Choosing a family crossover Skoda Kodiaq, one of the key questions is how many seats are there in the cabin? The manufacturer offers two modifications: with 5 and 7 seats. But in practice, the difference is not limited to just the number of seats. Passenger comfort, load capacity and even vehicle dynamics depend on this.

In this article we will look in detail at:

  • πŸ”Ή Official data by number of seats in different trim levels Kodiaq 2026
  • πŸ”Ή Actual dimensions interior and how they affect the comfort of the third row
  • πŸ”Ή Comparison 5- and 7-seater versions for practicality and price
  • πŸ”Ή Tips optional modification to suit your needs

Official data: how many seats are there in the Skoda Kodiaq according to the documents?

According to technical specifications from Ε koda Auto, crossover Kodiaq Available in two interior layout options:

  • πŸš— 5-seater version β€” standard equipment with two rows of seats. Marked as 5ST in the documentation.
  • πŸš— 7-seater version β€” optional modification with a third row. Denoted as 7ST or L&K in top trim levels.

Important: In Russia, the 7-seater Kodiaq is not officially available from 2022 due to changes in certification, but cars with a third row can be found on the secondary market or ordered through parallel imports. In Europe and the USA, both modifications are available without restrictions.

Modification Number of seats Interior length (mm) Trunk volume (l) Curb weight (kg)
Kodiaq 5ST (base) 5 2791 270–2065 1650–1750
Kodiaq 7ST (with third row) 7 2791 270–2005 1700–1820
Kodiaq RS (sporty) 5 2791 270–1930 1780–1850
⚠️ Attention: In Russian PTS Kodiaq 5 seats are always indicated, even if the cabin is physically equipped with a third row. This is due to the traffic police certification requirements.

Real interior dimensions: is there enough space for 7 passengers?

On paper Skoda Kodiaq With 7 seats it looks like an ideal family car, but in practice the third row is not suitable for everyone. Let's figure out who can ride there comfortably:

πŸ”Έ Second row: Legroom - 1040 mm (with seats moved forward). This is one of the best indicators in the class, comparable to Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Passengers up to 185 cm tall will be comfortable even on long trips.

πŸ”Έ Third row: It's more complicated here:

- The ceiling height above your head is 950 mm (enough for passengers up to 170 cm).

- Legroom is only 760 mm if the second row is not moved.

- Seat width - 1280 mm (three people will fit, but back to back).

For comparison: Hyundai Santa Fe the third row is more spacious by 50 mm in height and 30 mm in width. However Kodiaq wins due to adjustable longitudinal fit second row - the seats can be moved, freeing up to 120 mm of additional legroom for third-row passengers.

πŸ“Š How often do you carry more than 5 passengers?
  • Every day
  • 1–2 times a week
  • Only on holidays
  • Never

Comparison of 5- and 7-seater versions: what to choose?

The choice between modifications depends on your priorities. We've compiled the key differences in the table below:

Criterion Kodiaq 5-seater Kodiaq 7-seater
Price (new, Russia) From 3,890,000 rubles From 4,250,000 rubles (parallel import)
Trunk volume (min/max) 270 / 2065 l 270 / 2005 l
Load capacity Up to 750 kg Up to 700 kg
Fuel consumption (average) 7.2–8.5 l/100 km 7.5–9.0 l/100 km
Suitable for Families with 1–2 children, active holidays Large families, taxis, carpooling

πŸ”Ή 5-seater version wins by:

  • πŸ’° Price - 300–500 thousand rubles cheaper.
  • πŸ“¦ Practicality β€” the trunk is 60 liters larger with the seats folded.
  • ⚑ Dynamics β€” less curb weight, lower fuel consumption.

πŸ”Ή 7-seater version justified if:

  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ You often carry 6+ passengers (for example, two adults + three children).
  • πŸš– You use a car for work (taxi, car sharing).
  • πŸ•οΈ Go on long trips with a large group (even if the third row is used occasionally).
πŸ’‘

The 7-seater Kodiaq loses in cargo capacity and dynamics, but gains in versatility. Ideal for families with 3+ children or those who regularly carry additional passengers.

