The larger the car, the higher the expectations of its passability. Skoda Kodiaq - the flagship crossover of the Czech brand, which is positioned as a family SUV with opportunities for easy off-road. But how justified is this status when you look at the numbers? Ground clearance (or clearance) is a key parameter that determines whether the machine can cope with curbs, primers or snow drifts. In this article, we will analyze the official data, real measurements of owners and nuances that the manufacturer does not always advertise.

Clearance disputes Kodiaka They have not ceased since its debut: some are praised for comfort on the track, others are scolded for β€œsinking” at full load. We analyzed technical documents, forum reviews and independent test results to give an objective assessment. And we'll tell you how. Increase clearance without loss of warranty Which tires to choose for maximum passability?

Official ground clearance of Skoda Kodiaq: what the manufacturer says

In technical specifications Skoda Kodiaq (First and Second Generation) is indicated ground clearance of 194 mm for most trim levels. However, this figure requires clarification:

  • πŸ“ Basic version (without additional packages): 194 mm under engine protection. This value is relevant for an empty car with a standard suspension.
  • βš–οΈ Fully loaded (7 people + luggage) clearance is reduced by 20-30 mm - to 160–170 mm under a loaded axis.
  • πŸš— Versions with adaptive suspension (DCC) allows you to change the clearance manually: from 180 mm in mode Comfort up to 210 mm Offroad.
  • πŸ”§ RS version (2022+) has a reduced ground clearance of 184 mm due to sports suspension.

It is important to understand that 194 mm is not the minimum clearance.. The manufacturer measures it under the protection of the crankcase, while the real "weak spot" is the front bumper (clearance ~150 mm) and the exhaust system (170-180 mm). It is these elements that are most often affected when exiting the asphalt.

⚠️ Attention: In the operating instructions Skoda Kodiaq It is indicated that the angle of entry is 18°, and the exit is 20°. This means that even with a ground clearance of 194 mm, the car cannot be driven into steep hills or lowered from high curbs at right angles. The risk of bumper damage or engine protection increases when these values are exceeded.
πŸ“Š What ground clearance do you think is optimal for a crossover?
  • 180–200 mm
  • 200–220 mm
  • 220 mm
  • I'll take 160mm.

Real KODIAQ clearance: Owner measurements and independent tests

The official figures are often at odds with practice. We have collected data from Russian and European forums where the owners of the Kodiaka They did their own measurements. The results were mixed:

Model/Options Clearance (empty car) Ground clearance (full load) Minimum clearance (bumper/exhaust)
Kodiaq 1.5 TSI (2021), standard suspension 192 mm 165 mm 148 mm (bumper)
Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 4x4 (2020), DCC 205mm (offroad mode) 178 mm 155 mm (exhaust)
Kodiaq RS (2023), sports suspension 182 mm 150 mm 130 mm (bumper)
Kodiaq Scout (2022), air suspension 210 mm (max). lift 180 mm 160 mm (protection)

Fun fact: in log tests "Autoreview" (2022) Kodiaq with adaptive suspension showed a lumen of 200 mm in mode NormalBut when moving on a primer, the clearance "sank" to 170 mm due to the work of shock absorbers. This confirms that the dynamic lumen is always less than the static lumen.

On the forum Skoda-Club.ru user with nickname @OffroadKodiaq Posted a photo of measurements after installing rubber 235/55 R18:

⚠️ Attention: Replacement of regular tyres 235/60 R18 for low-profile rubber, the clearance decreases by 10-15 mm, and the risk of damage to disks on bumps increases by 2 times.

πŸ’‘

Before buying used Kodiaq be sure to check the condition of the suspension springs - subsidence by 20 + mm from the norm indicates the need for replacement. This is especially true for cars with a mileage of more than 80,000 km.

If the factory clearance is not enough, there are several ways to increase it. Consider the options from the simplest to the radical – with an assessment of pros and cons.

1. Replacement of tires and discs

  • πŸ”„ Installation of tyres with a large profile: for example, instead of 235/60 R18 put 235/65 R18. This will add ~10 mm clearance, but may require adjustments to the speedometer readings.
  • πŸ›ž Smaller diameter discs: transition from R19 on R17 This will allow for higher tyres (e.g., 235/70 R17), increasing the lumen by 15-20 mm.

2. Spacers for springs

Polyurethane or aluminum spacers (thickness of 20-30 mm) under the front and rear springs add 15-25 mm clearance. The cost of the set is from 5 000 rubles. But there are nuances:

  • ⚠️ Controlling at high speeds is deteriorating.
  • ⚠️ Wear of shock absorbers and ball supports is accelerated.
  • ⚠️ Some of the TS refuse to make changes to the PTS.

