First report: Skoda Kodiaq long-term review

This long-term test is set to be a very interesting one because a) I’m somewhat sceptical of plug-in hybrids, but had my interest piqued by this particular model’s longer-than-most 71 miles of EV-only range and b) I’ve personally never run a Skoda as a long-termer and have always had a soft spot for the Kodiaq model.

I remember the positive reactions driving the first-generation Kodiaq for a week way back in the spring of 2017. In simple terms, it was the first Skoda I’d ever driven which onlookers really noticed and seemed to consider a tasteful choice, rather than just a value-led piece of functional transport. Much of that credit goes to ex-Skoda head of design Jozef Kaban – now incidentally design VP at MG’s Chinese parent company SAIC. The Mk1 design felt purposeful, different and great quality, all wrapped up in a mid-size SUV shape with five and seven-seat options which customers at that point weren’t used to seeing with a Skoda badge on its nose.

The first-gen Kodiaq made good on that initial impression, shifting nearly a million units worldwide in the following seven years. Even in its outgoing year of 2024, Skoda shifted 12,447 units in the UK alone, scooping the second-placed spot in the Skoda UK sales league table. Not bad at all. The second-generation Kodiaq only launched in the autumn of 2024 – so is still a new sight on the road – but aims to build on that success and now offers a plug-in hybrid model, which we’ll be testing for the next six months. 

Size-wise, close PHEV competitors to the 4,758mm-long Kodiaq include the shorter Mazda CX-60 (4,745mm) and longer Peugeot 5008 (4,791mm). Proportionally, the new Kodiaq has stretched by 61mm over its predecessor, is 18mm narrower, 3mm lower and with an identical wheelbase. To these eyes, those changes make the Mk2 feel a little less distinctive, compared to the Mk1’s more elegant and nuanced proportions and body surfacing, while the Mk2’s less subtle front face also appears cruder. However, that more chunky look – especially in its more three-dimensional and two-plane grille – is already commercially successful on other Skoda models, so should appeal to many new and repeat Kodiaq customers too.

The interior of the Kodiaq feels very much ‘regular VW Group’ in style and execution, but there are some neat and specific details that chime with the Czech brand’s longstanding ‘Simply Clever’ tagline. The twistable auto gear selector has been moved to the right-hand side of the steering column to free-up more central storage and space for two wireless phone charging slots, while door handles are logically placed and easy to locate. There’s also a de-icer inside the fuel filler flap, spatially helpful as well as aesthetically pleasing ambient cabin lighting and easy-to-turn-off speed limit and lane keep bleep warnings only one layer deep within the 13in central touchscreen. Four USB-C ports (x2 front, x2 rear) ensure modern device charging needs are catered for and the vehicle is Apple Carplay and Android Auto-compatible. In real-life use, various family iPhones have easily connected to swiftly provide hands-free messaging, mapping, music and moving back and forth between the in-house screen and Carplay is also a doddle.

Rear-seat cabin room is decent by large petrol-powered car wheelbase standards and in this five-seat PHEV version boot space is great, its 745/1,945-litre minimum and maximum only bettered by the non-PHEV five-seater’s 910/2,105 litres. But perhaps the most surprising aspect of this PHEV is the promise from the combined 204PS 1.5-litre petrol-electric powertrain of 71 electric-only miles. We’ve only re-fuelled once each with electricity and petrol so far, but will be monitoring this aspect closely. 

Standard equipment on SE L: Seven airbags, collision brake system, cruise control with speed assist, electronic stability control, blind spot monitor, lane keep and road sign assist, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start/stop, tri-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, 10.25in colour digital driver display and 13in central touchscreen with satnav, rear view camera, DAB radio, Bluetooth, wireless Apple Carplay and Android smartphone integration, two wireless smartphone charging pads, four USB-C ports (x2 front, x2 rear), power tailgate, 19in wheels, umbrella in front door.

Optional equipment: Electric tow bar with adaptor (£1270); Race Blue metallic paint (£660); Light and View Plus Package (£170); Winter Package (£320); adaptive cruise control (no-cost option)