One of the best cars on the road, for what you get for your money, I’ve had dozens of cars throughout the years & am a mechanic by trade, I absolutely love them well done Skoda
Bought a Kodiaq Style recently with Tech & Luxury packs. Great to drive. 4x4. 7 seats. Plenty of room. The only negative is the towball download of 80kg, which means it will only tow a small caravan, say around 1000-1200kg tare, although it has a 2000kg towing capacity. However if you are looking for a family friendly vehicle, this should be on your short list.
Picked up a 2021 Kodiaq Sportline in April last year. Upgraded from a 2013 Yeti 4x4 1.8.....need extra space again now (grand children 🙃). Very happy with the Yeti but I still cross shopped against the usual suspects including RAV4, Tiguan, CRV, CX8, and Sorrento. The Kodiaq hit the sweet spot for us and with the packs and a sunroof it really is a nice place to be driving in. Having said that, if the petrol RS was an option last year, I'm sure that would have been the version we would have settled on....looking forward to the review.
I've got the previous gen (similar car on all accounts, interior is pretty much identical) and I thought it was one of the better SUV's in its class. I was initially looking at 'mid size' SUV's - the only reason I was in the Skoda dealership was because of the Karoq - but felt like this hit my requirements much better. I've had it for just over a year now and its been flawless. This has been my third VAG product (2 golfs before this) and have been quite impressed with the Skoda - handles well, punchy enough for a SUV and doesn't feel too unwieldy in a carpark! Now, if they can get the Enyaq here at a decent price..
Nice,honest review, John. Skoda Kodiaq is a genuine 7 seater car unlike the Mitsubishi Outlander which is 5 plus 2 (kids only). The Kodiaq has beautiful interiors and a simplistic design and the ride quality and handling is superb. I also found the level of road noise far less in the cabin and the visibility better than the Mitsubishi Outlanderwith lesser blind spots at the rear . Over the years, Skoda have been distancing themselves from the VW group as more reliable and well packaged product. The cost of servicing is far less than other competitors and the cars built are reliable similar to Toyotas and Mazdas, if I dare say. From the practically and driving dynamics, I found the Skoda products superior and yes, although there is premium on the price tag, its well worth it for a well packaged product. The only downside about Skoda's is the list of options and packages one has to opt for for additional features. Long gone are the days when Skoda's were considered cheap, boring cars. Skoda in general are now positioning themselves as a premium, reliable, luxury an alternative to the Japnese and European car manufacturer, providing reliability and good value for money and good ownership experience. Any updates about the face lift Skoda Karoq, please ?
@@d.j.z.j If we are comparing apples to apples, then Kodiaq RS shouldbe compared to VW tiguan r line. Then the answer is yes. The value for money offered with Skoda cars is far a better proposition than VW although Skoda is a part of the VW group.
The pick is the outgoing RS Ttdi . Though the new RS petrol & all petrols are generally good, none of the petrols can match the diesels frugality & torque . Skoda are assessing the possibility of reintroducing a cheaper diesel variant to replace the diesel RS locally. It is worth noting that currently all incoming & updated Skoda petrol variants will have a PPF fitted locally.
You guys conduct good reviews and I think for those who need a SUV for their growing family, this looks the goods. Skoda are gradually establishing a good reputation in Australia for quality vehicles at reasonable prices. The new Fabia also looks interesting.
Great review John. I narrowly missed out on this car. Particularly coming in from 2021 Skoda Octavia which I had to sell since I wanted a bigger vehicle, this definitely was the next 7 seater I had to look for. But unfortunately due to the time I sold my car and this one coming in, I had to look for other 7 seat options. I feel now that I should have planned better 🙈. Skoda's are technically far far ahead than the competition.
Sportline gets progressive steering now which is great. Shame PC took out the diesel VRS though. That motor suits the Kodiaq really well....Only real differences from before are the matrix lights and a nicer steering wheel. We have VRS Kodiaq and a Kamiq MC. No issues on either, especially at demo pricing....price looks a lot but compare it too say an EV6, and it doesn't.
