New Skoda Kodiaq (2025) Review

The Skoda Kodiaq has long been a top contender in the family SUV market, praised for its space, reliability, and value. Now, the highly anticipated second-generation model arrives for 2025, building on its predecessor's success with a complete redesign, advanced technology, and a crucial new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. This review explores every detail of the new Kodiaq to help you decide if it's the right large SUV for you.
Skoda Kodiaq

Design and Style

The 2025 Kodiaq showcases Skoda's latest design language, featuring a more robust and commanding presence than the previous generation. While the exterior is all-new, it retains the brand's hallmark 'Simply Clever' features that owners love. These thoughtful touches, like the umbrella conveniently stowed inside the front door, continue to make the Kodiaq exceptionally user-friendly for family life. The focus on smart design extends throughout the vehicle, with numerous storage compartments making the interior highly functional.

Interior of the new Skoda Kodiaq showing the driver side of the cabin

Interior and Technology

Inside, the new Kodiaq takes a significant leap forward in technology and refinement. A large 13.0-inch freestanding touchscreen and a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit are now standard across the entire range, creating a modern and intuitive digital environment for the driver.

Upholstery options have been upgraded to match the enhanced technology. The range starts with a durable "Loft design" fabric on SE models, while higher trims offer more luxurious materials. The SportLine and vRS models feature sporty seats in a combination of microsuede and artificial leather. For a truly immersive audio experience, the optional CANTON premium sound system is available, which comes as standard on the top-spec vRS trim.

Practicality and Space

Practicality remains a cornerstone of the Kodiaq's appeal, and the new model offers even more space. The five-seat version boasts an enormous 910-litre boot. In its popular seven-seat configuration, the boot capacity is a generous 340 litres with all seats in use. When the third row is folded flat into the floor, this expands to a massive 2,035 litres, giving you more maximum cargo space than rivals like the new Hyundai Santa Fe (1,949 litres) and the Volkswagen Tayron, which replaces the now-discontinued Tiguan Allspace.

To make life easier, an electrically operated tailgate is standard on SE, and SE L trims. The range-topping vRS adds the hands-free Virtual Pedal as standard, which is available as an option on other models. For extra peace of mind, a space-saver spare wheel can be added for £228, though it is not compatible with the plug-in hybrid variant.

skoda kodiaq new model in front of building

Engines and Performance: Now with Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Kodiaq addresses a key shortcoming of its predecessor by introducing a diverse and modern engine range, headlined by a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option. Badged iV, this model combines a petrol engine with a 25.7 kWh battery to offer an impressive electric-only range of over 62 miles, perfect for zero-emission daily commutes.

The lineup also includes an efficient 1.5-litre mild-hybrid (e-TEC) petrol engine with 150 PS, alongside powerful 2.0-litre petrol (204 PS) and diesel (150 PS and 193 PS) engines, with 4x4 all-wheel drive available on the more powerful units. For those seeking maximum performance, the range-topping Kodiaq vRS features a potent 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine producing 265 PS, paired with a DSG automatic gearbox and 4x4 as standard. This comprehensive selection provides an option for every type of driver, from city commuters to long-distance travellers.

Trim Levels

The new Kodiaq is available in a familiar yet updated range of trims: SE, SE L, SportLine, and the performance-focused vRS. Each trim level offers a distinct character and a generous level of standard equipment.

The Kodiaq SE starts the range with 18-inch Mazeno alloy wheels, the 13-inch touchscreen, and a host of safety features. Stepping up to the SE L adds larger 19-inch Rapeto alloys and additional interior comforts.

The SportLine provides a more dynamic look with 20-inch Rila polished alloy wheels, black exterior styling elements, and microsuede sports seats. Finally, the range-topping vRS stands out with its unique 20-inch Elias polished alloys, aggressive vRS bumpers, and a cabin finished with black microsuede sports upholstery with red contrast stitching.

Reliability and Safety

Safety is paramount in a family SUV, and the second-generation Kodiaq excels with a top five-star Euro NCAP rating awarded in July 2024 under the latest, more stringent testing protocols. It achieved high scores across all categories, including 89% for Adult Occupant protection, 83% for Child Occupant protection, and an impressive 78% for its Safety Assist systems.

This outstanding safety performance is complemented by Skoda's standard warranty, which covers the vehicle for three years. For the first two years, the mileage is unlimited, with the third year limited to 60,000 miles. For added peace of mind, there is an option to extend this coverage up to 5 years or a maximum of 100,000 miles.

2025 Prices

The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq is competitively priced within the large SUV segment, reflecting its significant upgrades in technology and powertrain. Official UK On-The-Road pricing starts at £38,140 for the entry-level SE 5-seat model. The range progresses through the well-equipped SE L 7-seat at £41,700 and the stylish SportLine 7-seat at £44,200. The lineup culminates with the high-performance vRS variant at £53,690, offering strong value across the range.

skoda kodiaq driving
Skoda kodiaq boot space

Verdict

The all-new Skoda Kodiaq is a resounding success, improving on an already excellent formula to create one of the most compelling large family SUVs on the market. With its enhanced practicality, cutting-edge standard technology, and the vital addition of a long-range plug-in hybrid, it's more versatile than ever. The Kodiaq offers outstanding value and should be at the very top of the list for any family needing space, comfort, and modern features.

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