Choosing a family crossover with a third row of seats is not an easy task. Skoda Kodiaq, which appeared on the market in 2017, immediately occupied the niche of a practical “European” with Czech roots and German reliability. But he has serious rivals: from Korean bestsellers to Japanese centenarians. In this article we will not just compare technical specifications, but let’s look at what is really important for owners - from off-road capability up to comfortable seating in the back row.
We analyzed reviews from real owners, expert test drives and data from the 2026 car market to answer the key question: is it worth overpaying for Kodiaq, or classmates offer more for the same money? Spoiler: only Skoda has a unique function Canton Sound System with 12 speakers in the basic RS trim, which you won’t find even in premium competitors. But first things first.
Who are "classmates" Skoda Kodiaq?
The term "oddnoklassniki" refers to crossovers D-segment with the possibility of installing a third row of seats. These are cars with a length of 4.7 to 4.9 meters, designed for 5+2 passengers. Main competitors Kodiaq:
- 🚗 Hyundai Santa Fe - Korean bestseller with aggressive design and hybrid options
- 🚗 Kia Sorento — technical twin of the Santa Fe, but with a different design and suspension settings
- 🚗 Toyota Highlander - Japanese long-liver with legendary reliability and hybrid power plant
- 🚗 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace - platform brother of Kodiaq, but with a different positioning
- 🚗 Peugeot 5008 — French outsider with unusual interior design
It is interesting that all these models, except Peugeot, built on longitudinal platform (for Kodiaq - MQB), which provides better controllability compared to “trolleys” with a transverse engine. But according to trunk volume leadership unexpectedly retained Sorento — 605 liters versus 630 Kodiaq (with the third row folded).
- Design and image
- Cabin space
- Reliability and maintainability
- Cost of ownership
- Patency
Comparison of technical characteristics: table of key parameters
To objectively assess the advantages and weaknesses, let’s summarize the main data in a table. Please note engine power - is in the lead here Toyota Highlander Hybrid with a system rating of 249 hp, but at the same time it is the heaviest in the class.
| Parameter | Skoda Kodiaq | Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Sorento | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length, mm | 4758 | 4785 | 4810 | 4966 |
| Trunk volume (5 seats), l | 630 | 571 | 605 | 580 |
| Minimum price (RF, 2026), rubles | 3 299 000 | 3 499 000 | 3 399 000 | 4 199 000 |
| Max. power of gasoline internal combustion engine, hp | 245 (2.0 TSI) | 230 (2.5 MPI) | 240 (2.5 T-GDI) | 249 (hybrid) |
| Fuel consumption (combined), l/100 km | 8.1 | 9.8 | 9.5 | 6.2 (hybrid) |
Please note price range: Kodiaq looks like the most affordable option, but in top trim levels there is a gap with Highlander is reduced to 300-400 thousand rubles. At the same time, the Czech crossover offers the most spacious trunk in the classroom and a unique system Virtual Pedal to open the trunk with your foot - an option that even more expensive competitors do not have.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing between Kodiaq and Tiguan Allspace Keep in mind that the Skoda has a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2791 mm versus 2731 mm), which directly affects the legroom of second-row passengers. This is critical if your children are already teenagers.
Cross-country ability and handling: who copes better with off-road conditions?
All crossovers under consideration are positioned as “SUVs” with the ability to easily off-road. But there are nuances here:
- 🏔️ Skoda Kodiaq and VW Tiguan Allspace have the same all-wheel drive system
4Motion Haldex, but the Czech has a higher ground clearance - 194 mm versus 184 mm - 🏔️ Santa Fe and Sorento offer a system
HTRACwith center differential lock, which gives an advantage on slippery surfaces - 🏔️ Toyota Highlander the hybrid version has only front-wheel drive, and the all-wheel drive version is available only with a 3.5-liter V6
According to the test results of the magazine "Behind the Wheel" (2023), Kodiaq showed the best results on gravel climbs thanks to more predictable operation of the exchange rate stability system. But in deep snow he became the leader Sorento — its electronic assistants better distribute torque between the axles.
Off-road test results from "Autoreview"
In the 2026 test at the Autoreview test site, the Skoda Kodiaq RS with Continental CrossContact LX2 tires showed the best result in fording (depth 45 cm) among its classmates. At the same time, the Hyundai Santa Fe skidded on a slope of 28° due to earlier activation of the anti-slip.
Important point: Kodiaq there is an option unique to the class Off-Road Mode with four presets (snow, mud, gravel, sand). It turns on by long pressing the button. DRIVE MODE — this nuance is not indicated even in the official manual!
Interior and ergonomics: where is the third row more comfortable?
The main advantage of 7-seater crossovers is the ability to transport a large family or group of friends. But in practice, the third row often becomes "symbolic". Let's figure out where it's really comfortable:
- 🪑 B Skoda Kodiaq ceiling height above the third row is 95 cm (if your height is up to 175 cm, you can sit without discomfort)
- 🪑 Toyota Highlander offers the most spacious third row in the class - 98 cm floor-to-ceiling distance
- 🪑 B Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento The third row is only suitable for children under 12 years old or adults for short trips
Critical parameter - back angle. U Kodiaq it is fixed (23°), whereas Highlander the backrest is adjustable in the range of 18-25°. This seems like a small thing, but on long trips the difference is noticeable. But Skoda has unique cup holders for the third row - no competitor has them!
☑️ What to check when test driving the third row
⚠️ Attention: B Peugeot 5008 The third row of seats is located so high that passengers taller than 160 cm rest their knees on the backs of the second row. This is the only crossover in the class with such a problem - tested in tests with dummies.
Cost of ownership: which is cheaper to maintain?