How is the salon being transformed? Instructions for folding seats

One of the key advantages Skoda Kodiaq β€” flexible interior transformation system VarioFlex. It allows the seats to be folded in 18 different configurations. Let's see how this works in practice:

πŸ”§ Second row:

- The seats can be moved back and forth by 180 mm.

- The backrests are adjustable according to the angle of inclination (3 positions).

- Split ratio - 40:20:40 (the center seat can be removed, leaving two armchairs with armrests).

πŸ”§ Third row (if available):

- The backrests fold in a 50:50 ratio.

- The seats are completely retracted into the floor, freeing up a flat area.

- The weight of each element is about 12 kg (convenient to remove for washing or transporting large loads).

Make sure the front passenger seat is moved forward|Adjust the second row seatbacks to the upright position|Press the third row folding lever (located on the side)|Lift the second row seats using the hinges on the seatbacks|Lock them in the folded position until they click into place-->

⚠️ Important nuance: With the seats fully folded, the length of the cargo compartment is 1880 mm, but the height of the trunk opening is only 750 mm. This limits the transport of tall objects (such as a refrigerator or a bicycle in an upright position).

How to transport long cargo?

If you need to transport items longer than 2 meters (for example, boards or skis), you can use the hatch in the back of the front passenger seat. To do this:

1. Fold the back of the passenger seat forward.

2. Open the hatch in the backrest (the lever is located under the headrest).

3. Push the cargo through the interior into the trunk.

The maximum length of the transported item in this case is 2920 mm (with the rear seats folded).

Owner reviews: real operating experience

To objectively evaluate the comfort of a 7-seater Kodiaq, we analyzed reviews from owners on the forums Drive2, Kodiaq-Club.ru and Auto.ru. Here are the key observations:

βœ… Pros of the 7-seater version:

  • πŸ‘ "Children under 12 years old feel fine in the third row, the main thing is not to forget about climate control" (owner Kodiaq 1.5 TSI, Moscow).
  • πŸ‘ "The rear door opens wide - it’s convenient to seat passengers even in a parking lot" (owner Kodiaq 2.0 TDI, St. Petersburg).
  • πŸ‘ "I transported an IKEA sofa with the seats folded down - the main thing is to distribute the load correctly" (owner Kodiaq L&K, Yekaterinburg).

❌ Cons and complaints:

  • πŸ‘Ž "It is impossible for an adult to sit in the third row - the knees rest against the back of the second row" (owner Kodiaq 7ST, Novosibirsk).
  • πŸ‘Ž "When fully loaded (7 people + luggage), the car stalls when overtaking" (owner Kodiaq 1.4 TSI, Kazan).
  • πŸ‘Ž "The noise is worse than in the 5-seat version - you can hear the plastic elements of the third row creaking" (owner Kodiaq 2021, Krasnodar).

πŸ“Œ Conclusion: 7-seater Kodiaq Suitable for occasional transportation of 6-7 passengers (for example, to the country house or to the airport), but not for daily use of the third row by adults. For constant use with a full load, it is better to consider minibuses or full-size crossovers like Volkswagen Multivan.

Alternatives to Skoda Kodiaq: what do competitors offer?

If you are not satisfied with the interior layout Kodiaq, pay attention to analogues with 7 seats in the same price segment. We compared the key parameters:

Model Number of seats Trunk volume (l) 3rd row legroom (mm) Price (from/to, million rubles)
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 7 230–1775 780 3.9–4.8
Hyundai Santa Fe 7 571–1615 810 4.0–5.2
Kia Sorento 7 605–1820 830 3.8–5.0
Peugeot 5008 7 780–1940 750 3.7–4.9

πŸ”Ή Best choice for third row: Kia Sorento β€” it has the most spacious rear seat (830 mm legroom) and a large trunk even with the backrests raised.

πŸ”Ή Best choice by price: Peugeot 5008 - cheaper Kodiaq by 200–300 thousand rubles with comparable equipment.

