Skoda Kodiaq Review

The Skoda Kodiaq is a cut price SUV that doesn't cut corners

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Well-equipped as standard
  • Spacious, with seven-seat option
  • Skoda has a reputation for reliability
  • Diesel engines a little gruff
  • Unimpressive fuel economy
  • Lower-powered versions can feel a little slow

Skoda Kodiaq prices from £14,995   Finance from £238.81 per month*

Available as a either five- or seven-seater, the Kodiaq shares engines and other parts with the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, the supersized Skoda Superb hatchback and estate, and the smaller Seat Ateca.

The engine range of early examples comprises a pair of 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines, with 125hp and 150hp. These were replaced with a 150hp 1.5-litre version, plus a 180hp 2.0-litre unit which later got a power upgrade to 190hp. The more economical diesel line-up has two variants of the 2.0-litre TDI powerplant with 150hp and 190hp (which later became 200hp). A short-lived 240hp range-topping vRS was available from 2019.

On the road, the Kodiaq handles as well as any SUV of its size, steers accurately and rides comfortably. It's not the most comfortable car on the road, but does a good job of proving comfy enough while proving relatively agile around corners.

The Kodiaq is also packed with equipment, with more than half a dozen trim levels offering plenty of choice to buyers. Features such as a touchscreen media system, digital radio, smartphone connectivity, and keyless entry and ignition are available as standard on all models, with the likes of cruise control, parking sensors and adjustable driver modes all available on higher trims.

Skoda has also entered the burgeoning field of connected car services with its Skoda Connect system, which gives users access to a range of online services, including real-time traffic information and immediate contact with a call centre in the event of an emergency or breakdown.

The aspect of the Kodiaq that is most predictable – but still impressive – is the interior space. Skoda's engineers are geniuses when it comes to packaging, always managing to create more room in the cabin than equivalent-sized cars from the brand's VW Group siblings. In this instance, there's lots of room up front and, even with taller drivers, the rear still feels positively cavernous, with plenty of legroom and headroom. In seven-seat versions, the rear pair is less restricted than in many so-called seven-seaters. Slide the middle row of seats forward a little and even average height adults should be able to get comfortable in the back.

The Kodiaq's exterior design – which uses a series of sharp lines in combination with a robust-looking, well-proportioned body – should also prove appealing to buyers wanting a modern interpretation of an SUV.

With prices starting at less than £27,000, with affordable PCP finance options, the Kodiaq is a very attractive buying proposition, especially when you consider that it bears numerous similarities to the considerably more expensive Audi Q7.

Best Skoda Kodiaq for...

Best for Economy – Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 DSG SE

The slowest of the two diesels promises more than 52mpg, yet is almost as spritely as the 200hp variant. Fuel economy figures are slightly better in the well-equipped entry-level SE trim, which is the only trim level that can be had with five seats, as well as seven.

Best for Families – Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 200 DSG 4x4 SE L

The more powerful 200hp diesel engine will make light work of a car full of children and all the baggage that comes in hand. It's reasonably quick (0-62mph in 7.8 seconds), and the seven seats as standard are perfect for those unexpected passengers to and from that football game. Mid-spec SE L has everything a family would need - even a powered tailgate.

Best for Performance – Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TSI 190 DSG 4x4 SportLine

Hardly fast, the most powerful engine reaches 62mph in 7.6 seconds. The SportLine trim suits the car well, though, with massive 20-inch alloy wheels and sporty progressive steering.

History

  • November 2016 Order books for UK sales open.
  • April 2017 First deliveries are begin in time for the '17' plate.
  • February 2018 Top-of-the-range Laurin & Klement trim made available.
  • September 2018 Performance vRS model launched with 240hp 2.0 TDI diesel engine.
  • July 2019 Improved technology and visual enhancements across the range.
  • May 2021 Design tweaks offer a mid-life refresh, LED headlights are standard on all trims (SE, SE L, SportLine, L&K and vRS), and new vRS gets 245hp 2.0-litre petrol engine.

Understanding Skoda Kodiaq names

Engine 2.0 TDI

The Kodiaq has seen a few engine options come and go, but later options include a 1.5 TSI, 2.0 TSI and 2.0 TDI. The figures reflect the engine's output in litres. Petrol models go by TSI, while diesel models go by TDI.

Gearbox DSG

All models come with the Volkswagen Group's 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The 1.5 TSI is also sold, as standard, with a 6-speed manual. Both 2.0-litre engines are available as four-wheel drive variants, too; this is called 4x4.

Trim SE L

The trim level determines the level of standard kit on a model. SE L is a good balance of equipment and cost.

