Comparison: Skoda Kodiaq vs. Volkswagen Tiguan

While an aggressive price tag might be the key to ruling the compact and midsize SUV segment when it comes to the premium full-sized SUV segment, things get rather complicated, compelling carmakers to either import or assemble, in a bid to compete with some of the biggest luxury car brands.

Entering India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), the Skoda Kodiaq comes as an attractive three-row luxury SUV that offers a lot in terms of features, comfort, space and performance. But with a high price tag eclipsing the SUV’s alluring package, the Kodiaq’s biggest threat comes from the Volkswagen Tiguan which is the German carmaker’s premium full-sized SUV offering for the Indian market. Entering through the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route, the Tiguan in addition to its slight price advantage, has a lot up its sleeve to lock horns with the Skoda Kodiaq, despite being a five-seater SUV. With both SUVs offering a promising package, which one takes the crown? Let’s find out through a head-on comparison between the Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Dimensions

As far as dimensions go, the head-on comparison of the two SUVs reveals a slight but significant difference that can truly help you make a decision. When it comes to the Skoda Kodiaq, the SUV being a seven-seater offering comes with a body that’s 190 mm longer and 43 mm wider, with 112 mm of extra wheelbase. This renders the SUV great proportions to seat up to seven passengers in sheer comfort. But with that said, the three-row structure of the SUV compromises a bit on the boot space, which can get massively big only when the second row is down.

Coming to the Volkswagen Tiguan, the SUV is considerably narrower and shorter than the Kodiaq, despite offering an identical height. Being a five-seater, the Tiguan offers a massive 615 litres of boot space that is more than enough for all your luggage needs. Comparing the two, both SUVs offer an elegant yet muscular look that isn’t very polarising. While the Kodiaq presents a rather majestic and sizable look, the Tiguan, on the other hand, keeps it well-proportioned and compact.

Overall, the choice here comes down to the preferred body style and expected utility. If a sizable three-row SUV is what you need, then the 2023 Skoda Kodiaq could be the perfect pick, while for those who like to keep it simple, compact yet luxurious, the Volkswagen Tiguan comes as a commendable option.

Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Engine and Transmission

The powertrain comparison is where things get rather monotonous since both SUVs are essentially powered by the same 2.0-litre Turbocharged Petrol Engine that produces 190 PS of power with 320 Nm of torque. Both SUVs offer the powertrain mated to a 7-speed DCT automatic, delivering power to all four wheels.

Both SUVs offer superb driving dynamics coupled with excellent handling and are capable enough to handle both smooth and tough roads quite well with their capable 4×4 system that can intelligently send power to either two/four wheels depending upon the situation. Considering that the Tiguan is a lighter and more compact SUV, it feels more peppy than the Kodiaq, especially during hard accelerations and overtakes. This also makes the Tiguan a slightly better mileage, though the difference is rather minute.

Overall, both SUVs offer impeccable road performance with a near-perfect blend of power and torque, resulting in exceptional driving dynamics and firm handling even at triple-digit speeds. The decision once again comes down to the desired utility and bodyline.

Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Features and Comfort

The head-on comparison above proves why both the Skoda Kodiaq, as well as the Tiguan, are two popular choices in the premium SUV segment. Both cars come well equipped with several premium features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, climate control and much more. 

However, when pitched head-on, the Kodiaq tends to overtake the Tiguan with extra comfort and convenience features like wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, along with inclusions such as a more premium 12-speaker Canton audio setup, heat and cold v ventilated front seats, bigger TFT virtual cockpit MID, 12-way adjustable driver and co-driver seats, headlight washers and a plethora of intelligently mapped out storage spaces.

The Tiguan on the other hand does offer a host of features onboard but seems to lag behind in certain areas. Coming to the overall feel of the cabin, the Kodiaq once again takes the win with additional comfort features such as second-row outer headrests, an adjustable front armrest, a 2-step rear seat recline and much more.

Overall, the Kodiaq is a clear winner here, with several top-notch features over and above the Tiguan, elevating the SUV’s overall appeal.

Skoda Kodiaq vs. Volkswagen Tiguan: Safety Features

When it comes to safety, both the Volkswagen Tiguan as well as the Skoda Kodiaq perform exceptionally well, with top-notch safety features onboard on both SUVs.

When it comes to safety features, while the Kodiaq offers the advantage of having nine airbags as standard, the Tiguan shines with Level-1 ADAS onboard, which the Kodiaq simply misses out on as of yet. Other than that both SUVs are equipped with top-class safety inclusions including fatigue detection, ABS with EBD, Anti Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Locking and much more.

Overall, both SUVs do extremely well in terms of safety, with the Tiguan having a slight edge over the Kodiaq with its Level-1 ADAS inclusions. If you can live without that then the Kodiaq too is an exceptionally good product.

Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Price Comparison

When it comes to the price comparison, the Skoda Kodiaq comes with a three-trim lineup that includes Style, Sportsline and L&K. On the other hand, the Volkswagen Tiguan’s variant lineup is limited to a single Elegance Trim.

Thus, the Tiguan offers everything the SUV has up its sleeve for a price of Rs. 35.17 Lakh, while on the other hand, the Kodiaq’s top-end trim is sold for a price that is around 6.78 Lakh dearer at Rs. 41.95 Lakh. In fact, even the base trim of the Kodiaq is about Rs. 3.33 Lakh more expensive at Rs. 38.50 Lakh.

With that said, it is crucial to note that the Skoda Kodiaq is currently sold as a Completely Built Unit, attracting a higher price tag owing to high tax rates and import duties. On the other hand, the Tiguan is assembled and labelled as a Completely Knocked Down car, thus offering a relative price advantage. However, considering that the Kodiaq is a three-row/7-seater SUV, the higher price tag seems completely justified. 

Overall, if you are looking for an SUV to seat up to five passengers with an extra amount of boot, then the Tiguan surely seems value for money. But for those having families with more than five members, the Kodiaq is the ultimate winner with a decent amount of space for those long journeys as well.

Skoda Kodiaq vs. Volkswagen Tiguan: Summary

Be it the Skoda Kodiaq or the Volkswagen Tiguan, both SUVs offer a highly alluring package that has everything one needs in a premium SUV, including a blend of superior performance, absolute comfort and a plethora of features. While the Volkswagen Tiguan offers an exciting five-seater set-up that is filled up to the brim with high-end technology, comfort and features, the Kodiaq, on the other hand, offers a highly practical, comfortable and luxurious three-row setup taking care of up to seven passengers.

While in terms of dimension, the choice is more or less based on segment and body preferences, when it comes to the powertrain, both SUVs offer an identical engine, with the Tiguan having a slight edge due to its lighter and compact bodyline. Nonetheless, both cars are very well-equipped in terms of onboard features and offer a lot to enjoy. In terms of safety, both SUVs are equipped with the best the carmaker has to offer, but it is the Tiguan that steals the show with Level-1 ADAS that is currently missing on the Kodiaq. Talking of the price, while the Tiguan is offered in a single Elegance trim, the Kodiaq with its three-trim lineup impresses with a lot on offer on each trim. 

Overall, the choice is largely based on what the consumer is looking for. But since both the SUVs are almost identical in terms of engine, features and even safety, if you can spend a little extra, then the Kodiaq seems like a better pick with great comfort on offer for up to seven passengers. But if you are on a tight budget looking for a flagship SUV that caters to five, then the Tiguan is the ultimate winner.