Skoda Kodiaq vs BMW X3
What's the difference?

Skoda Kodiaq

$37,790 - $77,490

2025 price

View pricing & specs

BMW X3

$88,100 - $131,400

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Skoda Kodiaq

2026 BMW X3

By Emily Agar

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

—

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

—

Fuel Efficiency

9.2L/100km (combined)

—

Seating

—

Likes

Generous feature list for a base model
Clever, family friendly touches
Comfortable ride with solid cabin space

M performance
Rear seat knee/headroom
Versatile family/driver’s car

Dislikes

Engine can feel flat under pressure
Glitchy infotainment and climate controls
Reversing camera quality isn’t great

No ANCAP
Prefers premium fuel
Rear seat shoulder room for three adults

2025 Skoda Kodiaq Summary

In the eight years it’s been in our market, the Skoda Kodiaq large SUV has only seen modest updates, but the second-generation seven-seater marks a firm step forward.

You still get all of the clever practicality that Skoda is known for, but it now features a (slightly) sharper design, a raft of new features, improved technology and more room inside.

This week, my family of three has been living with the base 140TSI Select variant to find out whether this understated contender deserves more attention and if its rivals should start to worry.

View full pricing & specs

2026 BMW X3 Summary

BMW has recently launched its fourth-generation (G45) X3 range, which comprises three petrol variants including the entry-level 20 xDrive, mid-grade 30e xDrive PHEV and top-shelf M50 xDrive.

The new trio brings revised powertrains, new exterior and interior styling, increased standard equipment, enhanced technology and an emphasis on the use of sustainable materials.

We recently trialled the five-seater flagship to see if it has the right mix of performance and practicality to maintain the X3’s enduring appeal for Aussie families.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 Skoda Kodiaq 2026 BMW X3

Verdict

The new Skoda Kodiaq Select 140TSI is a quiet achiever. It may not be as flashy as some of its rivals, and the engine won’t knock your socks off, but it delivers where it counts. This is a well-rounded seven-seater that’s comfortable, practical and cleverly equipped with more standard features than you’d typically expect from a base grade. If you’re after a family SUV that flies under the radar but ticks all the right boxes, the Kodiaq deserves a close look.

Verdict

This is a highly competent all-rounder, given that it has the comfort and practicality for urban family duties yet with its revered M breeding can produce a level of performance which, in competent hands, could hold its own at a track day where its capabilities could be safely explored.

Skoda Kodiaq vs BMW X3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Skoda Kodiaq vs BMW X3
What's the difference?