Crossover Skoda Kodiaq has long gained popularity among Russian motorists due to the combination of a spacious interior, reliable technical base and adaptability to domestic roads. One of the key parameters influencing the choice of this SUV is ground clearance β€” the distance from the bottom point of the body to the road surface. It determines how confidently the car will overcome curbs, dirt roads or snow drifts.

The manufacturer declares ground clearance Kodiaq within 194–210 mm, but actual figures may vary depending on the year of manufacture, configuration and installed options. In this article, we will analyze the official data, learn how to correctly measure the clearance yourself, and consider safe ways to increase it - from replacing tires to installing spacers. We will also answer frequent questions from owners about how ground clearance affects handling and suspension life.

Official ground clearance Skoda Kodiaq by year and trim level

Since debut in 2016 Kodiaq was offered in several modifications, and their ground clearance varied. Basic version with front-wheel drive (FWD) traditionally has less clearance than all-wheel drive options (4Γ—4). Here are the current data from the manufacturer:

  • πŸ“… 2016–2021 (first generation): 194 mm for FWD, 210 mm for 4Γ—4 with the system DCC (dynamic chassis).
  • πŸ“… 2021–present (facelift): 192 mm for FWD, 208 mm for 4Γ—4. The 2 mm reduction is due to modifications to the suspension for better handling.
  • πŸš™ Special versions: Kodiaq Scout (2018–2022) had increased clearance to 218 mm due to different settings of springs and protective elements.

It is important to consider that measurements are taken at standard load (driver + 68 kg cargo) and with factory size tires. Actual ground clearance may decrease when fully loaded or worn shock absorbers. For example, after 50,000 km, the clearance often β€œsags” by 10–15 mm.

Modification Years of manufacture Drive Ground clearance, mm Notes
Kodiaq 1.5 TSI 2021–2026 FWD 192 With 150 hp engine
Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 2017–2020 4Γ—4 210 With system DCC
Kodiaq Scout 2018–2022 4Γ—4 218 Package Off-Road
Kodiaq RS 2018–2023 4Γ—4 205 Sports suspension
⚠️ Attention: If you buy Kodiaq with mileage, be sure to check the real ground clearance - there are often cases when previous owners installed spacers or changed springs without indicating this in the history.

How to correctly measure ground clearance yourself

190–210 mm declared by the manufacturer is maximum clearance under the engine crankcase or axle. However, to assess real geometric cross-country ability, it is important to know the minimum distance to the ground at other critical points: the pan, fuel tank protection, exhaust system elements.

For accurate measurements you will need:

  • πŸ“ Tape measure or ruler with a millimeter scale.
  • πŸͺ› A lift or inspection hole (you can use a flat platform and a jack).
  • πŸ“± Level for checking the horizontal position of the car.
  • πŸ”§ A partner for recording results.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Place the car on a level surface, make sure that the tire pressure is correct (usually 2.2–2.4 bar for Kodiaq).
  2. Measure the distance from the ground to:
    • Lowest point of the front bumper.
    • Engine oil pan.
    • Fuel tank protection (under the rear).
    • Exhaust system elements (resonator, muffler).
  • Compare the obtained values with the factory ones. A difference of more than 15 mm is a reason to check the suspension.

    • Make sure the machine is on a level surface|

    Check tire pressure|

    Measure clearance at 4-5 key points|

    Compare with factory data|

    Record the results with a photo-->

    If you don't have access to a lift, you can use laser range finder or even a smartphone with a leveling app. The main thing is to avoid tilting the car, as this will distort the results. For example, with a tilt of 5Β°, the error can reach 10–12 mm.

