Should you buy a used Skoda Kodiaq?

In 2017, the Toyota Fortuner and the now-discontinued Ford Endeavour dominated the XL-sized SUV segment. Skoda had been eyeing this space for a while, and the Czech carmaker finally launched the Kodiaq in October 2017. Fast forward to today, it’s been six years, and the Kodiaq is still chugging on with a turbo petrol engine that delivers performance in dollops. But, back then, the Skoda Kodiaq was only offered with the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that was phased out with the onset of BS6 emission norms. All these years, the Kodiaq managed to carve a niche despite immense competition from other SUVs, mainly the Toyota Fortuner. 

The Toyota is still the best-selling SUV in that segment, but the Kodiaq offers a true luxury SUV experience with a brilliant cabin and powertrain options that stood above the rest. Combing through the used market, you might come across plenty of used Skoda Kodiaqs at different price points. With prices of new SUVs being pushed to the limits, and with the Fortuner costing nearly Rs. 60 lakh, a pre-owned Skoda Kodiaq offers incredible value as a full-size 7-seater SUV. So, is it for you then? Let’s find out.

Why you should consider the Skoda Kodiaq

First and foremost, the Skoda Kodiaq, just like any other Skoda, is a well-loaded, well-built, powerful SUV with everything going for it. The SUV was initially offered with the 2.0-litre diesel which then gave way for a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with the facelift in 2022. At present, this Skoda is priced anywhere between Rs. 38.50 lakh and Rs. 41.95 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes with an AWD system from the factory, and as a result, the Skoda Kodiaq is a brilliant soft-roader that shines more on-road than off-road. The Kodiaq outshines the competition by offering a luxurious cabin filled to the brim with features, potent powertrain options, and ride quality that put other ladder-fame SUVs to shame. It’s the SUV to buy if you like to have some fun behind the wheel while you haul 7 people across states. Plus, the Kodiaq is a CBU (Completely Built Unit) in India and what that means is that we get the same quality levels as the Kodiaq sold elsewhere.

Powerful Engine Options

Europeans always come up with some great powertrain options, and the Skoda Kodiaq is a good example. Right off the bat in 2017, the SUV got one of the best diesel engines around – the 2.0-litre TDI engine that powered almost all cars from the Volkswagen group. This diesel unit is a sweet revving, torquey mill that was also surprisingly frugal for the performance on tap. For the Kodiaq, Skoda offered the engine in a specific tune that developed 150PS and 340Nm of torque to all four wheels via a 7-speed DSG gearbox. This engine is long gone with the latest emission norms kicking in, but if you still want a diesel 7-seater SUV that can munch miles effortlessly, it’s hard to beat the Skoda Kodiaq diesel. 

With the onset of the BS6 era, Skoda launched the Kodiaq facelift in 2022 with an updated 2.0-litre petrol TSI engine replacing the much-loved diesel unit. This engine packed even more punch at 190 PS and 320Nm while also being more clean and friendly to Mother Earth. When put to the test, these numbers could help this SUV do the 0-100kmph sprint in just 7.8 seconds making this one rapid SUV despite weighing close to 2 tonnes. The 7-speed DSG and the AWD system are carried over from the previous generation for good measure. 

At the end of the day, both these engines are absolute powerhouses that will keep you happy in the long run. If you like your SUVs fast and exciting, a used Skoda Kodiaq is indeed one of the best-used SUVs money can buy today.

Dynamics

Unlike some of its burly rivals, the Skoda Kodiaq is underpinned by a monocoque chassis. That can be a good thing or a bad thing depending upon specific use cases. For an SUV that spends most of its lifetime on the road, the monocoque shines as it offers better handling, ride quality and space. The Kodiaq is one of India’s best 7-seater SUVs in terms of ride quality and handling. Broken roads and potholes are dealt with gusto, and this Skoda can also handle corners with composure. Its high-speed stability is exceptional, making the Kodiaq a capable long-distance cruiser. The AWD system further enhances its on-road performance, ensuring maximum traction and aiding in mild to moderate off-road situations. 

Beautiful Interiors

Both versions of the Skoda Kodiaq feature a well-put-together cabin that reeks of luxury. Its visually pleasing design and cabin offers a seamless experience, with spot-on ergonomics for an SUV of this size. The fit and finish of the materials are to be noted. Since the cabin is well-built, it is also likely to withstand ageing. There is also no dearth of features as it comes loaded with all the bells and whistles. For instance, the new Kodiaq comes with a 12-speaker sound system by Canton, a virtual cockpit, a 360-degree camera, 12-way adjustable powered seats, a park assist, and 9 airbags as standard. Apart from this, Skoda also offers many clever and nifty features that make your life easier. A good example is the inbuilt umbrella inside the door for those unexpected rainy days. 

How old should your pre-owned Skoda Kodiaq be?

If you’re in the used car market, you will find two versions of the Skoda Kodiaq, the 2017-2022 2.0-litre TDI pre-facelift version and the 2022-present 2.0-litre TSI facelift version. If you strictly need a long-distance cruising, fuel-efficient and torquey diesel, the pre-facelift is the one we’d suggest. However, with emission norms kicking in fast, the facelifted version with the turbo petrol engine might be the safer option, especially if you live in a metro city. But, since it is newer, the prices might still be on the higher side. Nevertheless, you can never go wrong with either version of the Skoda Kodiaq.

What to look out for when you buy a used Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq is a big luxury car from a European brand. So there are some things that you should be aware of before you take the plunge: 

Cramped 3rd Row Seats

Although Skoda advertises the Kodiaq as a 7-seater SUV, the 3rd-row seats are quite cramped for adults during longer journeys. You sit with your knees up making it uncomfortable. So essentially, for longer journeys, the Kodiaq is still a 5-seater at best. However, fold these seats down and you have a humongous boot that can swallow all your luggage. So, used Kodiaq buyers should definitely check out the third row before getting one as it is not a true blue 7-seater SUV like some of its rivals. 

Common Issues

Like with many European luxury cars, the Kodiaq also suffers from some known AC issues and sensitivity to bad fuel that can be expensive to repair. Some owners have reported both these issues. For the fuel issue, one should make sure the previous owners are aware of this problem and have only filled from trustworthy petrol pumps. Also check the effectiveness of the AC during a hot day as the repairs might be surprisingly expensive. 

Is a used Skoda Kodiaq worth buying in 2023?

That comes down to a simple prospect. If the usual crop of SUVs isn’t to your taste or doesn’t excite you in any form, the Skoda Kodiaq might be perfect for you. In terms of driver feel and engagement, it is only second to the Volkswagen Tiguan. However, the Skoda offers more space and road presence than the Tiguan, lending it that big SUV feel that we all secretly love. This is also the perfect SUV if a cabin that shouts quality and ride quality that pampers you ranks high on your list. Yes, the Kodiaq might be more expensive to maintain than some of its rivals, but with used car prices coming down, you are essentially getting a well-built and special European SUV that drives and rides like a million bucks. It also looks great and offers humongous space, and features for your whole family. What more do you need? That said, if you want something rugged that can also go off-road or if you want a real 7-seater SUV, the Skoda Kodiaq is not the ideal SUV for you.