Choosing the right tires for ล koda Kodiaq - This is not just a matter of comfort, but a guarantee of the safety and durability of the car. A crossover with its impressive dimensions and weight places special demands on tires: from load capacity to stability at high speeds. In this article we will look at official tire sizes for all generations of Kodiaq, including factory recommendations, acceptable alternatives and selection nuances depending on the season and driving style.
We will pay special attention unique parameters for versions with all-wheel drive (4ร4) and sports packages, where the requirements for tires are stricter. You'll also find practical advice on tire pressure, wheel compatibility and how to avoid common buying mistakes. If you are planning to change tires for winter or summer, here is all the necessary information to make an informed and risk-free choice.
Official tire sizes for ล koda Kodiaq by generation
Since 2016 Kodiaq produced in one generation (type NS7), but with several restylings and modifications. Tire sizes depend on the configuration, drive type and year of manufacture. Below is the current data for all versions, including basic, RS line and models with increased ground clearance.
The manufacturer recommends sticking to the factory parameters, but allows minor deviations (for example, increasing the profile width by 10โ15 mm while maintaining the outer diameter). This is important for the correct operation of systems ABS, ESP and speedometer.
| Modification | Year of issue | Tire size (factory) | Valid Alternatives | Disc diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kodiaq 1.5 TSI (front wheel drive) | 2017โ2026 | 215/65 R17 | 235/55 R18* | 17โ18" |
| Kodiaq 2.0 TDI/TSI (4ร4) | 2017โ2026 | 235/55 R18 | 255/45 R19**, 235/60 R17 | 17โ19" |
| Kodiaq RS (2.0 BiTDI) | 2018โ2026 | 255/45 R19 | 275/40 R20*** | 19โ20" |
| Kodiaq Scout (higher ground clearance) | 2020โ2026 | 235/60 R17 | 225/65 R17 | 17" |
The asterisks in the table indicate:
- โ ๏ธ * - requires pressure adjustment (increase by 0.2 bar)
- โ ๏ธ ** โ touching is possible when fully loaded
- โ ๏ธ *** - only for discs with offset
ET45or less
โ ๏ธ Attention: Installing tires with a diameter that differs from the factory diameter by more than 3% will lead to malfunctions of the electronic systems. For example, 255/40 R20 for the basic version Kodiaq will not work - the speedometer will overestimate the readings by 5โ7 km/h.
- 215/65 R17
- 235/55 R18
- 255/45 R19
- Other size
- I don't know
How to choose tires for Kodiaq: key parameters
When choosing tires for ล koda Kodiaq It is not enough to focus only on size. Important to consider load index, speed, as well as seasonal features. For example, for all-wheel drive versions (4ร4) the minimum load index must be 102T (850 kg per wheel), and for Kodiaq RS โ 104W (900 kg, up to 270 km/h).
Let's decipher the main symbols on the sidewall of the tire:
- ๐ข
235/55 R18 104H- where235mm profile width,55% profile height from width,R18radial design for 18-inch wheels,104load index (900 kg),Hspeed index (up to 210 km/h). - โ๏ธ M+S (Mud + Snow) - all-season or winter tires.
- โ๏ธ 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake) - certified winter tires for harsh conditions.
- ๐ง Aqua or Rain - improved drainage properties.
For Kodiaq with a total weight of up to 2.5 tons (for example, 2.0 TDI 4ร4) load margin is critical. If you frequently transport cargo or tow a trailer, choose tires with the index XL (Extra Load) or Reinforced. They can withstand 20โ30% more load for the same size.
When purchasing tires, check the production date (four-digit code on the sidewall, e.g. 2523 - 25th week of 2023). Rubber older than 3-4 years loses its elasticity even with minimal mileage.
Seasonal recommendations: summer vs winter
Climatic conditions dictate their own rules. For ล koda Kodiaq in Russian realities the following are relevant:
Winter tires:
- โ๏ธ Studded: optimal for regions with frequent ice conditions (for example, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 or Continental IceContact 3). For Kodiaq recommended size -
235/55 R18with spikes13โ15 mm. - โ๏ธ Friction (Velcro): suitable for mild winters (eg Michelin X-Ice North 4). It is important to choose models with markings
3PMSF. - โ ๏ธ Pressure: in winter, increase by 0.2โ0.3 bar from the recommended (see table on the gas tank flap).
