Skoda

Kodiaq

Skoda has just launched its second-generation Kodiaq and it impresses on every level with a selection of powertrains, five or seven-seat versatility, a choice of generously-equipped trims and the option of two or four-wheel drive.

The good

Style, practicality, technology, handling and price

The bad

Fiercely competitive in SUV segment

Tech Specs

Price from

£36,645

Combined Fuel up to

53.2mpg

0-62 from

8.0 seconds

max speed up to

134mph

co2 from

136g/km

Test Drive

Skoda Kodiaq (Second Generation) – First Drive (2024)

The first generation Kodiaq ticked all the right boxes for any active family, so following up with a replacement was never going to be easy. But Skoda has done exactly that and raised the bar in the process.

The Kodiaq was initially launched back in 2016 and its popularity soared with a total of 850,000 units bought globally and the UK accounting for 55,000 of that figure. This was only bettered in Europe by the German market.

Now the second generation model has arrived and it really ups the ante in the sector, with a choice of petrol, diesel and, for the first time, plug-in hybrid engines. There are options of five or seven seats, two or four-wheel drive, along with two trim levels called SE and SE L. A SportLine specification will be joining the line-up later this year. Prices start from a very competitive £36,645 and rise to £46,225.

The latest Kodiaq offers extra cabin space, which is always welcome news, especially for back seat passengers and it also features a wealth of new technology and additional safety kit.

We opted for the range-topping 2.0 TDI 193PS DSG version in SE-L grade with 4×4 and seven seats for our test drive. A number of optional extras, such as a Winter Package (adding heated front and rear seats and heated steering wheel), a Simply Clever Family Package, a Performance Package, space-saving spare wheel, electric tow bar, a Light and View Plus Package that introduces a horizontal light strip across the front grille as well as enhanced LED Matrix headlights, plus upgraded 19-inch alloys, saw the final cost climb from £46,225 to £50,530.

There’s no denying the Kodiaq has a strong road presence with its bold SUV styling and stretching 4.75 metres in length. The new Kodiaq has been redesigned from the ground up to give it a more modern look and it works really well without being flashy in the process. Eye-catching features include Matrix headlights, a hexagonal grille which can be specified with an LED strip made up from 14 lighting elements between the headlamps, squared off wheel arches, a sculpted bonnet, new-look logo, plus a wide air intake stretching the width of the car flanked by two air curtains.

At the rear of the car are three-sectioned light clusters with a C-shaped signature, an extended roof spoiler, deep bumper, the SKODA name spelt out across the tailgate and the look is completed by stunning aerodynamic wheels.

The interior is equally impressive with a modern slant and clutter-free cabin that has been really well thought out. Skoda has introduced four interior design styles, similarly to the Enyaq and these are called Loft, Lounge, Suite Black and Suite Cognac.

In addition, the latest Kodiaq is kitted out with a new ultra-intuitive 13-inch infotainment screen and this offers quick and easy access to a number of on-board systems, including a nine-speaker sound system that can be upgraded to a 13-speaker Canton set-up, navigation, full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also fast charging for two smartphones complete with a ventilation function to prevent the devices from overheating.

The gear selector has been moved and is now positioned on the steering wheel to free up extra space on the centre console. Our car featured a head-up display and all the vital driving data is displayed on a clear 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit screen behind the steering wheel.

A voice-activated personal assistant is summoned by saying ‘Okay Laura’ and this can be practical when driving to help increase or reduce the temperature, find a radio station, turn on the seat heaters and lots more while the driver can keep both hands on the wheel.

New to Kodiaq are three Smart Dials and these offer quick access to the temperature, air conditioning and fan speed, seat heaters, radio volume and map zoom functions.

Finding the perfect driving position is easy with powered seats and ample steering wheel adjustment. With the elevated seating, the all-round driver visibility is excellent and, for added convenience, the seats and steering wheel can be heated to fend off the winter chill.

