Skoda Kodiaq 2026 review: Sportline 140TSI long-term | Part 1

There are more than a few excellent seven-seat SUVs out there, but I’m only a month-and-a-half into my long term test of the Skoda Kodiaq and I can already see it combines a lot of the best attributes of all the others into a ridiculously pleasing package.

The new gen Skoda Kodiaq launched in Australia only this year, with seven seats just like the previous one but it’s now longer by 60mm with a bigger boot at 749 litres (with the rear row folded down). 

Read More About Skoda Kodiaq

• Fight back starts as brand goes on new model offensive: Skoda PHEVs and RS EVs incoming across multiple line-ups with concept SUVs locked in for production and Australian sale
• New value-packed SUV has arrived
• Kitted-up 2025 Skoda Karoq special edition detailed for Australia to commemorate milestone anniversary: 2025 Mazda CX-30, Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen T-Roc rival packs unique features in a cut-price package

The grade we’re testing is the Sportline which lists for $58,990, before on-road costs and sits up high in the Kodiaq range.

I should be all up front and mention I like Skodas... so much so that we have one as our family car (not a Kodiaq, though). What’s appealing to me as an owner is the high quality combined with high practicality - again as with most Volkswagen products.

What’s unappealing are the higher costs of servicing and parts compared to a Toyota, and the nagging feeling we haven’t bought something with the same reputation for reliability as, say, a Toyota.

But we like the fact it’s not just one of the usual family car suspects and I think for many Skoda buyers the combination of quality, practicality and being unique is the appeal. As CarsGuide deputy editor James Cleary pointed out to me once - Skoda is the new Saab. And he’s absolutely right. 

At the same time I also think the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline is overlooked and people are missing out on an SUV which is outstanding and not overpriced.

The Sportline has a 2.0-litre 140kW/320Nm turbo-petrol engine. It’s the same engine used in the Cupra Formentor V and Audi Q5. The output feels more than adequate, with good acceleration and quick shifts from the seven speed dual-clutch auto. If you’re looking for more oomph, the RS is your Kodiaq. 

The seven-speed dual-clutch shifts super fast and smoothly sends drive to all for wheels. Yes, despite the 4x4 badge on the tailgate the Kodiaq isn’t a four-wheel drive, it's an all-wheel drive.    

In the last month and a half we’ve travelled 1179km. Most of it has been urban roads, but weekends away in the country saw motorway kays added, too. Fuel needs to be 95 RON or higher and we used 159.1L for an average of 13.5L/100km.

The combination of roads proved the Kodiaq Sportline to have a comfortable ride while still offering great handling. It’s not often I see this on seven-seater SUVs; sometimes the ride can be jittery, too firm or too wallowy, but the Skoda feels nicely pinned down while offering a well-cushioned ride.

With two children under 10 and one still in a car seat, practicality and convenience are hugely important. We love the space in the second row, the big door pockets and the little storage compartments on the floor. The pull up sun shades are a must, as are dark tinted windows for keeping the sun off their faces.

We aren’t fans of the seat back phone holders and removed them after I hit my head a few times, inadvertently introducing my children to new swear words.

Other nice, practical touches are the way the car’s headlights and tail-lights flash on when you approach and the hand touch proximity unlocking lets you into the car quickly. There’s also the double glove box arrangement and of course the umbrella in the driver's door.

It’s also nice that a family car such as this also feels special with stitched suede upholstery on the dash lifting the feel of the cabin, although it marks easily and isn't easy to clean.

The only other downside I've spotted so far in the car is the voice assistant's name - Laura. It means every time my wife turns to me and says "Hey Laura" we both answer.

Acquired: August, 2025

Distance travelled this month: 1179km

Odometer: 3490km

Average fuel consumption this month: 13.5L/100km