Skoda Kodiaq Review: The Vertu VERDICT
“It is little wonder the Skoda Kodiaq has been such a commercial and critical success. The Skoda Kodiaq represents the epitome of what the Czechia manufacturer does superbly, albeit framed in a more practical large-SUV format with the added bonus of offering up to seven seats. Skoda is well-known for getting the basics – comfort, reliability, thoughtful touches - spot on and lavishly appointed Kodiaq simply amplifies this with top notch build quality, competitive pricing and the option of seven seats or plug-in hybrid power. It’s little wonder the Kodiaq has been such a success for the firm.”
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Skoda Kodiaq: The Key Features
- Offers a ‘full house’ of mild-hybrid petrol, plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrain options
- Available with either five or seven seats
- Huge 910-litre boot in five-seat configurations
- ‘Simply Clever’ touches include built-in umbrella, ice scraper housed in fuel filler cap, windscreen washer cap that doubles as a funnel, door-edge protection system
- Even comes in a sporty vRS version with a meaty 261bhp
- If you’re keen on electric, never fear, the new Skoda Peaq offers a durable EV powertrain and seven seats
Who is the Skoda Kodiaq Best Suited To?
- Growing families, especially those with a need for seven seats
- Huge boot makes Kodiaq ideal for pet owners
- Those who take long family road trips
Skoda Kodiaq Trim Levels
Skoda Kodiaq Trims | Powertrain Options | Standard Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| 18-inch alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, 13-inch satellite navigation, 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, DAB digital radio, 8 speakers, heated front seats, ADAS safety systems, keyless start/stop, front/rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, voice control, cruise control, rear-view parking camera | |
| 19-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles, chrome inserts, LED Matrix headlights, electrically adjustable seating, variable boot floor, keyless entry, electrically operated boot (in addition to SE) | |
| 20-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, SportLine badging and decals, unique exterior styling, black microsuede detailing inside, alumninium pedals, adaptive cruise control, dynamic steering, drive mode selections (in addition to SE L) | |
| 20-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, L&K badging, Cognac interior selection, electrically adjustable and massaging front seats, heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, CANTON sound system, 360-degree area view, remote park assist, heated windscreen (in addition to SE L) | |
| 20-inch alloy wheels, vRS badging on exterior, red brake calipers, rear diffuser, vRS interior selection, three-spoke steering wheel, rear sports shock absorbtion, CANTON sound systemelectrically operated boot with virtual pedal (in addition to SportLine) |
Skoda Kodiaq Technical Specifications
Skoda Kodiaq Technical Specifications | 1.5-litre e-TEC MHEV | 2.0-litre TSI | 2.0-litre TSI (vRS) | 2.0-litre TDI | 25.7kWh PHEV iV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Family SUV | Family SUV | Family SUV | Family SUV | Family SUV |
Seats | 5 or 7 Seats | 5 or 7 Seats | 7 Seats | 5 or 7 Seats | 5 Seats |
Trims | SE, SE L, SportLine | SE L, SportLine, Laurin & Klement | vRS | SE, SE L, SportLine, Laurin & Klement | SE, SE L, SportLine, Laurin & Klement |
Powertrain | MHEV (Mild-Hybrid Petrol) | Petrol | Petrol | Turbodiesel | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) |
Power | 184bhp | 236bhp | 266-295bhp | 295bhp | 184bhp |
0-62mph | 9.8secs | 7.5secs | 8.0 - 9.8secs | 6.4secs | 8.4secs |
Fuel Economy | 44.9-47.1mpg | 36.9mpg | 45.0-53.3mpg | 33.8mpg | 160.9-184mpg |
EV Range (WLTP) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 75-miles |
CO2 Emissions | 137-144g/km | 175-179g/km | 139-168g/km | 190g/km | 35-40g/km |
Boot Space | 910-litres (5 Seat) | 910-litres (5 Seat) | 340-litres (7 Seat) | 910-litres (5 Seat) | 910-litres (5 Seat) |
Insurance Group | 18E - 20E | 27E - 29E | 31E | 20E - 28E | 24E - 26E |
EuroNCAP Safety Rating | 5-Stars | 5-Stars | 5-Stars | 5-Stars | 5-Stars |
What We Like About the Skoda Kodiaq
- Wide range of powertrain options that allow you to choose based on your lifestyle and daily driving mileage
- Option of seven-seat flexibility or immense boot space in five-seat configuration
- Tactile, ergonomic interior is well-built and offers a useable mix of technology and tactile controls
- Generously equipped even in base specification, with flagship models offering a lavish kit list
- A used Skoda Kodiaq also makes an excellent buying proposition
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Family SUVs To Also Consider...
Peugeot 5008
The Peugeot 5008 has the boon of seven seats, while also being available with a full complement of chairs in electric or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) trim. That it’s also stylish and has a superbly built interior just adds to the appeal of the family SUV.
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Dacia Bigster
The Skoda Kodiaq may be a great value proposition, but for those looking for plenty of space on a budget, nothing gets close to the Dacia Bigster. While not as sophisticated as the Kodiaq, the Bigster packs a lot of space into its handsome-looking body, while the well-kitted out, hard-wearing interior is ideal for families.
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Nissan X-Trail
Recently updated, the Nissan X-Trail is something of a stalwart in the family SUV sector and is all the better for that experience. It’s handsome, well-equipped and superbly built, while it also has a modicum of off-road expertise if you’re lifestyle requires it.
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* Details correct at the time of publication (August 2026)
Review Published: August 2026
Updated: August 2026
- New Cars
- Skoda