Powering the test car was a 2.0-litre diesel engine delivering 193PS and 400Nm of torque. Performance figures for the Kodiaq, which weighs in at almost 1.85 tonnes, impress with the 0-62mph dash completed in 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 134mph, while achieving a WLTP-tested combined 42.8mpg with carbon emissions of 168g/km.

When it comes to handling, the Kodiaq is a most impressive all-rounder. Yes, there are faster SUVs out there but this diesel-powered model covers all the bases really well. It feels grounded when pushed on through winding country lanes, is a confident and efficient motorway cruiser, yet also proved to be agile and easy to manoeuvre in busy town centres.

The steering is well-weighted with ample driver feedback, while paddles offer the driver the choice between taking control of the gear changes manually or leaving it to the perfectly-timed seven-speed DSG auto transmission.

There are also drive modes to change the dynamics and characteristics of the Kodiaq and these are called Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Snow and Individual. Our test model also boasted the highest towing capacity of 2.4 tonnes.

The highly-effective suspension set-up really smooths out bumpy road surfaces and occupants are well protected from any outside noise for a refined and comfortable experience.

With family activities in mind, the Kodiaq needs to offer versatility and practicality, and it does exactly that. The boot on the seven-seater version can swallow between 340 litres with seven seats upright to 2,035 litres with just the front seats in use. Passenger space is exceptional with ample room for five adults to travel in comfort, along with a couple of youngsters in the pair of rears seats. I say youngsters as the legroom is fairly tight in seats six and seven, and you will need to be quite nimble to get in and out too.

Elsewhere, there are plenty of storage options scattered throughout the vehicle, including a double glovebox, door bins, seat back pockets, a deep central cubby, front and rear cup holders, plus an umbrella in the driver’s door so you are prepared for any unexpected shower.

When you also factor in the comprehensive list of safety systems and driver assistance aids, the latest Skoda Kodiaq has picked up where the outgoing left off. It looks great, drives beautifully, is packed with tech and is packed with safety kit to help protect all occupants and other road users alike.

Test Drive

Skoda Kodiaq vRS 2.0 TDI 240PS 4×4 DSG

A simple glance in the direction of the new Skoda Kodiaq vRS will confirm it’s anything but an ordinary seven-seater. That’s because it boasts vRS styling and badging plus performance capabilities to match.

And if further convincing should be needed, this particular family SUV recorded the fastest lap time for a seven-seater around the famous Nurburgring. It’s powered by a biturbo 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine delivering 240PS and 500Nm of torque through a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox and four-wheel-drive system. And all those figures translate into a blisteringly fast 0-62mph sprint time of just 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 136mph.

Approached from any angle, the Kodiaq vRS looks the business with a gloss black finish on the grille and mirrors, vRS sports bumpers, dual exhaust pipes, red brake calipers, vRS badging and 20-inch Xtreme alloys.

Move inside and the cabin is sports themed and oozes class with soft touch surfaces, a carbon finish to the dashboard and doors inserts, metal pedals, black roof-lining and figure-hugging Alcantara trimmed sports seats finished with contrast vRS stitching. Optional extras on our car included a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings and a three-spoke, leather, heated, sports, multi-function steering wheel with DSG paddles.

It’s impossible not to be impressed by the quantity and quality of on-board techno treats with the likes of full smartphone connectivity via MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a Columbus navigation system with 9.2-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, a rearview camera, dual zone air conditioning and an In-Car Communication system that makes it easier to chat with second and third row passengers via the speakers.

Comfort levels are excellent and the Kodiaq vRS is the first Skoda to feature a fully digital Virtual Cockpit display. This system has a special Sport view whereby the speedometer is positioned in the centre of the display.

But, as one might expect, all this technology and the outstanding driving dynamics don’t exactly come cheap. While the Kodiaq line-up starts at £25,770, the vRS model costs £42,870 and that’s before any optional extras are factored into the final price – they added a further £4,080 to the cost of the test car. The running costs are as you would expect from a performance SUV with combined fuel economy rated at 35.3-34.0mpg (WLTP) and carbon emissions of 167g/km.

