Skoda Kodiaq Review

Billed as a more affordable seven-seat SUV from Europe than its main rivals, the Kodiaq comes in a three-pronged lineup for Australian buyers, which includes a rapid RS range-topper.

Which is the best variant for you? Let’s take a closer look at the Skoda Kodiaq range to find out.

Skoda Kodiaq Competition

Starting Price: $54,990

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How Much Does It Cost?

The Skoda Kodiaq range kicks off from $54,990 for the entry-level Kodiaq Style, with prices rising up to $59,990 for the mid-spec Kodiaq Sportline.

Finally, the range-topping Kodiaq RS is priced at $74,990.

Keep in mind that these retail price tags are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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SKODA Kodiaq - STYLE (4x4) 132TSI Specifications

For more details and other variants, check SKODA Kodiaq car page.

What Features Does the Skoda Kodiaq Have?

Skoda’s entry-level Kodiaq Style comes riding on a set of 19-inch alloys, and picks up LED headlights and daytime running lamps, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a chrome front grille with silver roof rails, leather upholstery, a powered boot lift, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, ambient lighting, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.2-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Stepping up to the Kodiaq Sportline adds a set of 20-inch alloys, Matrix LED headlights with LED fog lights, a mix of Alcantara and leather upholstery, Sportline exterior highlights, auto-dimming side mirrors, power-adjustable driver’s seat and a sportier tune for the steering wheel.

Finally, the range-topping Kodiaq RS comes riding on 20-inch alloys, and receives red brake calipers, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive suspension, a hands-free powered boot lift, a surround-view camera, a set of sports seats wrapped in leather, carbon fibre-style interior highlights, an off-road mode, three-zone climate control, a 12-speaker Canton sound system and some added safety gear. 

Range Features:

• 19-inch alloys

• LED headlights & daytime running lamps 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Leather upholstery

• Powered boot lift

• Rear-view camera with parking sensors 

• Ambient interior lighting 

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 

• 9.2-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• 20-inch alloys (Sportline)

• Matrix LED headlights with LED fog lights (Sportline)

• Adaptive suspension (RS)

• Panoramic sunroof (RS)

• Leather sports seats (RS)

• 12-speaker Canton sound system (RS)

Is the Skoda Kodiaq Comfortable to Drive?

The Skoda Kodiaq comes in three flavours, two of which are modest in their power figures, while the range-topping Kodiaq RS gets pretty serious in its pursuit of speed.

The Style and Sportline come powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder pushing out 132kW of power and 320Nm of torque which is thrown to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive system.

Acceleration in these variants is more than enough for everyday driving, with snappy shifts on offer from the DCT and a generous amount of torque to help push you up to speed.

Making the move to the Kodiaq RS unleashes a different beast thanks to its healthy power outputs of 180kW/370Nm, as well as the adaptive suspension system that softens in comfort mode and sharpens up in sports mode.

Stepping up to the Sportline and the RS also adds a sportier tune for the steering which makes the steering weightier at lower speeds and far more responsiveness at speed.

Around town, the Kodiaq rides on the firm side, though this translates to some agile and nippy handling, making for a dynamic everyday driving package.

On the open road, the Kodiaq strides confidently, and while the ride quality can suffer on some rougher road surfaces, the package feels remarkably solid and premium.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

With two engines on offer, fuel efficiency in the Skoda Kodiaq depends on which variant you’re picking, with the entry-level Style and Sportline sipping a claimed 8.2L/100km on a combined cycle.

Surprisingly, the performance-focused Kodiaq RS returns the best fuel economy figures of the range, consuming 7.5L/100km on a combined cycle.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Step inside the Skoda Kodiaq and you’re greeted with a sleek and stylish cabin that comes impressively equipped, even in the base model.

Up front, the driver and front passenger have acres of headroom and a great view out of the front windshield, with a digital instrument cluster fitted as standard for a high-tech touch.

A narrow centre console allows for more space in the front of the cockpit, while offering a healthy range of storage options from the tray at the base of the dash, large door bins on either side of the cabin, as well as a pair of cup holders and added storage inside the folding armrest.

The base model picks up leather upholstery as standard while stepping up higher into the range adds some faux carbon-fibre highlights and leather-wrapped sports seats in the range-topping RS.

All the touchpoints receive a soft-touch finish while the switchgear and dials have a typically-European sturdy feel to them.

Move to the second row of the cabin and there’s a comfortable bench seat with acres of legroom for those seated in the rear, as well as air vents, tablet holders, cup holders and a 12V power outlet, though curiously no USBs in the rear.

The second row is able to slide back and forth, can recline for those long holiday road trips, and features a pair of ISOFIX anchors and three top tether mounts for child seats.

Entering the third row of the cabin is relatively simple, though space in the third row itself is quite cramped, putting the Kodiaq more in the position of a five-plus-two seater rather than a spacious seven-seat platform.

Finally, boot space figures of the Skoda Kodiaq stand at 270L with all three rows of seats standing, expanding to 765L with the third row folded, and to a maximum of 2005L with both rows folded.

Is it Safe?

The Skoda Kodiaq has picked up a five-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring 92% for adult protection, 77% for child protection, 62% for pedestrian protection and 54% for safety assist.

As standard, the Kodiaq is fitted with autonomous emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, adaptive cruise control and nine airbags.

Unfortunately, key safety equipment like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and parking assist are reserved as optional extras for the Style and Sportline, while the RS picks them up as standard.

Our Verdict: Is The Skoda Kodiaq Worth it?

If you’re looking for a cost-effective premium European SUV package, entry-level members of the Skoda Kodiaq family will have you very much covered.

With the exception of safety equipment, base models come well-equipped with premium touches that make stepping up to the range-topping RS unnecessary, unless you’re in the market for an SUV with serious pace.

If you’re tossing up your options within the world of seven-seat SUVs, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying specialists who can help find you the best possible price.

Five Skoda Kodiaq Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. Two engines available (132kW/320Nm & 180kW/370Nm) 

3. Fuel economy figures between 7.5-8.2L/100km on the combined cycle 

4. Five-star ANCAP safety rating 

5. 270L boot expands to 765L with third-row folded