Skoda Kodiaq review

• For: Space, value for money, equipment
• Against: Can get expensive, generic styling
• Verdict: Probably the best value family 4×4

The Skoda Kodiaq comes in five- and seven-seat formats, with prices starting from £30,000.

It was facelifted in 2021 with more assertive styling, slimline LED headlights, improved engines and better seats. Steering wheels gained more buttons and a virtual cockpit instrument panel became available.

There are five versions available, from new value-packed SE Drive, to luxurious L&K, to high-performance vRS.

And there’s a similarly wide range of powertrains, including 1.5-litre and 2.0 petrol engines and a 2.0 diesel, with a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed DSG automatic.

The 150hp 1.5 petrol engine is perfectly adequate for most people, although the 2.0 diesel is recommended if you intend to carry large loads or do any towing.

The flagship Kodiaq vRS costs an eye-watering £44,000 and is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.0 petrol developing 245hp.

In SE L Executive trim, the Kodiaq is arguably all the SUV you could ever need, with bags of space in the back, a cavernous boot and a host of standard equipment.

It’s also refreshingly simple to drive and likely to offer a stress-free ownership experience.

KEY INFO

• Launched: 2016
• Facelifted: 2021
• Due for replacement: TBC

LATEST NEWS

• January 2022: New SE Drive grade replaces SE, adds 18-inch alloys, Amunsden touchsreen sat nav and folding door mirrors. Prices from £30,415. SE L Executive also replaces SE L, adds 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery and rear-view parking camera. Prices from £34,275.