    190–195 mm|

    196–205 mm|

    206–215 mm|

    More than 215 mm (tuning)|I don’t know-->

    What affects real clearance: 5 key factors

    Even the new one Skoda Kodiaq ground clearance may differ from the passport values. It is influenced by:

    1. Loading the car. At full weight (up to 2,400 kg for 4Γ—4) ground clearance decreases by 20–30 mm. For example, if you load the trunk by 200 kg, the clearance under the rear axle will decrease by 10–15 mm.
    2. Suspension wear. Springs and shock absorbers lose their elasticity after 60–80 thousand km, which leads to a β€œdrawdown” of 10–20 mm. This is especially noticeable on versions with heavy diesel engines (2.0 TDI).
    3. Tire size and type. Switching from factory 235/55 R19 on 235/60 R18 increases ground clearance by 12–15 mm. Winter tires with a profile height of 65–70% give an increase of up to 20 mm.
    4. Tire pressure. Exceeding the recommended pressure by 0.3 bar reduces the clearance by 3–5 mm, and underestimating it increases it by the same amount, but worsens handling.
    5. Ambient temperature. In cold weather (-20Β°C and below), the tires β€œharden” and the ground clearance may temporarily decrease by 5–7 mm.

    The critical point for the Kodiaq is the fuel tank protection: its clearance is often 10–15 mm less than under the axle, which limits off-road capability. For example, when driving onto an overpass at an angle of 20Β°, the risk of catching the protection is higher than the engine crankcase.

    How does temperature affect clearance?

    When the air in the tires heats up (for example, after a long trip), the pressure increases by 0.2–0.3 bar, which raises the car by 2–4 mm. In winter, the effect is the opposite: cold tires compress and clearance decreases. This is especially noticeable on versions with air suspension (optional for Kodiaq Laurin & Klement), where the electronics automatically adjust the altitude depending on the temperature.

    How to increase clearance Skoda Kodiaq no harm to the suspension

    If the factory clearance is not sufficient for your operating conditions, there are several ways to increase it. It is important to choose a method that will not worsen handling or reduce suspension life.

    1. Installation of spacers

    The most popular and budget method is spacers for springs or shock absorbers. For Kodiaq fit:

    • πŸ”Ή Polyurethane spacers (15–30 mm) - cheap, but can become deformed over time.
    • πŸ”Ή Aluminum spacers (20–40 mm) - durable, but require wheel balancing after installation.
    • πŸ”Ή Spacers with camber correction β€” prevent premature tire wear.

    Installation cost: from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles (including labor). Important: spacers thicker than 30 mm require replacing the shock absorbers with longer ones, otherwise they will work at the limit of travel.

    2. Replacing springs with reinforced ones

    For versions with heavy engines (2.0 BiTDI) or frequent loading suitable springs from Kodiaq Scout or tuning kits from H&R, Eibach. They give an increase of 20–25 mm and retain factory rigidity. Price: 15,000–25,000 rubles per set.

    3. High profile tires

    Switching to rubber with a higher profile height - for example, with 235/55 R19 on 235/65 R17 β€” increases ground clearance by 15–20 mm. But please note:

    • ⚠️ An error may occur ESP due to changes in wheel diameter.
    • ⚠️ The accuracy of the speedometer deteriorates (readings are underestimated by 3–5%).

    4. Air suspension (for versions Laurin & Klement)

    The factory option allows you to adjust the ground clearance within a range of 20 mm. In manual mode, you can raise the car in front of an obstacle, and at speeds above 120 km/h, the system automatically lowers the body for better aerodynamics.

    Method Increase in ground clearance, mm Cost, rub. Pros Cons
    Spacers 20 mm 15–20 3 000–6 000 Fast installation, low price Risk of deterioration of controllability
    Reinforced springs 20–25 15 000–25 000 Factory hardness is maintained Requires camber adjustment
    Tires +1 size 10–15 From 20,000 (per set) No changes to suspension ESP errors, wheel bearing wear
    ⚠️ Attention: An increase in ground clearance by more than 30 mm requires mandatory adjustment of the wheel alignment angles. Otherwise, the tires will wear unevenly, and at speeds above 100 km/h the car will β€œpull” to the side.

    Myths and reality: how ground clearance affects handling and suspension life

    Many owners Kodiaq they fear that increasing the clearance will worsen the car's performance on the road. Let's figure out what is true and what are myths.

    Myth 1: β€œAny increase in ground clearance makes the car less stable.”

    Reality: An increase of up to 20 mm has virtually no effect on handling if the factory spring stiffness is maintained. Problems begin when you rise by more than 30 mm - the center of gravity shifts, and a roll appears when cornering.

