2025 Skoda Kodiaq: The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq arrives for 2025 with the challenging task of building upon its predecessor’s well-earned reputation for practical excellence.

Since its debut in 2016, the original Kodiaq established itself as something of a quiet achiever in the mid-size SUV segment—never the flashiest or most powerful option, but consistently delivering a thoughtful blend of space, quality, and value that resonated with pragmatic buyers.

The new model retains this core philosophy while introducing meaningful refinements across every aspect of the ownership experience.

2025 Skoda Kodiaq Design Evolution: Confident Maturity

The 2025 Kodiaq embraces Skoda’s updated “Modern Solid” design language, presenting a more confident and distinctive appearance without abandoning the restraint that characterized its predecessor.

The front end features a wider, more upright grille flanked by split LED headlights—a two-tier arrangement with slender daytime running lights positioned above the main lighting units. This approach creates a more assertive face while maintaining family resemblance to other recent Skoda models like the Enyaq.

Dimensions have grown slightly, with length increasing to 4,758mm (+61mm), width to 1,864mm (+18mm), and height to 1,687mm (+6mm).

The wheelbase extends to 2,791mm, enhancing interior space while maintaining manageable urban maneuverability. Despite these increases, careful attention to proportions ensures the Kodiaq avoids the visual bulk that plagues some competitors in this segment.

The side profile reveals more pronounced wheel arches housing alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on specification. A strong character line runs the length of the vehicle just below the windows, while the roofline maintains a practical shape that prioritizes interior headroom over coupe-like styling trends.

The rear features horizontal LED taillights connected by a light bar, creating a wider visual stance, while a subtle roof spoiler and lower diffuser element add subtle sportiness without compromising the clean overall aesthetic.

Material choices reflect growing environmental consciousness, with recycled materials used extensively throughout.

The optional “Design Selection” packages replace traditional trim levels, offering coordinated interior themes with names like “Loft,” “Lodge,” and “Suite” that combine specific materials, colors, and ambient lighting settings.

Inside, the cabin represents a significant step forward while maintaining Skoda’s reputation for thoughtful functionality. The dashboard adopts a more horizontal orientation with a floating central touchscreen (10.4 inches as standard, 13 inches optional) positioned above slimmer air vents.

Physical climate controls remain—a welcome decision that prioritizes usability over minimalist design trends. The digital instrument cluster (10 inches standard, 13 inches optional) sits behind a new two-spoke steering wheel design that incorporates intuitive controls for key vehicle functions.

Material quality shows noticeable improvement throughout, with soft-touch surfaces extending to more areas and ambient lighting enhancing the premium atmosphere during night driving.

The trademark “Simply Clever” features that distinguish Skoda products have been retained and expanded, now including smartphone pockets on front seatbacks, removable cup holders with anti-slip bases, and an ingenious package shelf that can function as both a cargo cover and partition.

Spatial Dynamics: Enhanced Versatility

Interior space—always a Kodiaq strength—sees meaningful improvements in the new generation. Front seat occupants benefit from the wider body dimensions with increased shoulder room, while the driver enjoys a commanding seating position with excellent visibility despite slightly more swept-back A-pillars.

The second row accommodates three adults in genuine comfort, with increased legroom (+15mm) compared to the previous model.

The bench slides fore and aft by up to 180mm, allowing flexible distribution of space between passengers and cargo. Thoughtful details include integrated window blinds, USB-C charging ports, and optional heated outboard positions.

The third row, while still best suited to children or shorter adults, offers marginally improved accommodation with easier access thanks to a refined folding mechanism for the second row. Small storage compartments and cup holders make this space more hospitable for longer journeys, though it remains an occasional-use area for most owners.

Cargo capacity impresses across all seating configurations. With all seven seats in place, the boot offers 340 liters—sufficient for everyday essentials. Folding the third row expands this to 845 liters, while maximizing cargo space by folding both rear rows yields a cavernous 2,035 liters with an almost perfectly flat load floor.