When it comes to driving dynamics, the Kodiaq vRS definitely ticks all the right boxes. Those vast reserves of torque are the highest ever delivered by a production Skoda and that means there is seemingly limitless power as and when you want it. Just the slightest pressure on the accelerator and away you go.

The steering wheel mounted paddles mean you can control the gear changes, and various drive modes called Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual and Snow alter the way the car handles. These modes also adjust the noise levels within the car too because the Kodiaq vRS features a Dynamic Sound Booster that compliments the natural sounds of the exhaust. So, in Comfort and Normal there is a fairly gentle note, switch across to Sport and it all becomes a lot more aggressive and boisterous.

On open country lanes with long sweeping bends, the Kodiaq vRS grips the road confidently with the Dynamic Chassis Control adjusting the car’s suspension to match the terrain and driving style.

Then on fast-moving motorways, the vehicle effortlessly eats up the miles cruising comfortably at 70mph. Meandering through busy town centres is made simpler thanks to the car’s progressive steering set-up that means less effort is required to turn the wheel at slower speeds.

The driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility thanks to the high seated driving position and the car is a very practical choice for an active family as it genuinely caters for seven occupants, although the pair of rear seats are only really suitable for children. Luggage restrictions for passengers will be few and far between as the boot can swallow a whopping 1,950 litres of kit with the seats in rows two and three dropped flat. If all seats are in use, the limit is still a respectable 230 litres.

Alternative storage options include a double glovebox, deep door bins, front and rear cup holders, a covered central compartment and nets in the  boot to prevent items rolling around. On the downside, the front cup holders are not that practical. They can safely hold a tin of pop, but introduce a larger travel mug or bigger bottle of water and they simply won’t fit. But that was my only slight gripe after a week behind the wheel.

All in all, when you factor in the wealth of safety systems fitted as standard, the Kodiaq vRS is quite the complete package. And it also boasts 4×4 to keep you moving in more adverse weather conditions, along with the ability to tow a caravan weighing up to 1.75 tonnes for family getaways.

Test Drive

Skoda Kodiaq Scout 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG 4×4

We simply can’t get enough of SUVs and no matter what shape, size or cost buyers are striving to sign on the dotted line.

There are bargain basement collaborations between manufacturers, while others cost the same as a starter home. But the Skoda Kodiaq seems to tick all the right boxes especially if all-round practicality is a key demand.

That’s because the Kodiaq is the Czech marque’s first seven-seater car and it comes with all the trimmings, along with 4×4 capabilities.

The five-door Kodiaq Scout is the beefiest of the range and looks impressive from any approach. It has a real presence on the road with bold, muscular styling and eye-catching features such as 19-inch alloys, full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, privacy glass, a rear spoiler with integrated brake light, Scout off-road bumpers, LED rear lamps and a smart Scout badge on the front wing.

The interior is equally impressive with Alcantara seats carrying the Scout logo, a wood finish dashboard and door inserts, sporty aluminium pedals, along with a Scout emblem on the dashboard.

There is a generous array of on-board technology to explore inside the bright, spacious and ultra-modern cabin. Creature comforts include the likes of a Columbus sat nav system with a 9.2-inch touchscreen, DAB, SmartLink for full smartphone connectivity, ambient lighting, dual zone air conditioning with humidity sensor and lots more besides.

It’s simple to get comfy inside the Kodiaq with ample seat and steering wheel adjustment and the elevated driving position results in excellent all-round visibility. All the controls, dials and readouts are perfectly positioned for ease of use and should you decide to venture from the Tarmac there is an ‘off-road’ setting. The driver can select from drive modes called Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual and Snow that alter the car’s handling. And if you do take to the tougher terrain there is a Rough Road package that adds extra engine and underbody protection.