    Myth 2: β€œSpacers kill the suspension.”

    Reality: High-quality aluminum spacers up to 25 mm thick do not reduce service life if the shock absorbers and springs are in good condition. But low-quality polyurethane spacers can crumble after 20–30 thousand km.

    Myth 3: β€œIncreased ground clearance always improves cross-country ability.”

    Reality: On asphalt or gravel, yes, but in deep mud or snow, long overhangs of the body (front/rear bumper) can get stuck, despite the high clearance under the axle.

    πŸ’‘

    The optimal increase in ground clearance for Kodiaq is 15–25 mm. This is enough for comfortable driving on dirt roads and snow, but does not impair handling on the highway.

    According to log tests "Behind the wheel", Kodiaq with a ground clearance of 210 mm, it confidently overcomes a ford with a depth of 40 cm, but at the same time, the departure/entry angle (21Β°) limits the possibilities on steep slopes. For comparison: Toyota RAV4 these angles are 25–28Β°.

    Ground clearance comparison Skoda Kodiaq with competitors

    When choosing a crossover, many compare Kodiaq with classmates. Here's how things stand with the clearance of the main competitors:

    Model Ground clearance, mm Drive Features
    Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 201 4Γ—4 Similar platform MQB, but a smaller trunk.
    Hyundai Santa Fe 185 4Γ—4 Less ground clearance, but better departure/approach angles.
    Toyota RAV4 197 4Γ—4 100–150 kg lighter, which compensates for the lower ground clearance.
    Kia Sorento 182 4Γ—4 The lowest clearance in the class, but a long wheelbase.

    Kodiaq beats most competitors in terms of ground clearance, but loses in geometric cross-country ability due to long overhangs. For example, at RAV4 The departure angle is 25Β° versus 21Β° for the Czech crossover. This means that Toyota It will be easier to drive off a high curb without the risk of catching the bumper.

    If cross-country ability is important to you, pay attention to the versions Kodiaq Scout or Laurin & Klement with air suspension - they offer the best balance between comfort and light off-road capabilities.

    Frequently asked questions about ground clearance Skoda Kodiaq

    Is it possible to drive with a ground clearance of 230 mm (30 mm spacers) without consequences?

    Theoretically yes, but you will need:

    • Replacing shock absorbers with extended ones (for example, from Kodiaq Scout).
    • Wheel alignment adjustment every 10,000 km.
    • Installation of crankcase and fuel tank protection (the risk of damage increases).

    In practice, such tuning is justified only for permanent off-road use. For the city and highway, 200–210 mm is enough.

    What is the ground clearance of the Kodiaq with winter tires?

    Winter tires with a profile height of 65–70% (for example, 235/65 R17) increases clearance by 10–15 mm compared to summer tires. However, the actual increase depends on the pressure: with a low pressure (1.8–2.0 bar), the ground clearance will increase by another 5 mm, but controllability will deteriorate.

    How much does it cost to get a Kodiaq serviced?

    Prices depend on the method:

    • Spacers 20 mm: 5,000–8,000 rub. (with work).
    • Reinforced springs: RUB 20,000–30,000. (with installation and adjustment).
    • Air suspension (if not installed from the factory): RUB 150,000–200,000.

    The average bill for increasing the ground clearance by 20 mm is about 10,000 rubles.

    Can I install spacers myself?

    Technically yes, but:

    • You will need a jack, spring ties and a torque wrench.
    • The risk of incorrect installation is spring distortion or damage to the shock absorber.
    • After installation, a camber check is required (cost 1,500–2,000 rubles).

    If you have no experience, it is better to entrust the work to a service.

    How does ground clearance affect fuel consumption?

    Increasing the clearance by 20 mm increases consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km due to worsening aerodynamics. For example, if your Kodiaq 2.0 TDI consumed 6.5 liters on the highway, after raising it it could become 6.8–7.0 liters. In the city the difference is less noticeable.

    πŸ’‘

    Before purchasing spacers or springs, check the condition of the silent blocks and ball joints. If they are worn out, increasing the clearance will speed up their failure.