In the test: New Škoda Kodiaq shines with bearish diesel
What distinguishes the Škoda Kodiaq?
The Kodiaq is Škoda's largest SUV. It is based on the MQB group platform, on which the VW Tiguan, the VW Passat and the Škoda Superb, among others, are also based. Due to its size, the Kodiaq offers plenty of space, both for passengers and luggage, making it particularly attractive for families. In addition, it has a good price-performance ratio in this vehicle class – similarly sized SUVs cost significantly more from other manufacturers.
With this in mind, it's no wonder that the first generation of the Kodiaq (2017 to 2023) became a bestseller. Since 2024, Škoda has been offering the new edition of the Kodiaq, which takes over the talents of its predecessor. The range of conventional drive options is wide: interested parties can choose between gasoline, diesel or plug-in hybrid. And of course, the Kodiaq is also available as a gasoline and diesel engine with all-wheel drive.
The Škoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI in test
The current Škoda Kodiaq is pleasingly manoeuvrable and light for an almost 4.80-metre-long SUV. In the low speed range, the steering requires a little more manual force, otherwise all operating forces are low. This means that the tested Kodiaq can always be driven precisely through everyday life. The chassis offers good suspension comfort, which gets even better with increasing speed and load. Especially on the motorway and country roads, the Kodiaq's substructure convinces with taker qualities - good for relaxed progress. It must be mentioned that the test car was not equipped with the optional DCC Plus suspension, whose dampers can be adjusted for more spread between directness and comfort. Did we miss it? No.
What does Kodiaq mean?
The name Kodiaq is a reference to the species of bear that lives on the island of the same name off Alaska. The "Q" at the end is a reference to the language of the Alutiiq, the indigenous people of the island.
On the drive side, the Kodiaq also leaves a very balanced and pleasant driving impression with the 2.0 TDI installed in the test car including a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The DSG is doing a good job as usual. If you prefer a little more spontaneity when sorting the aisles, you can set the DSG to S mode. Positive: Even in this sporty transmission mode, the Kodiaq does not seem hectic. This is a merit of the two-liter diesel with 150 hp, which seems to be made for the Kodiaq. The revs are typical for diesel, the power comes from the basement. With 360 Newton meters of maximum torque, the SUV accelerates in the test and makes a powerful but cultivated impression. Even when the diesel engine gives everything in the kick-down, it remains acoustically restrained.
If you move the Kodiaq quickly through curves, the body tilts noticeably, but the big Škoda remains binding and predictable. The driving pleasure in the Kodiaq lies more in everyday cruising at moderate speeds or relaxed mileage on the highway. It benefits from the low consumption: 5.5 liters of diesel per hundred kilometers are specified for the Kodiaq according to WLTP – in everyday life, with sometimes brisk highway driving, 1.3 liters more flowed through the fuel lines according to the on-board computer. But with a very restrained driving style (highway no faster than 110 km/h), the on-board computer showed only 4.9 liters of consumption – an excellent value for such a large SUV without hybrid support.
The engines of the Škoda Kodiaq (2024)
| Engine | Engine type | Transmission | Achievement | Consumption/100km | Max. torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 TSI mHEV | Gasoline (mild hybrid) | 7-speed DSG | 110 kW (150 hp) | 6.0–6.5 l | 250 Nm |
| 1.5 TSI iV PHEV | Gasoline (plug-in hybrid) | 6-speed DSG | 150 kW (204 hp) | 0.4 l / 17.4 kWh (combined) | 250 Nm / 330 Nm |
| 2.0 TDI | Diesel | 7-speed DSG | 110 kW (150 hp) | 5.3–5.7 l | 360 Nm |
| 2.0 TDI | Diesel | 7-speed DSG, 4x4 | 142 kW (193 hp) | 6.0–6.4 l | 400 Nm |
| 2.0 TSI | Petrol | 7-speed DSG, 4x4 | 150 kW (204 hp) | 7.4–7.9 l | 320 Nm |
How much does the Škoda Kodiaq cost?
The base price for the Škoda Kodiaq is 41,990 euros – then with the 150 hp gasoline-mild hybrid as the drive. If you want to have the entry-level diesel with 150 hp under the hood of the Kodiaq, at least 45,500 euros must be available. The price of the tested Kodiaq with comprehensive additional equipment was 58,940 euros.
What are the dimensions of the Škoda Kodiaq?
Those who appreciated the first generation of the Kodiaq because of its size will not be disappointed by the successor, because the new edition of the Kodiaq is also a real SUV giant. With a length of 4.76 meters, the second Kodiaq trumps its predecessor by a good six centimeters.
- Length: 4.76 meters
- Width: 1.86 meters
- Height: 1.68 meters
- Wheelbase: 2.79 meters
How much luggage can I store in the Škoda Kodiaq?
The trunk of the Kodiaq offers a lot of space: Normally, up to 910 liters are available for luggage behind the rear seats. If you fold down the rear seat backrest, the trunk volume even grows to an enormous 2,105 liters. If the seven-seater option, which costs 1,180 euros, is selected, there is a little less space, but still more than enough: 340 litres with the third row up, 845 litres with the third row folded down – and 2,035 litres maximum. With the towing hitch, the test car pulls up to two tonnes.
How is the interior of the current Škoda Kodiaq designed?
The cockpit of the Kodiaq is very independent despite some identical parts from the VW shelf (gear selector lever, power windows). Digital instruments and a ten-inch touchscreen are standard in the Kodiaq. In the case of the test car, the larger, optional 13-inch touchscreen is installed – large enough and yet not overloaded. The steering wheel has buttons and rollers that enable distraction-free operation.
In addition, Škoda installs the so-called Smart Dials in the Kodiaq – these are three rotary pushbuttons below the control monitor that can be used to operate climate functions, volume, map zoom, seat heating and much more. The highlight: If you press them, they change functions and jump to the next control area. Both the choice of materials and the quality of the materials are impeccable. Foamed surfaces and edges are just as much a part of it as high-quality decors. And for all its practicality, the Kodiaq looks really chic inside.
The space conditions in the Kodiaq are exemplary. In the front and rear, even very tall people sit excellently on comfortable seats. The optional third row of seats, on the other hand, can only be expected of small people on medium or long-haul flights.
The family package for 550 euros is recommended: Among other things, it offers an automatically extending door edge protection on all four doors, additional airbags (including a center airbag), sun blinds at the rear and an attachment for the center tunnel at the rear with additional storage space and cup holders. Basically, the storage options in the Kodiaq are available in abundance and generously dimensioned. For example, the Kodiaq is one of the few vehicles on the market to have two glove compartments.
The advantages and disadvantages of the Škoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI
Strengthen
-
Powerful and economical entry-level diesel
-
Lots of comfort and a lot of space, especially in the trunk
-
Easy operation and intuitive infotainment
Weaken
- The test car price scratches the 60,000 euro mark – a lot of money (for a lot of equipment)
My conclusion on the Škoda Kodiaq
The second generation of the Škoda Kodiaq is once again a truly successful and practical family SUV. Everything just fits here. Generous space, a huge trunk and long-distance comfort for traveling alone or with the family are always on board. With the two-liter diesel, the large SUV is also extremely well motorized and economical - a recommendation! The operation does not pose any puzzles. Even the entry-level price is perfectly okay in my opinion, considering what you get offered. However, if you feel attracted by the extras, you need a well-filled family budget.
Post a Comment for "In the test: New Škoda Kodiaq shines with bearish diesel"
Post a Comment