Would love to see how it handles the occasional beach visit. Wish they hadn't dropped the diesel engine also. (Considering one instead of a full 4x4 Fortuner or MUX)
Been looking at upgrading to one of these but was worried about the outputs, so glad you touched on it (coming from a 2.5 NA cx5 with roughly same power but 150 to 200kgs lighter). There are options out there for aftermarket ecu tunes (obviously at your own risk) to bring the outputs up to 162kw/400nm and forgo the need to step up to the RS. These outputs more or less match the Tiguan r line. Would this extra 30kw give it that little extra grunt needed?
Hey guys. Thanks for the video. Can anyone confirm whether the SIM card slot and ability to create a hotspot inside the car are available in 2022 models? I’m about to buy one
Just slap the chains on and hit the gas. Went on an offroad course with my wife's 4x4 2019 Vitara and a friend with his Kodiaq. Both road cars, not offroad prepped. I had to give up on the last stretch as the ground clearance wasn't there in the Vitara. The Kodiaq has that extra inch that made the difference.
It's a rebodied Tiguan with better suspension - not exactly an odd creation. Just takes time for a brand to build, and Skoda has come a long way in Australia in just a decade
@@brokenSnake That's a lot of codswallop. I had Yeti for 6 years which was solid-as and completely faultless, not a penny spent on it. Changed up to Karoq which is likewise after three years. Skoda has been building complex transport products for over a hundred years products, suggest you do some research before talking nonsense.
My wife has 2012 VW Passat. It has cost her $850 - yes, 850 dollars - in repair costs during that time. Really expensive, eh. Still looks almost as new. VW quality is commendable.
Ordered FL meteor grey (looks like this one), sport line, 1.5 petrol engine, 7 seats in August last year. It is still not produced. BIG disappointment…
So? I don’t mind spending the extra couple of bucks at the bowser for what I’m getting and premium fuel is generally cleaner and kinder on your engine anyway.
@@stendecstretcher5678 Billions of $$ are being funded by the Federal Govt to bring forward the reduction of high sulphur content in our petrol including abolition of 91 RON.This will happen within 2 years.
I really like the Kodiaq, but now getting pricey and needs option of a diesel. VW Tiguan has 147Tdi with 400Nm of torque; why not Skoda? RAV-4 hybrid still best mid-size SUV in my opinion.
These engines are a big let down imo. The vw groups 2ltr turbo engines are a big no for suvs, while they do the job, it just doesnt feel smooth on a big suv. You'd expect they give at least a hybrid or a v6 for the price they charge you. The engines arent outstandingly efficient either and nor do they give you a large fuel tank for those long drives.
Agreed. Personally, it needs a diesel. VW have the 147Tdi with 400Nm of torque, will be a good match to this car. I prefer the Kodiaq to the Tiguan, but without a diesel option it's not on the shortlist.
We have the 2021 Kodiak delivered in June. We do the ADL - MEL road trip regularly to visit grandchildren and the engine is perfectly fine. The performance is comparable to our previous Fairmont Ghia of similar weight (the Kodiak has a longer wheelbase but is shorter overall) and gives overall trip economy of 6.9 to 7.2 L/100Km depending on conditions. I set to ECO, put on adaptive cruise, activate lane-keeping, connect to Android Auto (not wireless for all types of phone) and relax. In this setup, it gives an easy 750 Km range. I deliberately selected 19 in wheels for extra ride comfort and agree that Comfort is too floaty while Sport is too sharp on our B-grade surfaces. We have the ivory leather, which accentuates the internal space. The sunroof cover can be opened in winter for more light. The 3rd row is perfect for primary school kids and plenty of room for 4 or 5 backpacks in the boot. No issues at all with performance, reliability and service.
I watch Chasing Cars because the reviews are detailed, not pretentious, straight to the point, and the presenters don't try to be comedians.
Thanks!
