2024 Skoda Kodiaq: The Family SUV that balances Space, Comfort, and Performance!
Skoda is obsessed with building their cars like tanks. They’re safe, they’re sturdy and if they have too many positives the one negative about cars being built like tanks is that they’re burly. A little too much to be convenient. The Skoda Kodiaq opens up the roads exactly where the older version of Skoda Kodiaq stops. There are some concerns that we’ll be discussing and alot more reasons why you should be driving this car if you have a family or luggage of upto 7.
Pros
- Multiple creases on the bonnet which aids in airflow.
- Water jet to clean the rear camera.
- The cabin is so quiet that they had to put in fake noise into it.
Cons
- Bulky SUV, even the 5 seater SUV seems massive.
- Interiors aren’t upto the standard you’d want at this price tag.
- Some infotainment features lag a bit.
- Runs on 95RON premium unleaded petrol instead of the more accessible 91RON
What’s new?
- PHEV alternative available
- 3 smart dials to control things without tapping on the screen too much.
- Optional LED on the front grille
Given that we have picked the largest seater of Skoda Kodiaq the competitors are limited to Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and CX-9. Primarily we have chosen the 7-seater because the 5-seater is the same vehicle but with a bigger boot and a slightly lower weight but given the size of the Skoda Kodiaq size matters. So yes, it’s a big boy party.
| Variant | Price | Fuel Efficiency | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Kodiaq RS 4x4 | $76,890 | 7.5 L/100km | Petrol |
| Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 4x4 | $56,490 | 8.2 L/100km | Petrol |
| Skoda Kodiaq Style 4x4 | $56,490 | 8.2 L/100km | Petrol |
Exteriors
Styling Elements
The new Skoda Kodiaq has received a very mindful change. I’m hesitant to call it an upgrade because I had to look side by side the photos of old and new models just to discern what’s new. The front grille is now bolder with clubs of parallel piano black spokes running down on it. The already glossy front is maxed out in the centre where the radar sensor and the camera is situated. They’ve also slimmed down the number plate dimensions in order to avoid the air inlet being covered. The headlights are matric headlights but have been broken into two fragments. I’m personally not a fan of the fragmentation but people have embraced the dual lighting system. To each their own, I guess.
There are air pockets on the side which aids in airflow and makes the SUV look burly on the move. The Skoda Kodiaq comes with privacy glass as standard and depending upon the variant you pick, you’ll be getting a panoramic sunroof with a similar tint. The tail lights are fully LED which is something I believe should be standard in all vehicles which are being sold in 2024.
Colour Options
Depending upon the variant you choose, the Skoda Kodiaq is available in 6 and 7 colour options. Following is the variant-wise breakdown of colour options the Skoda Kodiaq is offered in.
Colour options of Skoda Kodiaq Style - Energy Blue | Moon White Metallic | Lava Blue Metallic | Graphite Grey Metallic | Brilliant Sliver Metallic | Magic Black Pearl
Colour options of Skoda Kodiaq Sportline (In addition to the colours of Kodiaq Style) - Steel Grey | Velvet Red Premium
Colour options of Skoda Kodiaq RS (In addition to the colours of Kodiaq Sportline) -
Race Blue Metallic
Wheel Design
The wheel design of Skoda Kodiaq is quite premium and each variant has a dedicated design and comes with a space saver tyre. Following is the breakdown of the wheel designs of Skoda Kodiaq variants.
- Wheel design of Skoda Kodiaq Style - 19-inch CURSA Anthracite alloy wheels
- Wheel design of Skoda Kodiaq Sportline - 20-inch VEGA alloy wheels
- Wheel design of Skoda Kodiaq RS - 20-inch SAGITARIUS 'Aero' alloy wheels
Interiors
Interior Layout & Space
The biggest upgrade in the new Skoda Kodiaq is with the interiors, they’ve reduced the buttons, and the infotainment screen is now segmented out of the feature board and sits on top of it. The 3 toggles now have a screen integrated into them. They’re not shabby but those of you who prefer function over fit might have some comments to make about it. However, in my personal opinion, the 3 smart dials are a great innovation, where they couldn’t bring features into the screen they’ve turned knobs and put a screen on features. That is astounding.
