Skoda Kodiaq
In a world increasingly full of anonymous critics, lurking behind dubious social media accounts whilst dishing out sometimes unkind comments on anything and everything, the Skoda Kodiaq was one of those rare beasts that seemed to receive nothing but praise since its release in 2016.
With its 7-seats, logical interior, excellent build quality and usual Skoda extras, the Kodiaq was the do-anything SUV that did pretty-much anything a family could want and didn’t scream ‘pretenious wannabe‘ at everyone who saw it.
Still very much a Kodiaq
It’s fair to say, then, that Skoda and its VAG parents didn’t want to ruin the recipe when it was time to spawn the 2nd gen Kodiaq, then. On the face of Skoda’s definitely played things safe, even at first glance this is undeniably a Kodiaq, the grille’s been modernised a bit to keep in line with other Skodas but the split headlights remain.
The new Kodiaq is a tad longer than the original yet it sits on the same MQB platform so has identical wheelbase. As before, it shares this platform with the VW Tiguan, although on the face of it, I could never believe the cars were related as the VW looks so much smaller. The basic silhouette is almost unchanged, the dip towards the (now silver) D pillar is possibly more pronounced but it’s at the rear that’s seen the biggest overhaul with a new full-width light bar, a re-profiled bumper and script replacing the Skoda badge.
Massive improvements inside
Inside has seen more of an upgrade than outside with bland plastics done away with in favour of some more exciting, upmarket designs, all of which strive to be more eco-friendly. Being a Skoda you get the little niceties like the umbrella in the door and a new one; a combined spray and cloth for keeping the infotainment screen fingerprint-free.
That extra length has left the rear seat passengers with even more legroom than previously, and the original Kodiaq wasn’t exactly lacking in that department. Adults still wouldn’t appreciate a long journey in the third row of seats but they’re more than comparable to the competition.
New engines
The most significant update this Kodiaq’s received over the previous gen is under the bonnet. It’s probably no surprise that there’s now a PHEV version with mega-low emissions which’ll keep the company-car user happy. There’s still a mild hybrid petrol and what is a surprise is the fact you can still spec a Kodiaq with a diesel engine.
The mild-hybrid comes as either a 1.5l, 149bhp & FWD or a 2.0l, 203bhp & 4×4. The 2.0l TDI has either 149bhp & FWD or 192bhp & 4×4 and the PHEV which is the 1.5l with battery tech and is badged as iV like other battery-powered Skodas and that has 203bhp & a claimed 71 miles electric-only range. There’s also a slightly hot vRS version and that comes with a 2.0l petrol engine with 263bhp driving all four wheels.
What’s the downside?
So, the new Kodiaq’s powerplants have been updated to keep it relevant in today’s society, which is a good thing. Unfortunately it’s also where there’s a bit of a fly in the ointment, though, as if you go for the PHEV with all the cleanliness and tax incentives it brings, you lose a couple of seats. To fit all that hybrid tech in, your Kodiaq goes from a very handy 7-seater – one of the original selling points – to a 5-seater. Not only that, but the hybrid tech has that annoying habit of being indecisive when braking, switching between regen and mechanical; not the smoothest experience which also isn’t helped by the extra weight of the batteries etc. You win some, you lose some, I suppose.
How much is the Kodiaq?
If you’re just not bothered about the third row of seats, that doesn’t mean you have to have the PHEV version. The cheapest way into Kodiaq ownership is the SE trim version with the mild hybrid engine and that’ll set you back £38,140. The same trim in PHEV spec with its 9-10 g/km CO2 & 706.2mpg is £42,045. If 7 seats are a must, the SE starts at £39,000 and above that there’s SE L, Sportline and vRS which is £53,690.
Should I buy a Kodiaq?
Thankfully Skoda’s not ruined the recipe and the 2nd gen Kodiaq is even better in many ways than the original. It’s a shame the very tempting PHEV version loses the 6th & 7th seats but there are plenty of drivetrain options. The interior is probably the biggest step-up in terms of design over the first-gen and it’s a really pleasant place to be.
By Ben Harrington
2025 Skoda Kodiaq SE L TSI iV Specifications:
Engine – 1.5l petrol & electric motor, Transmission – 6-speed DSG, Layout – Front engine, FWD, Power – 203bhp,Torque – 350Nm, Emissions – 10g/km CO2, Economy – 668.5mpg, Maximum Speed – 130mph, Acceleration – 8.4s – 0-62mph, Price – £44,745 OTR
The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq is available now, priced from £38,140. For full details go to:www.skoda.co.uk
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