πŸ”Ή Best choice for reliability: Hyundai Santa Fe - more reliable suspension and gearbox (according to ADAC 2023).

πŸ’‘

If you need a 7-seater car mainly for the city, take a look at CitroΓ«n Grand C4 SpaceTourer. It's cheaper Kodiaq by 1 million rubles, but offers the same comfort for passengers and a larger trunk (up to 2181 l).

Tips for choosing: what to look for when buying?

If you chose Skoda Kodiaq, here is a checklist of key points to check:

Availability of option VarioFlex (flexible transformation of the second row) | Condition of the folding mechanisms of the third row (there should be no squeaks) | Performance of climate control for rear passengers | Availability of heated seats in the second and third rows (optional Winter Pack)|Carrying capacity (in the vehicle must be at least 700 kg for the 7-seater version)-->

⚠️ Attention: When buying used Kodiaq with the third row be sure to check:

  • πŸ”§ Condition electric drives folding seats (a common problem in cars older than 2019).
  • πŸ”‹ Job battery β€” additional seats increase the load on the on-board network.
  • πŸ›‹οΈ Integrity sheathing third row - it often suffers when transporting cargo.

πŸ’‘ Packing advice: If you take the 7-seater version, choose engines 2.0 TSI (190 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150/200 hp). Basic 1.5 TSI It stalls when fully loaded, especially on the highway.

πŸ“Š Summary: Skoda Kodiaq with 7 seats is a good compromise for those who need the occasional-use third row. If you need a full-fledged 7-seater for daily use, consider alternatives with a longer wheelbase (for example, Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to officially convert a 5-seater Kodiaq into a 7-seater?

No, it's official Ε koda does not provide such conversion kits. Technically, it is possible to install a third row (parts fit from European versions), but:

  • πŸ“‹ There will be a record of 5 places in the PTS.
  • 🚨 There may be a problem when passing the technical inspection.
  • βš–οΈ The insurance company may refuse to pay for an accident if it finds a discrepancy.

The cost of unofficial conversion is from 150 thousand rubles (spare parts + labor).

Which engine is best for the 7-seater Kodiaq?

Optimal options:

  • πŸ”₯ 2.0 TSI (190 hp) β€” the best balance of dynamics and consumption. Acceleration to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds even with a full load.
  • ⚑ 2.0 TDI (150 hp) β€” economical diesel (5.5 l/100 km), but rather weak for overtaking on the highway.
  • πŸ’¨ 2.0 TSI (245 hp, RS) - the most powerful, but only in a 5-seater version.

🚫 We do not recommend: 1.5 TSI (150 hp) β€” when fully loaded, consumption rises to 12–14 l/100 km, and dynamics drop.

How much does the third row of seats weigh in the Kodiaq?

Weight of third row elements:

  • πŸͺ‘ Two seats (left + right) - 12.5 kg each.
  • πŸ“¦ Box with fastenings - 8 kg.

Total: ~33 kg. The seats can be easily removed for washing or transporting large loads.

Can a child seat be installed in the third row?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • πŸ‘Ά Group chairs are allowed 0+/1 (up to 18 kg).
  • πŸ”Œ There are fastenings ISOFIX on the outer seats of the third row.
  • ⚠️ But: there may not be enough legroom for a child over 3 years old (depending on height).

πŸ“Œ Recommendation: For children under 5 years old, it is better to use the second row - it is safer and more convenient there.

What is the real fuel consumption of the 7-seater Kodiaq?

According to the owners (forum Kodiaq-Club.ru, 2026):

Engine City (l/100 km) Route (l/100 km) Combined cycle (l/100 km)
1.5 TSI (150 hp) 10.5–12.0 6.8–7.5 8.2–9.0
2.0 TSI (190 hp) 11.0–12.5 7.0–7.8 8.5–9.5
2.0 TDI (150 hp) 7.5–8.5 5.2–6.0 6.0–6.8

πŸ“Œ When fully loaded (7 passengers + luggage), consumption increases by 1.5–2 l/100 km.