2025 Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI Review

NZ Autocar

5 days ago

The Skoda Kodiaq is the brand's most versatile machine, as SUVs tend to be. Named after a big bear, it has AWD to go further, seats for up to seven people and more than enough amenities to keep the modern, mobile family happy. And this top-spec diesel has the means to tow as well, rated to haul up to 2.5 tonnes.
Well, most of it really. This is the second generation of the Kodiaq, with new styling, revised chassis and powertrains and a redesigned interior packing more stuff. The range starts at $54,990 for the TSI 110kW. This has just the five seats, and the 110kW/250Nm 1.4T (8.3L/100km 189g/km) sends its power to the front wheels alone.
The other Skoda Kodiaq option is the TDI Selection for $74,990. This features a 142kW/400Nm 2.0-litre TDI and AWD. Despite being 1.7sec quicker to 100km/h (8.0sec), it's rated at 6.0L/100km while the CO2 figure is 170g/km. There are no hybrid options if you're wondering, the plug-in deemed too expensive for local consumption. And the TDI lacks any electrification bits. Another model is coming, the RS, with its 195kW/400Nm 2.0-litre TSI engine, sports styling and adaptive suspension.
Both existing models pack the usual active safety features along with a centre air bag, a full length curtain and side bags in the rear and a five-star ANCAP rating. The speed limit warning you can permanently turn off and there's a shortcut button to help quickly disable the lane assist function if you find that annoying. Apparently there is a driver monitor but we heard nothing from it (probably because we are a model of attention behind the wheel…). The only aspect we found annoying? The Kodiaq will fight your attempts to change lanes if the blind spot monitoring system deems other vehicles are too close, even though there's heaps of room to squeeze in.
While diesel used to be prominent in all areas of the market, it's now quite rare in something lacking a full chassis. This one is okay though, quiet and refined, and returns good fuel consumption numbers. While the stated average is 6.0L/100km we saw 7.5 during our week spent largely charging about the city.
The 2.0 TDI pulls well from 1800rpm, though occasionally there is some lag time if it gets stuck trying to pull away from way down low. The idle/stop system can also cause the odd moment of inaction at the roundabout. But the diesel is strong in the midrange while the seven-speed twin-clutch is good at keeping it in the 2000-3000rpm band for optimal pull.
The general ride is family friendly but leans more towards controlling than pampering. Its suspenders are a bit clunky when entering driveways and watch those speed bumps as they can test the travel, sometimes topping out. There were a few creaks from the cabin also when traversing the bumps.
It's nice that you don't have to fluff about with multiple drive modes here; it's a family wagon, after all. Yet there is an S mode for the trans to stir things along when you're late for the game. The Skoda Kodiaq is a tame bear in the turns, the torque vectoring using the brakes to subdue the understeer. And this keeps it on line nicely.
The steering is light and fast enough (2.5 turns) with a manageable turning circle. The side mirrors are good too, though the surround view camera imaging is not clear enough. Its new gear selector is now on the column for easy operation (twist forward for D and back for R) and that gives you more room on the console to stash your bits.
The cabin has been rethought and is full of clever things, being a Skoda. The storage improves, there's now space for two phone chargers and you can configure the console to have either two cup holders or four. And you can also close everything off thanks to twin sliding covers.
Beneath the large screen are the controls for the heater, a trio of rotating knobs allowing you to adjust the temperature or turn your seat heater up more easily. With the middle switch, you can rotate between ventilation direction, fan speed and audio volume. And then you have the big touch screen, which is bright, quick enough and reasonably well ordered. There is the 'Hi Laura' voice control too but she's not the smartest assistant you'll come across.
This new model feels more premium inside with added soft spots about the place and little details like the cross-stitched seams. The seats are comfy too with the right amount of adjustment.
You'd not call the Skoda Kodiaq compact, yet it fits inside the dimensions of other large seven seaters like Sorento, Santa Fe and Highlander, which are over 4.8m long and 1.9m wide. And the CX-90 and EV9 are huge at over 5m long and closing in on 2m wide. So Kodiaq is that little bit easier to wield about town but then it doesn't offer quite as much seating space as those larger types.
There's okay leg room in the second row, though those unlucky enough to be piggy in the middle will rue the large transmission tunnel protruding from the floor. One of Skoda's clever features is a console caddy plonked on top of said tunnel. However, it's likely to be smashed to pieces as kids clamber across the cabin to get in and out. They can also fiddle with the temperature controls for the third zone of A/C and they'll like the integrated tablet holders on the backs of the front seats. A couple of USB plugs will keep those devices topped up too. Or they could read a book to pass the time.
There is more than just a token amount of boot space left over with the rear seats in situ, at 490L. So there should be plenty of room for the four-legged dependent, the one that actually listens.
Access to the third row is okay for the smaller folk but it's still a bit tight in the rear of the Kodiaq for adults. It's a 5 + 2 sort of configuration so kids fit fine but those with longer legs will find it cramped.
There is more than just a token amount of boot space left over with the rear seats in situ, Skoda rating the space at 490L. So there should be plenty of room for the four-legged dependent, the one that actually listens. It's easy enough to raise and lower the third row too, while levers help drop the spring-loaded second row. It folds flat for your longer items.
In five-seater mode, the hold measures up at a claimed 845L. The space is wide and long but the floor is set high. In the 110kW model, the five seater, there's even more luggage capacity, measuring up at 910L. While this has the 'virtual pedal' feature – gesture opening of tailgate by dangling your foot under the bumper – it can be tricky to initiate, and then it can also start closing on you while you're still loading up the groceries.
At this price, you could opt for the entry-level Santa Fe Active with an inferior spec but a superior hybrid powertrain (unless you favour towing). Kia offers either a petrol parallel hybrid or diesel engine for similar money and spec in the Sorento. This also sports a bit more space. Highlander is a more expensive option, as is the Mazda CX-80.
So Kodiaq has many rivals but might find favour for those who want a slightly smaller but still practical and competent seven seater, one with a more Euro slant when it comes to its powertrain and styling.
Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI 142kW$74,990 / 6.8L/100km / 170g/km
0-100 km/h 8.41s
80-120 km/h 5.85s (164m)
100-0 km/h 35.15m
Speedo error 97 at an indicated 100km/h
Ambient cabin noise 71.6dB@100km/h
Engine 1968cc / IL4 / T / DI
Max power 142kW@3500-4200rpm
Max torque 400Nm@1750-3250rpm
Drivetrain 7-speed twin-clutch / AWD
Front suspension Mac strut / swaybar
Rear suspension Multilink / swaybar
Turning circle 12m (2.5 turns)
Front brakes Ventilated discs
Rear brakes Discs
Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV
Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB
Tyre size 235/50R19
Wheelbase 2791mm
L/W/H 4758 / 1864 / 1678mm
Track f-1586mm r-1576mm
Fuel capacity 58L
Luggage capacity 490/845/2035L
Tow rating 750kg (2500kg)
Service intervals 12 months / 15,000km
Warranty 5yrs / 150,000 km
ANCAP rating ★★★★★ (2025)
Weight (claimed) 1925kg