Another bonus for Kodiaq owners is its seven-seat versatility. There is a pair of additional seats folded flat to the boot floor and they can quickly be raised or lowered when required. The tonneau cover can be removed and tucked away neatly in its own storage compartment beneath the boot floor when not in use and when it is needed again the rear seatbelts can be disconnected to tuck away in the roof housing so the cover slides smoothly along its runners – all very ingenious.

Our test car, priced at £35,920 (£36,940 with options fitted), was powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to a smooth seven-speed automatic gearbox. It could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 9.8 seconds, topped out at 119mph and, according to official figures, can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 49.6mpg with carbon emissions of 149g/km.

For such a chunky vehicle, the Kodiaq actually proved quite nimble and easy to manoeuvre through bustling town centres and that great all-round visibility is very useful with cars and pedestrians emerging from all angles. Motorway cruising is effortless as the car picks up speed shifting smoothly through the automatic gearbox and the Kodiaq also does well out on the open road. Some high-sided SUVs tend to be quite wallowy through bends and deliver rather a lot of stomach-churning body roll. That’s not the case with the Kodaiq though. It remains composed and confident with plenty of grip.

There is a little wind noise due to the upright design of the car, but generally the cabin is refined and well insulated against engine and road surface sound.

Another convenient feature is the powered tailgate especially if approaching the car laden down with shopping bags. The boot offers a generous storage capacity ranging from 270 litres with all seats in use to 2,005 litres with seat rows two and three dropped flat. This is slightly less than the 2,065-litre limit on five-seat Kodiaq models.

Elsewhere throughout the car there are numerous storage compartments, including a glovebox, sunglasses holder, door bins, seat pockets, cup holders and there is even an umbrella tucked away in the front doors plus a removable LED flashlight in the boot.

When it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating the Kodiaq scored a maximum five stars. It boasts a whole raft of safety features and driver aids such as electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, anti-slip regulation, electronic distributions systems, multi-collision brake, front assist, seven airbags and plenty more besides.

All in all, the Skoda Kodiaq (it is Alaskan for bear by the way) is a fabulous piece of kit that offers outstanding versatility for the active family. It looks striking, drives well, is packed with the latest infotainment systems and is also competitively priced with the model line-up starting from just over £22,500.

Test Drive

Skoda Kodiaq SE 1.4 150PS DSG

Big is better! That’s clearly the message that Skoda is shouting loud and clear with the launch of its mighty Kodiaq model which opens up a whole new field for the Czech manufacturer.

The SUV sector is growing at a rapid rate and the Kodiaq, with its five or seven-seat flexibility, choice of trim levels, smart pricing plans, wide range of economical engines, two or four-wheel drive options plus manual or automatic gearboxes is another outstanding contender vying for sales.

Whatever model is chosen, the Kodiaq is guaranteed to stand out from the crowd. It has a real presence on the road and eye-catching design cues include sporty yet aggressive styling with a large black grille, 18-inch alloys, black roof rails, LED daytime running lights, sunset glass, LED rear lights, front fog lights and a rear spoiler with integrated brake light.

Step inside the Kodiaq and it’s impossible not to be wowed by the amount of space within the car. I opted for the five-seat model and the leg, head and shoulder room in the back was exceptional. It is a vehicle that can easily accommodate five adults – of the taller variety.

There is a whole host of on-board technology to be explored too, including the likes of an Amundsen sat nav system with eight-inch touchscreen and integrated Wi-Fi, SmartLink+ which connects your smartphone via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, dual zone air conditioning with humidity sensor and plenty more besides.

My test car was the five-seat model in SE trim with 2WD priced at £25,300 (£26,790 with options fitted). The car was powered by a 1.4-litre 150PS petrol engine mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 9.6 seconds, maxes out at 123mph and, according to official figures, can deliver combined fuel economy of 44.8mpg with carbon emissions of 143g/km.

