Skoda Kodiaq: When you picture high-end SUVS, you might often imagine a market filled flashy, oversized grilles and brash badges.
But the Skoda Kodiaq enters the room quietly, attired in a sharp suit, shoes buffed to a sheen, and never even slightly raises its voice — and gains your respect just like that.
It’s a full-size S.U.V. that is calm and confident and personality-wise leans more toward practicality rather than pomp.
If you are a family or a fan of hitting the open road who needs space, comfort and all those agreeable touches of luxury without shouting about it, the Kodiaq might just be the SUV for you.
Design: Understated Elegance
The Kodiaq isn’t a car that has to try too hard — and that’s the best thing about it. It has presence, with its clean lines, wide stance and signature butterfly grille.
The new model also gets a set of sharper led matrix headlamps, slimmer alloy wheels and a more aerodynamic shape.
There are no shiny chrome bits or crazy curves here — just a timeless European design language that works in every environment, whether you’re pulling up to a five-star hotel or leaving for the hills.
Interiors: Luxury by Design
While you slide into the Kodiaq there’s an overall sense of richness and design that aims to make you feel welcome right from the get go.
The materials — the leather upholstery, the brushed aluminum inserts — are premium but not over the top.
Top 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 8-inch infotainment are crisp and intuitive.
There’s three-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and memory seats, and a 12-speaker Canton sound system that converts every trip into a personal concert.
And yes, it’s an actual 7-seater. The third row is best for kids or short trips, but the first two provide lounge-like comfort, with plenty of headroom and knee room. With all seven seats upright, boot space is still reasonable.
Powertrain: Smooth, refined and deceptively agile
The Kodiaq gets a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine making 190 PS and 320 Nm of torque.
Mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic and all-wheel drive, it doesn’t just look the part — it drives the part too.
Power delivery is linear, overtaking on the highway is very easy. This won’t get you sportscar thrills but there’s a nice sense of punch when required.
Despite being a sizable vehicle, the Kodiaq takes on corners competently, all thanks to its well-tuned suspension and the responsive steering.
It cruises smoothly over potholes and rough spots, and on long trips ride quality is as comfortable as a warm breeze.
This translates to a fuel efficiency of around 11–13 km/l depending on how you drive — and for an SUV which runs on petrol and is this large, this is acceptable.
Features & Safety: The Works, Plus Some
Skoda has made sure not to skimp on safety or tech. The Kodiaq packs in:
9 airbags
ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING SYSTEM
Dynamic chassis control (DCC)
Hill descent control
Parking sensors on front and rear
360-degree camera
TPMS, ABS, ESP, and all the safety nets etc etc etc.
You’ll also have drive mode select (with Snow and Off-road) and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and connected car tech.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Elegant, timeless design
Plush, roomy, and well-constructed cabin
Lows Smooth but punchy turbo-petrol motor
Best-in-class ride comfort and quality of fit and finish
Loaded with safety and convenience options
Cons:
No diesel engine option
Room in the third row is tight for adults
Efficiency could also be improved
Slightly premium pricing
Service network is very limited in smaller towns
Skoda Kodiaq: Final analysis: High-end but Not Haughty
The Skoda Kodiaq is for those that want sophistication over show, capability over chaos and comfort over clout.
It’s not strictly an S.U.V. it’s from a complete package — for family duties, road trips and everyday luxury, all delivered with quiet confidence.
It might not announce itself like some of its rivals, but after you get to know it, you’ll be getting something much more precious in return — true fulfillment.
So if you’re in the market for a top-end 7-seater that can handle the highways as well as the school run, then the Kodiaq deserves a prominent place on your shortlist.