The power-operated tailgate now includes hands-free operation as standard on mid and higher specifications, while the available loading organizers help secure smaller items during transport.

Powertrains: Electrified Efficiency

The 2025 Kodiaq launches with a substantially revised powertrain lineup that emphasizes electrification while maintaining diversity to suit different requirements and markets:

• A 1.5 TSI evo2 turbocharged petrol with 150PS, featuring mild-hybrid technology

• A new 1.5 TSI plug-in hybrid producing 204PS combined output with approximately 100km electric range

• A 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol with 204PS

• A 2.0 TDI turbodiesel in 150PS and 193PS states of tune

The entry-level 1.5 TSI employs a 48-volt mild hybrid system with a belt-driven starter-generator, enabling extended start-stop functionality, energy recuperation during deceleration, and limited electric assistance during acceleration.

This technology contributes to approximately 10% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the previous non-hybrid equivalent.

Most significant is the introduction of the plug-in hybrid variant, combining the 1.5 TSI engine with an electric motor and 25.7kWh battery pack. This configuration provides enough electric range for most daily commutes, while DC fast charging capability (up to 50kW) allows the battery to be replenished from 10-80% in approximately 25 minutes.

The system delivers combined fuel consumption as low as 1.5 liters per 100km under WLTP testing when starting with a full battery.

Transmission options include a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic across the range, with front-wheel drive standard on lower-powered variants and 4×4 available or standard on higher-specification models.

The all-wheel-drive system features a sixth-generation Haldex coupling that can send up to 50% of torque to the rear axle when conditions demand, while the available “Off-Road” mode optimizes vehicle systems for challenging terrain.

The diesel options remain appealing for those covering higher mileages, with the 193PS variant offering particularly effortless long-distance cruising combined with impressive fuel economy. All powertrains benefit from improved refinement, with additional sound insulation and revised engine mounts reducing noise and vibration transmission to the cabin.

Chassis and Driving Dynamics: Refined Composure

The 2025 Kodiaq builds upon its predecessor’s reputation for composed road manners with a revised chassis that delivers incremental improvements in both comfort and control.

The fundamental architecture remains similar—MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear—but with revised geometry and component tuning.

The standard suspension offers an well-judged balance between compliance over poor surfaces and body control during directional changes. Models equipped with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) feature adaptive dampers that can now adjust more quickly to changing road conditions, with expanded adjustment range between the softest and firmest settings.

The system offers predefined modes (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual) that alter damping characteristics along with steering weight, throttle response, and transmission behavior.

Steering precision shows noticeable improvement, with more consistent weighting and better on-center feel enhancing confidence during high-speed cruising. The progressive steering rack varies the ratio based on steering angle, requiring fewer turns lock-to-lock without compromising straight-line stability.

Road and wind noise suppression benefit from additional insulation materials and acoustic glass (standard on higher specifications, optional elsewhere), creating a noticeably quieter cabin environment that enhances long-distance comfort.

The available adaptive cruise control with predictive functionality uses navigation data to anticipate hills, corners, and speed limit changes, adjusting vehicle speed accordingly for improved efficiency and comfort.

While focused primarily on family transport rather than dynamic excellence, the Kodiaq maintains composure when driven enthusiastically on winding roads, with well-controlled body movements and predictable responses. The balance of attributes—comfort, stability, and control—aligns perfectly with the vehicle’s purpose as practical family transportation.

Technology: Intuitive Advancement

The technology package represents perhaps the most significant advancement over the previous generation, with updated interfaces and expanded functionality that enhance both convenience and safety.

The new infotainment system centers around the free-standing central touchscreen running Skoda’s latest software, which combines customizable layouts with improved responsiveness and sharper graphics.

Voice control capabilities have been substantially expanded, now understanding natural language commands for navigation, climate control, media selection, and vehicle functions. The system can distinguish between driver and passenger voices, allowing specific functions like temperature adjustment for individual zones.

Wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard across the range, while the optional navigation system includes augmented reality functionality that overlays directional indicators on a live camera feed of the road ahead. The Skoda Connect services provide remote vehicle monitoring, over-the-air updates, and connected features through a smartphone app.

The digital cockpit offers multiple display configurations that can prioritize different information based on driver preference and driving situation. Unlike some overly complex implementations, this system maintains excellent readability in all lighting conditions while offering genuine functional benefits beyond mere visual appeal.

Driver assistance systems have been expanded and refined, with the latest generation of adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and autonomous emergency braking.

New additions include a remote parking function that allows the vehicle to be maneuvered into tight spaces using the smartphone app, and an exit warning system that alerts occupants to approaching vehicles or cyclists when opening doors.

The available head-up display projects key information directly into the driver’s line of sight, reducing the need to glance away from the road. This system adapts brightness automatically based on ambient light conditions and can be configured to show varying information based on driver preference.

Specifications Table

Key Strengths and Considerations

Strengths:

1. Practical Versatility: The flexible seating arrangements, generous cargo space, and thoughtful storage solutions create exceptional family-friendly functionality.

2. Electrified Powertrain Options: The addition of mild hybrid technology across the range and the new plug-in hybrid variant significantly improve efficiency without compromising capability.

3. Build Quality and Materials: Interior finish shows noticeable improvement with higher-grade materials and more sophisticated design elements throughout the cabin.

4. Technology Integration: The updated infotainment and driver assistance systems offer advanced functionality while maintaining intuitive operation.

5. Simply Clever Features: The expanded range of practical innovations demonstrates continued attention to solving everyday ownership challenges.

Considerations:

1. Size Increase: The slightly larger dimensions enhance interior space but may present challenges in tight urban environments or older parking structures.

2. Touch-Centric Controls: While physical climate controls remain, some functions have migrated to the touchscreen, potentially increasing driver distraction compared to traditional buttons.

3. Price Positioning: Equipment and quality improvements have pushed pricing slightly upward, though value remains strong relative to premium-badged alternatives.

4. Styling Evolution: The more assertive design may not appeal to those who appreciated the previous generation’s more understated approach.

5. Third-Row Limitations: Despite improvements, the rearmost seats remain best suited to occasional use rather than daily transportation of adults.

2025 Skoda Kodiaq Conclusion: Refined Evolution

The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq represents a thoughtful evolution that builds upon the fundamental strengths of its predecessor while addressing its few weaknesses.

Rather than reinventing its formula, Skoda has focused on enhancing the qualities that earned the original model its devoted following—practicality, quality, comfort, and value—while introducing new technology and efficiency improvements that keep it competitive in an increasingly crowded segment.

What distinguishes the new Kodiaq is how it manages to incorporate contemporary features and design elements without compromising the pragmatic excellence that defines its character.

The electrified powertrains improve efficiency without sacrificing drivability. The updated technology enhances functionality while remaining intuitive to operate. The refined interior offers increased premium appeal without abandoning durability and practicality.

For family buyers seeking substantial space and versatility without the bulk and expense of larger SUVs, the Kodiaq continues to present a compelling proposition. It delivers genuine seven-seat capability within manageable dimensions, quality materials without premium pricing, and refined driving dynamics without excessive complexity.

The expanded “Simply Clever” features demonstrate an understanding that true innovation often lies in solving everyday problems rather than implementing technology for its own sake.

In an automotive landscape increasingly characterized by design extremes and feature proliferation, the Kodiaq’s balanced approach represents a refreshingly straightforward philosophy.

It doesn’t attempt to be the sportiest, most luxurious, or most technologically advanced option in its segment—instead, it focuses on being the most thoughtfully designed and practical choice for families who value substance over showmanship. For its intended audience, this carefully considered evolution may prove more valuable than any revolutionary approach could offer.