Some cars sell on emotion, others on argument. The second-generation Škoda Kodiaq is firmly in the second camp and makes no apology for it. At 4.76 metres long, with an optional third row, a boot that swallows a family holiday and a powertrain line-up stretching from mild hybrid to a 265hp RS, the Czech SUV is a Swiss Army knife with number plates. The question is whether such a do-it-all machine still makes sense in the age of the electric crossover. On paper, the answer is a confident yes.

Design and cabin: bigger, cleaner, cleverer

Škoda revealed the new Kodiaq on 4 October 2023, and it has grown: 6cm longer than its predecessor at 4,758mm, riding on a 2,791mm wheelbase. Outside, it wears the brand’s Modern Solid design language, with cleaner surfaces, horizontal light signatures and optional Matrix-LED headlights with 36 segments.

The cabin highlight is the trio of Smart Dials – physical rotary controls with built-in mini displays that handle climate, audio and drive modes. It is a direct response to the complaint that everything in modern cars is buried in touch menus. Infotainment runs on a screen of up to 13 inches, the virtual cockpit measures 10 inches, and a head-up display is offered too. Creature comforts include massage seats with ten air cushions, a 14-speaker Canton sound system, four 45W USB-C ports and wireless charging for two phones at once.

Škoda Kodiaq iV, the plug-in hybrid version of the second-generation Kodiaq — Photo: Škoda (Škoda Storyboard)

Powertrains: from diesel to a plug-in with 100km-plus of EV range

The line-up is surprisingly broad for 2026. The entry 1.5 TSI is a 48-volt mild hybrid with 110kW (150hp), while the 2.0 TDI diesels come with 110kW (150hp) and front-wheel drive or 142kW (193hp) and 400Nm with 4×4. The 2.0 TSI 4×4 petrol makes 150kW (204hp) and hits 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.

The most significant version, though, is the Kodiaq iV. This plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.5 TSI with an electric motor for a 150kW (204hp) and 350Nm system output, and its 25.7kWh battery delivers between 109 and 125km of electric-only range on the WLTP cycle, according to Škoda’s technical data. It charges at up to 11kW on AC and – a rarity among plug-ins – at up to 50kW on DC, taking around 25 minutes for 10–80%. For many families, that means a week of commuting on electricity and long trips without worrying about chargers.

Topping the range is the Kodiaq RS: a 2.0 TSI with 195kW (265hp) and 400Nm, seven-speed DSG and all-wheel drive, 0–100km/h in 6.3 seconds and 231km/h flat out. It is a seven-seat family hauler that will embarrass plenty of hot hatches away from the lights.

Practicality: the Kodiaq’s home turf

This is where the Kodiaq feels most at home. The five-seater offers up to 910 litres of luggage space, the seven-seater up to 845 litres with the third row folded and 340 litres with every seat in use. Fold the rear seats and capacity reaches 2,105 litres. The fuel tank holds 55 litres (58 litres for the diesel 4×4), and Euro NCAP awarded the new Kodiaq the full five stars in 2024.

Price and who it’s for

In Germany the Kodiaq starts at €44,190 (Selection), the iV plug-in hybrid at €49,230 and the RS at €59,000, according to Škoda’s official German website. It is not cheap, but the space-per-euro equation remains hard to beat. The Kodiaq is for families who tow, rack up long distances and don’t want to bet everything on a single technology. If you want maximum practicality with a genuine choice of diesel, petrol or plug-in hybrid, few rivals offer as much on paper.

Length / wheelbase: 4,758mm / 2,791mm
Seats: 5 or 7
Boot: up to 910 litres (5 seats), 340 litres behind third row, 2,105 litres max
1.5 TSI mHEV: 110kW (150hp), 250Nm, 0–100km/h in 9.7s
2.0 TDI: 110kW (150hp) / 142kW (193hp) 4×4
Kodiaq iV (PHEV): 150kW (204hp), 25.7kWh, 109–125km EV range (WLTP), DC up to 50kW
Kodiaq RS: 195kW (265hp), 400Nm, 0–100km/h in 6.3s, 231km/h
Price (Germany): from €44,190

Sources: Škoda Storyboard – Kodiaq, Škoda Storyboard – world premiere, Škoda Storyboard – powertrains, Škoda Storyboard – Kodiaq RS, Technical data (PDF), Škoda Germany – prices

Photos: Škoda (Škoda Storyboard)