The car also featured ACT cylinder deactivation technology which allows two cylinders to shut down when less throttle power is necessary. This is to aid fuel efficiency.

The interior of the Kodiaq is beautifully laid out with a premium feel to it. It is clutter-free with all dials, controls and read-outs perfectly placed for drive usability. The sat nav system is simple to programme and it is easy to connect a smartphone to the car. I mention this because some manufacturers claim their cars boast all manner of connectivity systems, but they are so overcomplicated to operate you feel your life slowly ebbing away in the process (I mention no names). That’s definitely not the case with the Kodiaq.

The elevated seating position means the driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility and the rear parking sensors are an added bonus when squeezing into tight parking spaces. These are key factors when driving a vehicle the size of the Kodiaq in busy town centres. In fact, the car proved deceptively agile and easy to manoeuvre as it weaved its way through the traffic.

But this is a car that is designed for the active family and hitting the open road will be a frequent requirement. That’s no problem for the Kodiaq either and it excelled out the on faster lanes and motorways. The acceleration through the DSG automatic gearbox was smooth and responsive and there was a constant supply of power on tap which helped make light work of overtaking.

The cabin was nicely insulated against any engine, road surface or wind noise even when the car was pushed along at quite a pace. And the comfort levels are also first rate with the highly effective suspension ironing out the uneven surfaces along the way. I should add at this stage that the test car was on 18-inch wheels – I have driven the Kodiaq on larger 19-inch wheels and there was a little extra body sway on that occasion. That wasn’t the case with this test car which was very controlled into bends with confident, assured road holding.

In fact, my only gripe after a week-long test drive covering more than 600 miles was the fuel efficiency. I was only seeing 34.0mpg on average which is considerably lower than the official 44.8mpg figure. But that aside, the Kodiaq was a great all-round performer.

Skoda always prides itself on making the most of every inch and the Kodiaq is no exception. The boot on the five-seat model is class-leading in its size with a capacity of 720 litres that can be increased to a whopping 2,065 litres with the rear seats dropped flat. Elsewhere there are some very handy storage compartments, including a practically-sized glovebox, overhead sunglasses holder, an umbrella tucked away in each of the front doors and a central jumbo box complete with a USB port and cup holders.

Skoda has packed the Kodiaq with safety features which helped it achieve the maximum five stars in the recent Euro NCAP tests.

All in all, the Skoda Kodiaq is a fabulous piece of kit. It is beautifully styled, competitively priced, dynamic to drive and will be a worthy challenger to opposition such as the Nissan X-Trail, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Kia Sorento.

Test Drive

Skoda Kodiaq – first drive (2017)

The overwhelming demand for SUVs is showing no sign of easing up – in fact it’s still gathering pace, so it comes as little surprise that Skoda has launched its first ever seven-seater into the mix.

It’s called the Kodiaq and is named after an Alaskan bear. Priced from £21,565 the car is available in four trim levels with a choice of highly efficient petrol or diesel engines, the option of manual or automatic gearboxes, two or four wheel drive and with either five or seven seats. There are actually 24 different variants from launch with two more spec levels being added later on – a Scout version with more aggressive styling and a SportLine with lots of black trim.

The eye-catching Kodiaq is a modern looking vehicle with an athletic stance and plenty of neat styling cues, including a wide three dimensional grille, raked headlights, clamshell bonnet and squared-off wheel arches. It is available in 10 colours, eight of which are metallic.

The trim grades are called, S, SE, SE L and Edition with seven seats fitted as standard on SE L and upwards. But even the entry level models feature plenty of kit. For example S grade boasts LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, DAB digital radio and SmartLink for seamless smartphone connectivity plus manual air-conditioning. The S model is only available with a 1.4 TSI 125PS petrol engine.

Move up a level to SE and you will see the addition of 18-inch alloys, sunset glass, rear parking sensors and cruise control, along with a Bolero touchscreen infotainment system with eight-inch display, rain and light sensors, dual-zone climate control and auto-dimming rear view mirrors. Seven seats are available as an option on SE versions.

