre console, dual wireless charger pads, large door pockets, and a drop-down storage area for the driver under the air-con vents.

Features

Our test car, being the L&K, was kitted with most of the features. Some highlights included heated, ventilated and massage seats with memory function, rear heated seats, lane assist plus, adaptive cruise, remote park assist, heated windscreen, heads-up display, 360-degree camera, customisable ambient lighting, etc. Special appreciation for the 12-speaker Canton sound system, delivering audio quality that might even impress ardent audiophiles. We also found the throw and illumination of the LED matrix headlights with adaptive function to be stellar.

Apart from the regular feature highlights, Skoda also offers some clever features such as an umbrella built into the door, an ice scraper in the fuel flap, various storage solutions and a touchscreen clean tool. Panoramic sunroof is a £1,795 option for all trims, and there are different option packs such as the performance package, winter package, convenience package, driver assist package, etc.

Trim and colour options

There are five trims on offer for the standard Kodiaq apart from the vRS: SE, Edition X, SE L, L&K and the SportLine. Solid colours on offer are Energy Blue and Meteor Grey. Metallic options are Bronx Gold, Race Blue, Graphite Grey (our test car), Smokey Silver, and Moon White. The pearl option is Black Magic, while there is an exclusive colour option – Velvet Red.

Safety and reliability

The current second-generation Skoda Kodiaq is a 5-star crash-test-rated model by Euro NCAP, as per the results from 2024. The SUV received 89% for adult safety and 83% for child safety, with 78% for safety assists. This test result reassures buyers about the safety aspect of the Skoda Kodiaq. There are numerous assist features on offer. Some of these include blind spot detection with door exit warning, front cross traffic assist, rear traffic assist, junction assist with automatic emergency braking, driver alert – fatigue and drowsiness monitor, traffic sign recognition, etc.

Our only gripe with the assist features is the automatic emergency braking. The system intervened three times during our time with the car and slammed hard on the brakes. This happened twice when parking close to another car in tight spaces. The system detects something close by and activates the brakes abruptly even though there is no imminent danger. We would’ve preferred if the braking force was less intense. Luckily, you can turn it off every time you start, but it requires going deep into the settings in the touchscreen. All other driver assists worked flawlessly during our time with the Kodiaq.

MPG, emissions and tax

Skoda claims 35.3–35.8 mpg for the 2.0 TSI 4x4, while the 2.0 TDI 4X4 is rated between 43.5–44.1 mpg. If fuel efficiency is important to you, the plug-in hybrid version should be on top of the list, followed by the 148hp 2.0 TDI 4x2 version (53.4 - 51.9 mpg). Our test car averaged around 33-35 mpg, which is respectable for a 7-seater. But if you want over 40mpg, the PHEV is the pick of the lot, aided by an all-electric range of 70 miles.

In terms of CO2 emissions as well, the PHEV has the lowest numbers – 35-41g/km, depending on the trim. The base 1.5 TSI is rated at 137 – 146g/km, while the 2.0 TSI is 174-181g/km. Diesel is also not far off, ranging between 139-170g/km.