The Skoda Kodiaq continues the Skoda legacy of being the same… but different.
In this case the Czech brand has delivered a proper mid-size SUV, but with seven seats like a large SUV.
Named after the Alaskan bear that shares its name with its island namesake, the first-generation Kodiaq is based on the Volkswagen group MQB platform like most Skoda and Volkswagen products.
The range now extends from the Kodiaq Style (4X4) 132Tsi which arrives at $53,290 and extends up to the Kodiaq Rs (4X4) 180Tsi which will set you back $70,590.
Within its first year on sale the Kodiaq range had grown to include petrol and diesel versions with a Sportline trim level sitting above the base grade. All Kodiaqs feature all-wheel drive which Skoda labels as 4x4.
Inside, the Kodiaq uses leather-appointed or Suedia trim depending on grade, with black or cognac finishes available. A 10-inch digital cockpit and 13-inch infotainment screen are standard. Tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting and storage touches like an umbrella in the driver’s door are included.
Eight paint choices are available: Bronx Gold, Black Magic, Graphite Grey, Moon White, Race Blue, Brilliant Silver, Steel Grey and Velvet Red Premium Metallic.
With all seven seats in place, boot space is 289 litres. Folding the third row lifts this to 794 litres, depending on seat position. With all rear seats folded flat, the Kodiaq carries up to 2035 litres.
The 2026 Skoda Kodiaq offers a flexible seven-seat layout. The second row folds 60/40 and slides for more boot space or legroom. The third row folds flat into the floor when not needed. Higher trims add sports comfort front seats with bolsters and power adjustment.
Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, a rear camera and full keyless entry. SportLine models add sports seats, black styling and a heated steering wheel. The Launch Edition upgrades to ventilated and massage front seats, a head-up display, Canton audio and panoramic sunroof.
Modern cars like the Skoda have sealed cooling systems which means they shouldn’t need regular top-ups. As the engine heats up and the coolant expands, any excess coolant is captured by an overflow tank which stores the coolant and then allows it to be sucked back into the engine’s cooling system as the car cools down. This is all perfectly normal. All of which means that if you have coolant disappearing, then there’s a leak somewhere, but don’t necessarily jump to the conclusion that the radiator is at fault.
The problem could be one of many things, including a failed radiator hose or some other piece of critical plumbing, a faulty water pump, cracked cylinder head, blown head gasket, broken overflow tank, failed radiator cap, split cylinder bore, leaking heater matrix and more. The dealership should be able to tackle this as a warranty job and will probably pressurise the cooling system and see where, if anywhere, coolant starts to appear where it shouldn’t.
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Australian customers currently have a choice of two petrol-powered Skoda Kodiaq models, both featuring 4x4 drive systems using electronic diff lock options for off-roading or low-grip situations.
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The Skoda Kodiaq towing capacity is officially listed as 2000kg of braked trailer and 750kg of unbraked trailer.
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All 2026 Skoda Kodiaq models use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 140kW and 320Nm. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission drives all four wheels.
The 2026 Skoda Kodiaq range uses a 2.0-litre turbo engine with a 0–100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds. Top speed is not listed.
Combined fuel use is 9.2L/100km on the ADR 81/02 cycle. The 58-litre tank requires 95 RON premium unleaded, giving a real-world driving range of around 600km.