Skoda Kodiaq : I’ve always been a fan of SUVs that punch above their weight, blending practicality with that premium feel without breaking into full luxury territory.

The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq, launched in India back in April 2025, does just that—it’s a spacious seven-seater that’s locally assembled in Aurangabad,

Priced from Rs 46.89 lakh for the Sportline to Rs 48.69 lakh for the top Laurin & Klement (L&K) variant it’s positioned as a smart alternative to pricier imports, especially now with the hotter Kodiaq RS incoming by mid-2026.

A Bold Evolution in Design

The Kodiaq’s exterior strikes that perfect balance between familiar Skoda cues and fresh Modern Solid styling.

Up front, the larger octagonal grille with an LED light strip flowing into sleeker split LED headlights gives it a commanding presence, while squared wheel arches and a longer rear overhang add a more planted stance.

I love how the profile mixes soft contours with defined lines, and the C-shaped tail-lamps connected by a dark chrome strip make it stand out in traffic.

Seven color options like Bronx Gold or Velvet Red let you personalize it, and those 18-inch alloys fit the vibe without screaming for attention.

It’s not just looks—the MQB Evo platform underpins this monocoque beast, promising better rigidity and that signature VW Group handling.

Ground clearance sits at a usable 155mm laden, tackling our pothole-riddled roads without drama.

Cabin Crafted for Comfort Kings

Step inside, and the Kodiaq feels like a step up from most rivals—think luxury car vibes at premium SUV prices.

Soft-touch materials, ash wood trims on the dash, and ambient lighting create a plush atmosphere, with knurled knobs adding a tactile premium touch.

The front seats are wide, supportive thrones with heating, ventilation, memory, and—on L&K—a killer massage function that melts away Mumbai traffic stress.

Second-row space is generous for three adults, with slide-and-recline flexibility to tweak third-row access (though the back is best for kids or short trips).

Boot space starts at 281 litres with all seats up, expanding to a massive 1,976 litres—perfect for family vacations. Clever touches like dual wireless chargers,

tablet holders, and a removable boot organizer scream thoughtful engineering. The three-zone climate control and air purifier keep everyone happy, even in Delhi’s haze.

Tech That Feels Intuitive, Not Overwhelming

Skoda nails the infotainment here with a crisp 13-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, paired to a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit and a thumping 13-speaker Canton system.

But the star is the Smart Dial trio below the screen—physical knobs for volume, AC, modes, and more, programmable for quick access without menu-diving.

Add a panoramic sunroof, HUD, and gesture-controlled tailgate, and it’s feature-packed without feeling gimmicky.

Safety is robust too: nine airbags (including a centre one), ESC, hill descent, 360-camera (L&K), and park assist. It’s Euro NCAP five-star rated, though Bharat NCAP awaits—no ADAS yet, but VW Group promises it’s coming.

Power and Poise on Indian Roads

Under the hood, a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol churns 201hp and 320Nm, mated to a seven-speed DCT and standard AWD.

It’s peppier than the old 190hp unit, surging ahead with a gravelly growl in Sport mode that wakes up highway overtakes. City drives in Comfort mode are refined, smoothing potholes decently,

though the ride firms up over big bumps without adaptive dampers. ARAI claims 14.86kmpl, but expect 10-12 in mixed use—par for turbo-petrol SUVs.

Handling is tidy for its size, with light steering making U-turns effortless and high-speed stability spot-on.

No diesel yet, but the upcoming RS with 265hp/400Nm and sportier bits (20-inch wheels, red calipers, adaptive suspension) by June 2026 will thrill enthusiasts at around Rs 55-60 lakh.

How It Stacks Up Against the Pack

In a crowded field, the Kodiaq edges the Hyundai Tucson or VW Tiguan on third-row usability and premium cabin, while undercutting Toyota Fortuner on refinement (no ladder-frame bulk).

Jeep Meridian offers more grunt but thirstier diesels; it’s the thinking family’s pick over those. Owners rave about long-term reliability— one clocked 1.85 lakh km over seven years with minimal issues.

Niggles? DCT can hesitate in crawl traffic, and fuel thirst bites highway budgets.

Also read this : Tecno Spark 30 Pro – 108MP main camera with gaming features at price ₹15,000

Why the Skoda Kodiaq Wins Hearts

Living with the Kodiaq feels effortless—it’s that rare SUV where driver enjoyment meets family needs. From Bangalore commutes to Goa getaways, it delivers without fuss, backed by Skoda’s improving service network.

If you’re eyeing a premium seven-seater under Rs 50 lakh, test drive one; the L&K’s luxury punch might just seal the deal. With RS on horizon, Skoda’s keeping the buzz alive

Skoda Kodiaq – Luxury features SUV with 32kmpl mileage, price is ₹40 Lakhs