Skoda Kodiaq

Škoda Kodiaq at a glance

The Kodiaq was previewed by the Vision S concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016 and made its public debut at the Paris Motor Show on 29 September 2016. It brought Škoda into the large-SUV class, offering the space of a seven-seater at a lower price than many rivals. It shares its MQB platform with the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and SEAT Tarraco. Škoda's other models, from the Škoda Octavia RS to the classic Škoda 422, are in the Škoda catalogue.

First-generation Kodiaq (2016–2026)

Design and interior

The Kodiaq's design is crisp and upright, with a wide air intake across the bumper, sharp headlights and a sloping roofline; front and rear overhangs are 898 and 1,009 mm. The cabin is very roomy: shoulder width is 1,527 mm in the front and 1,510 mm in the rear, and the optional third row is suitable for adults on shorter journeys, not only children. The front seats have good side support. Infotainment systems with 6.5- or 8-inch screens support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink, and options included a 575-watt Canton sound system with ten speakers, two- or three-zone climate control, a wireless phone-charging box, an LTE module and Wi-Fi hotspot.

Boot and practicality

With five seats in use the boot holds up to 720 litres, and with all rear seats folded it grows to 2,065 litres; objects up to 2.8 metres long fit inside. A hands-free tailgate that opens with a kick under the bumper was optional. The Kodiaq can tow up to 2,500 kg.

First-generation engines

According to the old 1cars text, the 2.0 TSI with 132 kW (180 PS) reaches 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and 206 km/h and uses about 7.3 L/100 km. All-wheel-drive versions use a fifth-generation Haldex multi-plate clutch that can send power to the rear wheels when needed. Ground clearance is about 190 mm, and a Scout version was also offered.

Kodiaq RS

Introduced at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, the Kodiaq RS initially used a 2.0 bi-turbo diesel with 176 kW (240 PS) and 500 Nm. The 2021 facelift replaced it with a 2.0 TSI petrol engine with 180 kW (245 PS). The RS holds the Nürburgring Nordschleife record for a seven-seat SUV.

2021 facelift and safety

The 2021 update brought a redesigned bonnet, a more upright grille, slimmer headlights with optional matrix LED technology and a new roof spoiler. In the 2017 Euro NCAP test a 2.0 TDI scored 92% for adult occupants, 77% for children, 71% for pedestrians and 54% for safety assist. Top versions offered surround-view cameras, LED headlights, traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking and park assist.

Second-generation Kodiaq (2023 to today)

Introduced on 4 October 2023, the second Kodiaq is longer and more aerodynamic and offers a 1.5 TSI mild hybrid, a 2.0 TSI, a 2.0 TDI and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid, the Kodiaq iV with a 1.5 TSI engine. Gearboxes are six- or seven-speed DSG automatics. In its 2024 Euro NCAP test a 2.0 TDI scored 89% for adult occupants, 83% for children, 82% for pedestrians and 78% for safety assist. A locally assembled version for India with the 2.0 TSI followed in April 2025.

Production and sales

Production of the first Kodiaq started at the end of 2016, with 1,167 cars built that year. Output grew quickly as the model reached more markets and peaked at 177,163 cars in 2019. Production fell to 88,505 in 2021 and recovered to 107,323 in 2023. Besides the Czech plant in Kvasiny, the Kodiaq was built for China by SAIC Volkswagen in Changsha, where a coupé-styled Kodiaq GT was also offered, and for India in Aurangabad.

Dimensions (first generation)

Rivals: how the Kodiaq compares

The Kodiaq competes with seven-seat SUVs such as the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, Peugeot 5008, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Nissan X-Trail, and with compact SUVs such as the Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Its strengths are space, practicality, a wide engine range and good value; its third row, while usable by adults, is best for shorter trips.