Skoda Kodiaq 2021 rear cornering
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 front right tracking
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 rear cornering
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 interior dashboard
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 rear seats
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 interior infotainment
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 front left tracking
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 right tracking
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 rear right tracking
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 headlight detail
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 rear lights detail
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 alloy wheel detail
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 rear detail
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 front seats
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 third-row seats
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 boot open
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 front right tracking
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 rear cornering
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 interior dashboard
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 rear seats
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 interior infotainment
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 front left tracking
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 right tracking
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 rear right tracking
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 headlight detail
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 rear lights detail
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 alloy wheel detail
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 rear detail
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 front seats
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 third-row seats
  • Skoda Kodiaq 2021 boot open
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Author Avatar
by
Steve Huntingford
Updated19 November 2021
In this section:
  • Engine, 0-60mph and gearbox
  • Suspension and ride comfort
  • Handling
  • Noise and vibration

Performance & drive

What it’s like to drive, and how quiet it is

Engine, 0-60mph and gearbox

The 148bhp 1.5 TSI 150 petrol is our favourite Skoda Kodiaq engine, delivering a good balance of cost and performance. With 0-62mph in 9.8sec, it should have enough pace for most large SUV buyers, and is slightly quicker than the Peugeot 5008 1.2 Puretech 130. It does lack the low to mid-range gutsiness of the diesel versions though, and you have to rev harder when it's loaded up.

With that in mind, the 148bhp 2.0 TDI 150 diesel engine is stronger from a pure performance point of view. It's gutsy enough to haul up to seven people around with little drama and pu lls effortlessly from low speeds. If you plan to do any towing with your Kodiaq, there's also the more powerful 197bhp 2.0 TDI 200, which will easily pull a caravan up a steep hill.

The optional adaptive suspension, which Skoda calls Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), is available on four-wheel drive models from SE L trim and above, and lets you stiffen or soften the ride at the touch of a button. It does improve the ride in the softest setting, but it's still not brilliant on patchy roads. DCC is an expensive option, and we don't think it's worth the extra.

Skoda Kodiaq 2021 rear cornering

Handling

Large SUVs have a tendency to sway around quite a bit through corners, but the Kodiaq is remarkably composed compared with the C5 Aircross, the X-Trail and the Kia Sorento. It remains fairly composed during fast direction changes and there’s plenty of grip too, although it can't match the ability of the smaller, lower and lighter Audi Q2 and Seat Ateca to scythe through bends.

New car deals
Save up to £2,299
Target Price from £31,873
Save up to £2,299
or from £339pm
Swipe to see used and leasing deals
Nearly new deals
From £28,994
Leasing deals
From £341pm