Skoda Kodiaq

The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq takes forward everything that made the original a favourite among premium 3-row SUV buyers and refines it even further. It continues to offer the practicality, comfort, and understated appeal that families loved in the first gen, while upping the game in terms of features and cabin sophistication. But despite all that the Kodiaq gets right, there are still a few areas where it could be even better. Here's everything that works in its favour, and a few things that don’t.

• The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq gets a proper SUV stance with a design that looks bold and premium.

• Up front, it gets a large grille with vertical slats, accompanied by sleek LED headlamps.

• The Sportline variant gets blacked-out trim, while the L&K version adds a touch of chrome for a more elegant look.

• From the side, it looks big and solid, with a strong shoulder line, squared wheel arches, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

• The alloys on the Selection L&K are more subtle and sophisticated whereas the ones on the Sportline are more outgoing and aggressive.

• At the rear, the connected LED tail lamps, roof spoiler, and sharp bumper design give it a modern and clean finish. 

• The tail lamps also feature Skoda’s new ‘crystalline’ effect, which looks quite cool at night.

• Despite its large size, the Kodiaq’s design is clean and balanced.

• While its road presence is commanding owing to its size, it isn’t as butch or aggressive as a Toyota Fortuner or MG Gloster, choosing a more urban appeal instead

• Colour options include: Steel Grey, Race Blue, Magic Black, Bronx Gold, Velvet Red, Graphite Grey, and Moon White. Bronx Gold is exclusive to Selection L&K whereas the Steel Grey is exclusive to Sportline.

• We particularly like the Moon White shade on the Selection L&K,  while the Sportline looks best in the Race Blue.

Design and Quality:

• Step inside the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq and you’re greeted with a premium cabin. 

• The dashboard design is neat, clean and feels well put together. 

• The L&K variant adds beige upholstery and wood-like trim for an upmarket feel, while the Sportline gets an all-black theme with sporty touches like carbon-fibre and alcantara-like inserts.

• Material quality is impressive all around. Soft-touch plastics on the dashboard, leatherette padding on the doors, and knurled finish on knobs and switches, all give it the experience of a solid European car

• Fit and finish levels are excellent, and everything feels built to last. Even the buttons and stalks have a premium tactile feel.

Driving Position:

• The driving position is commanding, with a wide windscreen and large windows offering excellent visibility. 

• Electrically adjustable driver’s seat and tilt & telescopic steering make it easy to get into a comfortable position.

• There’s also a memory function for the driver’s seat, which is a thoughtful touch. 

• The seat support is great too - wide base, firm cushioning and adjustable lumbar as well as extendable thigh support, make long drives comfortable.

Passenger Comfort:

• The Kodiaq is a 7-seater SUV, but we feel it’s more suited for a family of 5 adults plus 2 kids.

• The 3rd row could also be useful for pet owners who’d like to have some space for their furry-friend

• Front seats are ventilated and have massage function (L&K variant only) and offer great convenience and comfort. 

• The second-row seats have a good amount of recline and slide adjustment, making it flexible for both legroom and luggage.

• They also get window sunblinds, dedicated climate zone, and C-type charging ports, which enhance comfort on long journeys.

• The third row is best for kids or short adults. Getting in and out is manageable, but headroom is limited. 

• No charging ports or blower-speed control for the third-row occupants.

Storage Options:

• There are plenty of clever storage areas inside the Kodiaq. All doors get bottle holders, dual gloveboxes, a large central storage bin with cup-holders, and handy touches like an umbrella holder in the front doors, door waste bins, and phone slots in the second row.

• There’s a removable storage space for the second-row occupants, which can be removed to accommodate the third occupant.

• The boot also gets a 12V socket, bag hooks, a net, and flexible cargo elements to keep luggage from shifting around.

Features:

• The Skoda Kodiaq doesn’t skimp on features, especially if you like your SUVs loaded with tech and creature comforts.

• The 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is large and sharp. It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and works well without noticeable lag.

• There’s also a new 13-speaker CANTON sound system. While the audio experience is impressive, it works best at medium level of bass and treble.

• The front seats get ventilated and heated functions along with a massage feature – a rare combo in this segment! 

