Skoda Kodiaq: Should You Buy It in 2025? A Detailed Ownership Guide - Turbo Power World
The Skoda Kodiaq has carved a niche for itself in the premium 7-seater SUV segment. Known for its European build quality, understated luxury, and driver-focused dynamics, the Kodiaq is a favorite among SUV buyers who prefer refinement and performance over flashy appeal.
But at a premium price point starting at over ₹40 lakh (on-road), is the Skoda Kodiaq worth your money in 2025? Let’s take a deep dive into its design, features, performance, practicality, and ownership experience, followed by recommendations based on alternative options if Kodiaq isn’t the right fit for you.
🔷 Exterior Design & Road Presence
The Kodiaq embodies subtle elegance, with clean lines, a bold but not aggressive front grille, and crystal-cut LED headlamps.
It’s long and wide, giving it a commanding presence, but it doesn’t shout for attention—perfect for buyers who want understated class.
New alloy wheel design, sleek taillights, and chrome accents elevate its premium appeal.
Verdict: If you want classy over flashy, the Kodiaq nails it.
🔷 Interior Quality & Features
Step inside and you're greeted by a luxurious, spacious cabin.
Premium soft-touch materials, virtual cockpit (digital instrument cluster), and a large 10-inch touchscreen(with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay) dominate the dashboard.
Panoramic sunroof, 3-zone climate control, powered front seats with memory, canton sound system, and ambient lighting elevate comfort.
Second-row seats are spacious, and the third row is best suited for kids or occasional use.
Boot space is decent (270L with all seats up, 635L with third row folded).
Verdict: It’s a luxurious cabin focused on comfort and finesse. If you need 7 usable seats all the time, you may want to look elsewhere.
🔷 Performance & Driving Experience
Powered by a 2.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine delivering 190 PS and 320 Nm, paired with a 7-speed DSG gearboxand 4x4 all-wheel drive.
0-100 km/h in ~7.8 seconds – quick for an SUV this size.
Drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow, Off-road) tailor performance.
Excellent high-speed stability, tight body control, and refined engine response make it a driver’s delight.
City driving is smooth, though gearbox can feel a bit hesitant at low speeds.
No diesel option, which may be a deal-breaker for high-mileage users.
Verdict: If you love driving, highway cruising, and refined petrol performance, Kodiaq is the king. Not ideal for diesel lovers or heavy city use.
🔷 Ride Comfort & Handling
Independent suspension all-around, tuned for a balanced ride – soaks up bumps well without feeling floaty.
European steering feedback = confidence-inspiring at high speeds, light enough for city traffic.
Cabin insulation is top-notch; hardly any road or engine noise seeps in.
Verdict: Balanced between sporty and comfortable – ideal for long drives, hills, and highways.
🔷 Safety
5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
9 airbags, ESC, hill hold assist, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot detection, and emergency braking assist.
Build quality feels tank-like; doors shut with a solid thud.
Verdict: One of the safest SUVs in its segment. If safety is non-negotiable, Kodiaq is for you.
🔷 After-Sales Service & Ownership Costs
Skoda offers 4-year standard warranty (extendable to 6/7 years), 4-year service package.
Service interval: 1 year / 15,000 km.
Service costs are higher than mainstream brands, but predictable with the service packages.
Network is growing, but still limited in Tier 2/3 cities compared to Toyota or Hyundai.
Verdict: If you stay in metro cities, after-sales is manageable. For rural or Tier 2 buyers, service access can be a challenge.
🔷 Pricing (Ex-showroom)
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On-road pricing in cities like Mumbai/Bangalore can go north of ₹50 lakh.
✅ Why You SHOULD Buy the Skoda Kodiaq
You want a luxurious, understated, well-built European SUV.
You are a driving enthusiast who enjoys refined petrol power and tight handling.
You value safety, ride quality, and premium cabin experience.
You don’t need a diesel engine and third-row seats used occasionally.
You live in a metro city with Skoda service support.
❌ Why You Might NOT Buy the Skoda Kodiaq
You want a diesel engine for high mileage and better fuel economy.
You need frequent usage of third-row seats for adults or luggage.
You want low maintenance costs and extensive service reach.
You are on a strict budget under ₹40 lakh on-road.
You prefer flashier designs or badge value (e.g., Mercedes, BMW).
🚘 Alternatives to Consider (if not Kodiaq)
|
SUV |
Why Consider It? |
|
Toyota Fortuner |
Diesel power, reliability, massive presence, resale value. |
|
MG Gloster |
Diesel, ADAS, spacious third row, feature-rich. |
|
Hyundai Tucson |
Sleek design, features, diesel option, refined drive. |
|
Volkswagen Tiguan |
Same engine/platform, 5-seater, slightly cheaper. |
|
Kia Carnival (2024) |
More space, diesel, luxury MPV, practical for families. |
|
BMW X1 / Audi Q3 |
For badge value, premium appeal, 5-seater limitation. |
💡 Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Skoda Kodiaq?
👉 Buy it if you want European luxury, refined driving pleasure, and best-in-class safety in a 7-seater SUV that is understated yet premium.
👉 Skip it if your focus is on fuel economy, diesel engine, affordable maintenance, or frequent use of third-row space.
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