Skoda Kodiaq review – there’s at least one brand to worry about

At the very least, beads of sweat must have appeared on the foreheads of Volkswagen CEOs when they saw the new Skoda Kodiaq of their Skoda colleagues. It is a direct competitor of the Volkswagen Passatwhich is also new. But the Skoda Kodiaq looks just as good, is cheaper and much more spacious.

The Tiguan’s 650-litre boot can even be called petty when you see what the Skoda Kodiaq has to offer, namely a boot of 910 litres (!). If you fold down the backrest of the rear seat (which can be done from the boot), you can even take 2035 litres with you. So you can safely participate in the game of who has the biggest.

The amount of interior space is also overwhelming. You sit generously in the second row of seats, with more than enough space for your legs, knees and head. The space between your knees and the seat in front of you is even so big that there is still room for a Czech terrier. Or a bag, if you like.

Compliments for design

The great thing about all this is that the Skoda Kodiaq doesn’t look huge or clumsy. In reality, it comes across as more modest than, for example, the Kia EV9which we find ‘a bit’ over the top. Our compliments to the Skoda designers. Incidentally, the Skoda Kodiaq is also available as a 7-seater, but then there is no room for the large battery (19.7 kWh net) of the plug-in hybrid version.

With its combined output of 204 hp, the Kodiaq plug-in hybrid drives a lot smoother than the 150 hp mild hybrid version we also drove. In addition, you have an electric range of a theoretical 123 kilometers and you can charge quickly (50 kW), which is not yet a given in this segment. But it is not a 7- but a 5-seater and you also give up some luggage space (754 liters).

Skoda Kodiaq plug-in hybrid price

The plug-in hybrid Skoda Kodiaq is priced at 48,990 euros. That is 1000 euros more than the mild hybrid version (both as Business Edition). You can’t spend 1000 euros better. And to mention the Volkswagen Tiguan: it must yield at least 50,990 euros as a plug-in hybrid. But then you have an adaptive chassis. The Kodiaq is much, much more spacious. It just depends on what you prefer.

Yes, real buttons

Another reason to ignore the Tiguan in favor of the Kodiaq are the Czech’s so-called Smart Dials. These three large rotary and push buttons are located below the central screen of 10 or 13 inches. By pressing them you can choose from multiple functions, for example seat heating, driving modes and interior temperature. A small display on the button shows which function is active. The buttons function exemplarily, they are clear and you never miss a thing.

Skoda Kodiaq test conclusion

The new Skoda Kodiaq is very spacious, has a neat equipment and that for a reasonable price. In the end, the proceeds end up in the same coffers, but why would you still buy a Tiguan? ‘Follow the Skoda driver’ used to be the advertising slogan of the brand, but we would now like to say to other car brands: follow Skoda.

Curious about the full test of the Skoda Kodiaq? You can find it in Auto Review No. 6 from 2024.