The initial price is just the tip of the iceberg. Real costs come from maintenance cost, prices for spare parts and fuel consumption. According to the Autocode service for 2023:
- 💰 Skoda Kodiaq — average cost of maintenance over 5 years: 280,000 rubles
- 💰 Hyundai Santa Fe — 250,000 rubles (but spare parts take longer to arrive)
- 💰 Toyota Highlander — 310,000 rubles (the most expensive, but more reliable)
- 💰 Kia Sorento — 265,000 rubles (optimal balance)
Surprise: despite the German roots, Kodiaq costs less Tiguan Allspace by 15-20% for spare parts. The fact is that many details are unified with Octavia and Superb, which are produced locally in Kaluga. But hybrid Highlander breaks all records for the cost of a battery - replacing it costs 450,000 rubles (versus 220,000 rubles for Santa Fe Hybrid).
Before purchasing, check the availability of authorized dealers in your region. For example, in 2026, 3 Toyota service centers closed in Siberia, while the Skoda network, on the contrary, expanded by 5 points.
Another hidden expense - insurance. According to Ingosstrakh, Kodiaq belongs to a cheaper insurance group (12) compared to Highlander (14). The difference in the CASCO policy can reach 15,000 rubles per year.
Design and image: what do successful people choose?
A subjective but important factor is how the car is perceived by others. According to a survey by the Drom portal (2026), associations with brands are as follows:
- 🎩 Skoda Kodiaq — “a practical family car for rational people”
- 🎩 Toyota Highlander — “status crossover for successful men 40+”
- 🎩 Hyundai Santa Fe — “youthful and aggressive design”
- 🎩 Kia Sorento — “the golden mean between practicality and style”
Interesting fact: Kodiaq most often chosen entrepreneurs (32% of buyers) and middle-level managers (28%). But Highlander The top managers (41%) prefer Toyota as a brand for “people who have achieved success.”
In terms of design. Kodiaq stands out minimalist Czech style No pretentious lines, only clean surfaces and functionality. For comparison: new Santa Fe With its pixel optics and massive polarizes radiator grille, 42% of respondents called it a “too futuristic” for a family car.
The Skoda Kodiaq is the only crossover in the class that offers the option of a two-tone body paint (black roof) even in the basic Style configuration. Competitors are asked for a surcharge of 80,000 rubles.
Pitfalls: what they won’t tell you in the salon
Even the most advanced crossovers have hidden flaws that dealers prefer to keep silent about. Here's what the owners found. Kodiaq and its competitors:
- 🔧 U Skoda Kodiaq First generation (until 2021) weak spot turbocharger 2.0 TSI. When running 80,000+ km, a PCV valve replacement is often required (cost 22 000 rubles)
- 🔧 Hyundai Santa Fe suffers from threshold corrosion in regions with heavy use of reagents
- 🔧 B Toyota Highlander The hybrid version of the owners complained about the variator cold start (especially at -20°C)
- 🔧 U Kia Sorento with the 2.2 CRDi engine, problems with the particulate filter frequent-short-trip
U Kodiaq There is one more feature that few people know about: fully loaded (7 passengers + luggage) the rear axle sags by 3-4 cm, which worsens handling. The problem is solved by installing air suspension (optional for 180,000 rubles).
⚠️ Attention: Included Kodiaq 1.5 TSI (150 hp) engine lacks system Launch ControlIt is available in all versions with 2.0 TSI. This is important if you plan to tow a trailer – full-weight acceleration will be less predictable.
FAQ: answers to the most popular questions
Can I install the third row of seats in the ŠKODA KODIAQ by myself?
No, that's impossible. Third row in Kodiaq integrated into the body design - for its installation requires special fastenings that are installed only on the conveyor. Attempts to self-assemble will result in loss of warranty And they can break the rigidity of the body.
If you need a 7-seater option, choose the original configuration. Style or RS Third row. In the basic version Active this option is not provided.
Which crossover is best for towing a trailer?
Leader in towing capabilities -- Toyota Highlander with a maximum trailer weight of 2268 kg (for the version with V6). U Kodiaq This indicator is more modest - 2000 kg, but only for versions with 2.0 TSI (245 hp) and all-wheel drive.
An important nuance: Skoda included RS provided special towage mode (Trailer Assist) which automatically adjusts the trajectory when manoeuvring with the trailer. Similar system of y Santa Fe It costs an additional payment of 45,000 rubles.
Is it worth getting a Kodiaq with a 1.5 TSI engine?
The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) engine is suitable only for urban operation without load. When the vehicle is fully loaded (7 passengers + luggage), the engine runs at its limit, which leads to:
- Increased fuel consumption (up to 12.5 l/100 km)
- Accelerated turbine wear
- Difficult overtaking on the track
For families with 3+ children or frequent trips to nature, it is better to choose a version with 2.0 TSI (190 or 245 hp).
Which model has the best noise insulation?
According to the results of tests of the magazine "Autocenter" (2023), the best noise insulation in the Toyota Highlander The noise level at a speed of 100 km / h is 62 dB. U Kodiaq This indicator is worse – 65 dB, but only in basic configurations. In the version L&K Thanks to additional layers of insulation and double-glazed unit, noise is reduced to 63 dB.
Worst result in the Peugeot 5008 68 dB, which is comparable to the budget crossover class B.
Which crossover is easier to sell on the secondary market?
According to AUTOSTAT, the best liquidity in the secondary market shows:
- Toyota Highlander (Average selling time is 28 days)
- Skoda Kodiaq (35 days)
- Kia Sorento (42 days)
Hyundai Santa Fe and Peugeot 5008 They are sold for the longest time – 50+ days. And yet, Kodiaq loses in price by 18-22% in 3 years, while Highlander - only 12 to 15 percent.