3. Replacing springs with reinforced ones

Companies H&R, Eibach and Lesjofors They offer springs with increased stiffness and height. For example, kit Lesjofors 20554138 It's 20 mm up. Pros:

  • βœ… Factory management is maintained.
  • βœ… No problem with getting through the TA.

Minus - the price (from 15 000 rubles) and the need to adjust the collapse-descendence.

4. Air suspension (for versions without DCC)

Installation of air suspension (e.g. Air Lift or Dunlop Systems) allows for adjustment of clearance between 160 and 220 mm. The cost of the set is from 150 000 rubles. This option is suitable for enthusiasts who are ready for serious investments.

Consult with the suspension wizard | Check the condition of shock absorbers and Silent blocks | Clarify the effect of changes on the warranty | Pick tires with the correct external diameter->

The influence of ground clearance on handling and comfort

Increasing ground clearance is always a compromise. Let's look at how this affects behavior Kodiaq:

  • πŸš— High speed handling: when lifting by 20 + mm, the center of gravity shifts upwards, which increases the rolls in corners. In tests. ADAC (2023) Kodiaq with spacers showed a deterioration in braking distance by 5–7%.
  • πŸ’¨ Aerodynamics: ground clearance of 200+ mm increases drag, which increases fuel consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km.
  • πŸ”§ Suspension wear: reinforced springs or spacers reduce the life of shock absorbers and stabilizer bushings by 10–15%.

On the other hand, the owners Kodiaq Scout with air suspension note that in mode Comfort (clearance 180 mm) the car behaves predictably, and when raised to 210 mm for off-road use, comfort does not suffer. The main thing is not to constantly operate the car in β€œelevated” mode.

⚠️ Attention: When installing spacers or aftermarket springs, be sure to check the wheel alignment angles. Incorrect wheel alignment will lead to uneven tire wear and poor directional stability.
What happens if you drive with different ground clearance in the front and rear?

Uneven clearance (for example, 200 mm in the front and 180 mm in the rear) leads to the car β€œpecking” when braking and accelerating. This is not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous: the braking distance increases, and on a wet road the risk of skidding increases. In addition, uneven load reduces the life of shock absorbers by 20–30%.

Comparison of Kodiaq ground clearance with competitors

To assess how much Skoda Kodiaq Competitive in cross-country ability, let's compare it with its classmates:

Model Ground clearance (mm) Minimum clearance Notes
Skoda Kodiaq (standard) 194 150 (bumper) Sags up to 160 mm when loading
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 201 160 (bumper) Better geometry, but smaller trunk
Hyundai Santa Fe 185 145 (bumper) Less ground clearance, but better shock absorption
Toyota Highlander 203 170 (defense) Best cross-country ability in class
Kia Sorento 182 150 (bumper) Worse ground clearance, but cheaper to maintain

As can be seen from the table, Kodiaq occupies middle positions. He's losing Toyota Highlander and VW Tiguan Allspace in terms of factory clearance, but outperforms Korean competitors. However, actual cross-country ability depends not only on clearance, but also on:

  • πŸ”Ή Entry/departure angles (at Kodiaq they are more modest than Santa Fe).
  • πŸ”Ή Availability of all-wheel drive (4x4 versions Kodiaq equipped with a system Haldex, which is inferior to β€œpermanent all-wheel drive” Toyota).
  • πŸ”Ή Suspension qualities: adaptive suspension DCC handles unevenness better than the standard one.

πŸ’‘

The Skoda Kodiaq is not the class leader in terms of ground clearance, but it offers the best balance between off-road capability, comfort and price. For serious off-roading it is better to consider Toyota Highlander or Subaru Outback.

Frequent problems with clearance: reviews from owners

Analysis of complaints on forums (Drive2.ru, Kodiaq-Club.com) shows typical problems associated with ground clearance:

  1. Scratches on the bumper when parking near high curbs (especially in the version RS with ground clearance 182 mm). Solution: installing bumper protection or parking sensors with a 360Β° camera.
  2. Damage to motor protection on primers with protruding stones. Owners recommend enhancing protection with 3 mm thick aluminum sheets.
  3. Rear suspension sag when towing a trailer (weighing 1.5+ tons). In such cases, reinforced springs or air cylinders help.
  4. Creaks and knocks in the suspension after installing spacers. Most often, worn silent blocks or incorrectly selected spacers are to blame.