Agree, all three. Tom baker, Poncho and this guy, they all review the car in and out without being too overexcited
One of the best cars on the road, for what you get for your money, I’ve had dozens of cars throughout the years & am a mechanic by trade, I absolutely love them well done Skoda
It's overpriced
Bought a Kodiaq Style recently with Tech & Luxury packs. Great to drive. 4x4. 7 seats. Plenty of room. The only negative is the towball download of 80kg, which means it will only tow a small caravan, say around 1000-1200kg tare, although it has a 2000kg towing capacity.
However if you are looking for a family friendly vehicle, this should be on your short list.
Picked up a 2021 Kodiaq Sportline in April last year. Upgraded from a 2013 Yeti 4x4 1.8.....need extra space again now (grand children 🙃). Very happy with the Yeti but I still cross shopped against the usual suspects including RAV4, Tiguan, CRV, CX8, and Sorrento.
The Kodiaq hit the sweet spot for us and with the packs and a sunroof it really is a nice place to be driving in. Having said that, if the petrol RS was an option last year, I'm sure that would have been the version we would have settled on....looking forward to the review.
I've got the previous gen (similar car on all accounts, interior is pretty much identical) and I thought it was one of the better SUV's in its class. I was initially looking at 'mid size' SUV's - the only reason I was in the Skoda dealership was because of the Karoq - but felt like this hit my requirements much better. I've had it for just over a year now and its been flawless. This has been my third VAG product (2 golfs before this) and have been quite impressed with the Skoda - handles well, punchy enough for a SUV and doesn't feel too unwieldy in a carpark! Now, if they can get the Enyaq here at a decent price..
I’m defs getting the enyaq too
Not previous gen, just pre lifting
‘Previous gen’ it’s exactly the same car with a new grille and a new price tag!
Skoda makes one of the best cars regarding value and price.
Nah Hyundai kia now
Feel like the Koreans have them beat for long term running cost and reliability
Had mine for a couple of months now and been impressed, 1.5 litre is plenty for moving around town etc, and the sport line trim is lovely.
Hello Steve! Where are you from and how much did you wait for your Kodiaq?
@@MrDzeri007 U.K. and about six months
@@stevenesbitt3528 Thanks a lot! Hope mine arrives in the same time range :)
Hi. What is your ave consumption?
Nah too slow when loaded.
Nice,honest review, John. Skoda Kodiaq is a genuine 7 seater car unlike the Mitsubishi Outlander which is 5 plus 2 (kids only). The Kodiaq has beautiful interiors and a simplistic design and the ride quality and handling is superb. I also found the level of road noise far less in the cabin and the visibility better than the Mitsubishi Outlanderwith lesser blind spots at the rear . Over the years, Skoda have been distancing themselves from the VW group as more reliable and well packaged product. The cost of servicing is far less than other competitors and the cars built are reliable similar to Toyotas and Mazdas, if I dare say. From the practically and driving dynamics, I found the Skoda products superior and yes, although there is premium on the price tag, its well worth it for a well packaged product. The only downside about Skoda's is the list of options and packages one has to opt for for additional features. Long gone are the days when Skoda's were considered cheap, boring cars. Skoda in general are now positioning themselves as a premium, reliable, luxury an alternative to the Japnese and European car manufacturer, providing reliability and good value for money and good ownership experience. Any updates about the face lift Skoda Karoq, please ?
You must be joking. Kodiaq 3rd row is tiny and for midgets or kids only.
@@aerotus888 not as tiny as the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Is it as good as vw tiguan r line
@@d.j.z.j If we are comparing apples to apples, then Kodiaq RS shouldbe compared to VW tiguan r line. Then the answer is yes. The value for money offered with Skoda cars is far a better proposition than VW although Skoda is a part of the VW group.
