Skoda Kodiaq 2026: full review of the new generation - what has changed and is it worth the wait?

New Skoda Kodiaq the second generation is finally officially presented - and this is not just a facelift, but a full-fledged revolution in the line of the Czech brand. The car that set the standard in the large crossover class back in 2016 has returned with a radically updated design, hybrid powertrains and technologies borrowed from its flagship models. Volkswagen Group. But how justified are such changes? And most importantly, is it worth waiting for the delivery of a new one? Kodiaq or is it better to consider alternatives like Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace or Hyundai Santa Fe?

In this article we will look at all key innovations - from appearance and interior to technical content and pricing policy. Let’s also compare the new one Kodiaq with our main competitors, we will analyze real reviews from the first owners and give an honest answer to the question: what package to choose so as not to overpay for unnecessary options.

Design: revolution or evolution?

The first thing that catches your eye is completely redesigned front end. Designers Skoda abandoned the usual “smiling” headlights in favor of strict LED strips, which are now integrated into the massive radiator grille. The shape of the headlights has become more angular, and the daytime running lights have a dynamic signature with a 3D effect. The rear part has also undergone changes: vertical LED blocks have appeared here, reminiscent of solutions from Audi Q7, and a new bumper with integrated exhaust pipes.

Dimensions of the new Kodiaq increased slightly:

• 📏 Length: +30 mm (now 4,758 mm)
• 📐 Width: +15 mm (1,930 mm with mirrors)
• 📉 Clearance: remained at 194 mm (204 mm in version 4x4)
• 🚗 Wheelbase: increased by 25 mm (2,791 mm)

But the most controversial decision is rejection of the classical "Skodov" identity. Many fans of the brand criticize the new Kodiaq for excessive resemblance to Volkswagen Atlas (especially in the profile) and loss of uniqueness. On the other hand, this approach makes the car more versatile and attractive to a wide audience.

⚠️ Attention: Standard Active LED headlights are only available as an option! If modern optics is important to you, pay attention to the versions Ambition and above.

Salon: premium or the same “Czech pragmatism”?

Interior of the new Kodiaq - this is the first time in the history of Skoda when the interior is practically not inferior to Audi in terms of quality of materials and workmanship. Here, soft plastics finally appeared on all surfaces, aluminum inserts (in top versions - wood or carbon) and a fully digital dashboard Virtual Cockpit 12.9 inches diagonal. The central screen has grown to 13 inches and now supports gesture controls.

Among the key new products:

• 🪑 New seats with improved lateral support and massage function (optional)
• 🌡️ Three-zone climate control with air ionizer and filter Air Care
• 🔊 Canton audio system for 12 speakers (in version Style)
• 📱 Wireless charging for smartphone with cooling function

However, there are also controversial points. For example, physical climate control buttons gave way to touch panels - it looks modern, but reviews from the first owners indicate inconvenience of use on the go. Also, the basic versions still use fabric upholstery, which is strange for a car in the premium segment.

Equipment	Seat material	Multimedia	Climate control	Price from (Russia, rub.)
Active	Fabric	8" screen, Apple CarPlay	Dual zone	3 890 000
Ambition	Fabric/leather	10" screen, navigation	Three-zone	4 250 000
Style	Nappa leather	13" screen, Canton	Three-zone with ionizer	4 980 000
Sportline	Leather/Alcantara	13" screen, Sport mode	Three-zone	5 120 000

Technical characteristics: hybrids, diesels and the “charged” version of RS

New Skoda Kodiaq offers four types of power units, including two hybrid variants. The 1.5-liter turbo engine remains the base engine. TSI with a power of 150 hp, but now it is paired with a 7-speed “robot” DQ200 instead of the previous 6-speed automatic transmission. More interesting options:

• ⚡ e-TEC 1.5 TSI (245 hp) - mild hybrid with a 48-volt system, allowing you to save up to 0.5 l/100 km in the city
• ⚡⚡ PHEV 1.4 TSI (272 hp) - plug-in hybrid with an electric range of up to 100 km (WLTP cycle)
• 🛢️ 2.0 TDI (200 hp) - diesel with system AdBlue, ideal for long trips
• 🏁 RS 2.0 TSI (340 hp) - “charged” version with all-wheel drive 4x4 and adaptive suspension DCC

Deserves special attention PHEV hybrid version. It is equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 19.7 kWh, which can be charged from a home outlet in 6 hours or from a station Type 2 in 2.5 hours. In electric mode Kodiaq accelerates to 130 km/h, and the combined fuel consumption is only 1.5 l/100 km (according to the manufacturer).

