Introduction
In the rapidly growing Indian SUV market, buyers are spoilt for choice. While many competitors offer strong value, the Škoda Kodiaq positions itself as a premium alternative that combines luxury, practicality and performance. In this post we’ll explore why the Kodiaq is better than many rivals, where it still may fall short, and whether it’s the right pick for your next SUV.
1. What the Kodiaq Offers – Key Highlights
Here are the standout features and specifications of the Kodiaq in the Indian market:
- Engine & drivetrain: The Kodiaq is powered by a 2.0 litre turbo-petrol engine producing about 204 hp and 320 Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
- Size & seating: It’s a full-sized SUV in its segment, offering seven seats. The new generation measures 4,758 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,791 mm.
- Boot & flexibility: With all seats in use, it offers 281 litres of boot space; fold the third row and you get up to 786 litres, and with both rear rows down roughly 1,976 litres.
- Premium cabin & features: The Kodiaq brings premium materials, large infotainment screens, digital cluster, optional massage seats, and a high-end audio system.
- Safety: Up to 9 airbags, electronic stability control, multi-collision braking and other advanced safety systems.
- Price positioning: It starts around Rs 46.89 lakh ex-showroom in India (for Sportline) and around Rs 48.69 lakh for the L&K variant.
2. How It Beats the Competition
Here are several areas where the Kodiaq offers an edge over many of its competitors in India.
a) True seven-seater + premium feel
Many SUVs in the premium space either compromise on the third row, or offer five seats only. The Kodiaq gives you genuine 7 seats with reasonable flexibility, and pairs that with a high-quality interior. For a buyer who needs space for family + luggage and wants upscale build, this is a rare combination. Highlights from reviews:
“Top 7-Seater SUV with Presence … Premium cabin with 12.9-inch touchscreen, ADAS.”
Compared to something like the Toyota Fortuner (which is very rugged but perhaps less premium in feel), the Kodiaq gives more luxury in that segment.
b) Premium features at a competitive price
The Kodiaq undercuts many European rivals while delivering similar tech and luxury.
From one source:
“The Kodiaq’s value-luxury balance appeals … while matching the Fortuner’s top trims.”
If a buyer is comparing with a luxury brand SUV, the Kodiaq often gives more for money.
c) AWD and driving dynamics
Most seven-seater SUVs in India either are rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, or compromise on drivetrain. The Kodiaq’s AWD gives added confidence on highways, wet roads or uneven surfaces. Combined with its Germanic underpinnings (MQB platform) the driving dynamics are considered better than many rivals.
d) Build quality & brand heritage
Skoda has a strong reputation globally for sound build quality, refined driving experience and attention to detail. The Kodiaq inherits many of these traits. It may not have the “badge prestige” of the top luxury brands, but for many it offers an intelligent premium choice.
e) Versatility
From weekend getaways to daily driving, the Kodiaq works: you have comfort, space for the family, luxury features, enough performance and capability for longer trips. That versatility is hard to match in one package.
3. How It Compares With Specific Rivals
Here’s a look at how the Kodiaq stacks up against a few well-known rivals in India.
| Rival | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| Toyota Fortuner | Fortuner is more rugged, diesel-oriented, strong resale/value in India; but Kodiaq offers more premium cabin, AWD (vs RWD/4WD depending variant), better features. Reviews say Kodiaq has the edge in luxury feel. |
| Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line | Shares platform territory; but Kodiaq gives more size (longer wheelbase, more space) and is locally assembled (which may help cost) vs the Tiguan being imported. |
| Other seven-seat SUVs (e.g., some Indian/Asian brands) | Many may offer value or strong engine specs, but may compromise on cabin materials, driving dynamics or AWD. The Kodiaq’s package is more holistic. |
4. Where the Kodiaq Might Not Be Perfect
No car is flawless. Here are some of the trade-offs and concerns you should be aware of.
- Price: Even though it undercuts some luxury rivals, at ~Rs 46-49 lakh ex-showroom it’s still a significant investment. For some buyers, high initial cost + running cost may make alternatives more attractive.
- Fuel economy / running cost: With a 2.0 litre turbo petrol + AWD, you shouldn’t expect the fuel economy of smaller SUVs. One review mentioned “13 km/l” real-world in mixed use.
- Third-row space: While the Kodiaq offers 7 seats, the third row is better suited for children or occasional use rather than full-time adults. Some reviews mention it’s “tight for adults”.
- Service/support network: For premium imported / CKD models, service cost and parts availability may be higher than mass-market local SUVs. Some owners raise concerns about service-centre reach in remote locations.
- Off-road ruggedness: While AWD is present, if you are doing serious off-roading (rock-crawling, heavy duty trails), other SUVs with more heavy-duty 4WD might have an edge.
5. Is It the Right Choice for You?
Here are some scenarios where the Kodiaq would be a very strong choice — and some where it might not.
Good Fit If You:
- Have a large family (5-7 members) and need true 7-seat flexibility + luggage space.
- Value premium interior, refinement, tech and driving dynamics as much as utility.
- Do highway runs, weekend get-aways, want comfort and AWD rather than just urban commuting.
- Want one SUV that can do family, business and leisure in one package.
Might Consider Alternatives If You:
- Want the most rugged off-road capability (rock trails, deep water fording) — maybe look at dedicated 4WDs.
- Have budget constraints where a more value-oriented SUV with diesel fuel economy may make more sense.
- Prioritise ultra-low running cost / service cost in remote area / want the largest dealer network.
- Need third-row full-time for adults and do that very often — might explore SUVs with larger third-row space.
6. Final Verdict
The Skoda Kodiaq is one of the strongest all-round premium SUVs in the Indian market right now. It strikes a rare balance: seven seats + luxury + driving dynamics + technology + brand build quality. If you tick many of the “good fit” boxes above, it offers compelling value versus many of its rivals.
While it may cost more and its third-row isn’t the largest in class, for many buyers these are acceptable trade-offs given the overall premium package. For those seeking a “one SUV that does it all” feel, the Kodiaq deserves serious consideration.