@@analysethis6061 agree will prob buy iy next
The pick is the outgoing RS Ttdi . Though the new RS petrol & all petrols are generally good, none of the petrols can match the diesels frugality & torque . Skoda are assessing the possibility of reintroducing a cheaper diesel variant to replace the diesel RS locally. It is worth noting that currently all incoming & updated Skoda petrol variants will have a PPF fitted locally.
Skoda, please bring back a diesel option. Love torque.
You guys conduct good reviews and I think for those who need a SUV for their growing family, this looks the goods. Skoda are gradually establishing a good reputation in Australia for quality vehicles at reasonable prices. The new Fabia also looks interesting.
Great review John.
I narrowly missed out on this car. Particularly coming in from 2021 Skoda Octavia which I had to sell since I wanted a bigger vehicle, this definitely was the next 7 seater I had to look for. But unfortunately due to the time I sold my car and this one coming in, I had to look for other 7 seat options. I feel now that I should have planned better 🙈. Skoda's are technically far far ahead than the competition.
Sportline gets progressive steering now which is great. Shame PC took out the diesel VRS though. That motor suits the Kodiaq really well....Only real differences from before are the matrix lights and a nicer steering wheel.
We have VRS Kodiaq and a Kamiq MC. No issues on either, especially at demo pricing....price looks a lot but compare it too say an EV6, and it doesn't.
OMG YES YOU AUSSIES GET SKODAS THIS IS AWESOME
Would love to see how it handles the occasional beach visit.
Wish they hadn't dropped the diesel engine also.
(Considering one instead of a full 4x4 Fortuner or MUX)
I've just got one and living my dream!
Been looking at upgrading to one of these but was worried about the outputs, so glad you touched on it (coming from a 2.5 NA cx5 with roughly same power but 150 to 200kgs lighter). There are options out there for aftermarket ecu tunes (obviously at your own risk) to bring the outputs up to 162kw/400nm and forgo the need to step up to the RS. These outputs more or less match the Tiguan r line. Would this extra 30kw give it that little extra grunt needed?
Ordered the Sportline with Leather Seats & Sunroof about 6 weeks ago, now the 6 month wait until it arrives in Sydney
Enjoy the car!
need some form of electrification, would defnitely check it out if it's a Hybrid.
Skoda Aus has stated it's not bringing hybrid to Aus
Hey guys. Thanks for the video.
Can anyone confirm whether the SIM card slot and ability to create a hotspot inside the car are available in 2022 models?
I’m about to buy one
There is only two reasons I wouldn’t buy one…. A DSG and a turbo.
How does one go to snow with these cars and their 20" wheels, where chains are mandatory to get to the ski fields (in VIC) ?
You don't, shop elsewhere
Just slap the chains on and hit the gas. Went on an offroad course with my wife's 4x4 2019 Vitara and a friend with his Kodiaq. Both road cars, not offroad prepped. I had to give up on the last stretch as the ground clearance wasn't there in the Vitara. The Kodiaq has that extra inch that made the difference.
Australia dont have tiguan allspace??
Yes, they do.
Yes but we're awaiting the facelift.
@@chasingcars facelift alllready come in asia
Good review
Thanks for the detailed review.
A question, why doesn't Skòda have a good resale value despite it is a great car?
It's a rebodied Tiguan with better suspension - not exactly an odd creation. Just takes time for a brand to build, and Skoda has come a long way in Australia in just a decade
@@brokenSnake Skoda top ranked car for reliability in VW range do you make your facts up or check the evidence
@@brokenSnake As The K mentioned, Skoda rank quite high for reliability over sea's.....
@@brokenSnake they get all their tech from VW. But they drive and feel superior than most Japanese and Korean cars
@@brokenSnake That's a lot of codswallop. I had Yeti for 6 years which was solid-as and completely faultless, not a penny spent on it. Changed up to Karoq which is likewise after three years.
Skoda has been building complex transport products for over a hundred years products, suggest you do some research before talking nonsense.
Its 835 liter capasity with 5 seats.
Brilliant car, all round great
Compared to the Citroen equivalent?.
Would you prefer this or a sorento !