Interesting case: user @Alex_Kodiaq on Drive2 told how after replacing the tires with 235/65 R18 The wheels began to touch the fender liners when the steering wheel was turned completely. I had to modify the arches.

⚠️ Attention: If, after increasing the ground clearance, play appears in the steering, immediately check the condition of the rods and ends. This may be a sign of poor suspension geometry.

How to choose tires for maximum ground clearance

Choosing the right tires can add 10–30 mm clearance without interfering with the suspension. The main thing is to follow three rules:

  1. Maintain outer diameter. It should not differ from the standard one by more than 3%. For example, for Kodiaq with disks R18 and tires 235/60 R18 (diameter 726 mm) suitable rubber 235/65 R18 (diameter 740 mm, +1.9%).
  2. Check the width. Tires wider than 235 mm can rub against the fender liners when the steering wheel is turned completely.
  3. Consider the load index. For Kodiaq (weight 2+ tons) minimum index - 102 (850 kg per wheel).

Examples of optimal combinations for increasing clearance:

  • πŸ”Ή 235/65 R18 (instead of 235/60 R18) β€” +10 mm.
  • πŸ”Ή 225/70 R17 (instead of 235/60 R18) - +20 mm (requires discs R17).
  • πŸ”Ή 235/55 R20 (for versions with R20) β€” minimal change in ground clearance, but better handling.

For winter, many owners choose tires with a profile height of 70–75%. For example, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 225/70 R17 adds 15 mm of clearance and improves cross-country ability in snow. However, such tires can β€œlie” to the speedometer by 3–5 km/h.

πŸ’‘

Before buying tires, check them on the website Tire Size Conversion β€” it will show the real change in ground clearance and speedometer speed.

❓ Is it possible to drive a Kodiaq off-road with a ground clearance of 194 mm?

Skoda Kodiaq It is not a full-fledged SUV, but it can cope with light off-road conditions: dirt roads, gravel roads, snow drifts (up to 20 cm). For serious offroading you will need:

  • πŸ”Ή Increase ground clearance to 210+ mm (air suspension or spacers).
  • πŸ”Ή Install crankcase and bumper protection.
  • πŸ”Ή Use mud tires (eg BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2).

Without preparation, the risk of damage to the bumper or exhaust system due to potholes is ~40%.

❓ What is the ground clearance of the Kodiaq Scout?

Skoda Kodiaq Scout as standard it has a ground clearance of 194 mm, but is equipped with:

  • πŸ”Ή Air suspension with manual adjustment (180–210 mm).
  • πŸ”Ή Enhanced engine and transmission protection.
  • πŸ”Ή Special regime Offroad (differential lock, changed automatic transmission settings).

In mode Offroad clearance increases to 210 mm, and approach/departure angles improve to 20Β°/22Β°.

❓ Does ground clearance affect fuel consumption?

Yes, but only slightly. According to tests "Behind the Wheel" (2023):

  • πŸ”Ή Ground clearance 194 mm (standard) - consumption 8.5 l/100 km (combined cycle).
  • πŸ”Ή Ground clearance 210 mm (with spacers) - consumption 8.9 l/100 km (+4.7%).
  • πŸ”Ή Ground clearance 180 mm (mode Sport) β€” consumption 8.2 l/100 km (–3.5%).

The weight of the car and driving style have a greater influence on consumption than the ground clearance itself.

❓ Is it possible to install 235/75 R16 tires on the Kodiaq?

Theoretically yes, but this will lead to problems:

  • πŸ”Ή The outer diameter will increase by 5% (from 726 mm to 763 mm), which will cause an error in the speedometer (showing 95 km/h when the actual speed is 100 km/h).
  • πŸ”Ή The tires will touch the wheel arch liners when the steering wheel is fully turned or the suspension is loaded.
  • πŸ”Ή Handling will deteriorate due to the high profile.

The best option for maximum ground clearance is 225/70 R17.

❓ How to check the real ground clearance of your Kodiaq?

For accurate measurements you will need:

  1. Flat area (no slopes).
  2. Ruler or caliper.
  3. Measuring points:
    • πŸ”Ή Under engine protection (main clearance).
    • πŸ”Ή Under the front bumper (minimum clearance).
    • πŸ”Ή Under the rear axle.

Measurements are carried out at:

  • πŸ”Ή Empty car (driver only).
  • πŸ”Ή Fully loaded (7 people + 200 kg of luggage).

The difference between these values will show how much the suspension sags.