Skoda has evolved its family-sized Kodiaq SUV. Jonathan Crouch drives the second generation model.

Ten Second Review

Skoda is now well established in the upper part of the mid-sized SUV segment with its Kodiaq, a model usefully upgraded in this second generation form with a smarter look, both inside and out, and some more efficient engines. You can still have seven seats and four wheel drive. And, whatever spec is chosen, you still get class-leading passenger space and a range of distinctly Skoda 'Simply Clever' features. It can tow up to 2.4-tonnes too - and has one of the largest boots in the class. In other words, you'd have to take this contender seriously.

Background

The Kodiaq was the car that started the Skoda SUV revolution back in 2016. Since then, the brand has sold over 3 million SUVs, expanding the range with the mid-sized Karoq and the even smaller Kamiq. And all the while, the Kodiaq sold steadily, with 865,000 sales in eight years of production (55,000 of them in the UK), helped by a mid-term update in 2021 and over 40 international awards. So how do you right a best seller? This roomier, more sophisticated second generation model is Skoda's answer to that question, car which customers can now specify in PHEV plug-in form for the first time. The latest MLB Evo platform and engineering here is borrowed from the company's Superb (and the ninth generation Volkswagen Passat), but the finished product feels very much an evolution of its predecessor.

Driving Experience

You don't buy a Kodiaq prioritising engaging driving dynamics, but nevertheless, Skoda promises these should be improved as a result of this second generation model's switch to the VW Group's latest MQB Evo platform, a lightly evolved version of the MQB chassis used before. As with the other recently introduced models that use these underpinnings (latest versions of Volkswagen's Tiguan and Passat, plus Skoda's own Superb), the engines that feature have been evolved too. This is the first Kodiaq to get mild hybrid power, a 1.5-litre TSI e-TEC unit developing 150PS. This engine also forms the basis for the first Plug-in Hybrid version of this model, the Kodiaq iV, which pairs it with an electric motor and a 25.7kWh battery that when fully charged claims to be able to take the car up to 60 miles. There's also a 2.0 TSI petrol unit with 204PS and 4WD. At the top of the line-up, there's a vRS variant, also 4WD, with a potent 265PS 2.0-litre TSI turbo powerplant from the Golf GTI. The brand is still defiantly offering diesel too, with the usual pair of TDI options, with either 150 or 193PS, the latter with standard 4WD. As with later versions of the old model, all conventionally-engined Kodiaqs must have 7-speed DSG auto transmission. There's the option of a redeveloped 'DCC Plus' Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive damping system which now uses two-valve technology to control suspension rebound and compression (replacing the old single-valve system). Expect ride quality to be significantly improved as a result.

Design and Build

You'd recognise this as a Kodiaq; the design approach here is intentionally evolutionary. Apart from a small 61mm increase in length, it's not even much different in size (4,758mm long). Yet this is also clearly a different kind of Kodiaq, styled with elements of the brand's 'Modern Solid' philosophy that was previewed by the recent 'Vision 7S' concept car. Squared-off wheel arches house the segment's usual big rims, while the heavily sculpted bonnet flows down into a prominent hexagonal grille featuring the company's latest badge. There's a coloured D-pillar insert and you can also have an optional LED light strip running across the front end. As you'd expect these days, there's a better quality screen-heavy interior waiting for the driver inside. And to compensate for the way those displays have inhaled many of the previous knobs and buttons, Skoda has inserted three so-called 'Smart Dials' below the centre stack vents. The outer two have fixed settings, but the middle one can be customised to control various preferred functions - like fan speed, audio volume or drive mode. This arrangement - and the fact that it's no longer necessary to allow for the fitment of a manual gearbox - has allowed the designers to clean up the look of the dash area and create more storage space, a quest aided by the auto gear selector's move from the centre console to the steering column. We mentioned screens; the 10.25-inch instrument panel TFT set-up can be paired with an optional head-up display and there's a 'floating' centre monitor that's 13-inches in size. Further back in the car, it's much as owners of the first generation model will remember, except with a little more space. The second row slides and reclines as before. Because both five and seven-seat versions will continue to be offered, you won't automatically get a third row, but if one's been fitted it'll still be primarily for kids (as before), though Skoda reckons that improvements in headroom will make life more bearable at the very back for adults confined there on short journeys. Those seven-seat models now offer 340-litres of boot space with all the chairs in use, rising to 845-litres with the third row folded (up 70-litres on the MK1 model) and 2,035-litres with everything folded flat. The five-seat model has a 910-litre boot extendable to 2,105-litres. So yes, it's all very practical.