Kodiaq
How about the cost of owning this car ? Is it expensive like vw?
My wife has 2012 VW Passat. It has cost her $850 - yes, 850 dollars - in repair costs during that time. Really expensive, eh.
Still looks almost as new. VW quality is commendable.
Petrol is quite thirsty and it is a mandatory premium. Kluger hybrid?
Klugar is too expensive.
What is the average of consumption on toyota hybrid?????
Kodiaq cheaper to service when compare to Kia sorento : (
Ordered FL meteor grey (looks like this one), sport line, 1.5 petrol engine, 7 seats in August last year. It is still not produced. BIG disappointment…
Kodiaq has never had a 1.5L motor in Aus
Needs premium fuel though.
Bingo! Honestly, this is the one thing that pushes me away from the brand
So? I don’t mind spending the extra couple of bucks at the bowser for what I’m getting and premium fuel is generally cleaner and kinder on your engine anyway.
91 RON will soon be history in Australia.
@@stendecstretcher5678 do some research.
@@stendecstretcher5678 Billions of $$ are being funded by the Federal Govt to bring forward the reduction of high sulphur content in our petrol including abolition of 91 RON.This will happen within 2 years.
I really like the Kodiaq, but now getting pricey and needs option of a diesel. VW Tiguan has 147Tdi with 400Nm of torque; why not Skoda? RAV-4 hybrid still best mid-size SUV in my opinion.
RAV-4 hybrid is very tight from the inside. one of the worst as far as cabin space goes
This is best car for the money period...
Audi,VW and Škoda are built in the same factory.Different brands owned by VW only choice if u want to spend more on logo in the front or less.
All those cars are built in different factories
@@Iwishiwasflying I know but they are same just different logos
It’s better built than Tiguan which is simply not built of high quality and feels little cheap
Complete nonsense.
@@johngibson9463 Not nonsense.Its all same mob
It has an 80 kg downball limit… therefore can only tow a box trailer, capability? No shopping trolley? Yes
Yes, 80kg towball download limit. A trailer or a campervan.
Is this as good as the vw tiguan r line ??
Depends what you mean by 'good'. Certainly not as expensive.
Don’t get the petrol Kodiaq unless you are towing a tanker full of petrol
These engines are a big let down imo. The vw groups 2ltr turbo engines are a big no for suvs, while they do the job, it just doesnt feel smooth on a big suv. You'd expect they give at least a hybrid or a v6 for the price they charge you. The engines arent outstandingly efficient either and nor do they give you a large fuel tank for those long drives.
What are you comparing to? For what they are, they're completely fine.
Agreed. Personally, it needs a diesel. VW have the 147Tdi with 400Nm of torque, will be a good match to this car. I prefer the Kodiaq to the Tiguan, but without a diesel option it's not on the shortlist.
We have the 2021 Kodiak delivered in June. We do the ADL - MEL road trip regularly to visit grandchildren and the engine is perfectly fine. The performance is comparable to our previous Fairmont Ghia of similar weight (the Kodiak has a longer wheelbase but is shorter overall) and gives overall trip economy of 6.9 to 7.2 L/100Km depending on conditions. I set to ECO, put on adaptive cruise, activate lane-keeping, connect to Android Auto (not wireless for all types of phone) and relax. In this setup, it gives an easy 750 Km range. I deliberately selected 19 in wheels for extra ride comfort and agree that Comfort is too floaty while Sport is too sharp on our B-grade surfaces. We have the ivory leather, which accentuates the internal space. The sunroof cover can be opened in winter for more light. The 3rd row is perfect for primary school kids and plenty of room for 4 or 5 backpacks in the boot. No issues at all with performance, reliability and service.
Not smooth ? Didn't watch the review?
@@johngibson9463 they're not smooth compared to others
V6 in all SUV's. End of story.
It comes from the VW group. There be dragons.
this car will be obsolete next year with the way fuel pricing is going to be at the end of year
It's late 2022, and still going strong