Name: Skoda Kodiaq Review
Item: Skoda Kodiaq
Author: Gumtree.com

Smooth to handle and surprisingly stylish, the Skoda Kodiaq is definitely worth a look if you need a practical family car. The Czech manufacturer’s mid-size crossover SUV was first launched back in 2016, and there are five-seat and seven-seat versions available. The Kodiaq is a good size, offering a huge boot as well as lots of interior space. Diesel-heads will love its range of engine options, and great fuel efficiency further contributes to the car’s affordability. A real all-rounder, this crossover will make lots of people happy.

Take a look at the range of Skoda Kodiaqs on our model page.

What we think about the Skoda Kodiaq

A sizeable family SUV with subtle style and great practicality, the Skoda Kodiaq is a great all-round choice in this busy segment.

Pros

Loads of boot space

Comfortable, elegant interior

Decent looks

Great fuel economy with the diesel engine

Very affordable

Cons

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Not the fastest vehicle, even for an SUV

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Petrol engines are a little weak and inefficient

Seven-seater Kodiaqs are now available at every trim except the entry level, which is a five-seater. On older models, only the top-line trims were seven-seaters. The 2021 Kodiaq comes with a 1.5-litre petrol, a 2.0-litre petrol or the choice of two 2.0-litre diesels – one offering 150 bhp and the other 240 bhp. There are six trims on offer, from the entry-level SE to the feature-laden L&K.

Driving performance of the Skoda Kodiaq

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

For a large SUV, the Skoda Kodiaq handles with real agility, and it’ll be a blast if you ever have the opportunity to take corners at speed. The steering is light and responsive and the ride is smooth, while the well-balanced suspension and excellent grip make it even easier to zip around the city. The Kodiaq sits quite high up and is relatively heavy, which isolates you from the road and contributes even further to a serene, stable drive.

Safety and reliability of the Skoda Kodiaq

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

After putting it through extensive crash tests in 2017, the Euro NCAP scored the Skoda Kodiaq its highest grade of five stars. Adult passenger protection was rated at 92%, and it got a score of 77% for how it protected younger people on board, while safety for pedestrians scored 71%. The car’s safety equipment was ranked a little lower, at just over 50%, but enhancements have been made since then. The Kodiaq features autonomous braking with a pedestrian monitor and multi-collision brake as standard.

Under the bonnet of the Skoda Kodiaq

Our Engine Rating6 / 10

The Kodiaq’s entry-level engine is 1.5-litre petrol that can provide up to 148 bhp. It’s a decent amount of power for an SUV like this and pulls well even with a full boot and family in the back. Although, it’s not the fastest at 0–60 in around 9.2 seconds. You’ll love how refined this engine is, barely making a sound on lower revs, which makes it ideal for everyday city driving. The 2.0-litre diesels offer comparative performance, with the more powerful 240 bhp option bringing a bit more excitement to this humble family car.

What you'll find in the Skoda Kodiaq

Our Design Rating7 / 10

A large SUV with a pleasingly solid, angular look, the Kodiaq’s well-sculpted style becomes more impressive the more you look at it. The trademark Skoda line running around the middle of the body is a nice distinctive touch, and it has a clamshell bonnet with a prominent grille, matched by the sharpness of its dual headlight design. The Kodiaq is 4.7 metres in length, which is already relatively long for an SUV, and its low roof creates a stretched-out silhouette.

Comfort and interiors in the Skoda Kodiaq

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

The cabin of the Kodiaq boasts a subtle style and charm that, while not quite luxurious, gives it the feel of a premium vehicle. Its plastic fittings are solid and smooth to the touch, and there are some thoughtful details, such as fabric lining on the door bins and wood inlays on the dashboard. Legroom and headroom are excellent, as with most Skodas, and the huge boot space is one of it’s biggest selling points. The five-seater version offers up to 2,065 litres with the seats down, or 835 litres with passengers in the back.

What features you'll find in the Skoda Kodiaq

Our Features Rating7 / 10

Tech features onboard the Kodiaq are impressive, with the focal point being a 9.2-inch touchscreen. Via this screen, you’ll access Skoda’s clear, intuitive SmartLink+ system, which offers both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity for smartphone users. You can also pay a little more to get VW Group’s Virtual Cockpit interface. As for design features, you can choose to upgrade your entry-level 18-inch trims to 19 or even 20-inches. Plus, you can also opt for full leather, heated, electronically-adjusted seats.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Skoda Kodiaq

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The Kodiaq is an SUV that’s aimed at drivers likely to use the car for frequent long-distance driving. So, it’s no surprise that its diesel engine is the most popular version. If you opt for this variant, you can expect to get as much as 51 miles to the gallon, while CO2 emissions are around 143g/km. The entry-level trim with the 1.5-litre petrol engine has a fuel efficiency of 37 mpg, which drops to around 32 mpg for the largest 2.0-litre petrol version.

Running costs of the Skoda Kodiaq

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Already one of the more affordable large SUVs, the Skoda Kodiaq is likely to save you a bit of money in the longer-term, too. Its fuel efficiency is solid, particularly if you opt for one of the diesel engines, and the relatively small capacities mean that it shouldn’t be too expensive to insure. A three-year warranty is available from Skoda, which is pretty standard for this kind of vehicle. Unlimited mileage is available for the first two years, and 12,000 in the third.

Our verdict of the Skoda Kodiaq

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Kodiaq balances performance with great engine power in a practical family SUV package. It's ideal if you need plenty of space at a low price point.

Skoda Kodiaq Review