Market and Model

Expect some mild massaging of prices here over the previous generation model, but you can still bank on decent value. If you budget somewhere in the £36,000-£40,000 bracket for most base variants, then you won't be far out, but if you want to spoil yourself with a higher-spec Kodiaq, you're going to be paying in the £40,000-£45,000 bracket. The iV PHEV model starts from around £42,000. The core trim options are base 'SE' and mid-range 'SE L' - and there's a premium of around £1,100 if you want to upgrade from five to seven seats with 'SE'-spec: 'SE L'-spec comes only with seven seats. You can also ask your dealer about the more dynamic-looking 'Sportline' trim that Skoda is reintroducing with this MK2 model. This version gets a gloss black finish for the D-pillar, the side mirror caps, the rear diffuser and the badging, plus a bespoke design for the 19-inch wheels, with 20-inch rims available at extra cost. There's also a top vRS model. In the mainstream part of the range, you'll be choosing between three interior trim designs. There's 'Loft', which offers conventional grey fabric seats. But a bit nicer is 'Lounge', which uses a suede-like microfibre cloth with yellow stitching. Or you might like 'ecoSuite', which features either black or cognac-coloured leather that's treated and tanned using sustainable practices. Lots of clever options can be added including a twin wireless charging pocket that comes with its own air vent keep your handset cool as it charges. You can also add a head-up display, adaptive damping, massaging seats and a parking assistant that remembers your manoeuvres. Across the line-up, all the usual drive assist features are provided and you can add to them in various ways, including a 'Travel Assist' semi-autonomous driving system.

Cost of Ownership

Family-sized SUVs used to be thirsty things, but things have had to improve a lot as this market segment has become more popular. The efficiency performance of this MK2 Kodiaq illustrates that very well. If you opt for the base TSI petrol 1.5-litre petrol variants, you're looking at about 45mpg on the combined cycle and about 140g/km of CO2. The base 2.0 TDI diesel improves that to around 55mpg and around 135g/km. As we told you in our 'Driving' section, the PHEV model is capable of around 62 miles of range before you need to use fossil fuel. Skoda reckons that will allow many families to use this car as an EV, given German market research suggesting that 95% of journeys are less than 31 miles long and 99% are shorter than 62 miles. The brand claims that with petrol and electric power sources combined, the Kodiaq iV PHEV's range would stretch to over 620 miles. The PHEV battery supports DC charging at up to 50kW. That means a 10 to 80% battery top up will take around 25 minutes, while the 11kW on-board charger allows full home battery replenishment to take as little as 2 and a half hours. As for servicing across the range, the recommended intervals for all engines are based around a 20,000 mile/2 year regime. And you can budget ahead for maintenance costs by taking out a fixed-price pre-paid servicing plan at point of purchase that covers the first two scheduled garage visits. Finally, we should mention residual values, which is an area where Skoda usually performs surprisingly well. This MK2 Kodiaq is not going to upset that form; its predecessor achieved residual values in the 42% range after the usual three year ownership period and you can expect a similar showing here. Base diesel 4x4 variants do best on residuals. Finally, while it's certainly true that other rivals better the three year 60,000 mile warranty that Skoda provides, you can extend your cover to four or five years by paying extra. Not that you really need to. The brand regularly tops independent consumer satisfaction surveys: according to real people, there are few more satisfying cars to own.

Summary

Nothing too radical has been done here to change the Kodiaq buying proposition. Nothing too radical was needed. Yet this is still a different kind of Kodiaq, more spacious, better connected and potentially sharper to drive. It also gains the PHEV technology its predecessor strangely never got. Even so, if you didn't already want a Kodiaq before, you probably still won't want one now. But if this Czech family crossover takes your interest, then there are now even more reasons to feel satisfied with your choice. As with the original model, we like the little touches. Like the integrated ice scraper and the umbrellas in the doors that'll be so welcome when you've set out ill-equipped for a rainy day. And in summary? Well as before, this Kodiaq aces the attributes that are most important for customers in this segment: comfort, decent all-round value and the option of spacious 7-seat practicality. All of which means one thing: if you've a growing family, a sensible budget and a desire for the style of an SUV, the Kodiaq's still a car you can't ignore.

Body Glass

Heated rear window

Rear window wiper

Aero front windscreen wipers with intermittent function

Electric front and rear windows

Heat insulating glass in windshield

Windscreen wipers with rain sensor

Brakes

Rear disc brakes

Front disc brakes

Electronic parking brake

Hill hold assist

ESC (incl. ABS+EMD+MSR+ASR+EDL+HBA+DSR+RBS+ESBS+MCB+TSA+XDS)

Front assist with braking reaction to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists

Junction assist with automatic emergency braking

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear floor mats

Communication

Voice control system

Bluetooth system

Wireless charging for two smartphones (15W) with cooling function

Emergency call

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Rear view camera

Front and rear parking sensors

Lane assist

Traffic sign recognition

Front cross traffic assist

Rear traffic assist

Blind spot detection with door exit warning

Driver alert - Fatigue and drowsiness monitor

Driver Convenience

Tailgate unlocking from outside

Driver Information

Virtual Cockpit - 10.25" digital display

USB C Port x 2 in front centre console

Wireless SmartLink for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

13" satellite navigation touchscreen display

Dry display cleaner

ChatGPT functionality

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Electric folding /adjustable/separted heated/folding door mirrors, auto dimming with boarding sports and memory function