• You also get a panoramic sunroof, dual wireless chargers and three-zone climate control.

• Convenience features include keyless entry, push-button start, and hands-free tailgate operation for easier boot access.

• The resolution of the 360-degree camera could’ve been better.

Skoda has equipped the Kodiaq with a good set of safety features. 

Standard features include:

• 9 airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Hill start assist and hill descent control

• Electronic Stability Control

• ISOFIX child seat mounts

• It is also equipped with a 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and a park assist system which can take over steering duties during parallel and perpendicular parking.

• It scored a 5 star in crash tests, when tested by Euro NCAP in 2024.

• When compared with the current trend, it misses out on ADAS and features like adaptive cruise control or lane keep assist are sorely missed.

• Boot space with all three rows up is 281 litres which is enough for 3-4 bag packs. 

• Fold the third row down, and it expands to 786 litres, easily swallowing 4-5 cabin trolleys or big suitcases for airport runs

• Fold the second row and you get yourself 1976 litres of storage. You can easily haul a studio apartment worth of personal belongings.

• There’s a double-sided boot floor in the L&K variant, so you can flip between carpet and a rugged rubber side depending on what you're loading. Handy if you’re hauling muddy gear or plants from the nursery. 

• The 2025 Kodiaq is powered by a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine. It churns out 204 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque.

• This engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic) gearbox and gets an all-wheel-drive system as standard.

• This engine-transmission combo feels smooth and refined, and you won't feel the need for more power unless you’re really pushing it hard.

• It is tuned for comfort and efficiency in its ‘Normal’ mode.

• If you need power, slot into the Sport mode and the paddle-shifters allows you to take control and push this bulky SUV to triple digit speeds in no time.

• Skoda claims a mileage of 14.86 kmpl – which is decent considering the SUV’s size and AWD setup.

• In real-world conditions, we expect the 2025 Kodiaq to deliver between 9-11kmpl in city traffic and around 14kmpl on the highway.

• Comfort remains one of the Kodiaq’s strongest points. 

• The suspension setup feels plush and easily irons out rough patches, potholes and speed breakers.

• At high speeds, the SUV remains planted and inspires confidence. 

• Body roll is controlled well, especially for a large SUV but you will still feel some constant side to side movement

• The steering is light at slow speeds and weighs up nicely as you go faster. It’s not sporty, but it’s precise and predictable.

• The AWD system ensures you’re never short on grip – whether it’s wet roads or a light off-road trail.

Skoda offers the 2025 Kodiaq in two variants:

• Sportline: Gets sporty design bits like blacked-out grille, alloy wheels and all-black interior upholstery. Ideal for those who prefer a more aggressive look. It misses out on features like Hill Start Assist, Seat Ventilation and 360-degree camera to name a few.

• Selection L&K: This one’s more premium with chrome accents, dual-tone interiors, loaded with all the bells and whistles and more focused towards those who prefer luxury.

• There’s no performance or mechanical difference between the two variants. The distinction is mostly aesthetic and feature-based.

CarDekho Recommends: 

• The Selection L&K variant is a better pick if you want a fully loaded experience with all the bells and whistles. 

• But if you prefer a sportier look and can live without a few features, the Sportline variant is still well equipped.

The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq offers a great mix of comfort, premium features and solid road presence. With the level of features, practicality and performance it offers, it’s a great choice for someone looking for a luxury 7-seater family SUV without stepping into the German big leagues or if you’re someone who wants to be chauffeured around in comfort, then the Kodiaq is a great pick for you.

Things We Like:

• Understated yet premium European design makes it look classy and expensive

• Comfortable and spacious cabin with excellent seat support and practical 3-row usability

• Smooth and powerful 2-litre turbo-petrol engine offers good performance for city and highway

• Loaded with features like virtual cockpit, 13-speaker Canton audio system, and tri-zone climate control

• Superb high-speed stability and mature driving dynamics, ideal for long-distance touring

Things We Don’t Like:

• No diesel engine option, which some buyers still prefer in this segment

• Misses out on ADAS, a feature that's becoming common at this price point

• Third row is best suited for kids or short journeys; adults will feel cramped on long drives

• Price has gone up over the years, putting it in competition with larger, more feature-loaded SUVs