2025 Skoda Kodiaq review is this the best value luxury SUV for families and urban drivers

The mid-size SUV market is more competitive than ever, with every automaker striving to balance performance, comfort, luxury, and value. Enter the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq — a sleek, technology-laden SUV that claims to deliver “value-luxury.” But does it succeed in this promise, or does it fall short in a segment packed with strong contenders? At ENON Cars, we’ve examined the latest iteration of the Kodiaq to help car enthusiasts and automotive dealers understand where it stands in today’s dynamic SUV landscape.

In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll break down the performance, design, features, tech, safety, and overall verdict on the 2025 Kodiaq — giving you all the insights you need if you’re considering buying, selling, or stocking this vehicle.

Exterior Design: Tasteful Yet Understated

One glance at the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq and you’re met with a familiar silhouette. Skoda hasn’t reinvented the wheel with its latest mid-size SUV, but it has refined it with precision. The front fascia features a sleeker grille flanked by LED Matrix headlamps, while the rear welcomes slimmer LED taillights and sharper creases.

• Dimensions: 4,758 mm length, 1,864 mm width, 1,659 mm height
• Wheels: Up to 20-inch alloy wheels
• Ground Clearance: Around 190 mm — suitable for both urban and light-off-road excursions

The visual updates give the Kodiaq a more premium character, but it does come across as conservative. Enthusiasts might find it lacking the aggressive visual statement that rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe or Mazda CX-90 are gravitating towards.

Interior Comfort: Quality and Practicality in Harmony

Step inside the 2025 Kodiaq, and it’s clear Skoda aimed to level up the cabin experience. Premium materials are thoughtfully layered across the dashboard, soft-touch points abound, and the overall layout is ergonomically sound.

Cabin Highlights:

• Upholstery: New EcoSuite leather trims available in Cognac and Black
• Digital Cockpit: 10.25-inch configurable instrument cluster
• Infotainment: 13-inch floating touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Ambient Lighting: Multi-color ambient options integrated across the dash and door panels

Seating and Space:

• Seating Capacity: Available in 5 and 7-seat configurations
• 2nd Row: Excellent legroom and supportive seat base
• 3rd Row: Usable for kids or short trips, though not as spacious as competitors like the Kia Sorento

Overall, interior comfort is a strong suit for the Kodiaq. While it doesn’t scream opulence, it offers a composed, functional elegance that buyers in this category will appreciate.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq offers a range of powertrains globally, and while availability may vary by region, the general lineup includes TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines mated to 7-speed DSG transmissions. Additionally, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are introduced based on market demand.

Typical Global Engine Options:

• 1.5 TSI EVO2: 150 hp, mild-hybrid functionality
• 2.0 TSI: 204 hp or 265 hp, standard AWD on the high-output versions
• 2.0 TDI: 150 hp or 193 hp, with optional AWD

Ride and Handling:

• Chassis: MQB Evo platform — shared with the VW Tiguan and Audi Q5
• Suspension: MacPherson struts up front, multi-link rear
• Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC): Offers adjustable damping modes

The Kodiaq doesn’t aim to thrill with razor-sharp handling but excels where it matters for the majority—comfort, highway stability, and ease of maneuverability. It’s quiet, composed, and confident over varied surfaces, which makes it an appealing proposition for families and urban drivers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Tech-savvy users will find much to appreciate in the 2025 Kodiaq. The upgraded 13-inch touchscreen sits cleanly in the center console and offers smooth interface transitions, large icons, and customizable widgets.

Key Features:

• User Profiles: Syncs settings via Skoda Connect cloud service
• App Suite: Includes weather, news, fuel prices, and parking availability
• Phone Connectivity: Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard
• Wireless Charging: Available with a built-in cooling fan

While there is no physical volume knob, Skoda has retained some essential tactile controls through smart dials, merging digital convenience with analog intuitiveness.

Safety and Driver Assistance

One of the strongest aspects of the 2025 Kodiaq is its focus on safety. Built on the latest MQB Evo platform, it is engineered with crash safety, rigid structural integrity, and cutting-edge assistive technology in mind.

Standard and Optional Safety Features:

• ADAS Suite: Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Predictive Cruise Control, and Rear Traffic Alert
• Airbags: Up to 9 airbags including a new central airbag
• Crash Ratings: Expected to perform highly in Euro NCAP (pending official results)
• Parking Assist: Semi-autonomous parking system with 360-degree cameras

Skoda has gone to great lengths to ensure that the Kodiaq remains among the safest choices in its segment, appealing to families and dealers looking for a mature, responsible SUV.

Fuel Efficiency and Sustainability

With tightening emissions regulations and growing environmental awareness, Skoda has introduced several sustainability-focused touches in the 2025 Kodiaq.

Fuel Economy (WLTP Estimates):

• 1.5 TSI MHEV: ~6.0 L/100 km
• 2.0 TDI: ~5.3 L/100 km (FWD)
• Plug-in Hybrid (1.5 TSI PHEV): Up to 100 km of pure electric range

Eco-Friendly Materials:

• Recycled plastic used in underbody panels and interior trim
• Vegan leather upholstery options available

This makes the Kodiaq not only competitive in terms of running costs but also attractive to environmentally conscious buyers.

Pricing and Value Proposition

Now, here’s where the Kodiaq sparks debate. The SUV enters the market with a promise of “value-luxury” — a concept that rivals the likes of Toyota Highlander and VW Tiguan Allspace.

Estimated Pricing (varies by market):

• Starting Price: $38,000 USD (Base 1.5 TSI)
• Mid-trim: $45,000 USD (2.0 TSI with AWD and tech package)
• Top-end: $52,000 USD (Fully loaded with leather, DCC, ADAS)

Dealers may find that while the Kodiaq looks premium and packs several modern features, buyers in the North American market may compare its price to similarly equipped competitors that offer either more performance or bolder designs.

Conclusion: Who Should Consider the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq?

The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq might not be a standout in one specific area, but it delivers a confident, holistic package for modern SUV buyers. For car enthusiasts who value composed ride quality, refined engineering, and a car that puts usability before flash, the Kodiaq will be a strong contender.

Best Suited For:

• Families seeking a practical yet premium 7-seater
• Urban professionals who appreciate technology and comfort
• Automotive dealers looking for a dependable and well-rounded product in their SUV portfolio

While the “value-luxury” pitch may seem understated to the performance purist, it rings true for real-world buyers prioritizing reliability, efficient tech, and long-term ownership satisfaction. Dealers can confidently consider it for buyers who might find German luxury SUVs out of reach but still want something sharp and sensible.

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