The Skoda Kodiaq is one of the most popular SUVs in Europe, offering a versatile and practical seven-seat option for families and adventurers alike. The first generation of the Kodiaq was launched in 2016 and won several awards, including the What Car? Best Large SUV in 2018 and 2019. Now, Skoda has unveiled the second generation of the Kodiaq, which promises to be more spacious, functional, and sustainable than ever before. Here are some key features and highlights of the all-new 2024 Skoda Kodiaq.
Exterior: Powerful Appearance and Modern Design
The 2024 Skoda Kodiaq SUV has a more muscular and dynamic look than its predecessor, with sharper lines, a wider grille, and a longer body. The SUV has grown by 2.4 inches (61 mm) in length, reaching 187.3 inches (4758 mm), while the wheelbase remains unchanged at 116.9 inches (2971 mm). The width has decreased slightly by 0.7 inches (18 mm) to 73.3 inches (1864 mm), and the height has also dropped by 0.6 inches (17 mm) to 65.3 inches (1659 mm).
The 2024 Kodiaq also introduces some elements of Skoda's new design language, which aims to combine modernity and solidity. For example, the headlights have a more angular shape and feature the second-generation matrix LED technology, which provides better visibility and safety. The headlights can also have a horizontal light bar across the grille, creating a distinctive signature at night. The rear lights have also been redesigned and are connected by a light strip across the tailgate.
The new Skoda Kodiaq has nine exterior colors, including a new shade called Bronx Gold Metallic, which gives the SUV a sophisticated and elegant touch. The SUV also offers a wide range of alloy wheels, from 17 to 20 inches in size, with different designs and finishes. The top-of-the-range Sportline trim adds some black accents to the exterior, such as the roof rails, window frames, mirror caps, grille surround, rear diffuser, and badges. The Sportline also features exclusive 19-inch wheels with a glossy anthracite finish or optional 20-inch wheels with aero covers.
Interior: Spacious Design and Innovative Controls
The interior of the new Skoda Kodiaq is a blend of spaciousness, functionality, and innovation. The SUV can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in all three rows. The second row can slide forward and backward by up to 7.1 inches (180 mm), allowing optimal space distribution. The third row can be folded down completely to create a flat loading floor with a capacity of up to 72 cubic feet (2045 liters).
The interior also features sustainable materials and high-quality craftsmanship. For example, the seats can be upholstered with recycled PET fabric or leather that has been tanned using olive leaf extracts instead of chemicals. The dashboard and door panels can be covered with soft-touch materials or wood decor. The ambient lighting system offers up to 30 colors to choose from, creating a cozy and personalized atmosphere.
The 2024 Skoda Kodiaq also boasts some innovative controls and displays that enhance the user experience. The gear selector is now located on the steering column, freeing up space between the front seats for storage compartments and cup holders. The center console features three rotary knobs with integrated displays that can be used to adjust various functions, such as the temperature, fan speed, air direction, volume, seat heating, and seat ventilation. The infotainment system has a standard 10-inch touchscreen or an optional 13-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument cluster measures 10.25 inches and can be customized to show different information. The head-up display projects key data onto the windshield in front of the driver's eyes.
Powertrains: More Sustainable Than Ever
The new Skoda Kodiaq offers a range of powertrain options that are more efficient and eco-friendly than before. For the first time, the SUV is available with a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for a total output of 201 horsepower (150 kW) and an electric range of more than 62 miles (100 km). The plug-in hybrid system also reduces CO2 emissions by up to 40 percent compared to a conventional petrol engine.
The other petrol engines are also equipped with mild hybrid technology that uses a belt-driven starter-generator and a 48-volt battery to provide extra torque and reduce fuel consumption. The petrol engines include a 1.5-liter turbocharged unit with 148 horsepower (110 kW) and a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit with either 187 horsepower (140 kW) or 237 horsepower (176 kW). The latter two also come with four-wheel drive as standard or optional.
The diesel engines are also more efficient and cleaner than before, thanks to a new twin-dosing system that injects AdBlue into the exhaust gas at two points to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. The diesel engines are both 2.0-liter turbocharged units with either 148 horsepower (110 kW) or 197 horsepower (147 kW). The more powerful one also comes with four-wheel drive as standard or optional.
All the engines are paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that provides smooth and quick shifts. The new Kodiaq SUV also features a driving mode selector that allows the driver to choose between Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow, and Off-Road modes, depending on the road conditions and driving preferences.