Summer tires:
- โ๏ธ For the city: Pirelli Scorpion Verde or Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 โ low noise, good grip on wet roads.
- ๐๏ธ Off-road: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (size
235/60 R17) - reinforced cord, puncture protection. - โ ๏ธ Temperature limit: summer tires lose their properties when
+7ยฐCand below. Don't put off replacing until winter!
โ ๏ธ Attention: On Kodiaq RS with motor2.0 BiTDI(240 hp) install winter tires with a lower speed indexV(up to 240 km/h) is prohibited - this violates the warranty and may lead to denial of the insurance claim.
What happens if you drive on summer tires in winter?
In addition to deteriorating handling, summer tires at temperatures below +7ยฐC โtanksโ, losing grip. Braking distance on ice increases by 3โ5 times, and the risk of aquaplaning on slushy snow grows exponentially. In most regions of Russia, this is fraught with a fine of 500โ1000 rubles (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).
Tire and wheel compatibility: what you need to know
The wrong combination of tires and wheels is one of the main causes of vibrations, uneven wear and even suspension failures. For Kodiaq The following rules apply:
Valid disk parameters:
- ๐ง offset (ET): from
ET38up toET50for most versions. For Kodiaq RS - strictlyET45. - ๐ณ๏ธ Center Hole (DIA):
57.1 mm(standard VW Group). - ๐ฉ PCD:
5ร112(5 holes, circle diameter 112 mm).
Tire and wheel compatibility table:
| Tire size | Minimum rim width | Maximum rim width | Recommended offset (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215/65 R17 | 6.5J | 7.5J | ET45โET50 |
| 235/55 R18 | 7.0J | 8.0J | ET40โET48 |
| 255/45 R19 | 8.0J | 9.0J | ET38โET45 |
Example: if you want to bet on Kodiaq 2.0 TDI disks R19 8.5J, the tires should not be narrower 255 mm and no wider 275 mm, and the departure is within ET38โET42. Exceeding these values will lead to friction on the fender liners or arches.
โ๏ธ Checking tire and wheel compatibility
Typical mistakes when choosing tires for Kodiaq
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes. Here are the most common:
- Ignoring the speed index. For example, installing tires with index
T(up to 190 km/h) at Kodiaq RS, which accelerates to 230 km/h. Not only is this dangerous, but it will also void your insurance. - Savings on brand. Cheap tires (eg. KAMA or Cordiant) wear out 2โ3 times faster than premium ones (for example, Michelin or Continental), especially on a heavy crossover.
- Failure to take into account the direction of the drawing. Asymmetrical or directional tires (marking
RotationorOutside) must be installed strictly according to the diagram. A mixed direction impairs drainage by 30โ40%. - Neglect of balancing. On Kodiaq Due to the heavy weight, an imbalance of 10โ15 grams can cause steering wheel vibrations already at a speed of 80โ90 km/h.
Another common mistake is buying tires without taking into account production dates. Even new tires that has been in storage for 4โ5 years loses up to 20% of its strength. Check the markings on the side (eg 4022 - 40th week of 2022).
The most dangerous mistake is installing tires of different types (for example, studded + Velcro) or with different degrees of wear on one axle. This leads to uncontrolled skidding when braking.
Tire pressure: table for all versions of Kodiaq
Correct pressure is the key to uniform wear, fuel efficiency and safety. For ล koda Kodiaq values depend on tire size, load and season. Below are the official recommendations (in bar):
| Tire size | Front axle (easy) | Rear axle (easy) | Full load | Winter mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 215/65 R17 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.8 / 3.0 | +0.2 |
| 235/55 R18 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.9 / 3.2 | +0.2 |
| 255/45 R19 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 / 3.3 | +0.3 |
| 275/40 R20 (RS) | 2.6 | 2.8 | 3.2 / 3.5 | +0.3 |
Tips for controlling blood pressure:
- โฝ Check your pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Use a pressure gauge, not by eye - the error can reach 0.5 bar.
