We’ve waited long enough for this new-generation Skoda Kodiaq to finally make its way to India. It’s always been the thinking man’s luxury, bringing you a European luxury car feel at a lesser price point but executed in that usual Skoda sense that pairs practicality with a good driving experience. So how much of that sense continues with this new version?
2025 Skoda Kodiaq Styling, Boot Space
Looking at the new Skoda Kodiaq, it definitely has taken a turn towards being a bit more extroverted, while also building on a premium look. So while it is still recognizable as a Kodiaq, the wider grille with the studded light bar in this Laurin and Klement version sets it apart in this trend. The tiered lighting is also more pronounced, and while driving at night, is about as effective as you might need it to be in a car.
The more outgoing sense that you get from this new Kodiaq is helped by the sharper bodywork, by Skoda standards. The bonnet and bumpers are more angular and pronounced, but there is a functional difference too. The drag coefficient has dropped from 0.33 to 0.28, about as much as many high-end EVs.
The only change dimensionally is that the Kodiaq is 59mm longer, and this shows in profile. There is a long, flat look to it now but a neat element is the kink under the contrasting D-pillar. The 18-inch wheels remain unchanged but are still proportionate, but we do miss a more traditional alloy design (available on Sportline). These aero-style wheels are again chosen for efficiency. Ground clearance is rated at 155mm.
The rear again follows the Kodiaq theme but is brightened up with a more raked windscreen and more sculpted bodywork. The lighting follows the Skoda C-motifs made more prominent, but you don’t get a full-width set-up like in many rivals.
A gain from the longer length is that boot space with the three rows up has grown by 11L to a usable 281L. This increases further to a sizeable 786L (21L more) with the third row folded. Despite the second and third rows’ manual folding mechanisms, it’s easy to access all of this space, especially with the pull-tabs for the second row in the boot, which let you create a fully flat 1,976L space. You also have handy hooks in the boot. Putting stuff in isn’t too cumbersome either with the flat and fairly low lip.
2025 Skoda Kodiaq Interiors, Space, Practicality
On the inside, the new Kodiaq is a bigger departure from the previous model. The dual cockpit theme is distinctive, and at first glance, seems quite a bit more upmarket than the simpler look of the previous model. The tan leather on the dash face, offset by the textured wood-like panel, is a step up from earlier, and most surfaces have a soft feel to them. It’s the same with the more intricate air vents and the floating effect to the door latches. But spend a bit more time inside, and you realize that the heft and tactility of the earlier car have been diluted a touch
What hasn’t been diluted is the thoughtful touches Skoda puts in its cars to make life easier. The handiest addition is the configurable dials. These are a great solution to the heavy touch-based interfaces we now have, where these rotary controls triple up to control the climate, seat, and drive modes. They’re far easier to use than fiddling on a screen and a great conversation starter with passengers.
Another one of these bits is the new central tunnel. With the newest Skodas moving to column-mounted shifters, there’s an open feel to the cabin of the Kodiaq, even though space hasn’t increased from the last version. The freed-up space has been well utilized with large spaces for cups, small layered cubbies, a deep storage bin, and two wireless chargers.
The MQB Evo allows for a new electronic architecture, so you now have a new 13-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch driver’s display. The touchscreen has seamless wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay pairing as well as inbuilt navigation. It’s responsive too, but we do wish it had a more intuitive user interface. It needs quite a few swipes and taps to get to some functions. The driver’s display offers more information now, but again, configuring it is not as straightforward as it could be.