Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tayron
What's the difference?

Skoda Kodiaq

$38,440 - $77,490

2025 price

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Volkswagen Tayron

$48,950 - $76,550

2026 price

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Summary

2025 Skoda Kodiaq

2026 Volkswagen Tayron

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.2L/100km (combined)

8.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Thoughtful family features
Comfortable daily driver
Great boot space

Dislikes

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

Lacks the finesse and power of Touareg
Third row is still a 'sometimes seat'
Expensive ownership

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.

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2026 Volkswagen Tayron Summary

Volkswagen has a new large SUV in the Tayron (pronounced TIE-ron), and it arrives with a fair bit riding on it. Replacing the Tiguan Allspace and taking on some of the duties left by the departing Touareg, it’s now the brand’s key seven-seat family offering.

We’re testing the flagship 195TSI R-Line with established petrol rivals like the Kia Sorento GT-Line, Skoda Kodiaq RS and Toyota Kluger Grande in mind. After a few weeks of school-holiday mayhem, complete with feral kids, does it sink or swim?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Skoda Kodiaq 2026 Volkswagen Tayron

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

So, does the new Volkswagen Tayron 195TSI R-Line sink or swim? It's definitely swimming as it delivers a solid blend of features and comforts for families seeking a 'sometime' seven-seater. It's not yet on the podium as it doesn’t hit every mark. Purchase price and servicing costs may put some buyers off but it packs in a number of thoughtful, family-oriented features. Whether it will go on to become Volkswagen’s standout seven-seat offering remains to be seen, but it’s a capable, well-rounded option in the segment.

Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tayron What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tayron
What's the difference?