Apart from that, the major concern is with the premium look of the car, in the sense that it doesn’t impress you when you factor in how much you’ll be spending for the new Skoda Kodiaq 2024.
In addition to that, the centre console is amply spacious, the glove box is adequate, there are two of them so I don’t think that should be on anybody’s complaint list. The memory seats with multiple adjustment settings make sitting in this car for delayed hours convenient and comfortable.
The second row is extremely spacious, the knee and legroom are ample but more to our surprise the headroom is excellent even with the presence of the panoramic sunroof. Additionally, the second row is manually adjustable which allows to alter the space in this third room. While the seats are adjustable, they’re not adjustable enough for you to get a halfway decent space in the third row. It is a bit crammed in. If you’re on the taller end of the height standard, I suggest you call dibs on the first two rows.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The seats of the Skoda Kodiaq are sports comfort front seats with side bolsters and have an electrical adjustment with lumbar support and memory function. To add more jazz to this already outfitted seating panel, the seats have a cushion depth adjustment. While the front and rear seats are heated in the Skoda Kodiaq RS, in the other variants of the Skoda Kodiaq namely the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline and Style, you can opt for the rear seat in one of the packages.
Following are the upholstery options of the Skoda Kodiaq;
- Skoda Kodiaq RS - Leather-appointed upholstery with red contrast stitching and embossed RS logo.
- Skoda Kodiaq Sportline - Suedia/leather-appointed upholstery with silver contrast stitching.
- Skoda Kodiaq Style - Suedia/leather-appointed upholstery.
Boot
What starts as a humble 270 litres of boot space, which is enough for your everyday usage and storing minor things in the boot. The boot floor is divided into 3 aspects and all three of them have storage space underneath them, in addition to the overall boot. If you want more boot space and are willing to compromise on the seating space, you can collapse the third row and extend the boot space to over 630 litres. The space is maxed out when you collapse the second row. With all rows but the first row collapsed you get just over 2000 litres of boot space. So yes, if you’re looking to do some camping and it is just the two of you, this car is everything you need.
Technology & Infotainment
The Skoda Kodiaq has a decent list of technology features. However, given that these features come from a predominantly Czech maker focussing on Europe as their main market, the features may lag a bit but have been decently tuned for Australian requirements.
Technology Features
- Convenience key, full keyless entry and start with a Safe system
- Electro-mechanical Parking Brake (EPB) (with Auto Hold Function)
- Rain sensing wipers
- Dual-zone Climatronic air-conditioning with humidity sensor
- Tri-zone Climatronic air-conditioning with humidity sensor and separate controls in the rear centre console (Not standard, available as an optional package)
- LED ambient lighting with customisable colours - dashboard, door panels and foot wells (non-customisable)
Apart from the technology features, Skoda offers you 3 different packages which make the feature list longer. Do be mindful that not every variant has the option for every package. Discuss this with your dealer at the time of your purchase.
