A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4
Comfort & Interior
4.5
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4.8
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a seven seat SUV that doesn’t break the bank? The Skoda Kodiaq delivers exceptional value in the competitive large SUV market. This Czech built family hauler combines Skoda’s reputation for reliability with genuine practicality that busy families actually need. The Kodiaq stands out from rivals like the Nissan X-Trail and Kia Sorento with its spacious interior and impressive build quality. You get three rows of usable seating plus a generous boot when you need it.
What makes the Kodiaq particularly appealing is how it manages to feel premium without the premium price tag. The interior quality rivals more expensive German alternatives while running costs remain sensible for the class. Whether you’re looking at the efficient diesel engines or the punchy petrol options, fuel economy stays competitive. The driving experience strikes a nice balance between comfort and engagement, making longer journeys pleasant for everyone on board.
For families who need space but want to avoid the complexity and cost of premium badges, the Kodiaq represents excellent value. It offers the practicality of a large SUV with the dependability Skoda is known for, all wrapped up in a package that makes financial sense for real world family life.
What's the Skoda Kodiaq Like to Drive?
The Skoda Kodiaq is designed to be a smooth family hauler rather than a sports car. The range of engines available are all tuned for efficiency and refinement. The entry level 1.5 TSI petrol with around 150 horsepower is perfectly adequate for most families. It feels responsive around town and has enough power for confident motorway overtaking, even when fully loaded with passengers and luggage.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.5L 4-cylinder TSI / 2.0L 4-cylinder TDI
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Power Output
150 - 190 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.1 - 8.4 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 45 mpg
- Boot Space
- 270 - 835 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Skoda Kodiaq?
Step inside the Kodiaq and you’re greeted by one of the most spacious and practical interiors in its class. The dashboard is clean and logically laid out, with a crisp infotainment screen taking centre stage. The materials used feel solid and hard wearing, perfect for family life. You’ll find soft touch plastics on key surfaces, and all the controls operate with typical Skoda precision and reliability.
A genuinely impressive all-rounder. The Kodiaq balances practicality, refinement, and surprising agility remarkably well, making it a compelling choice for family buyers.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Skoda Kodiaq?
As a large family SUV, the Kodiaq offers impressive running costs that shame many smaller rivals. The efficient engines are the highlight here, particularly the diesel options. You can expect real world fuel economy in the high 30s to low 40s MPG, which is excellent for such a large vehicle. Insurance groups are reasonable, typically falling in the middle bands that won’t shock you when renewal time comes around.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Skoda Kodiaq
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Volkswagen Tiguan
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Ford Kuga
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £26,000 | £29,000 | £25,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.5L TSI 150hp | 1.5L TSI 150hp | 1.5L EcoBoost 150hp |
| Power | 150 bhp | 150 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.1 seconds | 9.8 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 40 mpg | 38 mpg | 37 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 835 litres | 615 litres | 575 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Seven seats, Excellent value, Huge boot | Premium interior, VW badge, Refined drive | Smart styling, Good tech, Competitive pricing |
Skoda Kodiaq Practicality & Boot Space
For families, the Skoda Kodiaq is hard to beat on pure practicality. The massive 835 litre boot with the third row folded is one of the largest in its class, easily handling everything from weekly shopping to holiday luggage for seven people. With all seats in use, you still get a usable 270 litres, which is more than many small hatchbacks offer. The rear seats fold flat to create a huge cargo area that can handle furniture or large items with ease.
The Skoda Kodiaq stands out in the crowded SUV market by delivering exceptional practicality and value for money. It wraps genuine seven seat capability, impressive fuel economy, and solid build quality into an affordable package that makes premium rivals look overpriced. While it may not have the most glamorous badge, it excels in the areas that matter most to families: space, reliability, and running costs.