KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq launched in India at Rs 46.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Available in two variants: Sportline & Selection L&K
- Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 7-speed DSG gearbox
Skoda India has launched the facelift of its flagship SUV, the Kodiaq, at Rs 46.89 lakh (ex-showroom). The new Skoda Kodiaq comes with a plethora of changes and a new Sportline model. This new premium SUV offers its own set of positives and negatives, and in this article, we'll have a look at the detailed pros and cons of the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq. Meanwhile, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
Also Read: Skoda Kodiaq - Old vs New - How Big Is the Difference?
Pros
Boasts A Premium Design
The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq boasts a more mature design language, offering it a premium look. The brand has differentiated the exterior of the Sportline and L&K trim with subtle changes. The Sportline and L&K variant boasts different alloy wheels, adding more sophistication to the trims. The L&K variant gets exclusive L&K badging, uses chrome elements on several exterior parts. The new Kodiaq gives a more refined and premium appeal compared to the previous generation model.
Spacious and Practical Cabin
The new Kodiaq offers a proper 5+2 seating configuration with its 3 rows. The cabin uses premium soft-touch material for the dashboard and door pad trims. The cabin of the new Kodiaq is practical at the same time, with space to keep water bottles in door pads, an umbrella holder in the door, and a removable waste bin, among others. Moreover, the brand has shifted the gearshifter and it is now placed in the steering column, with this, the centre console gets a neat centre area with a sliding storage space. The second and third row seats can be folded as per the requirement to enhance the boot space.
Feature-Loaded Cabin
The previous gen Kodiaq was already a feature-loaded SUV, and with the launch of the new generation model, the brand has made it even more loaded. It comes with 3-zone climate control, a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment, a 13-speaker CANTON music system, and ventilated, heated, and massaging front seats, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto among other features.
Calm and Composed Ride Quality
The ride quality of the new Kodiaq has been improved, and it offers a comfortable ride. The body roll inside the cabin is minimal as compared to other 3-row SUVs in the price segment. The steering remains light in the city and maintains stability at high speeds on the highways, making the SUV easily maneuverable. Coming to the NVH (Noise, Vibrations, & Harshness), the Kodiaq offers the best NVH in the segment, making your ride silent and comfortable.
Smooth & Powerful Turbo-Petrol Engine
The new Kodiaq is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 204 PS of power and 320 Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox, providing smooth gear shifts. Additionally, the 2025 Kodiaq features an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, making it capable of handling rough roads and light off-road conditions. The engine performs well on the highway, achieving a decent efficiency of around 14 km per liter. With its long-range capability, you can comfortably drive it all day without feeling fatigued.
Also Read: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Listed On Website: India Launch Confirmed!
Cons
The Sportline Variant Misses On A Few Features
Considering the starting price of Rs 46.89 lakh (ex-showroom), the base Sportline variant of the Kodiaq misses out on features like a 360-degree camera, ventilated and heated seats, hill-start assist, hill descent assist, among a few others. Moreover, the 2025 Kodiaq misses out on Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which was available in the previous version to offer better stability and more comfort inside the cabin. The Kodiaq even misses out on ADAS, which is quite a common feature in premium cars nowadays.
Priced On The Higher Side, Despite Being A CKD
The 2025 Kodiaq is available as a CKD unit in India, which means it is assembled in India. Even after being assembled in India, the pricing is a bit on the higher side. At this price point, the customers can look at options like the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and other luxury manufacturers that offer better brand value and luxury appeal compared to the Kodiaq.
Last Row Is Suitable For Kids Only
Skoda Kodiaq is a 3-row SUV, and like almost every 3-row SUV, the Skoda Kodiaq's third row is suitable for kids or pets only. The leg room in the third row is minimal and will suit short passengers or kids only. The thigh support is another thing that will create discomfort for tall riders in the third row.
Only A Petrol Engine On Offer
The new Kodiaq comes with a single powertrain option, that too a thirsty 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. This engine offers good performance but lacks in terms of efficiency. Rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner, Jeep Meridian, and MG Gloster come with a diesel engine option as well.
Also Read- Hyundai Venue N-Line Facelift Spotted For The First Time; Launch Soon?
Verdict
Skoda India has launched the new-generation Kodiaq with several updates. It competes with well-established rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster. The new Kodiaq comes with its own set of pros and cons, which could influence the buying decisions of potential customers. In the same price range, Toyota offers the Fortuner, which comes with multiple engine options, a manual transmission, and strong brand value built over the years.
