The Kodiaq is a car you can consider from the inside out. So let’s do that.
There’s nothing in Skoda’s SUV range that comes close to a Kodiaq as highly functional family transport, and it’s likely some owners of the previous-generation model would say no SUV comes close as highly functional family transport from any brand, at any price.
The second-generation Kodiaq loses nothing in terms of space, comfort and clever features, and even adds a few. But where the previous model was unashamedly mainstream in fit and finish, this one’s gone a bit posh - at least in the Selection specification of our test car.
It’s as techy-looking inside as you’d expect from a new-gen Volkswagen Group product, with a 13-inch screen standing proud, lots of digital displays and even an EV-style twist gear selector on the steering column that liberates more storage space in the console.
But Kodiaq has not succumbed to touch-syndrome; there are still plenty of physical controls and even some that are both, like the trio of Skoda Smart Dials on the console. They change function with a click and each can switch between various operations, including audio and climate (yes!). The middle one is the most versatile, in that you can customise it between four different functions. If that all sounds a bit complicated, it’s not; the dials are brilliantly intuitive to use.
The Skoda Kodiaq is a car you can consider from the inside out. So let’s do that.
The materials, fit and finish on our Selection model are deeply impressive and the range of textures is luxury-car subtle. This model gets “ecoSuite” trim which includes sustainably tanned leather upholstery (using residue from coffee beans), but all models use recycled polyester for carpets and other planet-friendly materials.
We’re loathe to repeat car-company taglines, no matter how appropriate they may be. So we won’t say “Simply Clever” at any point in this story. But Skoda is very good at unique/novel features that are useful without being gimmicky.
It has the Skoda classics but new stuff too, like a little cleaner for the infotainment display, “tunnel box” storage unit for the back-seat passengers and a clever cargo-area system of nets.
Kodiaq has the Skoda classics, like Velcro thingies in the boot to use as partitions, flip-out door edge protectors, a portable rubbish bin that hangs on the door pocket, an integrated ice scraper and an umbrella in the driver’s door (now made from recycled materials); there’s another portal on the passenger’s side for a second umbrella, although you’ll have to buy that as an option.
There’s new stuff too, like a little cleaner for the infotainment display, removable “tunnel box” storage unit for the back-seat passengers and a clever cargo-area system of nets, some with little pockets.
There’s also a bit of surprise-and-delight at work in our car’s turbo diesel (yes, diesel’s back!) 2.0-litre engine.
Beyond that, it’s all just a lot of good-sense design, like having a special knook for the tonneau cover under the boot floor when it’s not being used, and a hook on said boot floor so you can keep it propped up while you’re loading or retrieving said cover. That’s handy, because our Selection model is a 7-seater, which means you definitely have to remove the luggage cover when the third row is raised.
All so common sense and, well… simple; but so few SUVs are so well thought out. It’s very… clever.
Here’s another long-standing thing about the Kodiaq: it’s always been good to drive for a big SUV. The new one carries that forward, although we’re prepared to admit there’s also a bit of surprise-and-delight at work in our car’s turbo diesel (yes, diesel’s back!) 2.0-litre and 4x4 drivetrain.
Love the relaxed surge of torque from the diesel and it works well with the DSG. You wouldn't mistake it for a petrol, but it is very refined at motorway speeds; just lope along and enjoy.
The chassis is tuned for comfort and mostly meets the brief, although our car had a weird way of crashing noisily into little ruts, over some judder bars and even the odd driveway entrance at very low speed.
But fundamentally it's a very pleasing thing to drive, with nicely judged suspension and steering. In corners it rolls, but it's well-controlled and feels really well-sorted. As it should, because this platform also provides the base for the forthcoming Kodiaq RS.
Kodiaq is just a ridiculously well-rounded 7-seat SUV that's astonishingly practical, yet keeps the driver pretty happy too. And the great news is, it's available in other colours.
How much is the Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI?
Our Selection with diesel 4x4 power is $74,990; well above the only other Kodiaq on sale at the moment, the $54,990 TSI petrol 2WD. There are more to come.
What are the key statistics for the Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI?
The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine makes 142kW/400N and drives through a 7-speed automated dual-clutch (DSG) transmission. Diesel comes as standard with AWD.
Is the Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI efficient?
It's a balance between muscular power delivery and thrift with a large SUV like this, but the Selection TDI returns an impressive 6.8l/100km in NZ's 3P-WLTP test. That's 1.5l/100km better than the much less powerful 110kW TSI petrol.
Is the Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI good to drive?
Yes, and not just for a vehicle of this type. The powertrain is smooth and strong, and the chassis plants itself nicely between comfort and good handling.
Is the Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI practical?
Where do we start? It's hard to imagine a 7-seat SUV with more thoughtful comfort, convenience and packaging features than this.
What do we like about the Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI?
It still balances extreme practicality and passenger-friendly features with a strong dynamic character. The cabin has taken a major step up - it's almost luxury-car posh now, and we like the new Skoda Smart Dials.
What don’t we like about the Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI?
It's not exactly the sexiest SUV around (although it does have presence), especially with that large rear overhang. Diesel might be a polarising purchase these days, and a new car with absolutely no electrification in the range (yet) seems odd in 2025. We're nit-picking now, but it'd be nice if the screen cleaner was a squirty one... not just a wipey one.
What kind of person would the Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI suit?
Somebody who wants the best in large-SUV practicality, but doesn't want to give up a decent driving experience.