Tech Pack
- Adaptive Chassis Control with Driving Mode Selection (ECO function for Style)
- Automatic Parking Assist
- CANTON® premium audio system - 12 speakers including sub-woofer
- Virtual pedal - hands-free electric tailgate opening and closing
- Off-road mode - driving assistant for difficult conditions
- Sleep Package
Luxury Pack WL4
- Full Matrix LED headlights with dynamic headlight range control and cornering light
- Electrically adjustable Ergonomic front seats with memory function
- Lane Assist
- Heated front and rear seats
- Surround Area View
- Electrically adjustable passenger seat
- Perforated leather-appointed seat upholstery (black)
- Front Ventilated seats
- Massage function for front seats
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Emergency Assist
- Front seats cushion depth adjustment
- 3 Zone air-conditioning
- Automatically foldable door mirrors with auto-dimming, memory function and LED environmental lights
- 3-Spoke Multifunction sports steering wheel, heated, with DSG paddles
Luxury Pack WL2
- Lane Assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance
- Heated front and rear seats
- Surround Area View
- Electrically adjustable passenger seat
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Emergency Assist
- 3 Zone air-conditioning
Connectivity Options
- 9.2" Columbus infotainment system with touch screen and satellite navigation
- 8 speakers' audio system (Standard in Style variant)
- CANTON® premium audio system - 12 speakers including sub-woofer
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity
- Bluetooth connectivity (phone and audio)
- Digital radio (DAB+)
- 10.25" Virtual cockpit digital cluster
- Wireless charging pad
- 12V outlet in rear
- USB-C outlet
Performance & Engine
The Skoda Kodiaq has a single engine option which offers 2 different power structures, the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline and Skoda Kodiaq Style offer 177 Bhp of power and 320 Nm of torque on a 4-cylinder 2-litre turbo-charged engine. However, the top-of-the-line Skoda Kodiaq RS offers over 240 Bhp of power and 370 Nm of torque on the same engine specification.
Engine Specifications
| Variant | Power | Torque | Engine Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Kodiaq RS 4x4 | 241 Bhp | 370 Nm | 4cyl 2.0L Turbo Petrol |
| Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 4x4 | 177 Bhp | 320 Nm | 4cyl 2.0L Turbo Petrol |
| Skoda Kodiaq Style 4x4 | 177 Bhp | 320 Nm | 4cyl 2.0L Turbo Petrol |
Transmission & Drive System
The transmission is a Direct-Shift Gearbox with a Sports Automatic Dual Clutch. It is clearly one of the better transmission systems there are. The pick-up is quick and smooth, the car doesn’t jitter out of the ordinary. While the car moves decently in the normal mode, there are multiple driving modes which you can use depending on the roads that you encounter or the driving conditions. The driving modes are;
Eco | Comfort | Normal | Sport | Individual | Snow
What I found funny and problematic is that Skoda did what we wanted, they made the cabin as quiet as a crypt. However, one of them thought that they needed to put fake engine noises in the cabin so that the occupants wouldn’t get too comfortable.
There is fake engine noise?? Why, Skoda, Why?
Fuel Economy & Efficiency
The Skoda Kodiaq shares the same engine as the Volkswagen Golf GTI. However, the weight discrepancy does leave alot to be deemed out of the same engine but overall the Skoda Kodiaq holds itself nice and strong. The starting variant, the Skoda Kodiaq Style has an economy of 7.5 litres of gas for every 100 kilometres, this is the best figure in the Skoda Kodiaq.
The Skoda Kodiaq Sportline and RS share the same economy rate of 8.2 litres of gas for every 100 kilometres. Keep in mind that the Skoda Kodiaq has a fuel tank capacity of 58 litres, so not alot of fuel can be carried, may have to make multiple trips to the gas station.
Handling & Driving Dynamics
The Skoda Kodiaq runs smoother than butter. The handling is very precisely tailored to give you a dynamic driving experience but also the features have a congruence to them which takes care of alot of things behind the curtain. While the Skoda Kodiaq has an off-road driving mode, which essentially strengthens the traction control and stability controls, it is less than advised to take this tank out on the Australian terrain due to its minimal ground clearance (191mm).
What makes the driving experience exceptionally fun is the adaptive dampening set-up. This makes the Skoda Kodiaq extremely stable on erratic road conditions. However, the true fun of adaptive dampeners is when the Skoda Kodiaq is being driven in Sport mode. The car zooms up to speed and takes on slippery or erratic surfaces quite effortlessly and the cabin remains as stable and comfortable as ever.
Safety Features
The safety features are absolutely immaculate. Well-tuned features which don’t activate themselves prematurely make these features an actual feature and not just a liability to have and switch off every time you turn your car on.
