For me, when the Skoda Kodiaq was first released (several years ago now) it gave a whole new view of the brand and its products. It was sharp looking, clever, dynamic and priced to sell. Well the Kodiaq’s back baby, and they’ve done it again.
Skoda’s latest iteration of the Kodiaq is a harmonious blend of practicality, technology, and understated luxury, making it a standout in the family SUV segment. While it doesn’t scream for attention, it earns its place with thoughtful design upgrades, dynamic drivability, and a treasure trove of features.
From the outside, the new Kodiaq maintains that quintessential Skoda robustness but with a sharper, more modern stance. The redesigned front boasts a muscular bonnet with its “inverted power dome,” flanked by Matrix LED headlights with 50 percent more LEDs for better illumination – no more fog lights needed because this SUV means business. The streamlined silhouette subtly nods to its SUV identity, with squared arches hugging the 19-inch alloy wheels, and handy (simply clever) protective strips on the doors ensure it’s kid-proof for the chaos of family life. The hero “Bronx Gold” colour choice, though brave, hints at its urban-meets-adventure versatility.
The back sees a refined spoiler and clean lines, with the new font for “Kodiaq” spelling out its evolution quite literally. Cargo space is where the Kodiaq flexes its practicality muscle – 340 litres with all seats up, or over 2,000 litres when you fold them down. Whether it’s a camping trip or a Costco haul, this SUV holds it all.
Inside, Skoda has done what it does best, merge comfort with functionality. The second-generation Kodiaq offers excellent layout logic, retaining tactile air-conditioning controls that serve multiple functions – your air, volume, and even heated seats are all dial-based for easy access. That means less fumbling with touchscreens (we thank you, Skoda). The infotainment system, with its dual shortcut bars and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensures hassle-free connectivity.
Seating is genuinely team-oriented. The second row is spacious and supportive, while the third row (the Achilles’ heel of many SUVs) surprisingly offers decent room for adults (at least for city trips). It’s as if the Kodiaq begged passengers to let it be their humble seven-seat limousine. Add in nifty child entertainment options and ample charging ports, and you’ve got an SUV that thinks beyond just being a people carrier.
I had the new Kodiaq for around a week and it came with me everywhere. From the store to the city and of course, some more enthusiastic runs in the wild. While the Kodiaq might initially seem like a bulky family cruiser, it hides its size with grace. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine offers 142 kW of power and a robust 400 Nm of torque. Sure, it’s not a sprinter off the line (diesels rarely are) but it steadily pulls away without fuss. Mated to a seven-speed DSG, it ensures you’re always in the right gear, making it a smooth, responsive drive.
On the road, the Kodiaq feels confident. The grip from the 4x4 system allows it to handle corners with poise, defying the expectations of a large SUV. The ride stays comfortable and planted, even when you push it a little harder around the bends. Whether navigating suburban errands or heading out for a weekend escape, it delivers a balance between family-friendly comfort and an enjoyable driving experience. For a family wagon built with practicality in mind, the Kodiaq shows surprising dynamism.
It’s not forgotten its ‘simply clever’ features either, there’s an umbrella in the door should you get caught in the rain. There’s an ice scraper that doubles as a tyre-depth checker. A spout for easy fluid top ups, a window ticket tab, velcro dividers for the luggage areas so your groceries don’t roll, a clever tidy rack for the rear seats, and even a handy screen wiper for removing grubby fingerprints – take that, coppers. In fact the list goes on and on.
The new Skoda Kodiaq isn’t just an update; it’s a full on progression. By incorporating smart tech upgrades, thoughtful design tweaks, and its ever-reliable practicality, Skoda has solidified the Kodiaq’s position as a favorite amongst seven-seat SUVs. Whether you’re chauffeuring the team, loading up for a road trip, or cruising around town, the Kodiaq does it all without breaking a sweat. And it does so with charm, quietly confident that it is (if nothing else) the perfect companion.