The Skoda Kodiaq has built a reputation since its launch in 2017 as a spacious, comfortable, and versatile SUV. With its high entry, fine interior, and optional third row of seats, it is an interesting car for a wide audience. The Kodiaq offers a good balance between comfort and functionality, making it an attractive choice in its segment.
Is the Skoda Kodiaq a good choice?
Since its introduction, the Skoda Kodiaq has been a popular choice due to its comfortable driving experience. During the ride, you can enjoy the silence on board and the fine seats. Both the standard interior and the sports seats with integrated headrests receive compliments from Kodiaq drivers. Keep in mind that models with 20-inch wheels are slightly less forgiving on bumpy roads; smaller wheels offer more comfort.
In addition to comfort, the Kodiaq offers a high entry and an elevated seating position, making it easier to take a seat in the driver’s seat and giving you a good view of the road. Those who need extra space can opt for the optional third row of seats, which turns the midi-SUV into a seven-seater.
The Kodiaq is also available with four-wheel drive, which makes it extra versatile. With the four-wheel drive version of the Kodiaq, you can also drive on unpaved roads without losing grip. Four-wheel drive also offers advantages when towing a caravan.
After its facelift in 2020, the Kodiaq received a refresh. LED headlights and the option for matrix lighting give the front a modern look. Details such as aluminum strips on the bumpers and a black spoiler contribute to a sportier look. The interior is also revamped and provided with updates such as an improved infotainment system and a digital Virtual Cockpit in higher versions.
With handy extras such as automatically extending door protectors, an ice scraper neatly hidden behind the fuel filler flap, and a built-in umbrella in the front door, Skoda shows its practical side. You can also enjoy modern driver assistance systems such as lane assist and adaptive cruise control in the Kodiaq.
Performances
With the Skoda Kodiaq, you can choose from both gasoline and diesel engines, all executed as four-cylinders. For gasoline riders, there are a number of options depending on the year of construction.
Until 2018, the Kodiaq was supplied with the 1.4 TSI, an engine that delivers 125 hp. From 2018, this was replaced by the 1.5 TSI with 150 hp, which is available with both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. For those looking for more power, there was a 2.0 TSI with 180 hp from 2017 to 2020. This more powerful petrol engine was always combined with four-wheel drive.
Those who want to diesel can choose from the 2.0 TDI engine, which you will find in different capacities. The entry-level model delivers 150 hp and is available with both front-wheel and four-wheel drive. For those looking for a little more power, there is the 2.0 TDI with 190 hp, which is also available in both powertrains. The sportiest option is the 240 hp Kodiaq RS, a diesel version that is always combined with four-wheel drive.
Space and practical usability
You have a lot of space on both the front seats and the back seat of the Skoda Kodiaq. The optional third row of seats is mainly intended for children and makes the SUV a practical family car.
In its early years, the Kodiaq had a trunk space of 650 liters with the rear seat back up. If you fold this down, that content increases to 2,065 liters. Copies from 2020 increased in space. The trunk of the facelifted Kodiaq measures 835 liters.
Do you opt for a seven-seater Kodiaq? Then you naturally give in some loading space and there is still 340 liters left. Of course, you can also simply fold down that third row of seats.
Reliability and problems
Although the Skoda Kodiaq is generally reliable, there are some points to watch out for during a test drive. For example, the DSG automatic gearboxes have some problems. Therefore, check carefully whether the automatic transmission shifts smoothly between all gears, both at lower and higher speeds.
In addition, various drivers report that cracks come from the interior while driving, for example at the door panels. It is therefore wise to turn off the radio when taking a test drive to hear if you do not hear any disturbing creaks.
Also, certain models have reported a fragile windshield wiper lever that can break.