- 7 Airbags
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
- Cross differential system (XDS+)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Hold Control (HHC)
- Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
- Multi-Collision Brake (MKB)
- Rain Brake Support (RBS)
- Parking sensors - front
- Parking sensors - rear
- Rearview camera
- Surround Area View Camera
- Speed limiter
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring
- Alarm system with interior monitoring and towing protection
- Power child locks
- Rubbish bin in the door panel
- Cargo elements (cargo fasteners)
- Ticket holder - 'a' pillar
- Windscreen washer reservoir with integrated funnel
Advanced Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Driver Fatigue Detection
- Emergency Assist
- Front Assist - City/Pedestrian
- Lane Assist
- Lane Assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance
- Park Assist
- Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert
- Traffic Jam Assist
Crash Test Ratings
The Skoda Kodiaq was awarded a 5-star ANCAP rating. The test was conducted in May 2017 and the rating expired in December 2023. The Skoda Kodiaqs which are built from January 2024 onwards haven’t received an official ANCAP rating. Read the entire report here.
- Adult Occupant Protection - 92%
- Child Occupant Protection - 77%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection - 62%
- Safety Assist - 54%
*The report briefed above is from the ANCAP report which expired in December January 2024. If you’re reading this post [XX-XX-XXXX], we suggest you check to see if the new ANCAP report is live.
Ownership Experience
The ownership experience of the Skoda Kodiaq is characterised by a blend of practicality, comfort, and advanced features. Owners appreciate its spacious interior, which accommodates families and luggage with ease, making it ideal for both daily commutes and long trips. The Kodiaq's refined ride quality, coupled with a well-insulated cabin, ensures a smooth and quiet drive. Advanced safety features and driver assistance systems enhance confidence on the road. Additionally, the Kodiaq offers a robust infotainment system with seamless smartphone integration, catering to tech-savvy users. Overall, Skoda Kodiaq owners find it a reliable and versatile SUV, balancing performance with convenience.
Major Drawbacks
- There are some features that Skoda offers on paper but due to the semiconductor supply running short, the cars don’t have it at the time of purchase. Do talk to your dealer when you’re purchasing.
- The 360-degree camera has a split view and both of them have their Achilles’ heel. The 360 monitor doesn’t cover alot of area and thus is functionally useless. The rearview camera is a bit grainy and may take time to get adjusted to.
Major Strengths
- Very mindfully curated body, there are bins which are separate from the door space, carpeted door interiors, door protectors on the outside and to top it all off, the Skoda Kodiaq has given you an umbrella for those days when you’re less prepped than your car.
- Even with bigger wheels, the Skoda Kodiaq remains very grounded and stable. The stability controls act perfectly in tandem with the type of driving mode you’ve selected.
Maintenance & Warranty Information
Skoda embraces their commitment to you. That’s why they offer a 7-year/Unlimited Kilometre Warranty across the entire range of vehicles, conditions and exclusions apply.
The warranty helps remove any pesky worries nipping at your wheels and reflects the great confidence they have in the build quality of Skoda cars. More importantly, it’s Skoda’s show of commitment to you. So enjoy peace of mind and an exceptional driving experience, wherever your journey takes you.
The following is covered under the warranty;
- 7-Year/Unlimited Kilometre Warranty for all new Skoda cars
- 7-Year/Unlimited Kilometre Warranty on Engine Starting Batteries
- 1 Year Membership to Skoda Roadside Assist
- 2-Year/Unlimited Kilometre Warranty for all Skoda Genuine Parts and Accessories
- 3-Year/Unlimited Kilometre Paint Warranty
- 12-Year/Unlimited Kilometre Warranty on Through Corrosion
Verdict
Great driving experience, great suspension and even greater cabin comfort. The Skoda Kodiaq has everything you want in a great family car. The features, spaciousness and seats are made for owning this car by families. I understand that some of you are looking to purchase a 7-seater SUV to go camping and for that, I’m afraid, the Skoda Kodiaq isn’t made for you. While the car is equipped for everything within urban limits, the low ground clearance, the drum brakes and the lack of an idling torque sequencer makes this car less than considerable for those outdoorsy couples looking to take their car out in the woods every now and then.
