Škoda Kodiaq test drive: 7 days behind the wheel of a large Czech crossover

If you are looking family crossover with third row of seatsthat doesn't look like a minivan but still offers space and practicality, Škoda Kodiaq will inevitably be shortlisted. We spent a week driving the updated Kodiaq 2026 in top configuration Style with 2.0 TSI (245 hp) to find out: does it live up to its reputation as “the best 7-seater SUV for the money”?

Spoiler: yes, but with reservations. The Czech crossover surprised not only with its spaciousness (trunk 760 liters in 5-seater mode - this is not a joke), but also unexpected dynamics for a car of this size. However, there are nuances that the manufacturer prefers to remain silent about. For example, about how he behaves Kodiaq off-road with a full load or why DSG-7 Sometimes it gets stuck in traffic jams. About this and much more in our detailed test drive.

Design: evolution or revolution?

Updated Kodiaq 2026 received new optics with LED matrices (in top versions), a redesigned radiator grille and a more aggressive bumper. But I don’t dare call it a revolution. Rather, Škoda went down the path Volkswagen — careful modernization without risks. However, this is not bad: Kodiaq He looked respectable before, but now he has become even more brutal.

Please note:

• 🔥 Tail lights with a 3D effect - now they visually “flow around” the trunk, creating the illusion of width.
• 🎨 New body colors: for example, Energy Blue (pictured) looks more expensive than it actually is.
• 🚗 Wheels 20" included Sportline — but they are tough for Russian roads.

But what was disappointing: plastic wheel arch trims in basic versions they look cheap. If you take Kodiaq not in the top, immediately order them to be painted in the body color - it will transform the appearance.

Interior: space vs. cheap materials

You sit in Kodiaq - and the first thing that catches your eye: huge space. Even with my height of 190 cm, there is a palm of free space between my knees and the front seat. But the quality of the materials raises questions. Included Ambition the plastic on the dashboard is hard and creaky, and in Style a soft finish appears, but only on the top panel.

What really makes me happy:

• 🪑 Ergonomics: heated and electrically adjustable steering wheel, seats with memory (in the top).
• 📱 Multimedia: 10" screen with Wireless Apple CarPlay (but Android Auto is wired only!).
• 🧳 Practicality: 12 cup holders, under-floor storage and bag hooks.

⚠️ Attention: The third row of seats is comfortable only for children under 12 years old. An adult taller than 170 cm will rest his knees on the backs of the second row, and his head almost on the ceiling. This is not Mercedes V-Class, remember this!

Equipment	Seat material	Climate control	Price from (rubles)
Active	Fabric	Manual air conditioner	3 890 000
Ambition	Fabric/leather	2-zone climate	4 250 000
Style	Leather Nappa	3-zone climate	4 890 000
Sportline	Leather/Alcantara	3-zone climate	5 120 000

Engines and transmission: which one to choose?

Škoda Kodiaq 2026 offers three gasoline engines in Russia:

• 🔥 1.5 TSI (150 hp) - only with DSG-7 and front-wheel drive. A bit weak for a car weighing 1.7 tons.
• 🚀 2.0 TSI (190 hp) — gold standard: enough for the city and the highway, consumption ~9.5 l/100 km.
• 💨 2.0 TSI (245 hp) - for lovers of dynamics, but City consumption reaches 14 l/100 km.

We tested the top-end 245-horsepower version with 4Motion and DSG-7. Acceleration to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds is fast for a 7-seater crossover. But there is a nuance: the box sometimes “thinks” when shifting into 1st or 2nd gear, especially in traffic jams. If you often travel around the city, it is better to consider 190 hp version - it is more predictable.

But what surprised me: on the highway Kodiaq behaves like a sports car. Adaptive cruise control keeps the distance perfectly, and the suspension (even on 20" wheels) does not transfer impacts to the body. But as soon as you drive onto the dirt road, you immediately feel that this is not Land Cruiser. Ground clearance of 194 mm allows you to overcome light off-road conditions, but no more.

Handling: big but nimble

For a car 4.7 meters long Kodiaq surprisingly maneuverable. The steering is informative, the turning radius is only 11.6 m (less than Toyota RAV4!). However, there are three points to consider:

1. Weight: When fully loaded (7 people + luggage), the car becomes a roll in corners.
2. Suspension: included Sportline it is tougher, but holds the road better.
3. Shumka: at speeds above 120 km/h, noise from the wheels is heard (especially on 20" wheels).

We tested the car on a mountain serpentine road and were pleasantly surprised: Kodiaq does not roll in turns, and the system XDS+ (electronic differential lock) helps avoid slipping. But if you plan to drive truly off-road, it's better to look away Kia Sorento with gearbox.

