2025 Skoda Kodiaq: A Review with a Wink and a Nod

When it comes to mid-size SUVs, the Skoda Kodiaq has been a quiet yet consistent performer. It doesn’t shout about its capabilities, and instead it wins over families, road-trippers, and the odd off-roader with a solid mix of practicality, style, and value. Now, for 2025, Skoda has given the Kodiaq a fresh coat of polish, some new gadgets, and just enough panache to keep it feeling contemporary. Does it have what it takes to stand out in a fiercely competitive market? Let’s look into this beast with a bit of banter along the way.

What’s New for 2025?

The 2025 Kodiaq doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it certainly adds a bit more sparkle to it. The updated design features sharper lines, a bolder front grille, and sleeker LED headlights. Inside, there’s an upgraded infotainment system and more premium materials, making it feel like a real step up from its predecessor.

Skoda has also tweaked the engine line-up for improved efficiency and introduced some nifty tech features that make driving (and parking) a breeze. Plus, with a plug-in hybrid option finally joining the fray, the Kodiaq is ready to cater to the eco-conscious crowd.

Trims & Options: Something for Everyone

The Kodiaq comes in several trims, each offering its own flavour of practicality and luxury. Here’s a quick rundown:

• SE: The entry-level trim that’s anything but basic. You get 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a touchscreen infotainment system, and dual-zone climate control.
• SE L: Adds larger wheels, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof for those who like a bit of bling.
• Sportline: Think sporty aesthetics with blacked-out trim, sports seats, and a more aggressive body kit. It’s the Kodiaq with a gym membership.
• Laurin & Klement (L&K): The poshest of the lot, featuring ventilated leather seats, a premium sound system, and all the bells and whistles you could wish for.
• vRS: The performance-oriented trim with a beefier engine, sporty suspension, and enough red stitching to make Ferrari jealous.

Specs at a Glance

Here are some of the key specs that make the 2025 Kodiaq stand out:

• Engines:
  • 1.5-litre TSI petrol (150 PS)
  • 2.0-litre TDI diesel (200 PS)
  • 1.4-litre TSI plug-in hybrid (204 PS combined)
  • 2.0-litre TSI petrol in vRS (245 PS)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic
• Seating: 5 or 7 seats, depending on configuration
• Boot Space: Up to 2,065 litres with the rear seats down
• Tech Features:
  • 10.25-inch digital cockpit
  • 13-inch infotainment touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 360-degree parking camera
• Safety:
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Emergency braking

On the Road: Does It Deliver?

The Kodiaq drives like a well-oiled machine. It’s not trying to be a sports car, but it’s comfortable, composed, and surprisingly agile for its size. The steering is light enough for easy manoeuvring but offers decent feedback when you’re hitting the motorway.

The vRS trim spices things up with its more powerful engine and sportier suspension, making it genuinely fun to drive. The plug-in hybrid, meanwhile, is ideal for urban commuters who want to save on fuel and reduce emissions. In pure electric mode, it’ll do about 40 miles—enough for most daily errands.

That said, it’s not perfect. The ride can feel a tad firm over potholes, and the diesel engine, while efficient as it is, can be a bit gruff under hard acceleration. Are these are minor niggles in an otherwise stellar package though?

Competitors: Who’s in the Ring?

The mid-size SUV market is crowded, and the Kodiaq faces stiff competition. Here are some of its main rivals:

• Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace: Shares a platform with the Kodiaq but is slightly more expensive. It’s well-built and refined but lacks the Skoda’s flair for value.
• Hyundai Santa Fe: A strong contender with bold styling and a long list of standard features. However, it doesn’t quite match the Kodiaq’s interior practicality.
• Kia Sorento: Offers a plug-in hybrid option and a 7-year warranty, making it a solid choice for families. But its infotainment system can feel clunky compared to Skoda’s.
• Peugeot 5008: Stylish and versatile, with a unique interior design. However, its smaller engines might not appeal to those craving a bit more grunt.
• Toyota RAV4: Reliable and efficient, especially in hybrid form. But it’s not as spacious or premium-feeling as the Kodiaq.

The EV Question: Is This the Future?

With the addition of a plug-in hybrid option, the Kodiaq is dipping its toes into the electrification pool …and it’s not alone.  The shift towards hybrid and electric SUVs is becoming more pronounced every year. While full EVs like the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6 are making waves, hybrids like the Kodiaq PHEV offer a nice middle ground for those not quite ready to go all-in on electric.

But is this trend here to stay? With governments pushing for stricter emissions regulations and EV infrastructure improving, it’s likely that hybrids and EVs will dominate the market in the coming years. That said, the transition won’t happen overnight, and there’s still a strong market for petrol and diesel options, especially in rural areas where charging points are scarce.

Is the Kodiaq Your Next Ride?

The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq is a fantastic all-rounder. It’s spacious, well-equipped, and offers a variety of trims and powertrains to suit different needs. Whether you’re after a family-friendly SUV, a sporty ride, or an eco-conscious hybrid, the Kodiaq has you covered.

Sure, it’s not the flashiest or most exciting SUV on the market, but it excels where it matters most: practicality, comfort, and value. It’s the kind of car that makes you wonder why you’d spend more on a badge when Skoda gives you everything you need (and then some).

So, would you pick the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq over its competitors? Or do you think another SUV deserves the crown? Let us know your thoughts and if you’ve got any funny Skoda stories, we’re all ears!