Reference
Skoda is obsessed with building their cars like tanks. They’re safe, they’re sturdy and if they have too many positives the one negative about cars being built like tanks is that they’re burly. A little too much to be convenient. The Skoda Kodiaq opens up the roads exactly where the older version of Skoda Kodiaq stops. There are some concerns that we’ll be discussing and alot more reasons why you should be driving this car if you have a family or luggage of upto 7.
Pros
- Multiple creases on the bonnet which aids in airflow.
- Water jet to clean the rear camera.
- The cabin is so quiet that they had to put in fake noise into it.
Cons
- Bulky SUV, even the 5 seater SUV seems massive.
- Interiors aren’t upto the standard you’d want at this price tag.
- Some infotainment features lag a bit.
- Runs on 95RON premium unleaded petrol instead of the more accessible 91RON
What’s new?
- PHEV alternative available
- 3 smart dials to control things without tapping on the screen too much.
- Optional LED on the front grille
Given that we have picked the largest seater of Skoda Kodiaq the competitors are limited to Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and CX-9. Primarily we have chosen the 7-seater because the 5-seater is the same vehicle but with a bigger boot and a slightly lower weight but given the size of the Skoda Kodiaq size matters. So yes, it’s a big boy party.
| Variant | Price | Fuel Efficiency | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Kodiaq RS 4x4 | $76,890 | 7.5 L/100km | Petrol |
| Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 4x4 | $56,490 | 8.2 L/100km | Petrol |
| Skoda Kodiaq Style 4x4 | $56,490 | 8.2 L/100km | Petrol |
Exteriors
Styling Elements
The new Skoda Kodiaq has received a very mindful change. I’m hesitant to call it an upgrade because I had to look side by side the photos of old and new models just to discern what’s new. The front grille is now bolder with clubs of parallel piano black spokes running down on it. The already glossy front is maxed out in the centre where the radar sensor and the camera is situated. They’ve also slimmed down the number plate dimensions in order to avoid the air inlet being covered. The headlights are matric headlights but have been broken into two fragments. I’m personally not a fan of the fragmentation but people have embraced the dual lighting system. To each their own, I guess.
There are air pockets on the side which aids in airflow and makes the SUV look burly on the move. The Skoda Kodiaq comes with privacy glass as standard and depending upon the variant you pick, you’ll be getting a panoramic sunroof with a similar tint. The tail lights are fully LED which is something I believe should be standard in all vehicles which are being sold in 2024.
Colour Options
Depending upon the variant you choose, the Skoda Kodiaq is available in 6 and 7 colour options. Following is the variant-wise breakdown of colour options the Skoda Kodiaq is offered in.
Colour options of Skoda Kodiaq Style - Energy Blue | Moon White Metallic | Lava Blue Metallic | Graphite Grey Metallic | Brilliant Sliver Metallic | Magic Black Pearl
Colour options of Skoda Kodiaq Sportline (In addition to the colours of Kodiaq Style) - Steel Grey | Velvet Red Premium
Colour options of Skoda Kodiaq RS (In addition to the colours of Kodiaq Sportline) -
Race Blue Metallic
Wheel Design
The wheel design of Skoda Kodiaq is quite premium and each variant has a dedicated design and comes with a space saver tyre. Following is the breakdown of the wheel designs of Skoda Kodiaq variants.
- Wheel design of Skoda Kodiaq Style - 19-inch CURSA Anthracite alloy wheels
- Wheel design of Skoda Kodiaq Sportline - 20-inch VEGA alloy wheels
- Wheel design of Skoda Kodiaq RS - 20-inch SAGITARIUS 'Aero' alloy wheels
Interiors
Interior Layout & Space
The biggest upgrade in the new Skoda Kodiaq is with the interiors, they’ve reduced the buttons, and the infotainment screen is now segmented out of the feature board and sits on top of it. The 3 toggles now have a screen integrated into them. They’re not shabby but those of you who prefer function over fit might have some comments to make about it. However, in my personal opinion, the 3 smart dials are a great innovation, where they couldn’t bring features into the screen they’ve turned knobs and put a screen on features. That is astounding.