Skoda Kodiaq Engines

1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150, 2.0 TSI 180/190, 2.0 TDI 150, 2.0 TDI 190/200

The Skoda Kodiaq was available with a choice of three petrol engines and two diesels at launch; the options haven't changed much over its time on sale.

The 1.4 TSI petrol engine is a tried-and-tested unit that is fitted to numerous models in the Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda and Audi line-ups. It has a reputation for being a highly flexible and efficient engine. This is especially true in the higher-powered guise, which uses Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) that enables two of the engine’s four cylinders to shut down when not required, starting up again instantaneously when the accelerator is pressed and all the cylinders are needed.

It’s a highly effective technology that works undetected by the driver and delivers an official fuel consumption of 46.3mpg (41.5mpg when fitted with four-wheel drive) and CO2 emissions of 141g/km (153g/km). It’s an engine that works surprisingly well with the 1.6-tonne Kodiaq, not feeling underpowered at all. Its replacement, the 1.5 TSI, uses the same ACT technology.

There is also a 2.0 TSI petrol engine that will be a niche choice; it is the best-performing engine in the Kodiaq’s range but poor fuel efficiency doesn't help. High emissions puts it in an expensive tax bracket, while a realistic 32mpg will mean visits to the petrol station become a common occurrence.

The most efficient 150hp 2.0 TDI diesel option is the most efficient (over 50mpg), and in turn, the most popular option. It's quick enough for most, and even the four-wheel drive option proves to be reasonably economical. The engine is very refined and Skoda has soundproofed the Kodiaq very well, as very little engine noise intrudes into the cabin.

Combining the economy of a diesel with a little extra performance, the 190hp 2.0 TDI version still manages to return mpg figures in the high 40s. It pulls well on both country roads and motorways.

Engine

Fuel

Economy

Power

Acceleration (0-62mph)

Top Speed

1.5 TSI

Petrol

42.8mpg

150hp

9.6 seconds

126mph

2.0 TSI

Petrol

34.5mpg

190hp

7.6 seconds

131mph

2.0 TSI

Petrol

 

245hp

 

 

2.0 TDI

Diesel

52.3mpg

150hp

9.4 seconds

125mph

2.0 TDI

Diesel

42.2mpg

200hp

7.8 seconds

131mph

Skoda Kodiaq Trims

SE, SE Drive, SE L, SportLine, Laurin & Klement

Entry-level models used to go by S, but this was dropped in favour of SE. Later SE models come with 18-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch media system, cruise control, dual-zone air-con, rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, and keyless start/stop. Older S models had less equipment and a disappointing 6.5-inch touchscreen.

Next up is the SE Drive trim, which adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera and seven seats as standard.

The SE L trim also comes with 19-inch wheels, but adds LED headlights, folding door mirrors, heated front seats, and electric boot lid and keyless entry.

SportLine models have a dedicated bodykit, designed to look sportier than the regular Kodiaq. Black detailing and 20-inch alloy wheels outside are joined by sports seats inside. 

Laurin & Klement is the best Kodiaq money can buy. Luxurious comprise a 360-degree parking camera, a 575-watt upgraded sound system and leather seats.

 

Skoda Kodiaq Reliability and warranty

The Skoda Kodiaq finished sixth out of 75 cars in the 2020 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, for a second time. The year also saw the brand climb one place to fifth position out of 30 car makers.

It's built on the MQB platform, which means engines and many of the mechanical underpinnings are shared with a wide spectrum of Volkswagen Group cars - ones you might not expect like the Audi TT, Seat Leon and Volkswagen Passat. 

Skoda offers a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty on all of its cars, but this can be upgraded to five years and 100,000 miles when bought new. The first two years are covered for an unlimited mileage.

Used Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq has proven to be extremely successful. In fact, it was the first of many SUVs to make up Skoda's latest lineup, inculding the Kamiq and Karoq, as well as the electric Enyaq iV.

Its engines, gearboxes and four-wheel drive setups are tried and tested across the entire Volkswagen Group range (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat), and have proven both reliable and efficient.

The cheapest 2017 and 2018 models can be had from  £14,995, or  £238.81 per month. Limited-run vRS models are a lot more expensive, though: we're talking at least  . Nearly new, pre-registered examples are perfect for those who want a new car, without paying the new car premium. A handful of miles on the clock means as little as  £238.81 per month can get you in the driver's seat.

 

List price

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Best for economy

Price

£27,245

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Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150PS

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Best for families

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£22,945

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Skoda Kodiaq 1.4 TSI 150PS

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