2024 Skoda Kodiaq Style 4x4 review

The Skoda Kodiaq is the Czech brand’s answer to the large SUV question, yet it’s not a typical response to the requirements.

Being only just a little larger than American-focused medium SUVs like the Kia Sportage, it’s the way this seven-seater deals with interior space that’s most impressive.

An all-new Kodiaq (well, strictly speaking, a heavy revision of this car’s existing engines and MQB underpinnings) is due in late 2024 with a more digitised cockpit, but the current car is ageing with panache.

Following its recent success as a large SUV under $60K, we’ve taken a closer look at the base model Style 132TSI to see if it’s the pick of the range.

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JUMP AHEAD

• How much is it, and what do you get?
• How do rivals compare on value?
• Interior comfort, space and storage
• What is it like to drive?
• How safe is it?
• How much fuel does it use?
• Warranty and running costs
• VERDICT
• Specifications

How much is it, and what do you get?

Skoda talks in drive-away pricing for its cars in Australia and, at $56,490 this Style initially seems a little steep for a ‘base model’ large SUV.

But with seven seats and a lengthy equipment list (MY24 models now have all the semiconductor-restricted items back on board), the Style arrives with plenty of kit.

You can venture into Skoda’s option packs to unlock some extras. They include the $6900 Luxury pack (tri-zone climate, lane-trace assist, heated steering wheel with paddles, matrix LED headlights, power-adjust front seats with heating, ventilation and memory, leather upholstery, and 360-camera).

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There’s also the $3000 Tech pack which brings adaptive dampers and drive mode selection, hands-free power tailgate, auto-parking, off-road assistant, and a premium Canton sound system.

Those looking for sportier options can go for the Sportline ($61,490 drive-away) which retains the 2.0-litre engine but adds 20-inch alloys, black exterior styling, and more aggressive bumpers or there’s the more focused RS model featuring a grunty 180kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol replete with fruity (augmented) soundtrack.

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How do rivals compare on value?

The all-new Honda CR-V runs the Skoda close for value, especially considering that the Honda’s $57,000 drive-away price gets you the top-spec VTi LX AWD.

Hold on a second, though, because the Kodiaq is only a 'base' model as it's where the range starts in Australia.

In truth, the Style has equipment you'd find on mid-spec (or higher) rivals including AWD, a 2.0-litre turbo engine, height adjustment for both front seats, power tailgate, and a 9.2-inch touchscreen with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay. It's only missing leather upholstery, a sunroof, and power-adjust seats to match the top-spec Honda.

Other large SUVs, such as the Toyota Kluger GX and Hyundai Santa Fe Active, are bigger inside but that matters only if you’re regularly using the third-row for full-size adults. And compared to the Skoda’s cabin, the Kluger GX feels cheap indeed.

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Interior comfort, space and storage

The Kodiaq’s cabin is impressive: high-end materials and mostly solid build quality are what you notice right away, but there are many more delights as you dive deeper – this feels like a car designed and engineered for family use.

Those front seats may be manually adjustable, yet they’re appointed in expensive-feeling suede-cloth upholstery and are terrifically comfortable with passenger seat height adjust.

The cabin is ergonomic and useful with two gloveboxes, generous flocked door pockets, deep 'Megabox' centre storage bin with two cup holders, wireless Apple CarPlay, twin USB-C ports and a wireless phone charger.

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The centre touchscreen strikes a welcome balance between touch-swiping and physical buttons, however, Skoda’s 'Columbus' infotainment system feels dated next to crisper systems in the Kia Sorento.

The Kodiaq’s middle row, which is on rails, is equally comfortable and thoughtfully executed thanks to one-touch access to the third row, ample space for adults, standard window blinds (yep, even in the ‘base’ model) and accessory tablet holders. There are no extra USB ports, however, which betrays the Kodiaq’s age a little.

You also score a third row of seats which fold flat into the boot floor. The third row itself isn’t super roomy – think of the Kodiaq as a five-plus-two rather than a genuine seven-seater – but headroom is okay for shorter adults and you score cupholders and storage cubbies.

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If you need more boot space, the middle row folds completely flat and there’s a huge, reversible mat that extends from the boot lip to just behind the front seats – ideal for keeping dog hair off the carpet.

There are a few shortcomings for the Kodiaq, including a lack of top tether points in the third row (though this is common across most rivals), and only a space-saver spare tyre under the boot floor.

Yet thoughtful touches extend into a boot that’s not only large (765L) and deep but it includes lidded cubbies on either side, an ingenious solution for storing the cargo blind, levers to electrically drop the back seats and velcro dividers that stick to the boot floor. All things typically sold as dealer add-ons by other brands.

With seven seats up there's even enough space for school bags – the VDA rating is 270L, exceeding that of a Toyota Corolla hatch.

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What is it like to drive?

Driving the Kodiaq is a mostly pleasant experience, with a smooth ride and responsive engine that packs adequate grunt.

The light steering is great around the suburbs though it doesn’t inspire huge confidence at higher speeds. The inverse is true of the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which is very slick on the open road and tends to be a little laggy in town – especially when shifting from first to reverse in a hurry.

Under the bonnet is the VW group’s ubiquitous EA888 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, featured here in 132kW/320Nm trim. Skoda claims that’s enough punch to get the Skoda from rest to 100km/h in a brisk 8.4 seconds.

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We’ve found the amount of grunt to be lacking compared to some diesel rivals when heavily laden (the 1855kg Kodiaq Style is rated to tow 2000kg) though because it revs cleanly and responds keenly it's plenty of engine most of the time.

When out in the countryside, the Kodiaq’s ride is controlled and insulating and the 19-inch ‘Cursa’ alloy wheels shod in chubby 235/50R19 tyres help around town where its independent rear suspension and front struts make light work of road imperfections.

Noise insulation is also good and, thanks to the traditional boxy shape of the Kodiaq the view out is good and it’s easy to park.

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How safe is it?

As of January 2024, the Skoda Kodiaq is officially unrated by ANCAP, though the three-row SUV scored five stars in June 2017.

The Kodiaq Style misses some safety kit that is now required for a five-star rating. Lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and stop-and-go for the adaptive cruise control are included in the $6900 Luxury pack.

Regular adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a reverse camera, and AEB (including low-speed reverse) are all included.

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How much fuel does it use?

The Skoda Kodiaq is rated to use 8.2L/100km in the combined ADR 81/02 efficiency cycle.

The urban rating is 10.3L/100km, and you can expect about 7L/100km on the motorway.

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Warranty and running costs

Skoda has one of the longest warranties in the game: seven years and unlimited kilometres for all its vehicles.

Servicing is due every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Skoda offers discounted service packs at purchase time, the five-year plan costs $2200 and the seven-year $3200.

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VERDICT

The Skoda may be a little dearer to buy than rivals, and there remains the usual cloud of doubt for many Australians about European reliability, but affordable service plans and a long warranty ought to calm nerves.

As for which grade is best, the sporty RS is a great choice but pushing $80K on the road makes it rather expensive. Instead, we’d stick with the base Style with its comfy ride and smaller wheels, while potentially ticking the Luxury pack box.

Whichever grade you choose, the Kodiaq’s ‘simply clever’ touches are the sort of thing that endear a vehicle to you over time – especially if there’s an ever-growing family involved.

With clever packaging that squeezes in a third row of seats into a body that’s fractionally shorter than a new CR-V, a highly-regarded 2.0-litre turbo engine, plus an excellent all-round drive, it’s clear the Kodiaq still has plenty of appeal despite imminent replacement.

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