⚠️ Attention: In Russia there are hybrid versions Kodiaq are not officially supplied due to the lack of infrastructure to service them. If you still want a hybrid, consider parallel importing - but be prepared for warranty issues.

Real fuel consumption of a PHEV hybrid

According to reviews from European owners, in the combined cycle the consumption is 5.5-6.5 l/100 km (versus the stated 1.5 l). This is still a good indicator for a large crossover, but you should not believe the official figures unconditionally.

Driving: comfort vs. dynamics

New Kodiaq built on a platform MQB Evo, which has already proven its reliability on models Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3. Main changes in the chassis:

• 🔧 Adaptive suspension DCC (optional) with selectable modes Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual
• 🚗 Steering with variable force (now more informative at high speeds)
• 🛡️ Rollover prevention system XDS+ as standard

In mode Comfort The crossover behaves like a real “Parisian taxi” - it gently absorbs potholes and transmits almost no vibration to the body. However, in dynamic turns there is a feeling of roll (especially in versions with high ground clearance). Version RS It is free of this drawback thanks to the sports suspension and stiffer settings, but comfort suffers.

Separately worth noting all-wheel drive system 4x4, which now works with an electronically controlled clutch Haldex 5th generation. In normal mode, it sends up to 100% of the torque to the front axle, but when slipping it instantly connects the rear. New in off-road tests Kodiaq showed itself better than its predecessor, although it is still far from a real SUV.

Safety: how many stars does the new Kodiaq earn?

Based on crash test results Euro NCAP (2026), new Skoda Kodiaq received maximum 5 starsby typing:

• 🛡️ 96% for adult occupant protection
• 👶 91% for protecting children
• 🚶 82% for pedestrian protection
• 🤖 88% for active safety systems

Standard equipment now includes:

• 🚨 9 airbags (including knee for the driver and side for the third row)
• 👁️ Blind Spot Monitoring System with 360° cameras
• 🛑 Adaptive cruise control with function Stop&Go
• 🚦 Traffic sign recognition and speed limits

However, there is a nuance: some systems don't work perfectly. For example, automatic braking when detecting a pedestrian sometimes works with a delay, and all-round cameras make a lot of noise at night. Also not included in the basic package Lane Assist (Lane Keeping Assistant), which is strange for a car of this class.

Prices and configurations: where are the savings and where is the overpayment?

Official prices for new Skoda Kodiaq in Russia start from 3,890,000 rubles for the basic version Active 1.5 TSI. However, the real cost with popular options (for example, all-wheel drive and leather interior) easily exceeds 5 million. Let's look at what exactly you pay for in each configuration:

• 💰 Active (from RUB 3,890,000) — minimalism in everything: steel wheels, fabric interior, lack of LED optics. Suitable only for those who are ready to purchase additional options.
• 💼 Ambition (from RUB 4,250,000) — gold standard: 18-inch wheels, partial leather, three-zone climate. The best choice for most.
• 👔 Style (from RUB 4,980,000) — premium trim, but many options (for example, a panoramic roof) come at an additional cost.
• 🏁 Sportline (from RUB 5,120,000) — sports body kit, black finish, but the suspension is stiffer, which not everyone will like.
• 🔥 RS (from RUB 5,850,000) - top version with a 340 hp engine, but the price is already comparable to Porsche Macan basic configuration.

Among the most useful optionsthat are worth considering:

• 🔋 Tow Bar (towbar with electrics) - 35,000 rubles.
• 🌞 Panoramic Roof (panoramic roof) - 120,000 rub.
• 🎵 Canton Sound System — 80,000 rub.
• 🅿️ Park Assist (automatic parking) - 50,000 rub.

⚠️ Attention: In 2026 Skoda plans to raise prices by 7-10% due to the euro exchange rate and logistics costs. If you're considering a purchase, it's best to place your order before the end of 2026.

Comparison with competitors: who is better?