How does the Kodiaq perform in the snow?

With the 4Motion all-wheel drive system and winter tires, the crossover starts confidently even on an icy slope. However, the high center of gravity requires caution during sharp turns. Turn on Snow mode in the settings - this will soften the throttle and gearbox.

Safety: 5 stars Euro NCAP, but...

Škoda Kodiaq received the maximum 5 stars in crash tests Euro NCAP (2023), but there are nuances that are not talked about in salons:

• 🛡️ 9 air bags in top versions, but in basic Active there are only 6 of them.
• 🚨 System Crew Protect Assist automatically closes the windows and tightens the seat belts in the event of an accident.
• 👶 ISOFIX There are all seats in the second row, but there are no child seat anchors in the third row!

What was disappointing: 360° camera It comes only as an option for 80,000 rubles, although for a car of this size it is simply necessary. Also in basic versions there is no Blind Spot Assist (blind spot monitoring), which is strange for a crossover with wide pillars.

⚠️ Attention: When installing a child seat on the front passenger seat Be sure to turn off the front airbag via menu Settings → Security. Otherwise, the child will be seriously injured in an accident!

Fuel consumption: real numbers vs. declared

The manufacturer declares for Kodiaq 2.0 TSI (190 hp) consumption 8.2 l/100 km in the combined cycle. In practice:

• 🏙️ City: 11.5–12.8 l/100 km (depending on traffic jams).
• 🛣️ Route (90–110 km/h): 7.3–8.1 l/100 km.
• 🏔️ Mountain roads: up to 14 l/100 km (due to constant ascents/descents).

The secret to saving: use the mode Eco (button next to the box selector). It opens the throttle smoother and changes gears earlier. Also disable all-wheel drive on dry asphalt - this reduces consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km. To do this, select from the menu Drive Mode → Auto → Settings → Front axle drive.

Competitors: who is better?

Main rivals Kodiaq on the Russian market:

Model	Pros	Cons	Price from (rubles)
Kia Sorento	Gearbox, 7 years warranty	Hard suspension, noisy interior	4 099 000
Hyundai Santa Fe	Design, rich equipment	Less space in the third row	4 299 000
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace	Build quality, dynamics	More expensive, smaller trunk	4 590 000
Toyota Highlander	Reliability, hybrid	Expensive service, boring design	5 190 000

Why Kodiaq often chosen instead of competitors?

• 💰 Price: cheaper Tiguan Allspace with the same engine.
• 📦 Practicality: larger trunk and smart solutions (for example, an umbrella in the door).
• 🔧 Service: cheaper Toyota and Volkswagen (original maintenance costs ~25,000 rubles/year).

FAQ: answers to popular questions

Is it possible to tow a trailer with a Škoda Kodiaq?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Maximum trailer weight no brakes: 750 kg.
• With brakes: up to 2,200 kg (for 2.0 TSI 190 hp with 4Motion).
• Be sure to install towing electronics (costs ~30,000 rubles) - it stabilizes movement.

⚠️ When towing a heavy trailer, fuel consumption increases to 16–18 l/100 km.

What is the service life of the 2.0 TSI engine?

With proper maintenance (oil change every 10,000 km, original filters) the engine CJXB (190 hp) easily covers 300,000+ km. Main problems:

• Timing chain wear after 150,000 km (replacement ~50,000 rubles).
• Crankshaft oil seal leaks (solved by replacement for 15,000 rubles).

245 hp version (DLBA) more capricious - requires oil 5W-40 and is afraid of overheating.

How much does insurance (CASCO) cost for Kodiaq?

The cost depends on the region and configuration:

• Basic Active: ~120,000 rubles/year.
• Top Style: ~180,000–220,000 rubles/year.

Advice: sign up for CASCO insurance with a deductible of 30,000 rubles - this reduces the price by 20–25%.

How to enable Trailer Assist mode?

The function is available only in configurations Style and Sportline with 360° camera. To activate:

1. Connect the trailer to the electrical socket.
2. From the menu, select Assist → Trailer Assist.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to calibrate.

The system automatically turns the steering wheel when reversing!

What tires are best for the Kodiaq?

Recommended sizes:

• 18" wheels: 235/60 R18 (for example, Continental CrossContact LX2).
• 19" wheels: 235/55 R19 (Michelin Primacy 4).
• 20" wheels: 235/50 R20 (Pirelli Scorpion Verde).

⚠️ For winter, take tires with a speed rating not lower than H (for example, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3).