2022 Skoda Kodiaq first drive review

This affordable European brand has released its new seven-seat SUV, which is packed with cool features and life hacks.

Skoda pitches its cars as “Simply Clever” and the Kodiaq shows us why.

The Kodiaq provides more versatility than popular mid-size SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 in a smaller package than most seven seat SUVs.

Skoda has created a roomier cabin than bigger rivals, even if the third row is best suited to part time use, such as carting the kids’ friends around.

Skoda has updated its seven-seat family SUV.

Little touches help it stand out from the mass of SUVs pitched at families.

A hidden umbrella in the driver’s door or the pop out plastic door guard to protect from accidentally hitting a wall or another car are well thought out.

As are the back seat tablet holders for the kids and a cargo net in the expansive 765L boot.

The range starts at $52,990 drive-away for the base Kodiaq Style and jumps to $57,990 for the Sportline grade.

Both are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 132kW/320Nm.

Drivers wanting a bit more punch can choose the sporty RS version priced at $74,990 that borrows its 180kW/370Nm engine from the VW Golf GTI.

The Skoda is powered by a strong 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

All Kodiaqs come with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

It’s a decent entry price for a good looking, premium feeling large SUV, but the devil is in the detail. Style and Sportline grades miss out on an array of active driver aids including lane keep assist, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert that are standard on the RS, rival machines and sister brand VW’s Tiguan Allspace.

Style grade buyers wanting those items will need to pay $6500 for a luxury pack that includes desirable items such as heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, bird’s eye view camera, leather appointed seats, electronically adjustable front seats, three zone aircon and a sporty steering wheel with paddle shifters.

The interior presents well with plenty of tech features.

Sportline buyers pay $3700 for the pack that tops up its safety and luxury kit.

Nine airbags, auto emergency braking, radar cruise and driver fatigue detection are standard.

Despite this, the Kodaiq’s standard equipment list is otherwise generous.

The base Style grade gets edgy 19-inch alloy wheels and plenty of chrome exterior highlights. Inside there is ambient lighting and owner’s will appreciate a powered tailgate.

A 9.2-inch central screen is paired with a virtual cockpit with multiple instrument displays. There are plenty of USB-C charging points as well as a wireless device charging pad. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bring excellent connectivity.

The Sportline (pictured) dials up the sporty styling.

The Sportline version gets sporty black exterior and interior highlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and Alcantara covered sports bucket seats. Selectable driving modes add to the appeal.

Prepay for servicing and it’ll only cost you $2700 for seven years.

On the road the Kodiaq shines, its engine is strong and well matched for an SUV of this size. It works well with the auto with only a slight hint of lag on take off.

Decent body control stops it leaning too much through corners and firmish suspension makes for an engaging drive on twisting back roads. The trade-off is a ride that can feel a bit unsettled over pockmarked city streets.

On the highway the Kodiaq is a comfortable cruiser with plenty of grunt left in reserve for overtaking.

Claimed fuel use of 8.2L/100km is decent for a large SUV, though it does require pricier premium unleaded.

VERDICT 3.5/5

An SUV at the top of its game on the road, but lack of standard safety removes some of the shine.

2022 SKODA KODIAQ 132TSI STYLE VITALS

Price: From $52,990 drive-away

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, 132kW and 320Nm

Warranty/servicing: 5-yr / unlimited km, $2700 for 7 years

Safety: Nine airbags, auto emergency braking, driver fatigue detection

Thirst: 8.2L/100km

Spare: Space saver

Cargo: 765L

ADD SOME SPICE

Skoda says the sporty RS will account for upwards of 40 per cent of Kodiaq sales.

The RS is rapid, but not particularly dramatic. Long-range drivers will miss the old model’s diesel engine. It hugs the bends with greater poise and its 6.6sec 0-100km/h sprint is almost two seconds quicker than the 132TSI variants. Adaptive dampers bring performance car characteristics when you want it, but also allow for a smoother ride. Sportier than lesser models, the RS is also luxurious, justifying its price.