Apart from that, the major concern is with the premium look of the car, in the sense that it doesn’t impress you when you factor in how much you’ll be spending for the new Skoda Kodiaq 2024.
In addition to that, the centre console is amply spacious, the glove box is adequate, there are two of them so I don’t think that should be on anybody’s complaint list. The memory seats with multiple adjustment settings make sitting in this car for delayed hours convenient and comfortable.
The second row is extremely spacious, the knee and legroom are ample but more to our surprise the headroom is excellent even with the presence of the panoramic sunroof. Additionally, the second row is manually adjustable which allows to alter the space in this third room. While the seats are adjustable, they’re not adjustable enough for you to get a halfway decent space in the third row. It is a bit crammed in. If you’re on the taller end of the height standard, I suggest you call dibs on the first two rows.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The seats of the Skoda Kodiaq are sports comfort front seats with side bolsters and have an electrical adjustment with lumbar support and memory function. To add more jazz to this already outfitted seating panel, the seats have a cushion depth adjustment. While the front and rear seats are heated in the Skoda Kodiaq RS, in the other variants of the Skoda Kodiaq namely the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline and Style, you can opt for the rear seat in one of the packages.
Following are the upholstery options of the Skoda Kodiaq;
- Skoda Kodiaq RS - Leather-appointed upholstery with red contrast stitching and embossed RS logo.
- Skoda Kodiaq Sportline - Suedia/leather-appointed upholstery with silver contrast stitching.
- Skoda Kodiaq Style - Suedia/leather-appointed upholstery.
Boot
What starts as a humble 270 litres of boot space, which is enough for your everyday usage and storing minor things in the boot. The boot floor is divided into 3 aspects and all three of them have storage space underneath them, in addition to the overall boot. If you want more boot space and are willing to compromise on the seating space, you can collapse the third row and extend the boot space to over 630 litres. The space is maxed out when you collapse the second row. With all rows but the first row collapsed you get just over 2000 litres of boot space. So yes, if you’re looking to do some camping and it is just the two of you, this car is everything you need.
Technology & Infotainment
The Skoda Kodiaq has a decent list of technology features. However, given that these features come from a predominantly Czech maker focussing on Europe as their main market, the features may lag a bit but have been decently tuned for Australian requirements.
Technology Features
- Convenience key, full keyless entry and start with a Safe system
- Electro-mechanical Parking Brake (EPB) (with Auto Hold Function)
- Rain sensing wipers
- Dual-zone Climatronic air-conditioning with humidity sensor
- Tri-zone Climatronic air-conditioning with humidity sensor and separate controls in the rear centre console (Not standard, available as an optional package)
- LED ambient lighting with customisable colours - dashboard, door panels and foot wells (non-customisable)
Apart from the technology features, Skoda offers you 3 different packages which make the feature list longer. Do be mindful that not every variant has the option for every package. Discuss this with your dealer at the time of your purchase.