Logo projection in door mirrors

Engine

Stop/start function

Entertainment

8 Speakers

DAB Digital radio

2x USB-C in the rear

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Rear roof spoiler

Body colour door mirrors and handles

Invisible tailpipe

Black wheel arch surrounds

Safety reflectors on front and rear doors

Without engine designation

Window control switches with black trim

Rear side wing doors

Ice scraper in fuel tank cap

Exterior black decorative trims

Unique dark chrome design logo on alloy wheels

Exterior Lights

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

LED rear lights

LED rear fog light

LED third brake light in rear spoiler

LED front fog lamps

Cornering light and poor weather light

Light assistant with automatic headlight control and coming home feature

All weather light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pollen filter

Tri zone climate control

Interior Features

Chrome interior door handles

Manually adjustable steering column

Rear centre armrest with cupholders

4 foldable roof handles with rear coat hooks

Ticket holder on A Pillar

Fabric headlining

1.5l bottle holder points in all door

Storage pocket including mobile phone pockets on the backs of the front seats

Front centre armrest with jumbo box storage compartment, cup holder and 12V socket

3 configurable smart dials with 32mm coloured display

Umbrella in door panel x1 made from sustainable materials

USB C port by rear view mirror for charging only (15W)

Skoda lettering on steering wheel

Automatic gear selector on steering column

Interior Lights

Driver/front passenger reading lights

1x centre rear reading light

Upper and lower glovebox with card holder and coin compartment

Ambient interior lighting - Dashboard, front-door stowage compartments, front and rear door panels and footwell lighting

Safety

Two tone horn

Fuel cut off safety device

Height adjustable front 3 point seatbelts + pretensioners

Tyre pressure monitor

Electric child locks

Auto door release and activation of warning lights in the event of an accident

Safety vest holder in door

Three point rear seat belts

Seat belt reminder for all seats

Driver and front passenger airbag with knee airbag and front passenger airbag deactivation

Seats

Height adjustable front headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Manual lumbar support for front passenger seat

Three rear height adjustable headrests

Single front passenger seat

Fixed bench 40:60:40 split folding backrests

Isofix child seat fittings in outer rear seats and front passenger with top tether

Rear seat boot backrest release

Manual height adjustment for front passenger seats and thigh support extender

Security

Immobiliser

Anti-theft wheel bolts

Alarm with interior monitoring and tilt sensor with safe function

Remote central locking with 2 keys

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC: N

NOx: 0.02

Particles: 0.0008

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 139

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 190

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 196

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 138

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 145

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 118

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 123

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 139

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 145

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 145

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 139

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 81

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 95.5

CC: 1968

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 16.0:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 39

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 37.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 53.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 51.1

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 62.9

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 60.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 53.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 51.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 51.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 7.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 7.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 4.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.5

General

Coin Series: SE

Coin Description: TDI

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 2

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 20E

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 140000

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 83

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 82

NCAP Safety Assist %: 78

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 150

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.6

Top Speed: 127

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Power - RPM: 3000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 266

Engine Torque - NM: 360

Engine Torque - RPM: 1600

Engine Torque - MKG: 36.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: MAZENO SILVER

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4758

Width: 1864

Wheelbase: 2791

Width (including mirrors): 2133

Height: 1659

Height (including roof rails): 1679

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1662

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2235

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 57.5

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 573

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 910

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 2105

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.2

Body Glass

Heated windscreen

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Running boards

Panoramic sunroof

Exclusive paint

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Net partition

Variable boot floor

Packs

Simply clever family package - Kodiaq

Lounge design selection package - Kodiaq

Driving assistance package - Kodiaq

Convenience package - Kodiaq

Acoustic package - Kodiaq

Simply clever cargo package - Kodiaq

Winter package without heated windscreen - Kodiaq

Exterior styling pack - Kodiaq

Rough Road pack - Kodiaq

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Bronx gold

Metallic - Moon white

Metallic - Race blue

Metallic - Brilliant silver

Metallic - Graphite grey

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Black magic

Paint - Solid

Solid - Energy blue

Paint - Special

Exclusive paint - Velvet red

Service/Warranty

Extended warranty (4 years or 100000 miles)

Service plan (Your first two services)

Extended warranty (5 years or 100000 miles)

Extended warranty (4 years or 80000 miles)

Towing

Electrically folding towbar with adaptor

Trim - Part Leather

Lounge design selection - Fabric/suedia faux leather - Grey wool with mustard stitching

Loft design fabric - Black/grey with green and black stitching

Wheels - Alloy

18" Soria anthracite polished alloy wheel

19" Talgar silver polished alloy wheel with black mate aero covers

Wheels - Spare

18" Space saving steel spare wheel for temporary use

18" Space saving steel spare wheel for temporary use (PJB)

17" Space saving steel spare wheel for temporary use