Next in the line-up is SE L complete with seven seats, 19-inch alloys, a powered tailgate, Drive Mode Select, heated front seats and sat nav with WiFi.

Finally, the range-topping Edition models introduce leather upholstery, metallic paint and chrome roof rails. Technology features on this spec include lane assist, high beam assist and blind spot detection.

At launch, the Kodiaq is available with five engines – three TSI petrol units and two TDI diesels. Capacities range from 1.4- to 2.0-litres with output ranges from 125PS to 190PS.

We tested two models on a lengthy road route that comprised congested town centres, motorways and fast country lanes and the car certainly lived up to all the big build up and hype.

First up was the Kodiaq SE 2.0 TDI 150PS 4X4 with six-speed manual transmission priced at £27,300 (£28,940 with options fitted). This model could reach 62mph from a standing start in 9.5 seconds and maxed out at 122mph. According to official figures, it can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 52.3mpg with carbon emissions of 141g/km.

The first thing to mention is how beautifully spacious the car is. Whilst the Kodiaq is only 40mm longer than the Octavia, it certainly offers a larger interior than many rival SUVs. There is ample space for three adults in the back (this was the five seat model) and there are generous levels of leg, head and shoulder room. Storage options are plentiful with a boot capacity ranging from 720 to 2,065 litres (the seven seater Kodiaq has luggage space ranging from 270, 630 and 2,005 litres depending on the seat configuration).

The interior has a truly premium feel to it with lots of soft touch materials and there is a wealth of on-board technology to explore as the car features all the latest infotainment facilities with full connectivity to multi-media devices. The controls, dials and read-outs are ideally placed for ease of use and the driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility thanks to the elevated driving position.

In busy town centres, the Kodiaq cruised along with ease and the car was deceptively agile for its size. Manoeuvring through narrow and twisting streets posed no problems and parking was simple thanks to sensors and the on-board camera.

Then out on the faster roads, the Kodiaq was also most impressive. The road holding was confident and assured with next-to-no body roll into tight bends, and the steering proved nice and precise. There is a little wind noise when pushed really hard, but generally the car is well insulated against outside sounds. Another plus-factor is the instant power at your disposal which helps to make very light work of overtaking slower moving vehicles at short notice.

Next up was the 1.4 TSI 150PS DSG priced at £30,750 (£31,780 with options). This car can reach from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds, tops out at 123mph, has combined fuel economy of 44.8mpg with CO2 emissions of 143g/km.

Once again the Kodiaq was an absolute peach to drive. Being the range-topping model, it featured all the bells and whistles imaginable including luxurious leather upholstery, a drive mode selector to switch between normal, eco, sport and individual modes, plus wireless charging, electric seats, an 8-inch touchscreen and plenty more besides.

This model offered seven seat practicality and raising or lowering the third row is a simplistic operation. And unlike some rivals there is actually room in the duo of back seats for an adult to travel, albeit only for short journeys.

The petrol model seemed a little quieter than its diesel sibling and proved slightly livelier where driving dynamics and performance were concerned. The automatic gearbox is beautifully smooth and despite being on huge 19-inch wheels there was very little body roll or swaying motion to speak of.

All in all, both models proved a delight to drive and as one has come to expect from modern Skoda the car features lots of clever touches, including umbrellas tucked into the front door panels, an ice scarper hidden in the fuel flap and automatically deployed door protectors.

Although it is difficult to accurately predict sales patterns for a new model, Skoda believes the splits will be 55 per cent retail, 60 per cent automatic, 70 to 80 per cent diesel, 65 per cent 4X4 and 80 per cent SE L trim and above.

When you look at the Kodiaq from the front, it seems to have a face that smiles right back at you. And after a day of test driving the car, it would be fair to say Skoda has plenty to smile about too.