- ๐ก๏ธ Measure with cold tires. After the trip, the pressure increases by 0.2โ0.3 bar.
- โ ๏ธ Do not exceed maximum pressure (indicated on the sidewall of the tire as
MAX PRESSURE). For Kodiaq this is usually3.5 bar.
โ ๏ธ Attention: A reduced pressure of 0.5 bar increases fuel consumption by 3โ5% and reduces tire life by 20%. On Kodiaq with its weight this is especially critical - the risk of a โherniaโ on the sidewall grows 2 times.
Review of the best tires for the ล koda Kodiaq in 2026
Based on tests ADAC, Auto Bild and owner reviews Kodiaq, we have compiled a rating of the optimal tires for different conditions:
Summer tires:
- ๐ฅ Michelin Primacy 4+ โ the best balance of comfort and wear resistance. Fits sizes
235/55 R18and255/45 R19. - ๐ฅ Continental PremiumContact 6 โ excellent grip on wet roads, low noise.
- ๐ฅ Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 - for aggressive driving (ideal for Kodiaq RS).
Winter tires:
- โ๏ธ ๐ฅ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 - the best Velcro for snowy regions. Dimensions:
225/65 R17โ255/45 R19. - โ๏ธ ๐ฅ Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 โ optimal for urban winter (soft composition, low wear).
- โ๏ธ ๐ฅ Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 โ studded tires with improved grip on ice.
All-season tires (for mild climates):
- ๐ Michelin CrossClimate 2 โ the only all-season vehicle with markings
3PMSF, suitable for Kodiaq. - ๐ Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 - a budget alternative with good drainage properties.
When choosing, focus not only on price, but also on weight parameters. For example, for Kodiaq Scout (weight ~2 tons) only tires with a load index are suitable 104 and above.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about tires for the ล koda Kodiaq
Is it possible to install 275/40 R20 tires on the Kodiaq instead of the standard 255/45 R19?
Technically yes, but with caveats:
- It is necessary to reduce the disc offset to
ET35โET40. - The outer diameter will increase by ~1%, which will affect the speedometer readings (overestimated by ~1.5 km/h).
- Recommended only for versions with motors
2.0 TSI 190+ hpor Kodiaq RS.
For basic versions, such an upgrade is not justified - the load on the suspension will increase and comfort will deteriorate.
What is the Kodiaq tire pressure when towing a trailer?
When towing a trailer weighing up to 750 kg, increase the pressure by 0.3 bar from standard. For trailers 750โ2000 kg (maximum permissible weight for Kodiaq):
- Front axle:
+0.4 bar. - Rear axle:
+0.5โ0.6 bar(depending on load).
Example: for tires 235/55 R18 when fully loaded with a trailer, the pressure should be 3.3 bar behind and 2.8 bar front.
How often do you need to change tires on your Kodiaq?
Service life depends on operating conditions:
- ๐ Summer tires: 40โ50 thousand km (or 4โ5 seasons).
- โ๏ธ Winter tires: 30โ40 thousand km (or 3โ4 seasons).
- ๐ Critical wear: remaining tread depth
1.6 mm(summer) or4 mm(winter).
On Kodiaq due to weight, wear occurs 15โ20% faster than on passenger cars. Check the tread regularly using indicators or a coin (edge of a 2-ruble coin = ~4 mm).
Is it possible to install tires with different tread on the front and rear axle on the Kodiaq?
No, this is strictly prohibited. Different tread patterns (for example, symmetrical at the front and asymmetrical at the rear) lead to:
- Unpredictable behavior on wet roads (risk of rear axle drift).
- Uneven wear of suspension elements.
- Refusal of warranty service (if the problem is related to the chassis).
An exception is the temporary installation of a docking station (with a speed limit 80 km/h).
Which tires are best for the Kodiaq Scout with high ground clearance?
For Kodiaq Scout priority is strength and maneuverability. Optimal options:
- ๐๏ธ Summer: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (size
235/60 R17) - reinforced cord, puncture protection. - โ๏ธ Winter: Nokian Outpost AT โ all-season studded tires with an aggressive tread.
Avoid low profile tires (eg. 255/45 R19) - they reduce ground clearance and increase the risk of damage to discs off-road.