The main rivals of the new Kodiaq - this is Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Peugeot 5008. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

Parameter	Skoda Kodiaq	VW Tiguan Allspace	Hyundai Santa Fe	Kia Sorento
Price (base, rub.)	3 890 000	3 950 000	3 750 000	3 800 000
Trunk volume (l)	290 (780)	230 (700)	270 (750)	187 (605)
Max. power (hp)	340 (RS)	245	281	290
Warranty (years)	3	3	5	7

From the comparison results it is clear that Kodiaq wins by practicality (largest trunk in class) and dynamics (RS version has no direct analogues). However, Korean competitors offer a longer warranty and richer equipment in basic versions. Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace loses in price and interior space, but wins in terms of brand image.

If they are critical for you reliability and guarantee - choose Kia Sorento. If needed dynamics and status — Skoda Kodiaq RS. For those who are looking balance of price and quality, the best option remains Hyundai Santa Fe.

Owner reviews: first impressions

New Skoda Kodiaq began arriving to the first owners in Europe from the beginning of 2026. Here's what they say about him:

Pros (according to reviews):

• ✅ Spacious interior (even for passengers 190+ cm tall)
• ✅ High-quality sound insulation (quieter on the highway than in Audi Q5)
• ✅ Comfortable seats with good lateral support
• ✅ The hybrid version really saves fuel in the city

Cons (according to reviews):

• ❌ Touch climate control buttons distract from the road
• ❌ In the version with 19-inch wheels, the suspension is a bit stiff
• ❌ The multimedia system sometimes freezes
• ❌ The price in top trim levels is too high

Interesting point: many owners note that the new Kodiaq has become a “German in a Czech body” - in terms of build quality and behavior on the road, it is more reminiscent of Volkswagenthan traditional Skoda. This is a plus for those who value German reliability, but a minus for fans of the brand who expected the preservation of the “Skodov” character.

FAQ: answers to popular questions

When will the new Skoda Kodiaq arrive at official dealers in Russia?

The first batches of the new Kodiaq will begin to be supplied to Russia in November 2026. However, due to high demand, waiting times may extend until February-March 2026. If you want to be among the first to receive a car, we recommend pre-ordering now - many dealers accept reservations with a minimum advance (50,000–100,000 rubles).

Is it worth taking a Kodiaq with a 1.5 TSI engine or is it better to go with a 2.0 TSI?

The choice depends on your priorities:

• 🔹 1.5 TSI (150 hp) Suitable for city use and rare trips to the highway. It is more economical (consumption ~7.5 l/100 km) and cheaper to maintain.
• 🔹 2.0 TSI (204–245 hp) needed if you often drive with a full load or tow a trailer. The difference in dynamics is noticeable, especially when overtaking.

If your budget allows, it's better to take 2.0 TSI — it is more universal and does not require “twisting” at high speeds, which has a positive effect on the resource.

Which Kodiaq package has the best price/quality ratio?

The optimal version is considered Ambition with package Comfort. It already includes:

• 🔸 Leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift lever
• 🔸 Three-zone climate control
• 🔸 18" alloy wheels
• 🔸 Keyless Entry System Keyless

By adding options to it Panoramic Roof (~120,000 rub.) and Virtual Cockpit (~60,000 rubles), you will get almost a top-end car for ~4.5 million rubles.

What is the real fuel consumption of the Kodiaq 2.0 TDI?

According to the owners, diesel Kodiaq 2.0 TDI (200 hp) shows the following figures:

• 🚗 City: 7.0–7.5 l/100 km
• 🛣️ Route (90–110 km/h): 4.8–5.2 l/100 km
• 🔄 Mixed cycle: 5.5–6.0 l/100 km

This is one of the most economical engines in the line, but it is worth considering that diesel fuel in Russia is often of low quality. We recommend refueling at trusted networks (for example, Gazpromneft or Lukoil) and use additives to clean the fuel system.

Is it possible to install air suspension on the Kodiaq?

Factory air suspension for new Kodiaq not provided, but some tuning studios (for example, KW Suspensions or H&R) offer kits for self-installation. The cost of such an upgrade starts from 350,000 rubles and includes:

• 🔧 Air struts front and rear
• 📟 Electronic control unit
• 🛠️ Compressor and receiver

However, please note that installing pneuma removes the car from warranty and may cause problems with passing maintenance. Alternative - adaptive suspension DCC from the manufacturer (option for ~200,000 rubles).