Tech Pack
- Adaptive Chassis Control with Driving Mode Selection (ECO function for Style)
- Automatic Parking Assist
- CANTON® premium audio system - 12 speakers including sub-woofer
- Virtual pedal - hands-free electric tailgate opening and closing
- Off-road mode - driving assistant for difficult conditions
- Sleep Package
Luxury Pack WL4
- Full Matrix LED headlights with dynamic headlight range control and cornering light
- Electrically adjustable Ergonomic front seats with memory function
- Lane Assist
- Heated front and rear seats
- Surround Area View
- Electrically adjustable passenger seat
- Perforated leather-appointed seat upholstery (black)
- Front Ventilated seats
- Massage function for front seats
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Emergency Assist
- Front seats cushion depth adjustment
- 3 Zone air-conditioning
- Automatically foldable door mirrors with auto-dimming, memory function and LED environmental lights
- 3-Spoke Multifunction sports steering wheel, heated, with DSG paddles
Luxury Pack WL2
- Lane Assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance
- Heated front and rear seats
- Surround Area View
- Electrically adjustable passenger seat
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Emergency Assist
- 3 Zone air-conditioning
Connectivity Options
- 9.2" Columbus infotainment system with touch screen and satellite navigation
- 8 speakers' audio system (Standard in Style variant)
- CANTON® premium audio system - 12 speakers including sub-woofer
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity
- Bluetooth connectivity (phone and audio)
- Digital radio (DAB+)
- 10.25" Virtual cockpit digital cluster
- Wireless charging pad
- 12V outlet in rear
- USB-C outlet
Performance & Engine
The Skoda Kodiaq has a single engine option which offers 2 different power structures, the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline and Skoda Kodiaq Style offer 177 Bhp of power and 320 Nm of torque on a 4-cylinder 2-litre turbo-charged engine. However, the top-of-the-line Skoda Kodiaq RS offers over 240 Bhp of power and 370 Nm of torque on the same engine specification.
Engine Specifications
| Variant | Power | Torque | Engine Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Kodiaq RS 4x4 | 241 Bhp | 370 Nm | 4cyl 2.0L Turbo Petrol |
| Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 4x4 | 177 Bhp | 320 Nm | 4cyl 2.0L Turbo Petrol |
| Skoda Kodiaq Style 4x4 | 177 Bhp | 320 Nm | 4cyl 2.0L Turbo Petrol |
Transmission & Drive System
The transmission is a Direct-Shift Gearbox with a Sports Automatic Dual Clutch. It is clearly one of the better transmission systems there are. The pick-up is quick and smooth, the car doesn’t jitter out of the ordinary. While the car moves decently in the normal mode, there are multiple driving modes which you can use depending on the roads that you encounter or the driving conditions. The driving modes are;
Eco | Comfort | Normal | Sport | Individual | Snow
What I found funny and problematic is that Skoda did what we wanted, they made the cabin as quiet as a crypt. However, one of them thought that they needed to put fake engine noises in the cabin so that the occupants wouldn’t get too comfortable.
There is fake engine noise?? Why, Skoda, Why?
Fuel Economy & Efficiency
The Skoda Kodiaq shares the same engine as the Volkswagen Golf GTI. However, the weight discrepancy does leave alot to be deemed out of the same engine but overall the Skoda Kodiaq holds itself nice and strong. The starting variant, the Skoda Kodiaq Style has an economy of 7.5 litres of gas for every 100 kilometres, this is the best figure in the Skoda Kodiaq.
The Skoda Kodiaq Sportline and RS share the same economy rate of 8.2 litres of gas for every 100 kilometres. Keep in mind that the Skoda Kodiaq has a fuel tank capacity of 58 litres, so not alot of fuel can be carried, may have to make multiple trips to the gas station.
Handling & Driving Dynamics
The Skoda Kodiaq runs smoother than butter. The handling is very precisely tailored to give you a dynamic driving experience but also the features have a congruence to them which takes care of alot of things behind the curtain. While the Skoda Kodiaq has an off-road driving mode, which essentially strengthens the traction control and stability controls, it is less than advised to take this tank out on the Australian terrain due to its minimal ground clearance (191mm).
What makes the driving experience exceptionally fun is the adaptive dampening set-up. This makes the Skoda Kodiaq extremely stable on erratic road conditions. However, the true fun of adaptive dampeners is when the Skoda Kodiaq is being driven in Sport mode. The car zooms up to speed and takes on slippery or erratic surfaces quite effortlessly and the cabin remains as stable and comfortable as ever.
Safety Features
The safety features are absolutely immaculate. Well-tuned features which don’t activate themselves prematurely make these features an actual feature and not just a liability to have and switch off every time you turn your car on.
