Used Skoda Kodiaq 2017-2024 review

The Skoda Kodiaq was the Czech firm’s first large SUV and its first stab at a seven-seater. It's been a huge success and, for families on a tight budget, it might just be the ideal transport, promising Skoda’s legendary value for money while delivering the practicality and flexibility needed by many used SUV buyers.

Engines: For starters, there’s a good range of petrol and diesel engines on offer that are all shared with other Volkswagen Group models. Most buyers so far have opted for the 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel, the 2.0 TDI 150, which is gutsy enough to haul around seven people with little drama and more economical (on paper) when fitted with the DSG automatic gearbox than it is when specified as a six-speed manual. For those that need a little extra poke, Skoda offers the Kodiaq with a 188bhp version of the same 2.0-litre diesel engine, called the 2.0 TDI 190.

There are some petrol options, too, beginning initially with the entry-level 123bhp 1.4 TSI 125 petrol engine that actually copes reasonably well in a vehicle this big. But if you intend to drive long distances or frequently travel fully loaded with people and paraphernalia, the 148bhp 1.4 TSI 150 petrol is a better bet. In 2018, the 1.4 engine was replaced by a 1.5 TSI 150 engine with lower emissions that provides similarly eager performance and good economy. There's also a 2.0 TSI 190 and a 2.0 TSI 245 which is the strongest petrol option, but it’s a rare sight on UK roads.

Trims & equipment: Trims start with entry-level S, which is a little sparsely equipped and available with only five seats, rather than seven. Next-up SE trim makes more sense, because it provides dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, a decent infotainment system and cruise control. The SE L trim above that adds sat-nav and adaptive LED headlights, Alcantara seats, keyless entry and start and a powered tailgate.

The upper trims, SE Tech and Edition, while fulsomely equipped, are a little pricey on the used car forecourts, so are best avoided.

These trims were renamed in 2021 as SE Drive, SE L Executive, Sportline and top-spec Laurin and Klement.

Ride & handling: On the road, the Kodiaq handles well, with a surprising amount of agility for something so commodious, and it has plenty of grip. The steering is a little light at higher speeds, but this at least makes short work of lower speed urban motoring.

It rides well, too, although there is a slightly unsettled nature to the car around town, over potholes and across road imperfections. It’s also pleasingly refined, regardless of which engine you choose. Wind and road noise are low around town but can be a touch too much at higher speeds.

Interior & practicality: But it's inside where the Kodiaq starts to flex its muscles. The driving position is excellent, with good visibility, and the dashboard and all the surrounding areas are full of soft-touch materials and well-damped switches, making it a pleasant place to spend time. There’s also a logical and easy-to-use 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system that comes with smartphone mirroring.

Space up front is excellent, too, with plenty of room for the tallest of people, while the second row of seats will happily accommodate three passengers. The rearmost row has enough space for two children that don't require child seats, but adults will only be comfortable for very short journeys.

These seats fold away easily for increased boot space, and the boot becomes cavernous with all the rear seats folded down. Boot space, with the second-row in place, is good, even though some of the Kodiaq's larger rivals offer a little more capacity.

If you're interested in buying a used Skoda Kodiaq, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our used car classifieds site here.

About £14,000 should get you into the driver’s seat of a Kodiaq from 2016 or 2017, though it may have a higher-than-average mileage. Spend between £16,000 and £20,000 on a good one from 2018 or 2019, and around £20,000 to £22,000 to find good 2020 and 2021 models, and more than £25,000 for 2023 and the last of the 2024 cars.

Check the value of a used Skoda Kodiaq with What Car? Valuations

MPG

The most economical engine is the 2.0 TDI 150 diesel, which, when equipped with a DSG automatic gearbox, returns a combined fuel consumption of 56.5mpg under the older NEDC tests, and 46.3mpg under the newer and more realistic WLTP tests. The most economical petrol is the 1.4 TSI 125 with a figure of 46.3mpg NEDC, just ahead of the more powerful 1.4 TSI 150 with a claimed 44.8mpg (when specified with the DSG gearbox). However, the later 1.5-engined car under the WLTP tests records an official 37.7mpg as a seven-seater.

Road tax (VED)

All examples will have been registered after April 2017, and unless you're buying a vRS version, all will have the same flat rate of annual car tax. This is currently £190 a year. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Servicing and insurance

Insurance groups range from a reasonable 12 for the early 1.4 TSI 125 cars up to 23 for some of the more powerful diesel models. Servicing costs for Skodas tend to be a fraction cheaper than for other cars in the Volkswagen Group, and a number of service plans are available for spreading the costs on older models.

Reliability

The Skoda Kodiaq shines in reliability according to our annual What Car? Reliability Survey, drawing from real-world owner reviews. A small group of owners reported infotainment glitches and, less often, electrical and engine warning light issues. These were generally resolved under warranty, though some owners were frustrated by long dealership repair times.

Feedback on Skoda's dealer network was mixed, with praises for professionalism but critiques on appointment scheduling and repair updates. Despite these points, the positive experiences and reliable performance of the Kodiaq stood out for most owners.

Discover the full story of the used Skoda Kodiaq's reliability on our dedicated reliability page.

Engine

If getting the ultimate economy is your lifestyle, the 2.0 TDI 150 engine gives the Kodiaq enough performance. However, we prefer the smoothness and vigour of either the 1.4 or 1.5 TSI 150 petrol engine, so we'd look for one of those.

Specification

SE trim is the best value trim and is handsomely equipped, as well as giving you access to seven-seat models, so we’d seek out one of these.

Our favourite Skoda Kodiaq: 1.5 TSI 150 SE

The Kia Sorento is a large seven-seater that comes from new with a transferable seven-year warranty. It’s spacious and practical, with plenty of room for seven. The 2.2-litre diesel engine is particularly strong.

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a premium product that handles well, has a smart interior and has room for seven. The ride can be fidgety and the reliability of the used cars has a question mark over it but it certainly cuts a dash on the school run.

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If you're interested in buying a used Skoda Kodiaq, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our used car classifieds site here.