- 7 Airbags
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
- Cross differential system (XDS+)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Hold Control (HHC)
- Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
- Multi-Collision Brake (MKB)
- Rain Brake Support (RBS)
- Parking sensors - front
- Parking sensors - rear
- Rearview camera
- Surround Area View Camera
- Speed limiter
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring
- Alarm system with interior monitoring and towing protection
- Power child locks
- Rubbish bin in the door panel
- Cargo elements (cargo fasteners)
- Ticket holder - 'a' pillar
- Windscreen washer reservoir with integrated funnel
Advanced Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Driver Fatigue Detection
- Emergency Assist
- Front Assist - City/Pedestrian
- Lane Assist
- Lane Assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance
- Park Assist
- Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert
- Traffic Jam Assist
Crash Test Ratings
The Skoda Kodiaq was awarded a 5-star ANCAP rating. The test was conducted in May 2017 and the rating expired in December 2023. The Skoda Kodiaqs which are built from January 2024 onwards haven’t received an official ANCAP rating. Read the entire report here.
- Adult Occupant Protection - 92%
- Child Occupant Protection - 77%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection - 62%
- Safety Assist - 54%
*The report briefed above is from the ANCAP report which expired in December January 2024. If you’re reading this post [XX-XX-XXXX], we suggest you check to see if the new ANCAP report is live.
Ownership Experience
The ownership experience of the Skoda Kodiaq is characterised by a blend of practicality, comfort, and advanced features. Owners appreciate its spacious interior, which accommodates families and luggage with ease, making it ideal for both daily commutes and long trips. The Kodiaq's refined ride quality, coupled with a well-insulated cabin, ensures a smooth and quiet drive. Advanced safety features and driver assistance systems enhance confidence on the road. Additionally, the Kodiaq offers a robust infotainment system with seamless smartphone integration, catering to tech-savvy users. Overall, Skoda Kodiaq owners find it a reliable and versatile SUV, balancing performance with convenience.
Major Drawbacks
- There are some features that Skoda offers on paper but due to the semiconductor supply running short, the cars don’t have it at the time of purchase. Do talk to your dealer when you’re purchasing.
- The 360-degree camera has a split view and both of them have their Achilles’ heel. The 360 monitor doesn’t cover alot of area and thus is functionally useless. The rearview camera is a bit grainy and may take time to get adjusted to.
Major Strengths
- Very mindfully curated body, there are bins which are separate from the door space, carpeted door interiors, door protectors on the outside and to top it all off, the Skoda Kodiaq has given you an umbrella for those days when you’re less prepped than your car.
- Even with bigger wheels, the Skoda Kodiaq remains very grounded and stable. The stability controls act perfectly in tandem with the type of driving mode you’ve selected.
Maintenance & Warranty Information
Skoda embraces their commitment to you. That’s why they offer a 7-year/Unlimited Kilometre Warranty across the entire range of vehicles, conditions and exclusions apply.
The warranty helps remove any pesky worries nipping at your wheels and reflects the great confidence they have in the build quality of Skoda cars. More importantly, it’s Skoda’s show of commitment to you. So enjoy peace of mind and an exceptional driving experience, wherever your journey takes you.
The following is covered under the warranty;
- 7-Year/Unlimited Kilometre Warranty for all new Skoda cars
- 7-Year/Unlimited Kilometre Warranty on Engine Starting Batteries
- 1 Year Membership to Skoda Roadside Assist
- 2-Year/Unlimited Kilometre Warranty for all Skoda Genuine Parts and Accessories
- 3-Year/Unlimited Kilometre Paint Warranty
- 12-Year/Unlimited Kilometre Warranty on Through Corrosion
Verdict
Great driving experience, great suspension and even greater cabin comfort. The Skoda Kodiaq has everything you want in a great family car. The features, spaciousness and seats are made for owning this car by families. I understand that some of you are looking to purchase a 7-seater SUV to go camping and for that, I’m afraid, the Skoda Kodiaq isn’t made for you. While the car is equipped for everything within urban limits, the low ground clearance, the drum brakes and the lack of an idling torque sequencer makes this car less than considerable for those outdoorsy couples looking to take their car out in the woods every now and then.
